Experience in Leuven, Belgium by Elias

What is it like to live in Leuven? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Leuven is a small and dynamic city. Perfect for students. They're are actually more students than habitants that live in Leuven. Furthermore, Leuven is centrally based in Belgium, you can visit other cities very easily by train in a short amount of time.

What is the student lifestyle like in Leuven?

Most of the city is being organized to students. Everything is easy accessible by biking, by walking... The 'Oude Markt' is perfect to have a drink with your friends throughout the day and in the evening to party.

How much does it cost to live in Leuven?

The prices are like other Western European countries. Only the accommodation is a little bit pricier than the rest of Belgium.

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Is it difficult to find accommodation in Leuven? Is there any advice you can give?

Yes and no, almost in every street you can find accommodations. But almost everything that is available is gone by the beginning of the first semester.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

You can find all types of food in Leuven, every price segments, etc... Special students prices are in a lot of the restaurants but also very cheap student restaurants (they are called 'Alma'). You have de 'Muntstraat' and 'Tiensestraat', these are streets with only restaurants. Another good student restaurant is 'De Werf'.

What places would you recommend visiting in Leuven?

Everything, it is a small city, you can see everything.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Leuven?

Do a lot of visits to other cities in Belgium, it is very easy. Make a few Belgium friends and they will guide you throughout the city and Belgium. They are very openminded and interested in other cultures and people with their stories.

In the beginning they can be closed but that is a part of the culture, give it time and be honest. After a short amount of time they are very open to you and you can't live without them.

Just enjoy!