Erasmus Experience in Geel, Belgium

Why did you choose to go to Geel, Belgium?

Just got an opportunity to go there and took it. I do not regret it.

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

I got around 700€ per month and it was enough for all the costs and also travelling by train around Belgium which is rather cheap for a Scandinavian.

Source

What is the student lifestyle like in Geel?

They party a lot. Or I guess that's the common way in Belgium but there are parties for everything and if it's parties what you are looking for, you cannot get wrong. Normally there was a party each day from monday to thursday except maybe the exam period and holidays.

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

The city itself is rather small and located a bit more on the country side. University is a huge gray building and looks a bit boring too. But it didn't bother me.

What is the food like?

It was ok but nothing mind blowing. Real food plate was something like 4 or 5€ and a sandwich costed 2€.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Geel?

No, I got it through the International Office.

How much does it cost to live in Geel?

Well the regular room rents were something from 250€ to 300€. The food and alcohol were medium priced, so not too expensive either.

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

Most of the Belgian students speak astonishingly good English. There were no language courses at that time available which I found to be a bit shame.

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

By plane to Brussels airport and then taking a train from the airport to the city. Quite easy.

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

There are plenty of "Cafe's" which are really just bars and some special places for student parties. Of course the student cafeteria next to the school and also the pubs in the town center. There were no real clubs in Geel, but Antwerp is close to go to by train (around 40 minutes) to pull an all nighter.

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

Don't remember any of the names.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Not much, some old St. Dimpna places that I never bothered even to visit and heard from other students that they weren't too interesting.

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

It's going to be fun, just make sure that there are also other Erasmus students incoming as the Belgian student's always spend their weekends at home so it can get boring if you don't have anyone to spend the time with.