Erasmus Experience in Leuven, Belgium by Linda

Why did you choose to go to Leuven, Belgium?

I chose Belgium as my erasmus place, because of the university KU Leuven offers all programs in english.

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How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

The scholarship is from the beginning of February till the end of June. And I received 400 euros per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Leuven?

The student life in Leuven is really rich. There is a student organisation which makes a lot of trips (around Belgium and also to the different countries in Europe), a lot of acctivities like for example international dinner, party, watching movies, concerts and so on. There are party everyday if you can. In Leuven there is the longest street with bars in Europe, also there is a bar with the biggest amount of beers in their list (and the belgium beers are realy tasty).

Would you recommend the city and the University of Leuven to other students?

Yes I would recommend the city because it is typical student city with a lot of international students and everyone has a perfect english skills. Also I would recommend the University KU Leuven.

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What is the food like?

Food is everything but not healthy. Belgium is famous for their "French" fries and they eat fries with everything.

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How much does it cost to live in Leuven?

I pay 350 euros for accomodation and for living like food, entertainment and so on is around 350 euros. Totaly price for living in Leuven is around 700-750 euros for me.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

In Leuven can almost everyone speak English (shop assistents, old people, everyone in school). There is also language course which is made by International organisation and the teacher is native speaker.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Leuven from your city?

I travelled by bus (Student Agency) because I had 2 big luggages, but there is also good transport by plane. In Belgium there are two airports in Brussel. One of these is a few minutes from Leuven and second is around one hour from Leuven.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Leuven?

Oude Markt - the longest street with bars in Europe or "Fakbars" means Faculty Bars, where is cheaper beer but everyone have to show their students card. There are also a lot of opportunities to visit concerts.

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And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Leuven?

I was in a restaurant just once because of high prices in there, but there are many fast foods with wathever you want (soups, burgers, pizza and of course fries).

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The very nice and old library with lookout in the square, the City Hall, a lot of nice streets through the whole city...

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Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Leuven in the future?

Don't forget to bring an umbrella with you or be prepare that you will get slightly wet many times.

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