Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Liège
These are some pros and cons of living in shared flats in the Belgian city:
Advantages of sharing a flat in Liège
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Spare rooms in shared flats can be located all over Liège, which makes it easy to find accommodation near the University of Liège (Sart-Tilman), the Place du XX août or the HEC Business School.
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With the extra savings on the rent, you can travel around Belgium and other nearby countries, such as Germany and the Netherlands.
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If one of your roommates is local, you will be able to practice French with him/her and delve deeper into Liege.
Disadvantages of sharing a flat in Liège
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In many cases, utility bills (internet, water, electricity, gas, etc.) are not included in the rental price. We recommend that you ask the owner for a monthly estimate to calculate the total monthly cost of utility bills.
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You have to reach an agreement with your roommates about the use of heating and air conditioning since in winter temperatures are usually very cold and in summer the temperature can exceed 30ºC.
Erasmus App for your exchange programme in Liège
You will find a lot of apps for Erasmus+ that will help you make your exchange the best it can be since, in them, you will find a lot of useful information and advice from young people who have already been there. One tip to keep in mind is that it rains a lot in Liège, so you should bring appropriate clothing or buy it when you get there. Of course, they also ensure that you adapt quickly to the weather and that you learn to enjoy everything that the city offers despite the rain.
How to meet people in Liège
These are some of the ways you have to meet people in this Belgian city, in addition to befriending your flatmates.
Student associations in Liège
The various universities in the city of Liège usually have an association called the Erasmus Student Network that provides support to international students. You can find the ESN HEPL at the Haute Ecole de la Province de Liège, the ESN HEC Liège at the University of Liège Business School, and the ESN ULiège at the University of Liège in general.
Facebook groups for Erasmus in Liège
On this platform, you will find groups from each of the associations named above and a general ESN group where you will be able to connect with students who are at other universities. With these associations can participate in a lot of fun activities, such as theme parties, bar hangouts, adventure tours, affordable travel, game nights, language exchange, camping, and more.
WhatsApp groups for Erasmus in Liège
In associations and some online forums, you will find links to WhatsApp groups for Erasmus that are going to Liège. It would be convenient for you to join them to get in touch with other young people before you arrived in the city, being able to meet students from different parts of the world who are going to other universities.
Tips for living in a shared apartment in Liège
Keep these recommendations in mind:
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Surely, during your exchange, you can enjoy at least one of the many festivals that are celebrated in Liège during the year. Some of them are the Walloon Heritage Days and the Festivals in September, the International Festival du Film Policier in April-May, the Summer Beer Lovers' Festival in June, and La Nocturne des Coteaux and Voo Rire in October.
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Winter in Liège is cold. If you are there during winter, talk to your roommates about the use of heating and reach an agreement on it, thus avoiding misunderstandings.