Erasmus Experience in Gent, Belgium by Noel

Why did you choose to go to Ghent, Belgium?

When i first applied to Mundus Erasmus and after looking through all the options, my decision landed on Paris (science po) and Gent. As a first time in Europe, I found Gent to be a good choice since it has a pluralistic and world renowned university as well as small city features, suitable for an exchange student. Before I started the application process, I had not even heard of the city of Gent, but as I went on researching the city and the university, I got fascinated with how much they had to offer.

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

The scholarship lasted about 6 months (1 semester), from September until March.

As a Mundus Erasmus student and a citizen of a non-Eu country, the benefits of the program were a bit different. I received a 1000 euro monthly subsistence allowance, return airplane fare, medical insurance, a cover for administrative fees (visa, documentation, etc. ), and reimbursement for travel costs from Brussels airport to Gent.

Gent is a university city, therefore, living costs can be expensive.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Ghent?

Gent is the perfect city for a student who wants to study, explore, and engage. Although small, Gent is a vibrant city filled with more than 60. 000 students. Students find themselves in an environment that offers culture, art, education cuisine, parties, and fun. ,

There is something going on for students in Gent everyday during the week. The lifestyle in Gent is unique for the amount of options that students get throughout their experiences.

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

The only thing I have to say here, it is that to go to Gent has been the best decision I had ever taken. I was a different person after the educational, cultural, and exciting experience in Belgium.

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What is the food like?

Belgian food is really good for those who are into fried foods and beer. "Fritures" are on every corner of Gent. Most Erasmus students cook their own food at the dorms, but Belgian food is not to be missed. You would be able to try their specialty dish, which is the Gentse stoverei (excuse my dutch! ) and the infinite kind of delicious Belgian beers. As I used to tell my friends in Belgium, there is a beer for each personality; mine was the duvel beer. Finally, you cannot visit Belgium without trying their delicious waffles, I recommend the Liege waffle; be careful though, these treats are high in calories.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Ghent?

As I mentioned earlier, Gent is a university city, apartments, dorms, and studios are rented really fast with more than 50. 000 students running all over the city. I stayed at the university dormitories (almost 400 euros per month) in the famous Canterbury second floor, you will know what I mean once you get there. The dorms were mostly international Erasmus students and it is the perfect choice for the Gent Erasmus experience. My advice is to apply to the dorms as soon as you get accepted, since the rooms are limited and the demand is high. However, other options are also available, but keep in mind that not all landlords are willing to give you a lease for less than 10 months, if you are planning on staying for only 1 semester. The university dorms should definitely be any Erasmus student's first options, since it is practical, new, and safe. Living in a building filled with international Erasmus students will allow you to get in touch with tens of cultures and make friends from all over the world.

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How much does it cost to live in Ghent?

Gent is not a cheap city to live in, especially if you are not getting enough financial help from the program. However, planning your money and wise spending is the key for a successful exchange opportunity. As I mentioned before, rents are quite high and prices are not that cheap. I will display some of the costs and expenses, just to give you an idea:

• Rent: minimum of 200 euros (if you are lucky).
• Transportation: somewhat cheap, especially since everyone rents a bike in Gent (best way to get around) and it would cost about 60 euros for 6 months.
• Beer: minimum of 1 euro from the grocery store or the night shops and a minimum of 2. 5 euros in the bars.
• Food: most grocery stores in Gent are expensive, but you would be able to find cheaper markets (Lidl).

However, if one day you find yourself tight on money, Gent has infinite options for having fun for free.

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

Flemish is a tricky language to grasp, but you will be amazed when you see people speaking English. The Flemish are really good English speakers, although they prefer their own language.

Language courses are available at the university of Gent and they are usually not counted for credits and might cost 50 euros.

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

If you are in Europe, the cheapest way are trains and planes. A train might be somewhat of a hassle for those traveling with a lot of luggage but it does the job.

Make sure to check Ryanair, they offer the cheapest airfare tickets.

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

Overpoortstraat! An epic street filled with pubs and clubs, strategically located next to the university dorms. Partying in Gent is something else.

A personal favorite: Porter house!

If you do not feel like hitting Overpoortstraat, go to Charlatan or Culture club (for a different experience).

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

If you love ribs you have to try the best place in town: Amadeus, all you can eat ribs and baked potatoes for less than 20 euros. The Amadeus chain in Gent has a beautiful design on the inside and outside. Anyone who visits Gent, has to try the place at least once.

Pain perdu (personal favorite) located on Saint Pietrsnieustraat is an amazing cafe for those who enjoy a cup of coffee and baked goods. The atmosphere in this coffee shop is superb.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Gent is full of museums, beautiful landscapes, spacious parks, and beautiful canals.

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

There are plenty of advises that I want to give to new students coming to Gent.

• Apply for dorms as soon as you get a yes.
• Pack warm clothes, Gent is cold.
• Buy a go pass at any Belgian train station, it provides you with 10 train rides to any Belgian city or town. You can save a lot of money with the go pass.
• Rent a bike from day one, it is the best way to get around. However, be careful to check the lights on the bike constantly, you can get a 50 euro fine if you ride the bike with no functioning light.
• Join ESN Gent (erasmus student network), the best way to go to awesome parties, trips and meet people.
• Study hard and manage your time.
• Be open about your culture and try to get to know new cultures.
• Work your way through all the Belgian beers.
• Do as much traveling as possible.
• Go to Gent with a rested mind.
• Enjoy Gent, by the end of it you will wish it had never ended. It is the best experience you can ever get.

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