Erasmus Experience in Brussels, Belgium by Joaquin

Why did you choose to go to Brussels, Belgium?

In reality, I didn´t choose Brussels, it chose me. A business here had spoken to me and I was driven to go there in order to learn French.

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

My Erasmus grant is a pittance. Over three months I receive a total of 1200 euros... which doesn´t even pay for the smallest of flats here.

What is the student lifestyle like in Brussels?

It depends on where you are living... it´s not by any stretch a student city, there are loads of politicians working in relation with the parliament, the commission... But if you go towards the centre (tourists) or if you go by the suburbs, in the zone of the ULB there´s certainly a big party atmostphere.

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

I wasn´t part of the University of Brussels, however, in terms of the city being for students: for sure there are places to go out, but not on that many days of the week and not till that late at all.

What is the food like?

The food? Well, chips with lots of sauces, millions of chocolates (traditional pralines) and best of all... lots and lots of brands of beer so that every time you go to a bar you can try a new one (here that's mainly what we drink to go out).

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Did it cost you to find accommodation in Brussels?

To be honest, it did cost me a little bit... there´s a lot of options available but a very high demand. I recommend using Facebook groups.

How much does it cost to live in Brussels?

Undoubtedly it's one of the most expensive spots... I can´t understand how a city so small can be so exceedingly expensive... if I went over to London and Paris which have everything then fair enough... but the food and general life here being soooo expensive? This is something in which the city fails (and you need to come with a decent amount of money).

What is the cheapest way to get to Brussels from your city?

Fly with Iberia from Madrid to BXL (Brussels airport), using a tariff called Iberia Young Persons, which offers discounts and is fairly good.

Where is good to go on a night out in Brussels?

The Celtic, but also the Friends Cafe, in St. Gery.

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And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants to go to?

The chip stands in Jourdan Place and Flagey Place. Amadeo! (a barbecue restaurant where you pay before eating and you can eat as many ribs and roast potatoes as you can! ) It's so good.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

That's the strong point of the city, there are millions of museums, roads, pretty buildings and a strong comic book culture, which is really cool. At the end of the day, Brussels is a family-friendly city, and therefore it really excels in this area.

What advice would you give future students heading to Brussels?

Don't expect the biggest student and party city of Europe... Look forward to fairly small city, which is pretty, with lots of culture, and which is bordered by other incredible cities (for example Gante and Brugges), of which the combination of these will provide a great experience (avoid those with a small budget or who like to go out partying a lot).