Details

• Belgium
• MACEMS-25
• Graduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

I would recommend starting to look for accommodation as early as possible, as good options can fill up quickly. Regarding travel, you can choose whichever option works best for you. There is a good train connection between Vienna and Belgium, which also allows you to use the green travel option. However, make sure to check for planned strikes in advance. In my case, strikes turned what should have been an eight-hour journey into a 26-hour trip, so a non-green travel option might sometimes be less risky. Finally, join the exchange group chats as soon as the host university shares them. They are a great way to connect with other students early on and get useful recommendations on courses, professors, and other practical aspects of the exchange.

2. Accommodation

The university offers accommodation specifically for CEMS students, usually in shared flats directly on campus. This is definitely the most convenient option, as Louvain-la-Neuve is essentially a university town and everything is within close proximity. However, the university accommodation is not particularly new and can be quite noisy, as sound insulation is limited. If you prefer something newer or more private, I would recommend starting your search well in advance and also considering locations outside Louvain-la-Neuve. I lived in Gembloux with a host, which was a very nice experience, although my commute was around 30 minutes each way. Some students also commute from Brussels, although this is further away and depends on your class schedule. Housing can be quite expensive, and many landlords require a minimum rental period of six months, which may not match the length of your exchange semester. Also, be aware that private shared flats in Belgium can sometimes have up to 15 people. Overall, the area felt very safe throughout my exchange.

3. Academic life at host university

Louvain-la-Neuve is essentially a university campus and a small city at the same time, so you can find almost everything you need within walking distance, including supermarkets, a shopping center, parks, museums, cafés, restaurants, and many places to eat and spend time between classes. Brussels is also relatively easy to reach. The academic culture and teaching style are quite similar to WU. One difference is that students generally do not share much information about previous exams, and professors often change their exams from year to year, so there is less possibility to prepare based on past experiences. Overall, however, I found the academic environment very positive: professors are engaged, many bring practical experience into their teaching, and the academic directors are extremely helpful. For CEMS students, much of the course structure is predefined, but for the available electives, I would simply recommend choosing based on your personal interests, as my overall experience with the courses was very positive.

5. Every day life in the host country

Everyday life in Louvain-la-Neuve is very convenient, especially if you live on campus, as the city is extremely walkable and you generally do not need public transport. Public transport connections to other cities are good, although they are not always reliable due to relatively frequent strikes. The campus itself felt very safe and offers plenty of opportunities for sports and leisure, including sports centers, gyms, and a wide variety of sports activities. The CEMS Club also organizes many social activities and events throughout the semester, making it very easy to meet other students and get involved in campus life.

6. Testimonial

What made the exchange particularly special for me were the people I met and the overall campus experience. I had the opportunity to meet many great people from different backgrounds and learn more about Belgian culture and everyday life. Academically, I especially appreciated the lecturers, many of whom brought extensive practical experience into the classroom, as well as the strong focus on presentations and applied learning. One of the biggest highlights for me was our business project with the European Space Agency, which was a unique opportunity to work on a real-world project. Overall, the combination of the people, practical academic experience, and the convenience and atmosphere of campus life made the exchange a very memorable experience.