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

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

Because of the team of the Professor where I did my internship. It's considered to be among the best on its field.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

4 months. I received 570€ per month.

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

The lifestyle in LLN is simply amazing! It's a weird city, pretty small and without many outdoor activities but since it's a University city, there are lots of different events for everyone. Beer is very cheap and you can also find food in good prices. You can also buy a sports card for 30€/year and become fit with many options! ;)

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

I totally recommend studying or doing an internship in LLN. There is excellent quality of life as the whole city is pedestrianised. It's easy to travel a lot around Belgium and even Europe!

What is the food like?

Belgian food is quite heavy and with classical junk options like the famous belgian fries! Try all type of gauffres (waffles), chocolate and BEERS! In LLN, you can find burgers and there are few places with ethnic cuisine, such as asian, mexican and spanish.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Louvain-la-Neuve?

I found accommodation via the University.

How much does it cost to live in Louvain-la-Neuve?

A simple private room in a house with shared kitchen, toilet and showers will cost you around 370€/month. The monthly expenses with supermarket and normal going out is ~300€/month.

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

The language spoken in LLN is french. Few people speak English, so it's better to learn some french before you go there. The University provides some courses for students, which can be very helpful.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Louvain-la-Neuve from your city?

From Athens, I took a Ryanair flight to Charleroi airport. There, you take the city bus to Charleroi Sud and then you take the train towards Louvain-la-neuve.

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

Beer Bar for suuuuure!!!!!!!!!
You also have to try once the "La Casa" (just wear dirty clothes and shoes), the "Beckett's" if you're in the mood for dancing and all the musical events that take place in the city.

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

Woke's has the best noodles! Zanzibar and Quick for burgers!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Musée Hergé, the museum of Tin-Tin cartoon. Also the L museum from the University.

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

Just take your big smile and enjoy the city and the experience! Be open-minded, don't stay only with people from your country and travel a lot around Europe!!!!!