Experience in Ostend, Belgium by Mathieu

What is it like to live in Ostend? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Ostend is a nice place to live in. It is near the beach so you can go there whenever you want or need it. Depending on where exactly you live in Ostend, there is no burden of noise or being too crowded.

What is the student lifestyle like in Ostend?

There are not that many students in Ostend, but you can easily take a train to Bruges or Ghent or somewhere else to meet up with some other students. Ostend does have a nice shopping street (Kappellestraat), nice restaurants and every now and then a good party. If the weather is nice, you can also go to the beach.

How much does it cost to live in Ostend?

Ostend is not that expensive, except if you really want to live in the core of the city. Food and drinks are not too expensive either. Just go to Lidl, Aldi, Colruyt or other supermarkets and buy your food there.

What places would you recommend visiting in Ostend?

As I mentioned you should definitely go to the beach once. You can also go for a long walk through the royal / Venetian galleries. There are stars on the ground (almost like the walk of fame in Hollywood) with some Belgian celebs. You should also go to the Maria-Hendrikapark (also known as 't Bosje).

Is it good to eat out in Ostend? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

There are a lot of restaurants and a great variety. I have my favourite one in the Kappellestraat (the shopping street). I love going to Cappuccino. They have an ice cream stand outside where they also sell waffles. Inside it is a great restaurant with waiters who don't mind telling a little joke. If you're into chocolate, then definitely try their hot chocolate. You can choose if you want it with white, milk or dark chocolate. Another thing you must try there is their brownie hit (waffle or pancake). It is de-li-cious!!!

Is the nightlife good in Ostend? Where is good to go?

The best parties are the events. Those are mostly around March, but just have a look on Facebook and you'll find them.
If there is no event but you want to go out, then go to the Langestraat. This street is full of pubs. My favourite is the Hemmingway, but they don't have a toilet. Therefore I usually go to the Brazza for a short time and then go to the toilet.
There are many pubs in the street and you can go in and out whenever you want.

What advice would you give future students heading to Ostend?

If you're a bit out of the city centre and are not into walking or cycling, then it is best to have a look at the "Buzy Pass". You can also buy bus tickets for 10 rides. Just never ever pay on the bus because then you pay double the usual price. You can also pay by sending a text message.