Erasmus Experience in Leuven, Belgium by Valeria

Why did you choose to go to Leuven, Belgium?

It is high ranked (the most innovative university in Europe), the city seemed nice and perfect for university life.

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

From February to July, my home university gives me 430 euros/monthly.

What is the student lifestyle like in Leuven?

PERFECT, there are millions of students and everything is organised for students (there are libraries and bar everywhere).

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

ABSOLUTELY, just go and you won't regret it.

What is the food like?

Mmm, not so bad, not so good. I usually eat at Alma (university restaurant) because it is really cheap for Belgian standards (soup for 1. 50 and many dishes from 3. 40 to 6. 10 euro). Not bad but I am putting on weight. Waffles are SO GOOD.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Leuven?

I applied for a dormitory in October. But yes, the research was quite hard and long, better start in advance if you want to find something cheap.

How much does it cost to live in Leuven?

Dormitory rent around 350 (only room, with bathroom and kitchen shared), living cost I think around 300.

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

Even tough there are some free language courses organised by the university. I am neither studying nor speaking dutch (time problem), but it is absolutely not a problem because everyone speaks English fluently.

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

From Milan to Brussels with Ryanair (in February I paid 9 euros! ), and by train from the airport Zaventem to Leuven.

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

Oude Market, there are a lot of bars among which you can choose.

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

I only tried Pizzissima (for good pizza) and a sushi place called You Sushi.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The City Hall is amazing. I suggest to do the free city tour organised by university, it is really interesting.

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

Enjoy the moment, travel around Belgium (and with FlixBus even outside-it is so cheap) BUT do not forget to study because KU Leuven seems quite hard.