Erasmus Experience in Brussels, Belgium by Doxia

Why did you choose to go to Brussels, Belgium?

I choose Brussels because:

• It's the capital city of Europe
• It's easy and cheap to travel to the near countries and to the other cities of Belgium
• I love chocolates and waffles! Brussels is the best for these things!
• I think there is interesting Architecture in Belgium

Source

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

It was 5-6 months.

I received 2000 euros as financial help from European Council, but I spend about 8000 euros (including my traveling tickets). Living in Brussels is kind of expensive.

What is the student lifestyle like in Brussels?

It's nice and quiet..! There are nice parks to spend your day time and a lot of places to visit (like museums etc). For the nightlife there are some very cool bars where you can spend your evening (like Délirium, the best place ever! ). Sometimes, student networks organize interesting events to meet other students and have fun all together. There are only few clubs in Brussels, and the nightlife "ends" usually early.

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

Of course! It's really interesting and beautiful city!

What is the food like?

Traditional food in Brussels are Mussels, cooked in different ways! French Fries are really famous in Brussels and you can find a lot of places in the streets where you can buy them (nice and cheap). Of course they have the most tasty chocolates and waffles!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Brussels?

It was a little bit hard to find a place to stay, but at the end, I applied to a house searching agency to help me.. I was in an apartment with a friend but it was expensive.

I suggest to the future students to search for rooms in houses with other students, it's cheaper and much more funny to live with new people!

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How much does it cost to live in Brussels?

It depends on you! I guess it's about 300-500 euros general costs + your rent! (for ex. my rent was 600 euros).

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

VUB University use Dutch language and ULB French. Both of them offer courses in English and they also have a language center, where you can learn other languages.

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

Délirium bar!

Source

Guiness World Record of the most varieties of beer. More than 2400 beers are available! Belgian and foreign beers! It's a nice, warm place and really cool decorated with big wooden barrels, glasses of beers and serving trays on the ceiling!

You gonna love it!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

• Atomium
• Manekken pis
• Grand Place
• Royal Palace
• Mini Europe
• Botanical gardens of Brussels
• Chinese towers