Continuing my “Promoting Erasmus and studying abroad” pages, I now introduce you to the University of Leuven. Let’s suppose that you are an Erasmus student or in general a student planning to study abroad for a semester or so. What are the factors that you would take into consideration before choosing your next destination and university? How would you organize your background research? What are the things that you’d love to know about your university in advance? Here’s a short research I did about one of the biggest universities in Belgium that welcomes thousands of Erasmus students every year.
Welcome to the University of Leuven!
Background info; The university; KU Leuven will celebrate its 600th anniversary in 2025, making it one of Europe’s oldest universities. The institution has the double honour of being the oldest university in the Low Countries and the oldest extant Catholic university in the world. Today, KU Leuven accommodates 50,000 students, spread across the various campuses in Leuven and elsewhere in Flanders. The University and University Hospitals Leuven each employ almost 10,000 people. For research, KU Leuven ranks among the world’s finest. KU Leuven has become a cosmopolitan institution in a rapidly changing urban environment. Its unique profile reconciles cutting-edge science with quality of life and openness to talent.
University of Leuven
Oude Markt 13, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
University Library Leuven
Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein, 3000 Leuven, BelgiumThe life in the city
Leuven is the capital of the province of Flemish Brabant in Belgium. The town is famous for rich cultural resorts, summer rock festival, and of course, its oldest Catholic University.
Leuven has a lively atmosphere because of the many students from all over the world. Especially in the evening, and certainly at night, the many bars and student cafés, spread all over the town, guarantee that there is always something happening. Very popular is the area around the 'Oude Markt - Old Market', located close to the magnificent 15th century medieval town hall. At the same time, the city offers multiple sightseeing options while its alternative and delicious food spots will definitely steal your heart
Sint-Pieterskerk in Leuven
Grote Markt 1, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
M-museum in Leuven
Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 28, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Groot Begijnhof in Leuven
Groot Begijnhof, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Stadhuis van Leuven
Grote Markt 9, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Kruidtuin in Leuven
Kruidtuin, Kapucijnenvoer 30, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Abdij van Park
Abdij van Park, 7, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
Shopping street Leuven
Diestsestraat, 3000 Leuven, België
Kasteel van Arenberg
Kardinaal Mercierlaan 94, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
Ladeuzeplein Leuven
Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein, 3000 Leuven, België
Old Market square Leuven
Oude Markt, 3000 Leuven, BelgiëHousing and accommodation;
Leuven offers a variety of housing options, which you can actually book straight through the university’s website.
At the same time the university is collaborating with a student’ accomodation platform, Kotwijs where you will definitely find what you are looking for.
Important info;
Average rental in shared accomodation; 340 euros. Monthly transportation subscription; 30 euros . Monthly food cost; 320 euros. Average lunch price at a restaurant; 10 euros. Average Fitness subscription; 35 euros. Beer Price at a bar; 2 euros.
..and of course do not forget to join the local ESN community!
ESN works in the interest of all international students, not just for Erasmus students. ESN offers a clear introductory programme for all international students to introduce them to the laws, rules and customs of their host country.
Pack your bags and choose Leuven as your Erasmus or studying abroad destination! Cheers!
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The author
Chrisa Lepida
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