Studying in KU Leuven: Exams.

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I would like to talk to you about the other face of Erasmus… studies. Apologies, but now that exam season is getting closer, I think that you should know a few things about them.

First of all, as you will already know exams and grades are evaluated out of 20, and you can pass with 10 marks. So, here you have to go, no matter what, for the 10! Another thing that is very different, if you compare it to Spain or England, is that there are often more oral exams than written exams.

Personally, I avoided all courses that evaluated with oral exams, so I cannot tell you what they are like from my experience. My friends that took the opportunity to try this kind of exam have different opinions, but in general, if you are an Erasmus studying specific subjects, they tend to be easier.

There are also Erasmus students that recommend doing more coursework to avoid overwhelming yourself with exams at the end of January or June. This you have to weigh up yourself as you will know what is best for you.

Exams at the KU Leuven are generally quite complicated (whatever faculty you study in) as they ask overly specific things. With this, I don’t mean to say that they are difficult, let alone that it is impossible to pass. I think that you can pass, the majority of students, local or Erasmus students, pass. What is more complicated is getting a high grade. I get the feeling that KU Leuven tries to reward those who studied simply to pass with a pass, and those that study hard with a good mark, but they are wrong in the way that they do it.

My advice is to study everything (not just general things), as they often ask what many often think is not worth studying or what you might not think is important. And, if you can (you always can), take time in the first month to revise everything you have done in class and that you keep up-to-date with notes and theories. This will allow you to continue to enjoy your final months in Erasmus, and to continue going out to party, go for a walk and live your life in Leuven without the need to hide away in your room or in the library.

Go to classes! I am of the opinion that you can go out to a party and get up early the following day and go to class. And, if you know that you aren’t capable of this, there are thousands of timetable options. Being in Erasmus, it is necessary to have somebody to show you what it is you have to do, and what you have to keep up-to-date with, otherwise it gets out of hand!

KU Leuven offers a great number of courses in English, so it shouldn’t be difficult to choose one of them. Furthermore, because you’re Erasmus, you will have the opportunity to study subjects from other Faculties that you weren’t able to in your home university.

Finally, where to study? You will find an entry of mine talking about AGORA, a totally recommendable study room for the exam period. There is an app in the Google Play Store (Quivr) where you can see all of the libraries in Leuvren, their timetables and how many available spots are left. Very useful! Mind you, don’t forget your KU Leuvren university card, it’s necessary to study in any of the libraries.

I hope that this has helped you a bit, and I wish you the best of luck with your exams! You can do it :)