My experience in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium by Elodie

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

It's a city made for students. Most of the city is pedestrianised and you can reach the shops, parks and train station on foot. The university buildings are close together (max. 20 minute walk from the two furthest apart).

I would recommend an Erasmus exchange here because there is a lot to do and it's a great place for students!

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The train station in Louvain-la-Neuve is in the centre of town. The city is a 30 minute bus journey from Brussels and 40 minutes from Namur - these are both lovely places to visit.

What is student life like in Louvain-la-Neuve?

Very lively. The nightclubs are all accessible on foot and not far from the city centre. There also plenty of bars where you can find students day and night.

What is the cost of living like?

It really depends on what you want to buy. If you take 'white goods' with you, you won't have any issues. The rent for my large bedroom in shared accommodation was 300€ a month.

Was it difficult to find an accommodation in Louvain-la-Neuve? Any advice?

It depends. If you are an Erasmus student you have a few options because often people like me are looking to sublet.

If it's for a year or more, you should start looking around May so that you'll have somewhere to stay come September.

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

Belgian food is delicious! My favourite dish is gratin dauphinois with venison.

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Where do you recommend visiting in Louvain-la-Neuve?

It's not a massive place so you can see everything quickly. I think it's better to visit other nearby towns.

And to eat? Could you tell us your favourite places?

L'empreinte nomade, the Cambridge, Longeatude, D'un pain à l'autre.

Where do you recommend going out at night?

The bars (Galore, Vintage) and the clubs in the 'upper town' (Agro, Petite casa, Carolo, Grande casa).

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

Apart from advice on accommodation, nothing in particular. Don't take the taxi from the airport in Brussels because you'll pay 80€ and you can easily get to the centre of Louvain-la-Neuve by train!

Enjoy yourself!