Studying in Leeuwarden = a party!

That our little city of Leeuwarden is the most beautiful place on earth—you’d already figured that out, of course. But did you know it’s also a vibrant student city? Leeuwarden is the perfect place to combine studying with a fun part-time job, the coolest nightlife spots, and meeting loads of new friends. Thinking about studying in Leeuwarden but not quite sure where to start? Find out here!

In cooperation with Leeuwarden Student City, we’ll help you get off to a flying start! We’ll start by finding the right course and educational institution for you. After that, we’ll look at the different ways you can explore the city, which hotspots you really shouldn’t miss, and where you can dance with your friends until the early hours. Keep on reading!

Leeuwarden offers a wide range of educational institutions, focusing on vocational education (MBO), associate degrees, bachelor’s, and master’s programmes. You’ll always find a school that perfectly matches your interests and needs.

Skilled Trades
You’ll find strong vocational programmes at Firda. Looking for the right MBO course for you? Then Firda is the place to be. You can choose from no fewer than 227 programmes at various levels. Not quite sure which course you want to take? At Firda, you can explore a general field of study and immediately see which programmes match it.

Music and Pop Culture
Are your parents driven mad by your drumming on the table, singing in the shower, and ticking the piano keys? Then you should definitely visit an open day at the Academie voor Popcultuur! At this branch of Hanze University of Applied Sciences Minerva, you can follow the Popular Culture programme, where you’ll be trained to become an interdisciplinary and enterprising artist or designer. You’ll create the coolest tracks, hit the studio with your band, design posters, or produce a festival—nothing’s too wild!

A Better World
Can’t get enough of all things green? Do you prefer being surrounded by nature or animals? Or are you passionate about agriculture and food? Then be sure to check out Van Hall Larenstein. At Van Hall Larenstein, you can choose more than 35 programmes focused on sustainability—helping you build a better world.

Pushing Boundaries
Ready to push your boundaries? At NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, knowledge and innovation come together, strengthening both education and the professional field. NHL Stenden is a strong university of applied sciences with over 25,000 students! Programmes range from communication and media to engineering and healthcare—and that’s not even mentioning the teacher training courses!

Campuses

In addition to universities of applied sciences, there are also universities located in Leeuwarden. For example, the University of Twente has a campus in the city, where you can follow various technical and social programmes. If you’re planning to eventually study at the University of Groningen, you can now complete your foundation year at this location in Leeuwarden, housed in a beautiful building in the heart of the city centre! The possibilities are endless.

Discover how fun studying in Leeuwarden can be! Of course, it’s not just about working hard here—it’s also about enjoying everything this vibrant city has to offer. Leeuwarden is an exciting place where you’ll find plenty of great distractions alongside your studies. Go bar-hopping with your friends, uncover hidden gems in the historic city centre, and admire the beautiful monuments. Be surprised by fascinating events and visit the unique museums the city has to offer. Who knows—you might even join a sorority or fraternity or study association and make new friendships.

In Leeuwarden, the possibilities are truly endless, making your time as a student here an unforgettable experience. Here, you can study and enjoy the vibrant student life at the same time. Make new memories, have special adventures, and discover a city full of energy and opportunity. Studying in Leeuwarden opens doors to a world of fun and growth, where you can effortlessly combine your studies with relaxation. Choose to study in Leeuwarden and experience the time of your life!

Experience adventures

Check out the agenda

study
Summer enjoyment

Summer in Leeuwarden

Prinsentuin
Dance until the early hours

Live music

Party!

When you move to a new city, there’s a lot to discover. It might even feel a little overwhelming. What is there to experience? Why are so many people fascinated by that leaning tower? And why do you see groups of tourists staring at walls? Fortunately, there are countless ways to get your questions answered and get to know Leeuwarden better.

