Erasmus: different destination... different accomodation

Are you planning to do an Erasmus and live in a studio to enjoy your privacy more? Or are you looking forward to sharing your space in a residence with hundreds of other students?

Well, first of all you should know that depending on the country of your destination, you may or may not find what you are looking for. Today, you will discover more about the accommodation offer in Italy and Belgium, so that if you ever choose them to start your adventure, you will not have to leave unprepared.

The two countries are very popular when it comes to choosing Erasmus destination, yet, in terms of accommodation, their situation is quite different.

How are apartments in Italy?

Italy is generally known for its range of shared flats, with single and double rooms and communal areas... with all the rules that characterise this type of living abroad!

What does this mean? Well, if you choose Italy as your Erasmus destination, you'll have to compromise and share a more or less big flat in order not to end up spending a lot of money. You will most likely have cleaning schedules, only one shelf in the fridge to yourself... but you will meet fantastic people to share your new adventure with!

Obviously everything has its pros and cons, you can check out this personal experience to find out more about flat sharing! In Italy, landlords rent flats to share and it is more difficult to find studios or other types of accommodation. This is the perfect solution for those who prefer to enjoy more independence (masters or postgraduate students) and prefer to share expenses and costs.

Tips for arriving prepared in Italy

• Find out about your Erasmus city before you leave, the best areas to move to, where to go out with new friends... etc! So you will already know how to orient yourself when you arrive.
• Make a list of countries and cities that are a "must" for you, in the sense that you will want to visit! In Italy you can travel by Flixbus or train, at reasonable prices and quite comfortably.
• Make sure you have all your documents, visas and requirements in order. Have a look here at the documents you need if you are going to study in Italy!
• Find your accommodation in advance. You can get help from Erasmusu with your search and ask for help from our customer service team. But don't leave everything to the last minute, otherwise the best houses might already be rented!
1. One fact to bear in mind: many flats and houses in Italy do not have air conditioning, coffee makers, dryers and sometimes ovens. Be prepared to find many places without these kinds of facilities!
2. Watch out for Spam! In Italy, it is unfortunately common to find advertisements for houses that don't actually exist, or don't look like the photos. Rely on agencies, or if you don't have the opportunity, go and see the house in person!
• Keep an eye on our forums and our Telegram channel to read the latest Erasmus news and find fellow travellers!

Alternative to a shared flat: live in a student residence!

Once you have applied for Erasmus and have been allocated your destination, find out if there is a possibility to live in a student residence in the city. Alternatively, contact the host university directly to find out if they have single or double rooms available in a residence. This type of accommodation is ideal for those who consider social relationships to be a fundamental part of this period. Indeed, in a student residence common areas are essential.

How does it work in Belgium?

In Belgium, a student room is called a kot. It originally meant 'small room' in Dutch and is now used to refer to student rooms. A student living in a kot is called a kotteur.

Wide offer: different types of kot

• Classic kot

  The classic Belgian student room: a bedroom, a desk and the atmosphere of a kot! The kitchen and/or bathroom can be private or shared. Usually found in buildings of 5 to 20 kot.

• Studio Apartment

  Generally more spacious, offering a completely private space with a toilet, bathroom and kitchen.

• Bedroom in a private house

  These places tend to be quieter. The owner may ask you to accept extra house rules. Good deals can be found.

• Shared flats

  In Brussels you can also find shared flats or houses to share between students.

• Residence / Dormitory

  University residences are usually reasonably priced, whereas private residences, which are often more expensive, offer more facilities.

Tips for arriving prepared for Erasmus in Belgium

1. Check the requirements

Once you have decided on Belgium and chosen where you want to live, it is time to find out what the visa requirements are. Belgium is a member of the European Union (EU), which means that citizens of other EU member states have the right to move there under the Freedom of Movement Act. British citizens wishing to move to Belgium, however, are no longer able to exercise this right, following the UK's exit from the EU in 2020. For more information on the latest requirements for British citizens, visit the Office des Etrangers.

2. Health insurance

If you plan to stay in Belgium for more than a few months, then you will need to take out health insurance on arrival. This will typically mean enrolling in Belgium's health insurance programme or providing proof of private health cover. Many expats then choose to supplement this cover with additional private cover. However, to make things easier, you can also sign up for international health insurance before you set foot on Belgian soil.

3. Get to know the language

This might seem obvious, but if you're thinking of moving to Belgium, then you should take some time to brush up on the local language of your chosen destination. Linguistically, Belgium is divided into three regions: Dutch-speaking Flanders, French-speaking Wallonia and a small German-speaking community in the far east of the country.

If your destination is Brussels or Liège, don't miss the student guide prepared by Erasmusu!

• Student guide to Brussels
• Guide for students in Liège

Be an Erasmuser!

Now that you have read some information about accommodation in Italy or Belgium, you can choose your destination and leave with a different awareness!

If you ever have advice for other students like you, you can send us a message on instagram or join our Telegram group!

So what are you waiting for? Pack your suitcase and go on your Erasmus trip!

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