Shared apartments, spare rooms and roommates in Leuven

This city in Flanders welcomes more national and international students every year in Belgium. Students make up the majority of the city's population during the school year. Because of this, we recommend that, if you want to live in a shared flat, you start your search well in advance. That way you make sure you can choose one that includes the features important to you. A positive point would be that one of your roommates is Belgian, so you will be able to get to know the local culture more from within.

Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Leuven 

These are some of the most outstanding aspects of living in shared flats in the Belgian city:

Advantages of sharing a flat in Leuven 

• You will be able to choose a room in a private shared flat or one that is part of a residence for students.

• Use the extra saved money from your budget for sharing a flat for activities and trips to nearby places such as Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp.

Disadvantages of sharing a flat in Leuven

• You have to start looking for a flat as soon as possible, since the city receives a large number of students and living in shared flats is the most chosen alternative.

• Conveniently, you reach an agreement on gathering and noise with your flatmates. Young people usually spend many hours studying, especially during exam periods, so it is best not to bother each other.

Erasmus App for your exchange programme in Leuven 

There are several apps for Erasmus+ with which the planning and experience of your exchange will be simpler. Generally, in these apps, you will find a lot of useful information for you, such as instructions for carrying out procedures or tips from other students, such as the fact that the preferred means of transportation for young people are riding a bicycle. There are many cycle paths and it is easy to get from one place to another while saving on bus tickets.

How to meet people in Leuven 

Consider the following options, in addition to sharing different experiences with your flatmates.

Student Associations in Leuven 

ESN Leuven is the preferred international student association for Erasmus students. It is a group of voluntary students that helps those who arrive in Leuven in any way they can, including integrating into the city. For this, they carry out a large number of activities, such as paintball, tandem nights or board games, carnival themed parties, Saint Patrick, etc., seminars, and local beer tastings, among others.

Facebook groups for Erasmus in Leuven 

On Facebook, there are several groups that you can join, both to meet people who are going to be in Leuven at the same time as you and to answer any questions you may have about the exchange. Two of these groups are ESN Leuven and International Students @ KU Leuven.

Whatsapp groups for Erasmus in Leuven 

Both student associations and Facebook groups and student residences often create Whatsapp, Telegram or Discord groups so that young people can be connected more directly. Take the opportunity to propose plans around the city for other students to join, such as visits to museums or even tasting the typical fries.

Tips for living in a shared apartment in Leuven

Keep these tips in mind when living in a shared flat in this Belgian city:

• The liveliest nightlife area is around the Oude Markt. It is a square that has a large number of bars and entertainment venues, being one of the places most frequented by young people at night. Take this information into account when looking for a flat, in case you prefer to be close to the area or prefer a quieter area.

• The city centre is pedestrianized, so if you choose a neighbourhood in the area you will be able to walk or bike everywhere.

• University residences tend to give priority to students who will be there for more than a semester, so it can be difficult to get into one.

Frequently asked questions about sharing a flat in Leuven

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