Experience in Gent, Belgium by Hannes

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

Ghent is the biggest student-city together with Leuven in Belgium. Ghent is such a nice city just because of the youthfull vibe there's always something happening in the city! It's full of energy and culture in the city and that's what i like so much about Ghent. I just like the mentality in Ghent!

What is the student lifestyle like in Ghent?

Perfect! A city full of students + parties + a lot of cultural events + a lot of parks to hang out + historical buildings + ... = GHENT!

How much does it cost to live in Ghent?

I not gonna lie but i think it's pretty expensive to live in the center of Ghent. Of course you always can find a cheaper place but then it's more out of the center or the place is not that well maintained. I think it's something around 300 euro for a decent room or even more...I recommend you to look for a flat with other students...it's cheaper in that way.

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

It's not that hard to find an accommodation in Ghent but like a said, it's pretty expensive. The most rooms you can find in the summer holidays. So at the beginning of July i advise you to already look for a appartment/room because in September the most expensive rooms are left.

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

I love fries of course and especially with a boild beef sauce (stoofvleessaus) or with mussels! As a belgian i just like the traditional food...like WAP( sausage, applesauce and mashed potatos), 'hutsepot' with sausage (all kinds of vegetables mixed with eachother), ... . Also you should try the belgian waffles and the chocolate of course!!! COTE D'OR !!!!!!!!!!

What places would you recommend visiting in Ghent?

Graslei, korenmarkt (nice cathedrals, churches, architecture, houses, bars), Grindbakken(!!!), de Oude dokken(!!!!!!!), de boekentoren, de coupure, Rabot (rabottowers, seems vacant but i think it still has something special), ECVB ( a vacant electricityfactory), an old boathouse along the watersportbaan, there are a lot of these old buildings who are still really beautifull ;)

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

Like every belgian, they like fries! Every corner you can find 'frituurkoten', places to eat fries. My favourite one is 'de frietketel'!!!!! I love this place so much :)! You get so many fries and they are so good. Also i like the 'papegaai'. Also you have 'Julien', a good place to eat something after a party. Sorry but i need probably a hole page to name all the good place to eat fries. Also 'amadeus' and 'de Kastart' are pretty famous in Ghent because of the good ribs and the good spaghetti.

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

Ghent is like a said a real student-city. You can find everyday and everywhere a party. There is the famous 'overpoortstraat', a street full of bars and clubs where you can party until the morning. Also you can find a lot of parties in 'De charlatan', ' De vooruit', 'club 69', etc... you don't have to worry about a lack of parties. If you are not really a fan of clubs you don't have to worry either! There a lot of bars where you can taste all the delicious belgian beers (there are a lot of them ;) ). I advise you to go the 'backdoor', 'de dulle griet', 'de spinnekob' (cheapest place), 'hot club de Gand', etc...

What advice would you give future students heading to Ghent?

enjoy ghent and Belgium, the food and the beer :)