WELCOME TO LEEUWARDEN!

We are very pleased that you are going to study in our beautiful city! It might be that Leeuwarden is new to you. In case you did not know yet, it is a hidden gem with beautiful canals and natural green parks all over the city. Throughout the Study Start Week, we will show you your new hometown and introduce you to all the fun activities and beautiful places. Leeuwarden provides a variety of activities and different locations. You will get to know the city better through diving into different cultures, participating in multiple activities and exploring local shops and bars.  

To give you a first insight into Leeuwarden, we have prepared an efficient overview of the most important locations such as famous sightseeing, outdoor places and shops you should know, as well as introduce you to what the typical student nightlife looks like.  

The biggest local supermarkets are Jumbo, Albert Heijn, Lidl and Aldi. Check on Google Maps where you are going to live, you will find at least one nearby your new home.    

If you need products like school materials, home furniture, bike lights, decoration etcetera, it is best to go to Hema or Action, as these are the biggest shops. We are sure you will find what you are looking for there. Of course, you can also go to the city centre directly and support smaller local shops.  

Now, one of the best things about being a student is going out with friends, we would also like to introduce you to the nightlife of Leeuwarden. There are a lot of bars, pubs, and clubs to be found all located in the same area and/or nearby the city centre. The biggest and best-known clubs here are Bascule, Shooters, and Club Red. A few must-see bars located in the city centre are Paddy O`Ryan,Scooters, Bebida’s, Sybs, de Ouwe Stoep and De Kantelaar. But, of course, there are more to find within Leeuwarden.  

Leeuwarden is obviously not only about partying and big shops but is also known for being culturally and artistically unique and outstanding; In 2018 Leeuwarden was the European Capital of Culture! Make sure to check out the following: De Oldehove, Blokhuispoort, Fries Museum, LOVE, Church Saint Boneface. The Blokhuispoort is a former prison and has been transformed into a library and a hotel in which you can stay for a few nights! Would you have guessed that?  

There are a lot of parks right next to the canals, where you can relax, swim or have small get-togethers with new friends. Here are just a few of them: Prinsentuin, Rengerspark, Westerpark, or the SportPark Nylân. They are located all over the city, so make sure to check them all out, as they often represent a different area of Leeuwarden.  

Now you may ask yourself: Which activities can I expect in such a small city? What does this city have to offer? 

There are some really cool activities you can do, some even throughout the whole year: renting a boat and experiencing the canals throughout the city, stand-up paddling, going shopping, or bowling. Leeuwarden has a big Ice-skating hall as well as multiple cinemas, and an Aquazoo. Further, if you feel like going to the beach, you do not have to travel too far. There are two options within Leeuwarden; De Groene Ster or the Stadsstrand .De Groete Ster is an area within Leeuwarden, offering a park with perfect beach sand, where you can go swimming in one of the lakes. It is easily reachable by bike from the city centre.  

Fun Fact: The NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences is close by to the city centre and therefore, easily reachable by bike, also for you! 

Leeuwarden is a refreshing and promising city; hence, you will have the time of your life here!  You will be meeting so many different persons from all over the world and get to know the Dutch Culture. Experience the unique city that has captured us all! 

Hereby, we want to welcome you to Leeuwarden. Let´s create unforgettable memories together!