My Erasmus Experience in Gent, Belgium. By Rúben

Why did you choose to go to Gent, Belgium?

Out of the available options it seemed the best. It's in the "centre" of Europe and it's easy to get trains and flights with Ryainair and Easyjet to all countries. It's a very developed country and has a good education system.

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How long does the grant last? How much money do you get for help?

My grant lasted 6 months and I received, I think, €275 per month. It's far below what you need to live in this city since my rent for a room in the centre of the city was €350. The dormitories in the suburbs were around €250 and those in the centre around €400. Each week I managed with spending about €20 in Lidl, so it's cheaper than in Portugal, at least for some things.

What's the student environment like in Gent?

Like with the Portuguese, I was welcomed, even when the lessons were in Belgian someone would help me or translate for me. It's perhaps more demanding than the Eastern countries.

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

Yes, particularly the city. It's very pretty and calm. The centre and the bar district seem very safe to me. You can have bad luck with the teachers at the university, but the most important lesson was taught in Belgian, and if you haven't previously learnt any Belgian it's perhaps impossible to get a good mark.

What's the country's food like?

From the country itself I only tried chips and sausages. I think that it's not Belgian's strong point.

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How easily did you find accommodation in Gent?

I found it on the Internet I sincerely regretted it. Some of my class-mates got here and stayed in a hostel or hotel whilst they looked for a more permanent place. I think that's the best solution. Maybe look on the ESN Facebook group for the city to ask for opportunities.

On average, how much did you spend living in Gent?

The cost of the room but I'm still waiting for the deposit, and I'm not necessarily going to get it back. The money I spent in Lidl weekly and other things in a closer supermarket. Going out at night you can spend between 5 and 15 euros to have a good time. After that it depends on the trips you want to take.

What's the language like? Did you attend a language course at the university?

I didn't learn it.

What is the cheapest way to get to Gent from your city?

Book a flight with Ryanair to Charleroi two months in advance, coach from the airport to the train station that's €3 and then a train direct to Gent. Maybe buy a Go-Pass that's €50 and can be used for 10 trips.

Where would you recommend for a night out in Gent? Can you name your favourite places?

Overpoortstraat is a street full of bars where all Erasmus or Belgian students meet. It is cheap because you don't have to pay to get into clubs and you can buy alcohol at nightshops.

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And eating out in Gent? Can you name your favourite places?

It is very expensive and not really good to eat out, so eat at home. The best food I had was at Domino's.

And in terms of cultural visits?

Gent, Brugge, Bruxelles and Antwerp are lovely cities to visit.

Do you have any advice you'd like to give future students in Gent?

Go and have fun.