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

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

Honestly, I didn't have chance to consider different destinations rather than Belgium or France, because I was studying French at my home university.

Then I checked my options, which are already limited and I decided to go to Louvain la Neuve.

I have heard a lot of things about Louvain la Neuve before I came here, mostly positive, that also helped me to decide. People went before telling me that they'd want to stay for another semester. City was small, clean, cheap and pedestrian-friendly and these were the things that I'm not used to. Whenever you live with 12 million people and stuck in traffic jam every single day, you'd probably seek the decency and calm for a bit, at least for a semester :)

Besides, I didn't have too much clue about what I'll see when I'll go there. That was the best. Thanks to lack of my imagination, I never got disappointed because I didn't overestimated Louvain la Neuve. I suggest the same to people want to go there. Don't expect too much things. It's just a small town in the end. I mean, what makes Louvain la Neuve better depends on what you expect from it.

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

I've lived there during six months. I received an average scholarship from national agency, roughly 2000 euros. As I remember, my family also sent me some money each month to support me a bit more. I've never ran out of cash because the city is considerably cheap.

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

Well, in Louvain la Neuve, if you want to be a social animal you should follow the crowd and go to student bars, cercles in french. Each of these theme bars belong to one or another faculty and they have a bit cultural heritage like maids wear costumes and traditional hats. Beer is dog-cheap, music and ambience is crappy. You can get dismay at first sight but don't because after a while, you'd probably get used to. If you're not that lunatic, lakeside is an option. Louvain la Neuve has various atractions along this lake;

1. Concerts
2. Amusements
3. Sports facilities

In the end, you'll be an Erasmus and you'll hang out with other Erasmus, it is going to be your destiny; so just grab your beers and make home party! That was the most amusing part of my Erasmus time.

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By seperating out students, be aware, local people work only three hours in a day! You should go to cinema, do shopping, study in library before 5 p. m. or something. That might be frustrating to see whole shops are closed in downtown in holiday.

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

I would. As I mentioned, don't get confused or over-estimate too much about this city. You'll come to one of the most interesting cities in Belgium, full of students. You would undoubtedly meet thousands of good people came from different places and the city is so small that you'll remember the faces in common places after a few weeks.

What is the food like?

Shitty. Nothing special like rest of Belgium. Only French fries and more fries..

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

Yep. I found my accomodation after I've arrived there. It took me one week to find a room. If you don't want to wait, you can choose KOT options. KOT means special flats used from students who have a purpose. They might be cheaper or more expensive than the flats provided from university, it depends.

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

I really don't remember.

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

No. I strongly recommend you to learn French before you choose. I chose seven courses and most of them were in French. I'd mostly fail if I didn't know French, at least in intermediate level. Students know English, no doubt. But when it comes to order something in a restaurant or ask for a book in store, you may hear this: Desolé... I don't have particular information on language courses.

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

If you're coming abroad for the first time, Brussels is the best option. In Zaventem airport there is an interchange station below to train. It takes 40 mins to arrive Louvain la Neuve. Trains are affordable. If you'll use train often, you can consider buying go-pass tickets. It costs 50 euros or something but you can use this ticket for 10 times! Just amazing.

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

La Casa, other student bars, meh I forgot most of their names.

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

No idea, sorry.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

TinTin Museum is interesting.

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

Arranging at least a temporary accomodation before you go is highly recommended. Do not hesitate to ask questions in the streets. People are mostly helpful and kind. And enjoy your time. That's all I say.