A proud, long history, yet a university that always looks toward new innovations.
Before coming to Leiden, I completed my bachelor's degree at the College of William & Mary in Virginia, founded by the grandson of William of Orange. It is the second-oldest college in the United States. Leiden is the oldest university in the Netherlands. This connection held great significance for me. That being said, both universities are forward-looking. Leiden’s focus is not solely on history but on research and innovation. This doesn’t mean that the history department isn’t important—it is—but the university is dedicated to exploring new frontiers. Leiden encourages us to view things from different perspectives and to ask questions.
