Erasmus Experience in Leuven, Belgium by Spandan

Why did you choose to go to Leuven, Belgium?

Because it had a wide variety of exposure of courses and opened an international atmosphere, and at a very reasonable tuition fees.

Plus it also was located in Belgium, that is the heart of Europe, and all the travel to rest of Europe would be easier as I am a traveller at heart.

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

I do not have any scholarship unfortunately. And I would really be grateful to receive or qualify for one, as it sometimes becomes a little hard to make a smooth living. There were no scholarships available by Erasmus for my particular course, there was one which got closed from this year onward, that was really unfortunate for me.

A little scholarship help always motivates to deliver more better as the student does not need to make a fight for the daily basics then. I receive about 600 euros from my block account, of which i try to spend a maximum of 500 - 550 euros and save the rest every month. All this expenditure includes my bills and living cost and that is it.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Leuven?

It is really good and smooth for students in here. If you have a little extra bucks then you can enjoy yourself and socialize much better and make better connections and have a very amazing time in the city.

You have one of the best hangout spaces in the city, where you can have amazing time with friends over a beer or some food. The party scene is also descent (i dont go to party's much so), but i have heard good stories from friends who party more often.

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

Yes, of course I will. It gives a great exposure and experience to meet new people and make new friends and share your internatioanl experience with others.

What is the food like?

It is good. Not much cheap but affordable at many places. People having scholarships can have a smooth sail with food at nice places, as there are many places with good quality and delicious food.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Leuven?

Not really I got through an university housing quite smoothly, as they have an excellent department looking after student housing so, it was not much of a problem.

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How much does it cost to live in Leuven?

Well, it should cost you around 600 - 700. Depending upon the accommodation you take. Rents are pretty high for this place. A studio could cost you around 400 - 500 (single person), and rooms are slightly cheaper than that. As i stay in university housing single room that costs me around 290 euros with everything, I have to restrict myself to spend a maximum of another 200 - 250, totaling up to 500 - 550 euros, that includes my rent, food bills, some leisure activity (not much), stacionery etc.

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

Yes there are language courses available in the university. Well language has not been a barrier for me, as the people in city are very well versed with English, that is comfortable for me. But now when i was searching for part time student jobs, to make some extra bucks for my travelling etc., language has become a main issue. As they do not entertain non Dutch speakers.

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

I stay in Leuven only, and I am a student from India. So I do not need to travel home or other places over weekend. Within Leuven, cycles / bikes are the most economical and the best way to travel, apart from the bus services. The university gives you a bus card at very reasonable rate for the entire year, that is worth.

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

It is safe till now for me or neither I have heard of any such frightening experiences of anyone till now. Rest, if you have the money you can hit the best bars and clubs to spend your night in an entertaining way.

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

There are plenty at the city center, at Naamsestraat. Can not name much, but most restaurants on that street are really good of what I have heard and seen. But they are a little expensive for everyday food. Rest there are some reasonable restaurants in and around the city center. You can find all the fast food joints easily available like the subway, quality burgers etc. Alibaba and other frituur's for fries are quite popular here.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are some specific parts of Leuven that has the heritage. Like the abbey, the city center itself, the oude market, central library etc. The city has several great architectural structures dating back a few hundred years.

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

If the students look for a global platform, then Leuven is the right place to be, where you will find a large panorama of students from different places of the world.

Apart from that the university it self gives you an international exposure.

The living budget is kind of little spiky, that can be problematic to students from developing nations, but the tuition fees are really reasonable. The living if comprehended by some scholarship is the best possible thing, that can happen, as it is pretty difficult to find jobs for non natives as they demand to speak Dutch only.