Erasmus experience in Hasselt, Belgium

Why did you choose to go to Hasselt, Belgium?

I chose Hasselt, because it is in the centre of Europe and moreover the half of the country speaks French and I do as well.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I received 300 per months during a period of one semester.

What is the student lifestyle like in Hasselt?

Hasselt is a very small city and the university was built on the outskirts of it. The university is not so big, so for the end of the year or semester you will know all of your fellows.

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

Absolutely, because it is a lovely city and the university has some very good teachers.

What is the food like?

I loved the food! Belgian fries (not French), waffel, gin (jenever), everything is pretty nice.

How did you find your accommodation?

The University found a room for me. They had a big building (Bosstraat 195) and at least half of Erasmus students lived there, together.

What are the accommodation prices like? What are prices like for other things in general?

I paid around 200 euros for my room. Prices are higher than in Hungary, but in overall they are ok.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Dutch is very difficult. I've participated in a language course, but I failed the final exam. In overall, these courses helped me a bit to get by in the shops, laundry, university, etc. I found that most of Belgian people speak English, it was very convenient.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Hasselt from your city?

For me the cheapest way to get there was by air. Fly to Brussels National Airport and then take a train to Hasselt. Charleroi airport is 4 hours from Hasselt, it is very inconvenient.

In Hasselt all buses are for free!

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Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Hasselt?

Irish Pub, Universal, Café Latino and university parties at Villicus for sure!

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Hasselt?

University restaurant and there is a very good kebab place next to Universal.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Jenevermuseum.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Hasselt in the future?

Paris is nearby, London is nearby, Amsterdam is nearby, Cologne is nearby. Travel a lot if you go to Hasselt!

And one more thing, it rains a lot, don't forget your raincoat (not umbrella, cause you will go everywhere by bike!).