If you’re planning your Erasmus in Belgium, Leuven should definitely be at the top of your list. Leuven is one of the most student-friendly cities in Europe. You will find KU Leuven, the top university in Belgium and a top 50 university in the world.
In this Erasmus Guide, discover all the information you need to know before you arrive. This includes cost of living, accommodation tips, transportation, must-visit places, useful Dutch phrases, and more.
Cost of Living in Leuven
While studying in Leuven, your monthly expenses may range from €850 to €1200. This depends on your lifestyle and housing choice.
Monthly Expenses
Accommodation
- Dormitories: 350–710
- Shared flats: €400–700
Groceries: €150–350 per month
Transportation
- Single ticket: €2.50
- Student bus pass: €25 (yearly)
Student Accommodation in Leuven
If you are studying at KU Leuven, the university has its own verified housing platform.
You can also check the How to find accommodation section on the ESN Leuven website for more accommodation resources.
The Best Area to Stay in Leuven as a Student
Because Leuven is a small town, you can live almost anywhere. Leuven does not have “bad neighbourhoods”, the whole city is safe, compact, and studentfriendly. Don’t worry about commuting either; everything is close, and biking is the most popular option.
However, look closer to the city centre to find lively streets, cafés, and a more social atmosphere.
Public Transportation in Leuven
In Leuven, most things are walkable, some might require a bike, you might not even need to use the public bus system.
The student bus pass lets students use regular bus lines in Leuven for just 25 euros a year. If your travel destination is outside the Leuven area, you need to buy a regular ticket to board the bus. In that case, the cheapest option is using a pre-paid ticket for 10 trips. Read more on this website.
The train station is conveniently located at the edge of the city centre. Most university buildings in the city centre are within walking distance of the railway station, about 2 km away. Almost all buses stop at the railway station and go through the city centre.
Since Leuven is quite small for a city, we recommend using a bike to get around. At Velo you can rent a bike for a low yearly fee.
Getting to Leuven
From Brussels National Airport (Zaventem)
By train
Take the Leuven bound train at the airport itself. This will cost around € 8.80. These trains usually have Luik (Liège, in French) as its final destination but they stop in Leuven. The Brussels-Leuven trip takes about 20 minutes by express train.
ATTENTION! Do not take the train to Louvain-la-Neuve. This train will not take you to Leuven. Instead, it goes to the French-language university, Université Catholique de Louvain, in Ottignies.
By taxi
You can also take a taxi from the airport. This will cost around € 70.
From Brussels South Charleroi Airport
By shuttle coach
Take the shuttle coach that leaves the airport every hour to take you to the main Brussels railway station (Brussels-Midi). The shuttle coach stop is at the crossing of Rue de France and Rue de l’Instruction.
The shuttle costs € 11 and you can buy tickets inside the airport terminal. The trip lasts around one hour.
At Brussels-Midi railway station, you can take the train to Leuven.
Useful Dutch Phrases for your Erasmus in Leuven
Hello – Hallo (hah-loh)
How are you? – Hoe gaat het? (hoo khaht ut)
I’m fine, thanks – Het gaat prima, dank je. (het khaat pree-ma, dank yuh)
Good morning – Goedemorgen (khoo-duh-mawr-ghuh)
Good evening – Goedenavond (khoo-duh-nah-fohnt)
Goodbye – Dag (dakh)
I don’t understand – Ik begrijp het niet (ik buh-khraip ut neet)
Do you speak English? – Spreek je Engels? (sprayk yuh ehng-uhls)
How much is it? – Wat kost het? (vat kohst ut)
Sorry/Excuse me – Sorry (saw-ree)
Thank you – Dank je wel (dahnk-yuh-vehl)
Yes – Ja (yah)
No – Nee (nay)
Please – Alsjeblieft (ahl-shuh-bleeft)
What’s the Weather Like in Leuven?
During your Erasmus in Leuven, keep this in mind: in Leuven, the summers are comfortable and partly cloudy, and the winters are cold, windy, and mostly cloudy. Throughout the year, the temperature usually ranges from 1°C to 23°C. It rarely goes below -6°C or above 29°C. June and July are the best months with temperatures around 22°C. January and February are the coldest months with temperatures around 1°C.
What to See in Leuven: Must-Visit Spots
Oude Markt
Grote Markt
St. Peter’s Church
Leuven Town Hall
University Library and Bell Tower
Botanical Garden
Park Abbey
Must-Try Food in Leuven
Flemish stew
Vol-au-vent
Shrimp croquettes
Mussels
Asparagus Flemish style
4 Things to Know Before Going to Leuven
Thanks to Leuven’s strategic location, you’re perfectly positioned for weekend trips: Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Antwerp, Maastricht, and Essen are only a short train ride away.
You may want to check “Leuven Junk Shop” Facebook Group for secondhand items, especially bikes.
Join ESN Leuven for events, trips, and making friends who feel like family.
With OnCampus Abroad, you’re set to explore Leuven worry-free! OnCampus Abroad provides affordable, easy-to-access student travel insurance that meets all Erasmus+ requirements.
Important Phone Numbers
Emergency: 100 or 112
Fire service: 100 or 112
Police: 101 or 112
Red Cross: 105
Thanks to this Erasmus in Leuven guide, you’re ready for an unforgettable journey in this popular Erasmus destination. Don’t worry about fitting in; with Leuven attracting thousands of international students each year, you’ll instantly feel part of their welcoming community. Enjoy every moment and safe travels!
