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

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

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

I won the Erasmus fund and it was around 450 euros for Belgium in 2012. I was staying in a relatively expensive studio by myself so my living costs were higher. But kots, students dorms and private kots offer some good choices and supermarket Aldi is student budget-friendly.

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

LSM's education was good in my opinion and the students were both geeks and party animals at the same time! if you like beer, go there! There were plenty of choices to drink beer with friends. You can enjoy cercles (not my cup of tea though) with your friends or go to Becketts for good parties. Many options for shopping is another yay for LLN.

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

I absolutely recommend the city and UCL to others!

What is the food like?

Many fast food style places... and some nice restaurants. Creperie bretonne, an amazing creperie which was run by the cutest family of all time! zanzibar and Goldway(i wish i had it now) was so good for hamburgers. you can grab tasty sandwiches from small cafes on your way to classes they are good!

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

Since i wanted to live in a studio i did my research before i go there. i stayed at Kot Erasmus (visit their fb page) till i moved into my studio. it was pricey.

• dorms, kots, private kots costs like: 250-400 euros
• studios: 400-800 euros

Don't worry about accommodation! everybody was frustrated about it at first but they all found perfect places max in a week.

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

Language courses were good in the university. Not many people speak English, even the students have some trouble from time to time. but don't, worry people are nice! Take your time to explain yourself in French.

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

From Istanbul: Take the plane to Brussels, then take the train to Louvain-la-Neuve (be careful, not Leuven! )- and just walk.

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

Beckett's, La Casa, Le brasse temps, vintage bar...

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

Le cambridge, la creperie bretonne, la cite imperiale (chinese)...

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Musée herge!

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