Erasmus Experience in Antwerp, Belgium by Ana

Why did you choose to go to Antwerp, Belgium?

I chose to go to Antwerp because I wanted to go to a modern city and I thought that Antwerp would be a beautiful place to live. But in fact, when I made up my choice, I didn't knew very much about Antwerp. It was more like a feeling.

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

The scholarship's duration depends on how long you will stay at the city studying. It all depends on the period of exchange that is defined at the Erasmus contract. In my case, it was for 6 months. But be aware, because usually you only receive the money some months later you moved to Antwerp. At least, in my case, this was what happenned, but at my university they warned me. I only received the money on November, three months after I moved to Antwerp; but I received all the money at a time.
Regarding the amount, it also depends from which country you are from. It is defined depending on the difference of the medium living costs between your country and Belgium.

What is the student lifestyle like in Antwerp?

There are a lot of activities of different kinds that you can enjoy: sports, theater, bars and pubs, cinema, shopping,...

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

Yes, I recommend the city of Antwerp to other students. It's an amazing city to live! About the University of Antwerp, I cannot express my opinion, because I studied at another university (Lessius).

What is the food like?

General belgian food is not my favorite one, but it depends on your personal tastes. Of course, the chocolates are obviously an exception, they are delicious!!!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Antwerp?

Yes, it was a bit difficult, specially if your are going to stay less than a year, because the landlords don't place announcements at the windows and at the rental state agencies, the contracts are for a mininum rental period of 1 year.
I suggest you to search on the internet for announcements and, if you have the chance, to go to Antwerp some weeks before to get a good place to stay. If you have the opportunity, go there during 3 or 4 days one month before you move to Antwerp, so that you can contact the landlords and visit the appartments/bedrooms/studios before renting.
An IMPORTANT ADVICE: don't rent any place before seeing it. There are many stories about people who rented through the internet only, arrived at Antwerp and didn't had any place to stay...

How much does it cost to live in Antwerp?

It depends on your style of living. I didn't went out to much at night and the expenses where more or less 650€-700€ per month (rent, food, clothes, fotocopies, ...)

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

The language is a bit difficult, but you can speak in english with everybody. Everyone knows to speak english. Usually there are intensive language courses at the universities before the beggining of the Erasmus period. Get information about them at the international office of your own university!

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

By plane (I'm from Portugal) (low cost flights - Ryanair) and by train from the airport to teh city.

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

Quetzal - chocolate bar behind the cathedral.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Specially the streets. But also the museums!

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

Enjoy and have fun (respnsibly)!!!