Exchange Report

When preparing for your exchange, start by researching your host university, its courses, and local culture to feel more confident before arrival. Make sure all important documents (passport, visa, insurance, and acceptance letters) are ready well in advance. Plan your accommodation early and set a realistic budget for living expenses. It’s also helpful to learn a few basic phrases in the local language. When choosing how to travel to your partner university, consider factors such as cost, travel time, and luggage limits—flights are usually the fastest option, while trains or buses can be more affordable and environmentally friendly. Arriving a few days early can give you time to adjust and explore your new surroundings before your studies begin.

For accommodation, I stayed in student housing in a CEMS House, where I had my own private room in a shared apartment with four people. The application process was individual, so it’s important to apply early and keep track of deadlines. The residence is located in Louvain-la-Neuve, about a 10-minute walk from the university, which was very convenient. The area felt safe and student-friendly, so there were no concerns regarding security. One thing I wish I had known beforehand is that the move-in date was the same day the seminars started, which made things quite stressful. Because of that, I had to arrange additional short-term accommodation before my official move-in. My main tip would be to check arrival dates carefully and, if needed, plan temporary housing in advance to avoid last-minute complications.

Academic life at the host university in Louvain-la-Neuve felt quite different from Vienna. The city itself is small and very student-oriented, which creates a focused academic atmosphere. Most classrooms are relatively close to each other, although they are spread across different buildings. One downside is that, unlike WU Vienna, there isn’t a clear digital navigation system or campus map that shows exactly where your classroom is (including building and floor), so finding rooms can sometimes be confusing at the beginning. The course selection was somewhat limited, so it’s important to choose strategically. One of the most valuable courses I took was Data Science—it required a significant amount of work, including developing a project and presenting it at Accenture. While demanding, it was extremely rewarding, as I gained practical skills and solid knowledge that felt directly applicable beyond the classroom.

Everyday life in Belgium, especially in Louvain-la-Neuve, is student-friendly. Public transport is well-developed, with frequent trains and buses connecting the city to larger hubs like Brussels, making it easy to travel around the country. However, since the city itself is quite small, most places are within walking distance, so you don’t need transport on a daily basis. The safety situation is good—Louvain-la-Neuve feels calm and secure, even in the evenings, which makes it easy to enjoy student life without concerns. But, I would not say the same about Brussels, so it is important to be aware of that. Socially, there are plenty of opportunities to meet people, as the city is full of students and regularly hosts events, parties, and gatherings. There are also various leisure activities available, including cinemas, bars, and student-organized events. For sports, the university offers different facilities and activities, so it’s easy to stay active and try something new during your exchange.

My exchange was a truly memorable experience, mainly because of the strong connections I built with people. Even though our circle was quite small, we became very close and I’m still in touch with many of them today. What made it special was the sense of community and support we created together, which made the whole experience feel much more personal and meaningful.