Erasmus Experience in Brussels, Belgium, by Roxana

Why did you choose to go to Brussels, Belgium?

I wish I'd know.

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

I'm here for 10 months and I get 500 € per month as scholarship.

What is the student lifestyle like in Brussels?

Kind of boring. As a medical student I'm used to do a lot more practical work in hospitals or at least laboratory work. In Brussels, I only go to lectures and most of them are not exactly helpful; I consider myself able to read the syllabus on my own. So, somebody reading it to me... Well, that's somehow offensive. They do have some form of clinical work, but no one seems to have any idea how, where or when it's happening.

Life outside the school is better and as social experience it's worth being here.

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

Well, it depends on what they are looking for. If it's meeting many people of all kind of backgrounds, then yes. Actually, that's the only quite interesting part.

What is the food like?

I don't know, I only eat chocolate! Just joking (not about the chocolate part). It's nice, I'd say even sophisticated if you get the chance to go to a really good reataurant. And there is beer, loads of beer.Belgians really love their beers.

But it's not at all cheap.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Brussels?

No. To be honest, I was really stressed out about that part before getting here, but it turned out just fine and without an extraordinary effort. There are si many options, anyone can find what they are looking for.

How much does it cost to live in Brussels?

Depends on what your standards are. On average, I'd say about 900 € per month would do fine.

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

Yes, there are language courses. They are not particularly helpful for me, but other students swear they did huge progress with their french; let's give them some credit!

Most lectures are easy to understand anyway.

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

By plane, definitely! There's no better way.

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

There are quite a few nice place in the city centre (Grande Place, Place St. Catherine) and also near the main ULB campus in Ixelles (Place Flagey strongly recommended).

not to miss: Delirium Café.

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

Yes! Drug Opéra is my favourite for both the food and the ambience, but La morte subite is also great and it has the special story.

For those with an exotic taste, there is a nice, little, probability unknown Indian restaurant in the Gréty Street (I hope that's the name).

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Brussels is nice, there is La Grand Place and Le Palais Royal, Le Palais de Justice and all their history and the european institutions. And art museums where you can see famous flamand painting, théâtre, opéra, any other kind of concerts...

But anyone getting to Belgium should go to Bruges. Must go to Bruges. Whole other level of awesomeness!

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Brussels in the future?

Aaaa.... No, there isn't! Just go, and I'll have your opinion that has nothing to do with mine anyway! Good luck!

P. s. Sorry for any spelling mistakes. In my defence, I am on an airport and English is not my first language.

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