Erasmus Experience in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium by Karen

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What is the student lifestyle like in Louvain-la-Neuve?

It's amazing. There are student parties every night. It is so cool to get to know the students and the cercles (like student groups). Everyone loves "La Casa". Everyone is really friendly. Even if you make the smallest effort to talk to other students, to go out, to practice your french, they are very kind.

My favorite thing was going to the parties with my new friends, and staying up all night, and singing the LLN song.

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

I would definitely recommend the city. I miss LLN every day! The classes were interesting and helpful, my kot was cool, and the people were amazing.

What is the food like?

Lots of good food around - but mandatory waffles and frites (french fries) and kebab (for the non-europeans).

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

There are plenty of language courses at all levels and you take them with other international students. But the easiest way to learn is to meet french-speaking students and practice with them.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Louvain-la-Neuve?

If it is the weekend and you don't know anyone then go to Beckett's. It is the Irish bar and the bartenders are friendly and speak English and French.

But otherwise you should be going to cercles every night! ask around about who is having a party. If it is Sunday go to Grand Ducale, if it is Tuesday there must be something at La Casa, make friends in all the cercles: Cesec, MDS, Adele, Psycho, etc and they will let you know when they have events like 24h de velo or international night or french night, etc.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Louvain-la-Neuve?

Always good frites in a rush, same with waffles and the noodle cup window by the language department. It is nice to go to creperie bretonne with friends and sample all the different types of gallettes and crepes and liquor milkshakes. Goldway when you are drunk haha. Check out Empreintes Nomad, Le Rabelais, and ask your friends.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The good thing to do is get a student pass for the train around Belgium. It is very cheap and you can visit so many places. Brussels is the perfect place to start - it is huge and you can do history and culture but also eat well and have a great night out at Delirium and the clubs around town.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Louvain-la-Neuve in the future?

If you are considering do it, just jump in. The place is so friendly, and very safe. There are cops to protect you but they don't bother you. Cars can't drive where pedestrians walk in the main city (they go underground). There is something going on every week. It is a magical place. Jamais, jamais je ne t'oublierai.