Erasmus Experience in Brussels, Belgium by Fedra Jessica

Why did you choose to go to Brussels, Belgium?

The best place to be close to the institutional enviroment. Brussels may also provide a lot of opportunities to find a job.
It is well connected with other cities (Amsterdam, London) or countries (Lux, Germany).

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

As Erasmus placement trainee I receive 430 euro per month. At most, we can pay the rent ( of a normal room) with this amont.

What is the student lifestyle like in Brussels?

Actually I am not a student anymore, but I live close to the ULB (Univeristé Libre Bruxelles) and there are many students and the students life should be animated (according to students friends opinions)!
And there is not much missing from the interns opportunities, as BXL is full of them!

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

I dont know the University very well,
I can just say that the "Solvay" at the ULB is great for Economics!
In addition, foreign students willig to study here should consider the difference between free (libre) and religious University!

What is the food like?

Food is not so bad .... but I'm a bit fussy actually!Maybe other guy find food great here!
Anyway, there is good choice of food, both in the super/minimarket and there are a lot of stalls with diverse and cheap food, in particular during the weekend!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Brussels?

if you plan to arrive during the beginning of the semester (september or feb-march), this is a shortcoming!
Bxl is small and the demand for rents is high!
Take care!and never pay before then visiting the flat!

How much does it cost to live in Brussels?

it depends!
the avarage price of a beer is 3-4 euro,
if you go in a bar during the happyhour you 1 to take 2 drinks!
doing shopping is not very expensive, It is recommended to avoid minimarker, delhaize is the only one enogh competitive (like the albert heijn more or less)

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

Belgians are the people most practice with languages!
Everybody speaks French and English, and Dutch!

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

to buy a stib (bus tram and underline) monthly ticket, and it cost 49 euro.
If you live in a not too much bustled place you can opt for cycling!

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

I am not very infomed !but there are many place, it is not diffuct to fing them out!

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

it is full of restaurants, of all countries!
keep away from the turist restaurants of the center crowded streets!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

center, such as palace royal and so on,
but even visit the neighboring towns such as Bruges, Gent or Namur, the atmosphere is complitely different from BXL and among each of them!

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Brussels?

have fun!!!!!!!!!