Erasmus Experience in Gent, Belgium by Martina

Why did you choose to go to Ghent, Belgium?

I have chosen this city because of my studies and because of my personal curiosity towards a country that I had never seen before.

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

My scholarship lasts 4 months, but I will do a month of prolongation I think, in order to finish my project here. I receive 230 euros each month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Ghent?

I think that it's really good, but you have to choose a good place for living, and for a student that is going to stay here not for a long time (like every erasmus students), I think that the best solution is a student residence, where you can meet many people easily.

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

Of course yes, I think it's a magic city, it seems to go back in time till the Middle Ages.

What is the food like?

I think that for an italian this is not a good point. Of course they have some specialities like Waffles, Beers, Chocolate, and also meat, but Italy is better.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Ghent?

Yes, I wasn't so lucky, maybe because at the beginning I didn't want to go to the University Residences, but I really think is the best solution for an Erasmus student. I have tried a "studio" and I can say that it wasn't a good idea, because you don't share anything with other students, so most of the times you are alone. This is not an advantage if you are alone in an unknown city, especially at the beginning.

How much does it cost to live in Ghent?

It is quite expensive living here; the rent is around 400 euro /month and also food is not cheap. But for a few months can be sustainable.

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

Ghent is in the Flemish part, and I have to say that Dutch is really impossible to understand, even if it has some words from english. There are courses at University, but for the moment I'm not attending any language course.

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

In the city centre for sure, near the river.

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

Don't worry about the language, everybody is able to understand and speak perfectly english! I think it's a really good city for a period of studies abroad, I'm sure you will enjoy it, especially from February on: the weather starts getting better :)