LEIDEN, TH Unlock the City of Keys
CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS AND EXCURSIONS
One Billion Rising Flash Mob Since 2013, Webster Leiden has organized and mobilized students, faculty, staff and members of area women’s groups to participate in a flash mob each February in support of The One Billion Rising campaign, the largest mass action to end violence against women. Webster’s Got Talent and Football Tournament In February each year, students have the opportunity to showcase their talents to the entire Webster Leiden community. It’s a fun event for all, but the top two winners move on to compete in the Webster’s Got Talent finale which rotates between our Geneva, Leiden and Vienna campuses each April. The European Football Tournament is held during the same weekend with teams from each campus competing for the coveted European trophy. King’s Day Celebration April 27 is King’s Day (Koningsdag), a national holiday in the Netherlands that celebrates the birth of King Willem-Alexander. Celebrations include parties, the display of local customs and traditional clothing, live music and dancing and various flea markets. Don’t forget to wear orange! Stadsfestival De Lakenfeesten This festival has a long history, which can be traced back to the days when Leiden had a flourishing textile industry. Now over the last weekend of June, the city turns into a festival full of performances, events and fun. The Dragon Boat races at the Lakenfeest are the largest inner-city races and one of the most popular in the Netherlands. If you’re studying abroad in the summer, be sure to ask about joining Webster Leiden’s Dragon Boat team! 3 October Festival The 3 October Festival (Leiden Ontzet) celebrates the liberation of Leiden on October 3, 1574, and was declared an official city holiday in 1886. The day is marked by parades, fairs and fireworks. FAST FACTS ABOUT LEIDEN • Leiden was named the European City of science in 2022. • At least nine American presidents, including President Barack Obama, are descendants of the Pilgrim Fathers, a group of English puritan protestants who fled to Leiden after a conflict with the Church of England. • Leiden has over 2,800 monuments, making the city one large open-air museum.
CAMPUS, CULTURE & COMMUNITY
As the oldest and largest university town in the Netherlands, Leiden has earned the right to be called the “Key to Discovery.” Leiden is a student-centered and intellectually rich community. Located in a city that boasts a rich past and a bright future filled with students, bicycles, canals and charming buildings, Webster Leiden offers new experiences and interactions with people from all over the world. Established in 1983, Webster’s Leiden campus represents 50 nationalities and its staff and educators are fully committed to providing a multicultural academic experience. Its small class sizes (on average just 10 students) ensures personalized learning. The campus includes state-of-the-art classrooms and computer facilities, a library and student lounge. Webster Leiden sits in the historic city center on a picturesque canal. A multitude of shops, bakeries, historic sites and museums can be found within mere footsteps from its main entrance. Leiden’s numerous cozy cafes are also great places to catch up on some assigned reading or simply enjoy a leisurely afternoon lunch. After dark, Leiden’s taverns, theaters and music venues spring to life.
“One thing I love about living in Leiden is that I adapted very quickly and it’s like a second home to me. I would tell other students considering the Leiden campus to ‘go, you’ll love it!’. I love it here and do not want to leave!” GILLIAN KENNEY Sacred Heart University
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