For example, you could join an inspiring city tour with an experienced guide who will take you through fascinating stories and hidden spots. Or explore on your own and be surprised by the secrets Leeuwarden has to offer. Want to get to know the city down to the tiniest detail? Then the Miniature Route (the very reason why you see tourists inspecting walls so closely) is an absolute must.

Studying in Leeuwarden doesn’t just mean following a course—it also means embracing a lively city full of possibilities. Dive into its rich past, immerse yourself in the local culture, and learn the meaning behind every cobblestone, and soon Leeuwarden will feel like your second home.

A Guide to Leeuwarden
A Guide to Leeuwarden
Leeuwarden from the water
Leeuwarden from the water
Miniature People Leeuwarden
Miniature People Leeuwarden
More tours
More tours

Studying in Leeuwarden not only offers high-quality education, but also a variety of places where you can work and concentrate in peace. Whether you prefer the cosy atmosphere of coffee shops or the serene silence of dedicated study spots, Leeuwarden has exactly what you need.

Between studying and cramming, a good cup of coffee is, of course, essential. Luckily, Leeuwarden is full of cosy coffee spots where you can not only enjoy a great brew, but also quietly open your laptop and get to work. One of the most well-known coffee hotspots is the Douwe Egberts Café. Here, skilled baristas serve delicious coffee, while you enjoy a beautiful view over Wilhelminaplein from the second floor. Another popular spot is Doppio, located just around the corner from the Douwe Egberts Café. This (work) café offers plenty of seating, fast Wi-Fi, and excellent coffee—perfect for staying productive in peace.

Sometimes you need pure focus and quiet. In Leeuwarden, there are several places where you can get your work done in complete peace and serenity. One of these is the Dbieb, located in the historic Blokhuispoort, where you’ll find not only quiet study spaces but also access to a wealth of books. Another place with a dedicated study area is Tresoar. Here, you can work in total silence—with the beautiful Prinsentuin as your back garden.

Double B

Double B
Roast

Roast
Dax

Dax
De lachende koe

De lachende koe
Burgermeester van Napels

Burgermeester van Napels
Las Tapas

Las Tapas

In Leeuwarden, getting around is not only easy—it’s also a lot of fun. With a Swapfiets (hire bicycle), you can cycle from one place to another in no time. Whether you're heading to school or off to relax in the beautiful Groene Ster recreational area, a bike gets you to your destination quickly and with a smile. But there are other fun options too! With a Greenjoy boat, you and your friends can explore Leeuwarden’s canals and waterways. It’s the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon during the late summer in Leeuwarden. And if you want to discover the rest of Friesland (or simply don’t feel like cycling), public transport in and around Leeuwarden is handled by Arriva and Qbuzz. You can go wherever you want, however you like! Nice and easy.

Swapfiets
Swapfiets

Whoosh
Greenjoy
Greenjoy

Whisper boats
Check scooter
Check scooter

Check it out
Public Transport & Getting Around
Public Transport & Getting Around

Plan your journey

Live muziek en meer

Studying is tough—we get it. That’s why a good party every now and then is absolutely essential. Neushoorn pop venue is the perfect place to let loose with awesome live music, a fantastic drag bingo night, or a fun disco shuffleboard evening. With two concert halls, a café, cultural production spaces, and rooms for workshops, Neushoorn is the beating heart of Leeuwarden.

Check out Neushoorn’s events calendar

One more drink, then? Leeuwarden is full of lively cafés, pubs, and clubs. In the Doelesteeg, you’ll find popular party spots like Sybs and De Kantelaar. Looking for a reasonably priced beer? Then stop by Henny at the Doelebar. And while you’re there, grab a toasted sandwich—tasty and cheap!

At In De Brouwerij and Scooters, you’ll often find live music, so pop in those earplugs and go for it! Looking for a more alternative rock café? Then Mukkes on the Grote Hoogstraat is the place to be. Prefer cosy pubs with great (specialty) beers? You’ll be in heaven at de Markies, de Strohoed, and de Toeter.