Who we are
L.S.A. Custodia is the official study association for the Bachelor of Science in Security Studies, the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Cybercrime, and the Master of Science in Crisis and Security Management at Leiden University. Founded in 2018 and based in The Hague, Custodia was established to complement academic education with a vibrant, student-driven community focused on security, governance, and global affairs. Our mission is to enrich the student experience beyond the classroom by connecting theory to practice, people to institutions, and students to each other. Situated in a city that functions as a global hub for international law, diplomacy, and security governance, Custodia actively uses its location to bring studies to life. We aim to foster intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and professional development, while also creating a welcoming environment where students can feel at home, regardless of background or level of study. Custodia exists to support students throughout their academic journey, from their first lectures to their transition into professional life, by offering opportunities to learn, engage, and grow in a setting that values initiative, diversity, and collaboration.What we do
Custodia offers a broad range of academic, professional, and social activities designed to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of security studies. On the academic and professional side, we regularly organise guest lectures and panel discussions featuring experts from government institutions, international organisations, academia, and the private sector. Institutional visits are a core part of our programme, making full use of The Hague’s unique ecosystem of ministries, courts, embassies, and think tanks. Alongside these content-driven activities, Custodia places strong emphasis on social cohesion. From informal drinks and themed social nights to the legendary Custodia Karaoke evenings, we believe that community is built through shared experiences. Sports activities provide an additional way for members to connect in a relaxed and active setting. Each academic year is traditionally marked by two major highlights: a summer trip and a winter trip abroad. These trips combine cultural exploration, academic relevance, and social bonding, and are consistently remembered as defining moments of the Custodia experience.An international community
Custodia is proud of its highly international membership, reflecting both the global orientation of its study programmes and the international character of The Hague itself. Our members come from a wide range of countries, academic backgrounds, and personal experiences, creating a genuinely international environment in which diverse perspectives are the norm rather than the exception. This diversity enriches discussions, challenges assumptions, and encourages students to approach security issues from multiple angles. Being part of Custodia means engaging with peers who bring different cultural, political, and societal viewpoints to the table, fostering open-mindedness and global awareness. For many students, Custodia is also an important social anchor, offering a sense of belonging in a new city or country. Whether students stay for a full degree or only part of their studies, Custodia provides a space where international and Dutch students interact naturally, learn from one another, and build lasting friendships. This international dimension is not a side effect of the association but one of its defining strengths.By students, for students
Custodia is entirely run by students, for students. All activities, events, and initiatives are organised by members who are active in committees, each focusing on different aspects of the association, ranging from education and career development to social life, travel, media, and sports. Committee participation is strongly encouraged, as it offers members the opportunity to shape Custodia according to their own ideas and interests, while developing valuable organisational, leadership, and teamwork skills. At the same time, involvement is always voluntary. Members can choose how active they want to be, whether that means regularly attending events, joining a committee, or simply enjoying the benefits of membership. Many members decide to become more involved over time, motivated by the open and supportive atmosphere and the chance to leave their own mark on the association. This balance between accessibility and engagement is central to Custodia’s identity and ensures that there is room for every type of student.Partners, networks, and member benefits
Custodia actively collaborates with Leiden University, in particular the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs, to align its activities with academic developments and student needs. Beyond the university, the association maintains partnerships with leading organisations in the security and governance field, including industry partners such as EY and policy-oriented institutions like the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies. These collaborations enable exclusive events, guest lectures, and networking opportunities that help students explore potential career paths and gain insight into professional practice. In addition, Custodia works with local student-friendly bars, cafés, and restaurants around The Hague’s main university buildings. Through these partnerships, members benefit from discounts and special deals, many of which are also used during Custodia events. Together, these academic, professional, and social partnerships ensure that Custodia membership offers tangible added value, both during studies and beyond.
