Erasmus Experience in Gent, Belgium by ali

Why did you choose to go to Ghent, Belgium?

I choose Ghent because Ghent is a very beautiful city and University of Ghent is one of the Best in the world. It's among the top 100 University in the world according to the QS Ranking. Ghent is a touristic must in Europe, it is even called: “Venice of the North”. Ghent industry is booming: more than 300 companies already in which 72000 people.
The National Geographic Traveler Magazine has elected Ghent as the third most authentic place in the world, in other words the first most authentic city in the world.

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

My scholarship is conditional based and performance based But it is worth it to tackle the expenses. The residence and prices in Ghent are much cheaper than other cities for example Brussels to be specific.

What is the student lifestyle like in Ghent?

Ghent is the largest students city of Belgium and lot of party's ,events. I bet anybody who is planning to come to Ghent will enjoy the life style in Ghent. But as a new international student at Ghent , you will be faced with a multitude of changes, decisions and adjustments; perhaps the most exciting and challenging of these will be your ongoing adjustment to life in Belgium. A pattern of cultural adjustment often occurs over a period of several weeks or months.

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

Like I stated before , I like the beautiful city of Ghent a lot and really Ghent is place to be ! I came from Pakistan but It took only a week to adjust in this awesome city.Ghent has a beautiful squares and streets like: Graslei, Korenlei, Korenmarkt. Ghent is very attractive for writers for residence.

What is the food like?

As I am from Pakistan so we like spicy food but that is not available in Ghent. But there are some Pakistani and Indian Restaurant where spicy food is available. If you are coming from India or Pakistan then I suggest you to bring "Masalas" with you.
But I have heard from my Belgian friend that food quality is very good.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Ghent?

No ,not at all.

How much does it cost to live in Ghent?

360 Euro per month

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

Yes the languages courses are easily available in the university and there are also some private schools where people use to learn the Dutch Language.

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

Trams and Inter city Trains

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

City Centre.

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

N/A

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The whole city is a full of historical places. lakes. But the city centre is the source of attraction to the tourist around the globe.

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

If you are coming to Ghent then I bet you will enjoy beauty,party's ,events etc in Ghent becaue Ghent is really a place to be !!