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Support

Besides your work or family commitments, pursuing further education or taking a course can sometimes present challenges. We're here to help you succeed in your educational endeavors. From discussions with a psychologist to practical workshops, we offer support to ensure your success in your continuing education journey.

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Your personal support

Study and personal circumstances

If you decide to further develop yourself or retrain alongside your work, you may face challenges that make it difficult to effectively continue your studies. This can range from:

  • A busy home situation, such as family obligations or caregiving
  • Pregnancy
  • Dealing with (chronic) illnesses, mental health issues, or a disability
  • Balancing your studies with elite sports

We're here to help. You can have a conversation with a student counselor or student psychologist. Or take advantage of special facilities and arrangements. We also offer free workshops and training in this area. 

Additionally, you can come to us for advice on finances, such as student financing and financial support.

Question or appointment?

Explore the possibilities by requesting an advisory session with someone from the Student Support team at Leiden University of Applied Sciences. Fill out the form, and we will contact you shortly.

Contact Student Support

How can the student counselor support you?

The student counselor will assess with you what is needed to successfully complete your studies. The goal is to provide you with as equal opportunities as possible compared to your fellow students. This is always done on a case-by-case basis because every situation is unique. Ultimately, the examination committee or education manager decides on the allocation of these provisions.

Studenten achter laptop praten met docent

Personalised study plan for illness or disability

Do you have a disability or (chronic) illness that makes your education more challenging? This could include dyslexia, autism, AD(H)D, epilepsy, rheumatism, sensory impairments, concentration issues, performance anxiety, or depressive symptoms.

Student Support will work with you to identify provisions such as:

  • Extra time for exams
  • Taking exams on a laptop
  • Text-to-speech software
  • A locker at wheelchair height
Schedule an intake appointment in advance

Make an appointment with Student Support before the start of your studies.

  • We assess your disability and determine which provisions can assist you
  • We evaluate the feasibility of the programme
  • We inform you about financial provisions

Don't forget your statement

Bring an original statement of your disability (issued by a recognized expert) to the intake interview.

You'll need this to apply for provisions.

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Retraining and mental challenges

Are you struggling with mental or personal issues? Schedule an appointment with Student Support.

With a referral from Student Support, you can receive free counseling from a student psychologist at Hogeschool Leiden. You'll receive short-term, solution-focused assistance for mild psychological issues."

What can the student psychologist do for me?

During an intake interview, the student psychologist aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of your situation. Together, you'll determine which type of assistance is suitable:

  • Short-term individual guidance (up to five sessions)
  • Participation in group training sessions
  • One-time advice
  • Information or referral to external help
What assistance do I receive for which problem?

Individual guidance

If you're experiencing symptoms of depression, insecurity, anxiety, loneliness, poor sleep, motivation issues, family problems, or stress, you can receive individual guidance from a student psychologist.

Group training

If you're dealing with performance anxiety, study stress, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or if you want to work on resilience, self-confidence, or self-image, you can participate in a group training.

What role does the student psychologist play?

Within Leiden University of Applied Sciences, the student psychologists have an independent position. Therefore, the conversations you have with them are strictly confidential.

Additionally, the student psychologists adhere to the professional code of the Dutch Institute of Psychologists: they are bound by professional secrecy.

Emergency Assistance

Where to go

Is your situation urgent? Contact your general practitioner. Outside office hours, call the general practitioner's post (in Leiden at 088 - 4274700).

Are you experiencing suicidal thoughts? Call the 113 helpline, at 113 or 0800-0113 (toll-free). You can find more information on www.113.nl. Also, contact them if you are concerned about someone else.

Confidants are here for you

What can we do for you?

You can come to us with your story. We listen and help you understand the situation, which often brings relief in itself. Together, we can explore possible next steps, such as a conversation with the involved person. We are ready to guide you through this process and prepare you.

Multiple conversations are possible and can help everything sink in. These conversations can take place either at school or at an external, discreet location.

It's important that:

  • you decide what happens;
  • we always support you;
  • all conversations are confidential.
Gesprek tussen een client en een sociaal werker van hbo-opleiding Social Work Hogeschool Leiden
Who are we?

The team of confidants at Leiden University of Applied Sciences consists of four employees of the university. They are active as internal confidants alongside their regular work. Additionally, there are two external confidants: they do not work within Hogeschool Leiden but are available if you prefer to speak with someone outside the university. All confidants are experienced in conducting conversations and certified by an accredited training provider.

What do we do?

We have three main tasks. In addition to providing support and guidance to individuals experiencing unwanted behaviour, we provide information about desired and undesired behaviour. We also offer requested and unsolicited advice to the Executive Board and management of the university on general matters that we notice.

Contact

You can reach us by phone or email, either directly or via the central email address: [email protected].

Only the internal confidants of Leiden University of Applied Sciences have access to the central email address. The personal contact details of both internal and external confidants can be found on SharePoint (our private web environment for students and staff).

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