Erasmus Experience in Charleroi, Belgium by Nazeela

Why did you choose to go to Charleroi, Belgium?

I have chosen Charleroi because I have been chosen to teach in Beaumont (a very quiet town) therefore I wanted to live in a big city and the closest happened to be Charleroi.

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

8 months
I get paid in my work placement therefore this may vary depending on whether you are studying or working.

I received an Erasmus grant of roughly €2,000 for the year plus the addition of my workplace.

What is the student lifestyle like in Charleroi?

The lifestyle in Charleroi is actually great! I live very close by to the train station therefore public transport is very accessible in the city (in comparison to Beaumont).

There are a lot of activities that you can do in the city and if you choose to study in Charleroi, you will be able to find a lot of students.

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

Charleroi isn't the BEST city in Belgium. However, it isn't the worst either. Although, I do recommend you to be safe in the city as some areas are not very safe. I would also advise students to take the taxi at night to be safe.

What is the food like?

There are a lot of restaurants in Charleroi so you will definetly find something if your own taste!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Charleroi?

I visited Charleroi before starting my work placement therefore it took me a week since I have planned appointments beforehand.

How much does it cost to live in Charleroi?

It did not cost a lot for me. The rent varies between €350-€450

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

Yes! There are a lot of courses in Charleroi that you can opt for.

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

Bus/trains and teams are all accessible in the city.

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

Huggy's Bar
Manolo's

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There aren't a lot of cultural sites in Charleroi. However it is very easy to travel and visit other regions in Belgium!

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

For anyone who needs any advice can email me or contact me via this website! I am happy to answer any questions that you may want to ask :)

I would only suggest Charleroi if it is the closest city to your university/workplace.