Erasmus Experience in Antwerp, Belgium by Anna

Why did you choose to go to Antwerp, Belgium?

I wanted to experience the culture of the west of Europe.

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

The grant informations should be available on every student's university page. The scholarship for me is 10 months but it differs too.

What is the student lifestyle like in Antwerp?

Long answer could be here but it depends much how many friends you have and ideas. There are pretty many places to hang out. ESN organizes also a lot. For studying the libraries offer many places and the study 360 program is awesome.

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

Sure! It's a very artistic city with a huge variety of cultures - Jewish, Chinees, Muslim and Belgich if course

What is the food like?

Unhealthy hah Frites Frites everywhere. Also chocolate, waffles and a lot of beer. The campuses offer dinners for students 3,6 e for vegan and 5 e for meat eaters.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Antwerp?

Time. Yes. And also bills for calling. I had to pay a warrant.

How much does it cost to live in Antwerp?

Difficult to say. The meat is expensive but if you don't eat it yiu gonna pay much less. Also depends how much you demand in quality. Lidl and Aldi have good prices but the don't offer much. Dehaze has much more and Albert's but they are pricey. 1 hour ride is 3 E or if you buy 10 at the same time - 1,5 E/h

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

There is a week-long Dutch course at the beginning for 60 e or 1 day free later. Linguapolis offers a lot of courses. Dutch would be easy to catch. It's no problem to read it if you understand German. However everyone knows English, so it's fine

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

Ryanair, wizzair, Bus for 6 Euro to charleroi and train for around 14 e

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

Take the bike and some friends and it will be fine. Walking alone is never safe anywhere.

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

Pizza the popolo! or havain poke bowl! and takumi ramen!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

the roof of mas Museum, Rubenshuis, the transtation.... I also recommend Brudge nearby! France and Holland are pretty close too

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

Always have a bike. Have good clothes for rain. Install de lijn app. Hire in the centrum. Try the study 360 program. and try the chocolate, frites and waffles