Experience in Catholic Universtiy of Louvain, Belgium by Alice

Generally, what is Catholic Universtiy of Louvain like?

This is very interesting as the university is Louvain-la-Neuve which is mostly populated by students. So basically, this is a city which is 'made' for students in a way that everything needed is available : food, sports, entertainment, copy/printing places, party corner,... The city is very pleasant as it is pedestrian (no need for busses or car or cycle) and you have many green areas. This is very cosy and easy to feel at home.

Louvain-la-Neuve has the reputation of being the number 1 city of celebrations... which is true! There is always something to do or organized and people are really welcoming and fun to be around. However, this is not a big capital city and Louvain-la-Neuve is quite small compared to Brussels for e. g. But it is only 30 minutes away with the train - available in city centre.

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What are the tutors like?

I've only had on year in Louvain-la-Neuve: my first year of master, so I can't really say regarding the bachelor. However, with reference to that year, I really enjoyed the classes I had to attend. In most of my options classes, we were smaller group which could help with the interaction (otherwise, most of the time, classes are given in big auditorium). It is hard to generalize all teachers but most of them were very interesting, qualified and available to help students.

Are the lessons easy in Catholic Universtiy of Louvain?

I would not say easy... but certainly interesting (most of them). Work and contribution are obviously needed from the student as there are most of the time group works that require personal investment. In UCL, we usually don't have grade for class participation. Those are attributed according to the exam (+-80%) and group work (+-20%).

Does the University organise activities? If so, what are they like?

Yes! I don't think you could find a university organizing more activities than UCL! Students are very involved and there are activities every single day and for every tastes (it is hard to follow the path sometimes).

Do you think there is a good quality of teaching?

I would say yes, definitely! I'm confident saying I learnt more during my master year in Louvain-la-Neuve than during my bachelor years (but I guess this is also because of the transition bachelor/master). I really enjoyed classes last year and all the things I learnt. It was very interesting (probably also because I was in a section/major I liked a lot).