Experience in Ghent, Belgium by Charlotte

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

Ghent is an amazing and beautiful authentic city! It's so alive, full of students and it never gets boring to be there! I study in this city for three years now, and I can't see myself studying in another Flemish city as Ghent.

What is the student lifestyle like in Ghent?

Ghent is 'the' student city of Flanders, going out is a big adventure and there is so much to do. There are plenty of student unions, clubs, cafés. Transportation mostly goes by foot, by bike, tram or bus, since there are a lot of streets were it's not allowed to go in by car.

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How much does it cost to live in Ghent?

I think it's quite average, just like the Netherland and Germany. For drinks, a lot of clubs and cafés do these 'happy hours' a lot, where you can buy drinks for a cheaper price. Also there are a lot of cheap places for food espacially for students.

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

It's a bit difficult, since Ghent is one of the favourite cities for students. The prices for an accommodation are quite high, since there is a high demand.

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

The food is amazing! I love the 'frituren', where you can get tasty fries. Also there are a lot of great spaghetti places, where I've eaten the best spaghetti's I've ever tasted.

What places would you recommend visiting in Ghent?

The typical sighseeingplaces: Korenmarkt, Het gravensteen, Belfort, etc.

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

Yes! For spaghetti, I love to eat at 'Bavet' (where you can choose everything of your spaghetti) or the Karstart (with their famous Kastart sauce). For fries, we have 'de gouden saté', where you can taste the different dishes with fries. Also there is 'het Frietketel', that was crowned best frituur/snackbar of Flanders. These places are very famous among students, so it's possible that you'll need to wait in queue.

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

Nightlife is one big adventure. The one place all students go is called 'de Overpoort'. It's one big long street full of cafés, pubs, clubs, etc. It's the place-to-be to go out with your friends!

What advice would you give future students heading to Ghent?

Enjoy your student life! Go out and enjoy the student culture of Ghent, it will be an experience of a lifetime!