Sao Lao

The majority of my classmates (international students) stay at Hooigracht, a former hosptial. If I had to choose one of the student apartments near the university, this would be my first choice. I knew a girl who used to live there for two years until she moved in with another student with her own apartment across the street from Leiden Centraal Station. Each time I visited her, I was fascinated by the charming characteristics of this historical monument.

The apartment building at Hooigracht 15 contains more than 200 modern, self-contained apartments for a maximum rental period of one year. The building is located in the centre of Leiden, and is close to city centre with shops, market and town hall. There are two supermarkets within walking distance of the building. The apartment building is close to a bus stop and it will take a 7 minute bikeride to reach Leiden Central Station.

This building is classified as a historical monument with its history going back to 1892. It has been used for various purposes and has had a variety of occupants, but in Leiden it is known foremost as the former Elisabeth Hospital (1892-1972). In 2001 it was acquired by SLS Wonen and has since been used mostly for housing international students.

In 2007 the building was completely renovated and modernised but its character remains intact. The stained glass, the original ornaments, the enclosed garden, and colours used for the interior remind one of times past. The single and double occupancy apartments are equipped with all modern conveniences. All the apartments are furnished and have a fully equipped kitchen, plus a bathroom with shower and toilet.

     Tags: Leiden University

5 Responses to “Leiden University Apartment”

1. Victor Testa Says:
   July 31st, 2008 at 8:33 am

   I am reading for a masters degree. and i have leased apartment 29 which is just infromt of Gran Cafe at Hooigracht 15. Is the place very busy and noisy? Can you help me please?

   Thanks

2. DJ Says:
   August 2nd, 2008 at 4:41 am

   Hi Victor,

   Thank you for your visit. I don’t know how to answer your question properly. It depends on what kind of environment you are used to. If you are used to living in a city, then it is normal and not so busy and noisy. It is one of the main roads so there is non stop traffic during the day. At night time I am not sure since I don’t live in that area. But most places here are quiet at night.

   Best wishes on your study.

3. MA Says:
   August 11th, 2008 at 7:52 pm

   Hoi!
   I’ll be going to Leiden for masters study this month.
   I’ve been offered an apartment (19 m2) at Hooigracht 15. Apart from this, I’ve got another offer for an individual apartment at Vendelstraat.
   Which, do you think, would be a better option? I am a heavy smoker and like listening to music nearly all the time, sometimes on high volumes too. Although the apartment at Hooigracht 15 is cheaper (it’s for 600 euros as compared to the 830-euro apartment on Vandelstraat), I’m not very sure whether I’d have freedom regarding things like smoking or having guests. The other apartment, on the contrary, is totally independant. I’m confused about which option to go with. Would you please let me know your opinion about this?
   Thanks! : )

4. DJ Says:
   August 12th, 2008 at 8:48 am

   Hi there,

   Have you seen what the apartment at Hooigracht looks like? Here is the link with the information about place but it doesn’t say if you can smoke in the building or not. You can see the photos of the inside and decide whether or not if it will suit you.

   If you can afford a more expensive rent then that would be a better choice for you. Many international students I know would share an apartment because they can have more freedom and can feel more at home. The answer is up to you really on whether or not you can be happy studying here without too much distractions like all the rules and regulations you have to follow.

   Some of my classmates also found an apartment in the nearby area and take a train to Leiden, like in Den Hague for example. Just make sure you have a place reserved for you because you don’t want to be spending a few weeks in a hotel like some of my classmates because they didn’t have a room ready for them.

5. MA Says:
   August 13th, 2008 at 5:21 am

   Thanks DJ, for your reply.
   Cheers!

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