Experience in Leuven, Belgium by Monika

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

Small city full of students.I would highy recommend it both with high level of education and great nightlife.

What is the student lifestyle like in Leuven?

During the whole semester there is time for partying and travelling and living in Leuven is a great opportunity to visit other cities in Belgium and maybe even travel to the Netherlands or France.

How much does it cost to live in Leuven?

The prices are quite high both with accommodation and living costs (food and travelling). I think it is minimum 300e for room/studio and around 200-300 for living costs.

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

It is wise to come to Leuven and pay for hostel for around 5 days and use this time fully to find a room. It is no problem in finding room for the whole year, it could be more difficult for one semester. Of course september is the worse option, you should do this earlier, Augus or July. No signing any contract online without seeing a room cause many of them are in bad condition.

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

Food is not so different from any other European country but still you can find some Belgian specialities such as mossels or jenever (alcohol beverage). It is nice to try Belgian cuisine but it was not so special for me. In Leuven you can find many Italian, Indian or even Portugeese restaurants.

What places would you recommend visiting in Leuven?

STUKcafe (jazz music live on Sundays), Oude Markt, Heverlee

Is it good to eat out in Leuven? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

There is a lot of nice places for eating. The most expensive ones are at the Grote Markt but there you can try some Belgian dishes. Leuven is also full of Italian places. I like restaurants at the Oude Markt, such as De Rector which is restaurant during the day and also very good party place at night.

Is the nightlife good in Leuven? Where is good to go?

Oude Markt- a lot of pubs and party places. There is also a lot of 'fakbars' on the Tiensestraat.

What advice would you give future students heading to Leuven?

You should travel a lot.