My Erasmus Experience in Brussels, Belgium. By María.

Why did you choose to go to Brussels, Belgium?

It seemed like the perfect destination to improve my English (my classes at university were in English) and learn French. I went with very simple aims and I hoped to learn it day by day with a French course that my destination university offered me. Furthermore, the Université libre de Bruxelles (Free University of Brussels) has a lot of prestige.

How long did the grant last? How much money did you receive as help?

My grant was for 5 months and I received €245/month in total.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Brussels?

There are so many students and it is a very international city. There is a lot of atmosphere, especially in the centre and in Ixelles which is where the ULB (Université libre de Bruxelles) is and where I lived. That being said, there are a lot of Spaniards everywhere, you have to make an effort to practise languages. It is a very animated city.

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

I would recommend the city, without a doubt. It is beautiful, small and has a lot of charm. Furthermore, it is in a perfect position to allow you to travel throughout Belgium and the rest of Europe, as it is in the centre of everything. The worst thing is the climate: I wasn't particularly cold but the sky is almost always grey. Although, I was happy to do my Erasmus here.

In terms of the University of Brussels (ULB), it has a lot of prestige. But it is chaos. Classes clash, they don't know exam dates until 20 days before, when you go to sign your study agreement it turns out that a subject doesn't exist... Even so, you get organised, and although it is demanding, it is achievable and you can do assignments for many subjects instead of exams (although they give very low marks for assignments, so I don't know if it pays more to just take the exam).

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How is the food of the country?

The typical food is waffles (amazing), chocolate, chips, "moules" (typical mussels with a weird sauce that I didn't like too much). The rest of the food is quite normal, although there is no Serrano ham, chorizo or things like that. There are a thousand types of beer, each one as good as the next. That being said, they are quite strong and you have to get used to them.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Brussels?

It was quite difficult. I got a kot (type of student housing privately rented) from a person who had been living there before me. I shared a kot with 9 other people, I had my own big room and a shared kitchen and bathroom, it was great. It cost me €450/month with all expenses included (there are not many places cheaper and the man who rented it is trustworthy). In addition to this, I was a 5 minutes walk away from the ULB and in the best area for students to live in, I think (Ixelles neighbourhood), as you have all kinds of shops, bars, a big student atmosphere and take half an hour to the center by bus. In Brussels there aren't many residences, but another one that was great was where my friends lived, called Villagepatrimmonia, in Ixelles too. It was divided by floors and had shared kitchen and bathrooms on each floor (approx. €500/month), or you had the option to take a room with a kitchen (inside the room) and a bathroom of your own (I don't recommend it because then it's almost like you don't even live with other people).

If anyone needs any help on the topic of accommodation, I would be delighted to help you as it was really difficult for me and now I know more places where my friends lived.

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How much does it cost to live in Brussels?

Approximately €450/month for accommodation, €100/month for food if you do it well, €100 for extra bills approximately... I spent about €800/month (including rent and everything). Transport costs €125 for the travel card for a year, and you save a lot (it is one of the things that is quite cheap and you use it a lot. Furthermore, you have to count on some money for travelling, you are in the centre of Europe and you are going to travel more now that the rest of your life!

What is the language like? Did you go to any courses at the university?

The University that I went to had clases in English. For French (I went almost knowing nothing) I signed up for a free course at the university and with this and the determination to speak French I think that I did quite well!

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What is the most affordable way to arrive in Brussels from your city?

Plane. The international airport is about half an hour away from the centre on public transport and there is a public bus (the last stop is the airport and it costs €3). The Charleroi airport is further away, like an hour and you have to get a special bus to the airport that costs between €5 and €15 (if you buy it online really early then it is very cheap) and it only leaves and arrives at a couple of places in Brussels (like the Gare du Midi, etc. ).

What places would you recommend going out in Brussels?

Through the neighbourhood of Ixelles there are lots of bars, and in the centre Delirium, the Capital and Celtica. After, the are clubs, but I prefer the ones that are bars with music and you also don't need to pay to enter.

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And to eat in Brussels? Can you tell us your favourite places?

In the centre, next to the Grande Place, there is a little street full of restaurants (Rue de Bouchers) that is for tourists, but I love it and it has so much charm. They are all the same and they all offer typical food and it is a great place to go. After, there are better places through the Grande Place. To get a type of kebab, but it's not a kebab, it is Perroquet, which my friends loved.

And for a cultural visit?

Brussels is beautiful, I love the centre, especially at Christmas with the tree and the little markets. Close by, you have to visit Brujas and Gante without a doubt. Leuven is tiny but so beautiful and Amberes is also pretty. Namur, when compared to the previous places it isn't outstanding, but it is also beautiful. And Amsterdam takes an hour and a half to get to by car.

Do you have any advice to give to students going to Brussels?

Get to know people! Many of them are friends for life - learn languages and enjoy!

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