Erasmus Experience in Gent, Belgium by Narmin

Why did you choose to go to Ghent, Belgium?

Belgium was my first choice and I really wanted to be chosen to the Gent university as it is one of the top 100 best universities of the world. Moreover Belgium is the heart of Europe!

Source

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

The duration of my Erasmus is 5 months so I am here for 1 semester, and I get 1000 euro per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Ghent?

Gent is an incredible city, I can even say that it is the best student city of Europe. Population is very warm, especially first weeks you get lost, but whenever you need help you can find it. Once I was lost, I asked the lice to help me showing the place on the map, they have taken me to my room by car, so don`t worry the most save, friendly and cute city is Gent.

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

Yes, yes and yes! You will never regret your choice, I didn't.

What is the food like?

As I am from Azerbaijan, Baku city, the country with one of the richest kitchen, food in Gent it is so so not for me. But I die for chocolates and sweets here, it is so delicious and sure it is the land of beer you can always enjoy it here.

How much does it cost to live in Ghent?

It is not that cheap, Belgium is a bit expensive country. Accommodation is pretty expensive, but you can find the suitable place for low price. You need at least 500-540 euro!

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

Well, not really! Dutch is a very difficult language, after a while you understand only few words if you want more you have to learn it.

There are different language courses at the university, so you can choose any language you want and follow its course by paying 50 euro per month.

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

You don`t have the chance to feel bored in Gent it is crazy student city with best night life. If you want to have a crazy party night the best choice is Overpoortstraat the clubs street. You can find different clubs and bars like Charlatan, P-nuts etc., which are nearly always full of people especially at the weekends. Moreover if you want to spend a chilling night you can go to the the river at the city center where you see people with their beers or wines enjoying miracle night in Gent. And of course my favorite Hot Club absolutely the best club in Gent, where you can enjoy the real music, you have to go there!

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

For eating chocolate and lots of chocolate bars and there are all best selections.

Source

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The first place that you have to visit is Belfort tower. From its top you can enjoy amazing and very beautiful view of Gent city.

At the city center you can make a boat trip and see the awesome architecture and feel the history.

For the lovers of graffiti like me, I will probably advise Graffiti street Belgian people call it so, but the original name of the street is 'Werregarenstraat', and many other beautiful places.

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

Lastly, I would like to say that Gent is the place that you would love to live for the rest of your life, it will become your second home. It is an awesome student city, it has changeable weather so try always keep a jacket with yourself. It rains very often, so for the people that come from warm countries it can be a bit difficult to get used to it. But after a while you will love even its rain. My advise as an Erasmus student who had the best student life experience in here, is to choose Gent and you will get a great experience here!

Good luck!