Details

• Belgium
• MAEXINT-24
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

Start early with the process and try to gather as much information as possible. Make sure you are aware of all the application deadlines and the requirements of the host university. It is also very helpful to read all the exchange reports. Don't rush your decision and weigh all your options properly. You should start looking for accommodation early, even if it seems like there are many options available. The host university will usually send you an info package by email with all the important information about deadlines, course registration, and other formalities. In our case, the email arrived a bit later than expected, but still early enough to plan everything, so don’t worry about that.

2. Accommodation

I found my accommodation on HousingAnywhere and lived in a shared flat in Ixelles near the Bois de la Cambre. It took me about 5 minutes by public transport and around 20 minutes on foot to get to the university. Since the area is a bit further outside the city centre, it is very green, safe, and quiet. However, it takes about 40 minutes by public transport to get to the city centre. Make sure to choose a safe area, such as Ixelles or Uccle. Some areas are considered less safe, especially at night, for example around Gare du Midi, Molenbeek, Anderlecht, or Schaerbeek.

3. Academic life at host university

The university is very large, with different buildings that are all located on the same campus. The buildings are quite old and there are hardly any plugs to charge your laptop, which can sometimes be inconvenient. Attendance was required in many of my courses. Regarding teaching, I learned a lot but the grading system is quite challenging. Grades range from 1 to 20, but according to the professors and local students, getting a 19 or 20 is almost impossible. Even a 16 is already considered a very good grade. The university also offers free language courses, which I would definitely recommend.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport, operated by STIB/MIVB, was reliable and easy to use. The network of metro, trams, and buses allowed me to move around the city efficiently, and even late in the evening I rarely had issues getting home. Occasionally, I used Uber, which has similar prices to Vienna. I generally felt safe, especially during the day, although, as in every bigger city, it is important to stay aware at night, particularly in certain neighborhoods. There were many social and leisure activities. It was easy to meet people from different countries. Brussels is also a great base for traveling within Belgium, as connections are very good and travel times are relatively short. The city offers a variety of events, nightlife, and cultural activities. Sports options were also available through gyms, organized events, and the university program. Overall, I perceived daily life in Brussels as convenient, diverse, and socially engaging. The combination of good infrastructure, international atmosphere, and a wide range of activities made it a very enjoyable place to live.

6. Testimonial

My exchange semester in Brussels was an unforgettable experience. What made it truly special were the amazing friendships I built with people from all over the world and the international atmosphere of the city. Brussels has a very student-friendly vibe, and I loved that you can easily explore many other beautiful places in Belgium. With all the trips, shared moments, and new experiences, it was honestly one of the best times of my life.