Help! I’ve arrived in Leiden. What now?
Welcome to Ruth's Corner, a monthly column curated by our helpdesk professional Ruth to share with you her experience and expertise! This month it's all about new arrivals.
When I first landed in the Netherlands 18 years ago with my family, I found myself feeling a little lost and overwhelmed, I didn’t have accommodation properly sorted, only something temporary, I didn’t really speak the language, other than a few phrases and I didn’t know where everything was and I found myself in unfamiliar territory.
Although I had previously lived in Amsterdam, many years ago and I came frequently on holiday it still was a huge adjustment mentally and emotionally for me. Perhaps what I am saying sounds familiar – if so, just know that these feelings are normal. Some people adapt very quickly and for others it takes time to feel at home. Below, I am listing some suggestions to try and help you with your first few weeks here. This list is not extensive, just hints or suggestions to try.
This is of course assuming you have sorted all the practical things like:
First let's look at some resources which may help!
Leiden International Centre Helpdesk - Contact us via:
- 📞 Video call: book an appointment
- 📧 Email: helpdesk@leideninternationalcentre.nl
- Or website: www.leideninternationalcentre.nl
Welcome to NL App - An app with general information about living in the Netherlands. A sort of checklist of things to do
Do you need to contact a municipality in the region to either speak with someone about bringing in legalised documents or getting a Dutch Driving licence etc.
- Leiden Municipality
- Leiderdorp Municipality
- Voorschoten Municipality
- Zoeterwoude Municipality
Transportation Apps
- Bus Information: www.9292.nl
- Train information: NS.nl
Emergency info - a link to all the emergency numbers you may need
Leiden Tourist Information Centre (VVV) - Need help with where you can visit or just want to find some lovely gifts? Then check out the Tourist Information centre.
Other useful apps can be found on our dedicated page.
Feeling at Home in Leiden
And now that everything is under control - or at least on its way to be - it's time to familiarise with the Leiden region and truly make it your new home. Here are my tips for you:
- Get to know Leiden, play the tourist if you haven't done so already. Either discover things by just walking around or pay a visit to the Tourist Information centre to get a map or guide on where various landmarks are.
- Cycle – Perhaps rent a bike for a day and travel around Leiden via bike but be sure to check our website for the road rules and how to equip your bike with all that you need. You can also buy a bike; most bike shops here offer second hand ones. If you are not as familiar cycling it can feel like you are on a superhighway at first but be assured you will soon start behaving like the locals, transporting your groceries or even someone else on the back of your bike! It happens very quickly.
- Check out our web page about Facebook groups you could join, social groups you could try out or signing up for our latest Meet and Mingle event. Do a boat tour of Leiden, visit the many museums Leiden has to offer, sit in a different cafe each week, join a sports club. Be curious and take time to adapt to your new surroundings. When you feel overwhelmed by everything, relax and give yourself permission to have those feelings, remember it is normal and understandable.
- Seek out new friendships whether that is Dutch or someone from your own country. I often found that I needed both Dutch friends and English ones, each provided me with different things that I was missing, and it helped me enjoy my new life more.
I am not saying all these things will perform magic, but they might help you feel a little more familiar with your new surroundings. It can take time to adapt, to get used to the Dutch food, or all the crazy cyclists you encounter! But push yourself a little to try new things. Don't forget though to be kind to yourself, there is no right or wrong way to settle in Leiden, everyone will find something different that works for them. Welcome to the Leiden region!