My second best option in life

Why did you choose to go to Ghent, Belgium?

In reality, my first option was another university in Spain, but it seemed like they didn't want to have me there, I don't know the reasons why but I think it was the best thing that could've happened to me because it sent me to my second chosen option: Ghent. I was definitely more fortunate.

source

How long did your grant last? How much money did you receive as help?

My grant lasted for 10 months and a couple of weeks. The monthly subsidie that they gave me was €1, 000. I know that that is quite a lot of money, and if you're organised (unlike me), it should cover everything. I was quite irresponsible in some sense, even though I had always been quite good with money.

An extra detail is that I didn't receive any kind of financial help from my parents and I never needed it in any way, to give you a bit of an idea. In any case, I think this amount of money is more for those students outside of the EU, rather for Erasmus Mundus.

source

What is the student lifestyle like in Ghent?

It is incredible! The city is very student-oriented; there are many different kinds of social circles and this generates so many good vibes and a healthy atmosphere trained for all types of activities. It's very fun.

In the student restaurants you can find lots of people that you know and you'll never eat alone.

source

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

Definitely, yes!

I had the possibility to travel to various places throughout Europe and get to know the student lifestyle very well. It seems to me like, in terms of integrity, Ghent has everything you could ever need.

It is a city that is very alive, especially in summer - there are so many colours and smiles. In winter it is a little more dull, but with all of the other Erasmus students you'll never get bored. Nevertheless, you have to be careful as the exams in January and July can be dangerous because there are so many distractions to succumb to.

source

What is the food like in the country?

I didn't eat much "typical" food, except the "frietjes" (chips) - especially in the ones next to the Saint Jacob's Church, in the plaza... They're delicious. Above all, they are very characteristic due to the different types of salsa that you can have on top (try the "stoverij").

source

How did you find accommodation? What are the prices like?

I spoke with the head of the residence in the private market Francis Ascoop and he helped me with everything.

The kots varied between €250 and €450 a month, which were only rooms with shared facilities and the studio apartments for €450 until whatever you want. I would recommend that you look for somewhere where you can have common spaces where you can always have the opportunity to get to know new people and it's very enjoyable.

The prices in general compared to those in London, Paris, Rome or Helsinki are quite a lot more cheap. A coke can cost you €1. 50, a sandwich for €3. 00. Just to give you a little idea... The transport also costs €1. 20, etc.

source

How is your language? Did you go to any course at the University?

The language is difficult in my opinion, but of course it is not impossible to understand. Although, in 10 months you can't do very much and honestly, it is not very suitable to my tastes. I speak Spanish, as you can see, and I have a soft spot for Romantic languages. Germanic languages are a little outside of my comfort zone, but in 10 months it's obvious that you can definitely learn it.

Yes, I had a course taught by the university that was quite good for learning the basics of the language.

source

What is the most affordable way of getting to Ghent from your city?

I live in Temuco, a city in the south of Chile, so there is no "affordable" way of arriving to Ghent.

I remember that the outbound and return journey did not take less than 25 hours between all the buses, planes and trains that I took. And it's expensive, but luckily my grant covered those costs.

source

Where would you recommend to go out in Ghent?

Wow... this question is difficult. I will try to answer it the best I can, but before that, I would recommend that you visit this website.

Places to go out to party:

• Charlatan: very good
• Cultuur Club: I never went but they say "it's good", but it's further away
• Vooruit: it's not for me, but it's pretty good for those who like big places and a lot of people
• White Cat: it's a bar but there's also a club, it's very good, it's trendy and well-varied
• Abacho: it's an atmospheric bar for dancing, it's entertaining. I went there once

Bars: (in bars, I learnt that you can have a great time partying, and I stayed all night in a bar with good friends having a great time on many occasions).

• Hot Club de Gand: it's a Jazz bar in the center, it's quite interesting in terms of concerts and Jazz improvisation sessions, there are very good bands that usually play there.
• Het Spijker: it's a bar usually with good music and it's great to share a beer, coffee or tea, at any time of the day.
• Sphinx: it's a cafe that's next to the cinema also called Sphinx, it's quite goof and is very quiet, ask for Paul and he will serve you very well.
• Café Video: it's in Portus Ganda, and it's quite good to go see concerts there and have a beer. It's trendy and alternative.
• In Overpoort, there are many bars and everyone is all together. If you go with good friends, then you can have an incredible time, I recommend Porter House, Twich, Cuba Libre, Decadance.

source

And to eat in Ghent? Can you tell us some of your favourite places?

I've said that the place with the best chips is next to the Saint Jacob's Church. In Overpoort, you can go and enjoy a nice bicky burger in Julien. Everybody knows this "frituur" (place where they offer fried food). At the Saint Pieter station there is a doner kebab shop, it's very good. Near the Video Club there is a Greek restaurant which is very good in price and i'ts tasty.

Amadeus in Patershol is a restaurant with ribs, they say it is good. €14 for all the ribs you want, but I'm not a meat fan so I never went.

You can go for breakfast at Mokabon in Korenmarkt, it's very good and they have some amazing fresh fruit waffles.

source

And as a cultural visit?

Well, there are many concerts every month with artists like Prince that you can see in Ghent. Theatre performances, cinema shows, and small concerts indoor and outdoor are available too. I remember a concert that took place on a stage made to be on top of the river that is along Graslei Street (the main street of Ghent). And the Gentse Feest during the month of July is definitely what attracts the most tourists, sadly I could not be there then, but I know it is an incredibly attractive event.

There are also nearby cities like Antwerp and Brussels with lots of other cultural varieties that are also accessible.

source

Do you have any advice for other students coming to Ghent?

Enjoy it! Get organised, study hard so that you can enjoy yourself more.

There is a lot to see, and especially a lot more to do. The people are incredible friendly and you will never get bored going out in Ghent. Share your experience with Erasmus students, but also give yourself the opportunity to get to know the locals.

I envy you, whoever you are, for getting to go to Ghent. I returned one week ago and I already want to go back!