Coronavirus at Leiden University

If you’re not living under a rock, you have heard about the Coronavirus. It’s an infectious disease with flu-like symptoms, that has spread globally over the last couple of months. While everyone has been aware of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) here in Leiden, it didn’t really influence our daily lives. That changed yesterday. Continue reading to find out how Leiden University is adapting to the COVID-19!

New desktop backgrounds to raise awareness

Master’s Open Day

As the government has prohibited all events with more than 100 guests, the Master’s Day 2020 has been cancelled. Leiden University is currently looking into other options of providing prospective students with more information about studying in Leiden.

Teaching

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In correspondence with the new government regulations from yesterday (12^th of March), all workgroups, lectures and exams have been cancelled until the 31^st of March. Libraries and other student areas are closed for now. Leiden University is aiming to provide online alternatives, probably by March 23^rd, so that we can stay on par with the academic schedule. It’s a peculiar situation for everyone involved.

Everyday Life

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Even though the government was adamant about supermarkets remaining open, the general public has decided to stack up on non-perishable food and toiletries. As such, going to the supermarket is kind of a surreal experience right now: Half of the shelves are empty and people’s shopping carts are practically flowing over! Also, the Hortus Botanicus (botanical garden) and the University Sports Centre have been closed until further notice. Nevertheless, most people take it in good grace try to find the bright side in the situation. I suppose I have more time to write my thesis now.

Thesis Meets Corona

As I said, it’s a weird situation for everyone. For students writing their thesis, it’s particularly concerning. Many of our projects are linked to experiments and in-person data collection. With the University closed, this is obviously not possible right now. We therefore eagerly await more information on what the implications for our thesis-schedule are! Stay tuned to find out!