Erasmus experience in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium

Why did you choose Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium?

No reason in particular since I wasn't that interested to where I was going. I just wanted to go. However, I believe that due to the fact that this place is in central Europe was one of the reasons that led me to make this decision.

How long did your scholarship last? And how much did you receive?

5 months and I received 1600 euros in total.

How is the academic life in Louvain-la-Neuve?

I think that's what is most charateristic about the city; it's only inhabited by students who want to party everyday. On the streets, during the afternoon and the night, it's very likely to find lots of students going to the supermarket to buy beer crates. :P

There is a huge academic tradition in the city!

Would you recommend the city and the University of Louvain-la-Neuve to other students?

I totally would for three reasons:

1- They will live in the student campus, which means only students live there.

2- They will be in privileged position to travel all around Europe.

3- There will be lots of opportunities to have fun and meet new people.

What about the food there?

Food is mostly fried, being the fries the specialty. They are great!

How did you find housing?

Housing is chosen by the Lodgement Service of the University but it is better to make a reservation until April (or October, depending on which semester they are going).

What about the prices of housing? What about the cost of life there?

The price of a single room is about 220 to 265 euros (electricity not included).

What about the language? Did you took any language courses in the University

The most spoken language is French but a lot of people speaks English. Between Erasmus, there is more italian and spanish speakers.

What is the cheapest way to get to Louvain-la-Neuve from your city?

Ryanair to Brussels (Charleroi) and then the train to Louvain-la-Neuve, which travels through Ottignies.

What places do you recommend to the night life in Louvain-la-Neuve?

The "Cercles" of each University.

And what about places to eat? Can you name your favourite spots?

Jean Luc Friterie... Amazing!

What about cultural places?

The city itself doesn't have any cultural places but I have to recommend other cities of Belgium that are a must to see, which are Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp.

Do you have any piece of advice to future students going to Louvain-la-Neuve?

"In Rome do as the Romans do"... You will find lots of things that you thought couldn't happen and mostly you will have plenty of opportunities to have fun. I think the leverage of this city as an Erasmus destiny is that it's a campus/city where you will have plenty of changes to make lots of friends and spend a lot of time with them. Enjoy the fact that you had the luck to be an Erasmus student and live life to the fullest.