Erasmus Experience in Gante, Belgium, by Alba

Why did you choose Ghent, Belgium?

I had three options: Rome, Venice and Ghent. I though the last one would give me more opportunities. I was very excited about learning a new language and I knew about other student experiences that lead me to the conclusion that Ghent was the best option. This is my first Erasmus experience and I'm in love with this destination.

View of Gante from the top of the tower of The Gravensteen (Castle of the Count of Flanders) (Source)

How long is the exchange? How much money do you receive from the scholarship?

I study at a distance university, my stay lasts from September 2017 to January 2018 and I received approximately 238 €/month that were transferred to me in mid-October; once the experience was over, in March, I received another 179€.

The quantity is, I believe, dependent on where you study at and of course, on the group the receiving country belongs to; Belgium is group no. 2.

How is the student environment in Ghent?

It's great; Ghent is a highly requested destination and there are university students everywhere. You meet a lot of international people and also a lot of Spanish people (locals to the author of the text). There's no time or chance to get bored, there are many events going on and a lot of places to go.

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

Of course! I'm almost at the end of this experience and I know it's going to be hard to go back to the routine of my city. Ghent is an exceptional place and so is the Erasmus life.

University of Ghent - Campus Voldersstraat (Source)

How is the food of the country?

Weeell... chips and other fried things are not the healthiest thing in the world but I must admit that the "frituur" are simply too attractive to resist when you're on a rush. There are also a couple of restaurants with ribs all-you-can-eat, that I personally love, there are not excessively expensive and the food is quite good. As an alternative, you can always go for the soups. The most typical dish is the "waterzooi" and it has chicken or fish.

Was it hard to find accommodation in Ghent?

I am living at a student housing provided by the university, it costs approximately 400€ and although the room is quite "basic" you have everything you need. Some friends went there before the semester started so that they could try and find something because it was impossible to do so online.

How much does it cost to live in Ghent?

Ghent is a rather expensive city, but it's simply a matter of checking and comparing prices to adjust to your budget.

What about the language? Did you attend any course at university?

The language was no trouble at all; everyone speaks English perfectly, even old people. I study Dutch at university although I still haven't practised what I've learnt and I find it a quite difficult language.

What is the most economic way to get to Ghent from your city?

I flew to Charleroi airport and from there a bus (flibco) to Sint-Pieters station in Ghent; sometimes you may find it for 5€ per journey and it takes approximately an hour and a half from the aiport.

Sint-Pieters station in Ghent (Source)

What places would you recommend for going out in Ghent?

Overpoort, which can be considered the street of the students and also some places in the city centre, like "Charlatan", that you definitely have to pay a visit to.

And for eating in Ghent? Can you name your favourite spots?

Amadeus, Soup Lounge and Greenway are my favourites, not to mention the Italian restaurants.

And for cultural visits?

You cannot miss the old town; I recommend taking a Free Tour (at the end of which you usually give the tour guide some money, depending on what you thought of it) to get to know a little bit more about the city's history.

View from the river Lys in Ghent (Source)

Other places you can't miss are: The Gravensteen, the Klein Begijnhof and the Groot Begijnhof Sint-Amandsberg (protected by World Heritage Site), Patershol neighbourhood, Citadelpark (where you can find the museums of Arts and Fine Arts), Sint-Baafskathedraal (with its impressive pulpit: the artwork "The triumph of the truth over time" by Laurent Delvaux and of course, "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb", whose size really surprised me), the Bell Tower and one of my favourite places: St. Michael's Bridge, from where you get the most impressive views of the city (the towers from St. Nicholas church, Belfort tower and Sint-Baafskathedraal). Also St. Michael's church, Werrengaren Straat (a small alley full of street art), Sint-Jakob church and Groot Vleeshuis.

Any advice you would give to future students going to Ghent?

My only advice is to live a lot and sleep very little, to go out and travel as much as you can. You will never forget how much you'll enjoy.