Experience in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium by Clélie

What is it like to live in Louvain-la-Neuve? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

It's hard to live in Louvain-la-Neuve in the beginning but once you've made friends, there's nowhere else I'd go. The city has everything you need: shops, cinema, bars, pubs, libraries, a lake where you can gather and have fun with friends, etc.

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

There are plenty of parties (at least one per day) but you can also have moments on your own easily. In Louvain-la-Neuve, you can either be a party animal or a stay-at-home. Some people prefer to go to student parties, other to go to the restaurant, bar or gather at home with friends.

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

I'd say that Louvain-la-Neuve is a bit more expensive than other Belgian cities. Partying is really cheap (you can have a great night with only 5€ in your pocket) because the entrance is free, you only have to pay the drinks. To eat, it depends in which shop or restaurant you are going but you can have a decent dinner in a restaurant for less than 20€ and if you cook, you can manage with less than 50€ per week.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Louvain-la-Neuve? Is there any advice you can give?

It really depends. I think that some flats are reserved for Erasmus students. You can also live in a "kot à projet" which is a flat with something like 8-12 students who have a project to defend and they also take part in the student animation (for instance there is a "kot à projet" Erasmus, another for music, cinema, etc. Some have a more engaged purpose like the kot amnesty).

You can also rent a flat from a private landlord.

I'd say it's quite easy to find an accommodation, but it's a bit expensive. There are also some estate agencies you can go to to find an accommodation such as: l'Aiglon, Eckelmans (this is the best known) and there is also a "service logement" at the university that can help you to find an accommodation.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Usually, students cook their own dinner. The university has a restaurant (you pay 5€ for you meal) but the quality of the food really depends... Some budget restaurants are quiet interesting such as the Woké (kind of fast food that serves noodles) or the best one: La Galoute, a bar restaurant where you can eat some sophisticated meals for less than 15€.

What places would you recommend visiting in Louvain-la-Neuve?

Maybe because I've been studying there for 6 years, but I don't think there many places to visit in Louvain-la-Neuve. There is the museum dedicated to Hergé (but I've never been there so I can't say if it's worth a visit. I heard that the museum is free every first Sunday of the month). The lake is cool to go to, to relax or to jog. The more interesting stuff to do in this town is the parties because they are quite unique in their way. You can go to the "cercles" or the Casa (a kind of nightclub where you certainly shouldn't overdress to go there).

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Is it good to eat out in Louvain-la-Neuve? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

As I said, La Galoute is my favourite because the quality of the food is really good compared to what we pay for it. Empreintes Nomades is more expensive but the food is delicious. There's a Chinese restaurant that suggests menus for c. 20€. For cocktails, I certainly recommend the Gin&Juice which has a very long happy hour.

Is the nightlife good in Louvain-la-Neuve? Where is good to go?

The nightlife is main attraction in the city. You should definitely go to the cercles and the casa. Maybe you won't like it but you should try at least once. Erasmus students also like to go to the Becketts. It's a bar where you can also dance.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Louvain-la-Neuve?

COME! I met a few Erasmus students and they told me they had a great time here. Even if you're not a party-goer, I think the academic life is also very interesting. There is also an active cultural life. You won't be bored here. Even if the city might be quite scary at first, after 1 month you wouldn't leave anymore.