Leiden, The Netherlands

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Sep 24, 2021

Summary: Expats, digital nomads and retirees discuss what it is like to live in Leiden, Netherlands: Cost of living, Finding a home, Meeting People and more.

What do I need to know about living in Leiden?

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When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Leiden, they said:

"hmmm difficult. Actually nothing in tone of warning... just DO IT! It's a great place," explained one expat.

How do I meet people in Leiden?

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When we asked people living in Leiden about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"I never contacted any, I have built my social life slowly, friends from work, or that I've met in different situations," explained one expat living in Leiden.

Will I be able to find a job in Leiden?

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When we asked people about industries and career opportunities in Leiden, they reponded:

"There are a few large Pharmaceutical companies (European HQ) and Engineering companies and, of course, the University of Leiden and other smaller ones like Websters. A few miles away you have The Hague (HQ of Shell worldwide, KPN, loads of international org.), Rotterdam, and not so far is Amsterdam," remarked another expat in Leiden.

What is life like in Leiden?

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When we asked people living in Leiden what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Leiden is a students town, but also in between The Hague (centre of government) and Amsterdam (Capital) and not too far from Rotterdam (largest harbour in the world), therefore, it's quite a diverse city. You will find mostly everything you can think of, from sport clubs/associations, religious goups, classes in all forms of artistic expression (dancing, sculpture, painting, etc), loads of very interesting museums, and of course, a lively nightlife," explained one expat living in Leiden.

Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Leiden accepting of differences?

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"Sure. I would guess mostly Dutch of course, with probably 10% or so of Western foreigners, a great part of them students, others professionals working for the large companies (Oil&Gas and Engineering mostly), and 8% or so of non-Western. As far as I can recall, there was never an incident caused by racial or religious descrimination," explained one expat.