Erasmus Experience in Brussels, Belgium

Why did you decide to go to Brussels, Belgium?

Because Brussels is the symbol of Erasmus par excellence: It is the capital of Europe, is one of the main locations of European institutions, it is the place where the lives of many young Europeans meet and are enriched by thousands of experiences, adventures and great fun.

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How long does the exchange last for? Did you receive any money to help you?

There are 3 types of Erasmus exchange:

• one lasts for 3 months and covers the period of the thesis abroad
• one lasts 6 months
• one lasts 9 months

In Italy, in principle the money you receive is usually around 240€ a month even though the Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs gives another 300€ (more or less).

What is the student atmosphere like in Brussels?

The student atmosphere in Brussels is very particular and obviously also depends on which university you go to. There are several of them and I'm not even sure if I know all of them:

• L'Université libre de Bruxelles (French-Speaking)
• Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Flemish)
• Institut Supérieur de Traducteurs et Interprètes (for translation and interpretation)
• La Cambre (for architecture and other similar areas of study)
• Other institutions around the city

The only certainty is that by definition Brussels is an international city, just like its universities! You soon get used to student gatherings as soon as you familiarize yourself with the various confraternities of individual faculties.

All events are accompanied by great Belgian beer and varied music.

Would you recommend Brussels to other students?

Absolutely. Brussels truly has a lot to offer to all students who want to live their Erasmus experience to the full. You really feel like you are in the heart of Europe.

What is the food like there?

The food is delicious (and if an Italian is saying this, the you can believe it! ) The meat is great. The traditional dishes are le moules&frites (mussels with fries), mitraillette (a sandwich with potatoes and meat), le tourte (a pie filled with vegetables), lo stoemp (a type of pureed potato with seasonal vegetables and meat).

Obviously, given that you are in an international city, you can easily find food from all over the world and even at very reasonable prices!

How did you find accommodation?

The first time I was in Brussels, I found accommodation easily by wandering around the neighbourhoods near the university. On the doors of home with rooms to rent, there are notes with a contact number and the hours when it is possible to telelphone.

How much is rent? And how much does living there cost in general?

Obviously it depends on the area but a single room with all expenses included costs between 350 and 500 euros a month.

What was the language like for you? Did you attend any courses at the university?

I attended a French course at the university even though I already knew French before going to Belgium. They speak both English and French everywhere and so there are very few difficulties with the language.

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

Airplane. Luckily, Ryanair helps everyone a bit :)

Where would you recommend for going out at night?

Obviously a popular spot is Delirium: a pub that has won a Guinness World Record (they have over 2000 different types of beer there). Then, Celtica (pub-disco). It's a bit small but nice.

Also Salsabar, Ethnic, Archiduc and all the venues around the Bourse at the Saint Gilles district. Regarding the nightclubs, I recommend two: You and K-nal are the best!

And what about eating? Can you tell us about your favourite places?

In the university area (ixelles cemetery, so much to say there is the nearby cemetery and gives the name to the whole area but it's nothing grusome, quiet! ) There are many restaurants like La Becasse, Le Pain Quotidien, etc.. The best in Brussels is found by starting to stroll and stop in the first place that attracts your attention. There is a lot of experimenting!

And what cultural things are there to see?

Brussels is full of museums and is a museum in itself. You should definitely go to the museum of comics, the Magritte museum and the Musées royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique.

A must see: The Grande Place (main square), the Christmas Market in Place Ste. Catherine, the Atomium (national monument), the Bourse (old market), and the Manneken Pis (a fountain in the shape of a young boy urinating).

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An interesting feature of the city is the mixture of different architectural and artistic styles due to the succession of wars, destruction and reconstruction that it had to undergo during the last century.

What advice would you give to future students going to Brussels?

Open your heart and mind because once you have finished, you will never be able to forget it! una volta erasmus, per sempre erasmus! une fois erasmus, erasmus toujours! once erasmus, forever erasmus! una vez erasmus, erasmus para siempre!