HOPping into the School Year

Although it seemed like summer would never end, it is already August and the school year is about to begin! However, before the work can begin, it is time for some final fun at the HOPweek orientation programme!

The HOP orientation program is literally the best way to "hop" into your Leiden University experience. Held from the 21st of August till the 25th, HOPweek is a way for both Bachelors and Masters students to discover The Hague and orient themselves towards university life. Students can take advantage of all activities and provided meals for a total cost of 80 euros. Students who do not already have accommodation in The Hague can also pay a supplemental fee to reserve a spot in the dorms. If you have not already registered for the program, the deadline is August 14 and only takes a few minutes to complete! This week is guaranteed to be a memorable experience—do not miss out!

Preparing for the HOPweek

With the program only a few days away, it time to start packing your bags. Since the weather in the Netherlands is always fluctuating, make sure to pack items for all kinds of weather. And do not forget to bring a bathing suit for the beach day and party! If you are also staying in the dorms, you should have also received a list of items to bring with you for your overnight stay. Since I will be staying in the dorms, I too received this itemized list. For my sleeping bag and air mattress, I went to Xenos—a store filled with affordable household items. I recommend checking out this store if you are also in search of such items! Another important item to check off your list, is a bike. Since we will be traveling the city, a bike is a must-have! During the HOP into Your Future Festival, participants will be able to rent a bike for the week. Finally, do not forget to bring your passport and ID card as they will be invaluable during the week!

To further prepare for the HOPweek, I personally subscribed to the program’s social media accounts. The most useful has been the Hopweek app, which you can download straight from the App Store. By selecting whether you are a Bachelor or Master student, the app will tailor the most relevant information for you. On the app, you will find the detailed programme of the HOPweek, the food schedule and other useful information. On the app, you will also find a tab that leads you directly to the various social media accounts of HOPweek. You can keep up with all the newest information through their Facebook and Instagram accounts.

An Orientation to Student Life in The Hague

One of the most exciting aspects of HOPweek for me is its emphasis on discovering the city. As I will be living and studying in The Hague for the next two years, this orientation will surely come in handy. Not only is the week packed with social activities, it is also filled with useful information. On the first day of orientation, the HOP into Your Future Festival will navigate students through the various student organizations and opportunities at Leiden University. I am also looking forward to the HOP and the City event where students will discover the city through group activities.

As a Masters student, I am most excited for the career event offered specifically to graduate students. The opportunity to meet and network with different employers is incredibly important at the Masters level. During the Who Run the World? HOP! event later in the week, all participants will be able to visit different embassies and international organizations in The Hague. The HOPweek will be a great orientation to career possibilities in the city.

But enough with all the career talk, let us not forget that HOPweek is first and foremost a great way to socialize and make new friends! With the many parties and group activities, HOPweek will surely be an experience to remember. Do not forget to check out their programme online for an updated list of all the events of the week!

I am ready to HOP into orientation week… are you?