Erasmus Experience in Leuven, Belgium by Malin

Why did you choose to go to Leuven, Belgium?

It was actually kind of a coincidence that I ended up in Leuven.. But I wanted to go somewhere easily reached by and close to other places in Europe.

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

I'm here for one semester, so about 4 months. For that I got the Erasmus scholarship which is about 800 euros and a scholarship from my school in Sweden which is about 500 euros.

Source

What is the student lifestyle like in Leuven?

Leuven is a real student city where a lot of things is based on and involes the students. There are events happening every day as well as a lot of parties going on.

The city is very different during the weekdays compared to the weekend though, since all the Belgian students go home during the weekend. It's more quiet and a different crowd and not that many things going on. As an exchange student this doesn't affect you a lot though, if your friends stay here as well. It's also a reason to travel during the weekend and see other places in Belgium.

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

If you're looking for living a true student life where most of the things involves around school and the people there it's a perfect city. I would say that it's also an advantage if you like to party since it's a lot of that going on in the city.

The school has a good reputation both among Belgians and in ranking so based on that I'd say I recommend it. But I have to say that in my opinion it's nothing extraordinary. I study at the Faculty of Economics and Business and the quality of the proffessors and courses varies, some are better than others.

What is the food like?

The typical Belgian food is fries, waffels, chocolate and beer. Not very healthy but can be good! From what I got recommended from several people you find the best waffels at Pinoccio at Diestsestraat, I tried it out and I have to say that I agree!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Leuven?

No, I found it through the Facebook group for erasmus students in Leuven.

How much does it cost to live in Leuven?

My rent is 405 euros per month and I live about five minutes by foot to Oude Markt/Grote Markt. I have my own toilet and shower, but share the kitchen with other students.

Except the housing costs I would say it's quite easy to live cheap in Leuven. Since there are a lot of students I'd say that the prices are adjusted a bit after that. I think it's a bit cheaper than in Sweden, but from most other people I've heard that they think it's more expensive here.

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

I think the language is quite hard, especially when speaking. I understand more in writing but haven't really got a grip of it. I only know the most basic phrases. English works fine at most times!

There are Dutch courses available, but I'm not attending them. I went to a crash course during the introduction week though, which was quite helpfull.

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

By flight from Gothenburg to Brussels airport. From there the train takes about 15 minutes to Leuven.

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

Oude Markt or a fakbar (each faculty has a bar).

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

My favorite coffeeplace is Swartehond, a really cute place at Parijsstraat. For studying Café Noir is perfect.

Dewerf is very nice for lunch or simple dinner, especially when it's warm enough to sit outisde.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I'd recommend to travel as much as possible, both in Belgium and the countries close to it. My favorite cities in Belgium are Antwerp and Gent - go there! And it's really close to cities such as Amsterdam and Paris. I went from Brussels to Paris with the fast train in 1 hour and 20 minutes. Too close to miss it!

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Leuven?

If possible, go in advance to find accomondation to make your first days here more smooth.

Go to a cantus at least once since it's a big part of the Belgian student culture. It involes a lot of singing and beer!

And a boring advice; start studying in time. There are a lot of things to do, at least at my faculty, so if you don't want to get stressed out it's good to start in time.