Experience in Gent, Belgium by Elien

What is it like to live in Gante? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Gent is a very beautiful city. You can see a lot of architecture but also have a great time with friends in a café. You have different places where you can go, depending on what you like to drink: a cocktail, just a juice or 50 different beers.

What is the student lifestyle like in Gante?

As a student you can do different things. When you want to go out, there is the 'overpoort'. It's a street with a lot of cafes where you can drink and dance. But you also have a lot of places where you can go when you just like the company and not a lot of music. Because Gent has a lot of student who go home in the weekend, there are a lot of parties during the week. But don't worry if you stay in the weekend, there's always something to do.

How much does it cost to live in Gante?

Gent is expensive. A place to stay is a bit simular as England I guess (I live in Gent so I never needed a place to stay). The food and the drinks are not cheap but when you want a cheap meal, there are opportunities like a student cafeteria or different stores.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Gante? Is there any advice you can give?

Thats something I don't know, I live in Gent with my parents.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Depending on what you like, you have different restaurants. We have a lot of Belgium, Italian, Turkish, Indian, Chinese... food. Gent is known for the different types of restaurants, you just need to search on the web for something en you will find it somewhere in Gent. I like the Italian food a lot: pasta, pizza...

What places would you recommend visiting in Gante?

That depends on what you like to visit when you go on a holiday. If you like chruches you need to see: Sint-Baafs, the gigist church in Gent.

If you like architecture you need to visit 'het gravensteen'and 'de vismijn'.

I'm not the expert in sightseeing in Gent so the best thing you can do is go to the office of tourism, they will give you all the information you need. Also we have a tour on the river of Gent, he will show you a lot beautiful places.

Is it good to eat out in Gante? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Its very good to eat in Gent, also for students with a small budget. One of my favorits is 'The castart'. Very popular for students, a good price for a nice pasta.

In the centre of Gent you have a lot restaurants, if you search well, you will found a place thats not to expensive and still tasty.

A very good site to look for something is: Tripadviser.

Is the nightlife good in Gante? Where is good to go?

Because Gent is a student city you have a lot of nightlife. The most popular place is 'the overpoort'. The parties starts around 11 pm and stay until the early hours.

What advice would you give future students heading to Gante?

Go and endjoy the different places in Gent. Not only the party places but search for nature or architecture if you want. Its a beautiful city to explore and to meet new people. Enjoy your time in it, it's worth it.