# Student life

**Source**: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/study-programmes/bachelor/political-science/international-relations-and-organisations/student-life
**Parent**: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/study-programmes/bachelor/political-science/international-relations-and-organisations/about-the-programme/programme-structure

International Relations and Organisations (BSc)

# Student life

As well as being a vibrant student city, with numerous housing possibilities and sports clubs, and one of the greenest cities in Europe, The Hague also hosts several important international organisations. It is the ideal place to start your future career.

## Take a 360° tour of The Hague

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## Alongside your studies

Study association SPIL

## Join study association SPIL

Joining a study association will help you connect with other students, enjoy group activities and generally enrich your time on the BSc International Relations and Organisations programme. SPIL is the study association for political science and international relations students at Leiden University. SPIL was founded in 1981 and has since grown to be one of the university’s largest study associations, with more than a thousand members. For a nominal annual membership fee, SPIL offers its members a wide range of benefits.

#### Academic and social activities

The association organises a large variety of activities and events with both a social and an academic character. Formal activities, such as lectures, excursions and debates are complemented by informal activities, such as movie nights and parties both in Leiden and in The Hague.

#### Study trips

SPIL also organises visits to foreign countries on study trips, to acquaint members with political systems abroad. These activities and trips are organised by the association’s board and various committees, in which students can take part to acquire and strengthen their professional skills. SPIL is connected with several political science student platforms on both a national (PvP) and international level (IAPSS).

#### Book discounts

Last, but perhaps not least, SPIL members receive a substantial discount on study books.

› [spilplaats.nl/en](https://spilplaats.nl/en)

#### Meet SPIL

Students association CIROS

## Fostering community

CIROS was founded in March 2018 as a student initiative aimed at fostering social cohesion within the IRO student community through a range of academic and non-academic events. Since then, CIROS has grown to become a registered Student Association within Leiden University, with 10 committees, several clubs, as well as several ongoing projects. We are composed of students from over 25 different nationalities.

› [cirosthehague.com](https://cirosthehague.com/)

Other associations

#### Leiden Debating Union

The [Leiden Debating Union](https://leidendebatingunion.nl/) is an English-speaking international student association. Members meet twice a week to debate, mostly in the British parliamentary style. LDU has an excellent reputation and many members remain with the association even after graduation. This means that LDU benefits from a great network of knowledge and experience.

#### Leiden MUN

The goal of the [Leiden Model United Nations Foundation](https://www.leidenmun.com/) (Leiden MUN) is to guide students towards becoming successful representatives at MUN conferences, during which they will be directly involved in the world of international relations and diplomacy. The foundation offers a platform and networking opportunities for ambitious and talented students.

#### Studentenvereniging voor Internationale Betrekkingen

The [Studentenvereniging voor Internationale Betrekkingen](https://sibleiden.nl/) is one of the oldest assocations in Leiden. It organises events related to international relations, as well as social events and trips.

#### European Horizons

European Horizons, the global network of students, has a Leiden Chapter ([LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-horizons-leiden-university)).