Erasmus in Bruges

Information and tips for Erasmus students in Bruges

Are you planning your Erasmus in Bruges? Many describe this city as the most beautiful city in the world. And they have their reasons, because walking through its streets transports us to the Middle Ages with its stone buildings and cobbled streets. Furthermore, Bruges has the advantage of being a city relatively large in Belgium but without the crowdedness of its capital. Are you going to miss the opportunity to study in a UNESCO World Heritage City?

If you are interested in doing Erasmus in Bruges, stay reading this article. Here we'll tell you everything you need to know before you go, from the cost of living to the parties and entertainment in this European city. We will also talk about Belgian culture and gastronomy, and finally, we will mention the advantages of doing Erasmus in Bruges and cheap flats you can find.

Cost of living in Bruges, Belgium

The cost of living in Bruges is significantly lower than in the capital. However, if you are thinking of studying in Bruges, you should be aware that the price of accommodation is quite expensive compared to other European cities. A studio flat is around €1,200 per month, while a room in a shared apartment (usually two bedrooms) costs €850 and upwards. Single rooms usually have an average cost of €400 per month.

Regarding transportation, Bruges is not a very big city, so you can go almost everywhere on foot. But there are also buses with discounts for students. At the headquarters of STUVO (Student Support Services), you can buy a 10-ride voucher for approximately €13 instead of €17. Another option to get around the city is by bicycle. You can rent it for about €6 per month (minimum three months) and €75 deposit.

Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Bruges

In Belgium, pubs are a popular meeting place for students, so we recommend you go to one of them to have a drink after class or on the weekend. One of the most famous ones is De Garre. And, if you are a beer lover, you have to go to Cambrinus, where you can choose from over 400 different types of beer! You can also enjoy other types of nightclubs, which are located in Langestraat and surrounding areas. Some of these nightclubs are Bauhaus, with a young atmosphere, De Kelk, with live music or De Vuurmolen, with all kinds of music to dance all night. But the options don't end there! We recommend that you explore the city and let yourself be carried away by the lively student atmosphere of this Belgian city.

In Brugge, you can also make many plans other than partying. This Belgian city is known for its numerous canals, so you can't leave without taking a boat ride along them. These rides usually last half an hour and cost around €12. If you feel like taking a quiet walk surrounded by nature, but without leaving the city, you should visit the Beguinage of Bruges (Begijnhof), a beguinage founded in 1245 and now inhabited by the Benedictine sisters. And the best thing is, that the entry is free!

Bruges is a city with a charm all of its own, so our recommendation is that you enjoy it as much as you can. Stroll through its streets and transport yourself to the Middle Ages thanks to its historical buildings and cobblestone streets. It's a fantastic city!

Culture and gastronomy in Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is a city that has a lot of history, so it also has a lot to offer you in terms of buildings and monuments to visit. The most notable, although it is not a building but rather an architectural complex, is the market square (Grote Markt). Weekly markets have been held here since the Middle Ages! This square is in the centre of the city, so it is a good starting point for exploring Bruges.

Another square worth visiting (and very close to the Grote Markt) is Burg. Here you’ll find the Bruges City Hall (Stadhuis Brugge) and the Basilica of the Holy Blood (Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed), among other interesting buildings.

To learn a little more about Belgian culture, you can visit the museums that Bruges has, which not only has historical museums as the Historium, but also unique experiences, such us the chocolate museum (Choco-Story Brugge), the beer museum (Bruges Beer Experience) or the French fries museum (Frietmuseum).

We cannot write this article and forget to mention the Procession of the Holy Blood, which takes place every year on Ascension Day. It was created in 1304, and brings together each year about 1,700 people who participate and about 40,000 spectators. In 2009 it was declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

When we think about Belgian gastronomy, three things come to mind: French fries, chocolate and mussels. Indeed, these three elements are key in the cuisine of this country. But there are also other slightly more elaborate dishes, such as “Carbonnade flamande/Stoofvlees” which consists of meat stewed with Belgian beer and accompanied by French fries; ”Chicons au gratin/Witloofin de oven", which is endive with ham and cheese; or the Frikandel, a kind of Belgian hot dog that is not necessarily served with bread. Although it is a more international dish, we couldn't leave out the Belgian waffle, which, if you accompany it with local chocolate, you will create the perfect dessert!

Advantages of doing Erasmus in Bruges

• Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, declared a UNESCO World Heritage City, where you will find a large number of historical buildings, curious museums, and landscapes that will leave you speechless. It's like living a fairy tale!
• Another advantage of doing Erasmus in Bruges is that it is very well connected with other Belgian cities and also with other European cities. In this way, you will be able to move comfortably to discover its neighbouring cities, such as Brussels or Ghent.
• Do you want to improve your French, and, at the same time, learn other languages ​​such as Flemish or German? Then, Bruges is your ideal destination, since the majority of its inhabitants consider themselves polyglots and are fluent in these three languages, and of course in English.

Cheap student accommodation in Bruges, Belgium

Do you need accommodation in Bruges and don't know how to get it? In Erasmus Play you can find for free the best flats, rooms and residences for students in Brugge.

Frequently asked questions doing Erasmus in Bruges

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