Just a little lesson in English. When a country consists of a single word such as Spain, France, Norway and so on we do not use the prefix ‘the’. However, when a country comprises of more than one word or is a plural the correct way is to use the prefix ‘the’ such as in the U.S.A., the U.K. or the Netherlands. How Hague came to be known as The Hague is debated by some. The consensus is that it was known as ‘The Count’s Wood’ or ‘The Count’s Hedge’ which was a private hunting ground and the name stuck and for all official purposes the city is known as The Hague.
The Leiden University campus is spread across both Leiden and The Hague which are about 11 minutes of traveling distance from each other by public transport and a little more than half an hour by car.
The Hague which is on the coast of the North Sea is well known as the seat of the Dutch parliament and the Noordeinde Palace which is the King’s official ‘business’ address. Most of all, the city is known for housing the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.
The Hague is especially cosmopolitan on account of the many consulates located there and the number of tourists who visit, even if it is to see the International Criminal Court, the parliament and the palace from outside. In fact you get to see people from almost every nationality in this city. As for the criminal court, it has housed many famous or more correctly put infamous people from across the world.
Both, The Hague and Leiden are rich in history and therefore historical buildings, gardens, canals and The Hague has the sea in addition. The university of Leiden is one of the oldest universities in the world and much favoured by international students.
Leiden University
Accommodations for students are normally not provided by the universities in the Netherlands, however, the Leiden University has some rooms reserved for foreign students across Leiden and The Hague. These rooms are usually not sufficient for housing all the international students and it all depends upon how early you are in the queue or as most of the students do you would have to look for shared accommodation where you pool in for the rent with other students.
The Dutch are generally welcoming of foreigners and both the cities are quite vibrant so you will not have a problem making friends and acquaintances from among the locals and foreigners. Nor will you lack for activities apart from your studies. Please visit the website of Leiden University for comprehensive information on the courses they offer.1
Cost of Living
In the opinion of the writer you will require between 1100 to 1300 euros to meet your monthly expenses inclusive of some money set apart for entertainment.
Photos: Shutterstock
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