Inma's Erasmus Experience in Antwerp, Belgium

Why did you choose to go to Antwerp, Belgium?

It seemed like a beautiful and interesting city, and it grabbed my attention as I had never been to Belgium before. Another of the reasons why I chose it was due to its great transportation links with other countries in Europe, which would allow me to travel even more, and also for the variety of languages spoken here. And I wasn't wrong about my decision!

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How long does the grant last for? How much money do you receive as support?

My grant lasted for 10 months and I received 900€ a month. (What great times they were... and this was only 2 years ago, but oh how the situation has changed... )

What is student life like in Antwerp?

It's great. There are people from all over the world and lots and lots of young people. You can see the latter for yourself whilst out and about on the streets, with a group of young people speaking Dutch and another group of Erasmus students speaking English.

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

Of course! And if anyone doesn't want their spot to go there, they can give to me and I'll very happily go back.

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What is the food like in Belgium?

In Antwerp, and in Belgium in general, there is a lot of "frieten" (in reality, they are just regular fries, but their origins are Belgian, so they are one of the typical foods of the country). Also, the chocolate and the waffles are VERY good.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Antwerp?

A little bit, honestly. I spent the whole of summer looking online and getting in touch with different people, with little success, and I didn't find anything. Once I arrived there, I went to an agency and, through them, I found a very pretty "house/flat" in the same street as my university, which I shared with a French guy and a Belgian girl.

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How much does it cost to live in Antwerp?

It depends on how you handle your finances.

I didn't see much difference with regards to the prices of products, but there are always exceptions. For example, going out for a drink costs more, as well as the cost of your rent. For the other things, however, I don't remember there being large disparities in price.

What is the language like? Did you go to any language classes at the university?

Dutch? Honestly, I really liked the language. I took an intensive language course during the first few weeks of September, and then I taught an "Elementary Dutch" class at the university. I would like to continue with Dutch, although when I was in Antwerp, I spoke English all the time.

What is the cheapest way of getting to Antwerp from your city?

To get there... I don't know because we went there by car.

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Which places would you recommend for nightlife in Antwerp?

Well, first off, for somewhere where you can go for a drink and listen to music simultaneously, I would recommend "Proof" (Erasmus bar) and "Barbier". Then, for more of a nightclub vibe, I recommend "Café d'Anvers", "Red and Blue" (although, I think they changed its name) and "Café Local". Or, if you just want to chill out for a while, there is also "Bonaparte" in Grote Markt. But, honestly, you will have a good time irrespective of the place you go to.

And eating out in Antwerp? Can you name your favourite places?

I am very much the kind of person to always go back to the same place, so I'll stick with Giovanni's.

And cultural hotspots?

• The river, with the great views that it has (there is a really cool platform where you can lay down on sunny days and experience its beauty)
• The city centre with its cathedral
• The little side-streets
• Grote Markt and the square with city hall
• Grooenplats
• The main commercial street with all the shops
• Antwerpen-Centraal railway station
• and, the other side of the river, which has really beautiful views of the whole of Antwerp

the whole city is beautiful.

Any advice you want to give to future students in Antwerp?

Really enjoy this beautiful city, take advantage of being able to travel anywhere, meet lots of people from all over the world, and learn lots of English!

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