Exchange Student Brochure 2015-2016 UC Leuven Campus

International Office UC LEUVEN-LIMBURG 30-6-2015

Table of contents

A: Introduction

1. UC Leuven-Limburg ...... 3 1.1 General overview ...... 3 1.2 Our faculties ...... 3 1.2.1 Faculty of Management & Technology ...... 3 1.2.2 Faculty of teacher education ...... 4 1.2.3 Faculty of Health & Social Work ...... 5 1.3.1 Business/Office Management (Management campus) ...... 6 1.3.2 Applied Information Technology ...... 7 1.3.3 Chemistry ...... 7 1.3.4 Nursing/ Midwifery...... 8 1.3.5 Office Management ...... 8 1.3.6 Social Work ...... 8 1.3.7 Teacher Education...... 9 1.4 The 2015-16 academic & holidays calendar (see academic calendar on UCLL intranet) ...... 9 2. About Belgium & Leuven ...... 9 2.1 Belgium ...... 9 3. Enrolment at UC Leuven-Limburg (Leuven campus) ...... 13 3.1 Application procedure for exchange students ...... 13 3.2 Registration Introduction Week ...... 13 3.3 Registration buddy programme ...... 14 3.4 Spring common International programme (Spring semester) ...... 14 4. Health care and other insurance ...... 14 4.1 For EEA students...... 15 4.2 For Non-EEA students ...... 15 5. How to get To Leuven? ...... 16 5.1 By car ...... 16 5.2 By train ...... 16 5.3 By plane ...... 16 5.3.1 From Brussels National Airport ...... 16 6.3.1 From Brussels South Charleroi Airport ...... 16 6. Introduction Week ...... 16 7. How to get to the youth hostel? ...... 17 8. Accommodation ...... 17 1

© 2015 UC Leuven-Limburg • Geldenaaksebaan 335• 3001 Heverlee • Tel: +32 (0) 16 375 700 • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/Leuven University CollegeInternational 8.1 Housing service ...... 18 8.2 Practical information ...... 18 8.2.1 Types of housing ...... 18 8.2.2 The rental agreement ...... 19 8.2.3 Deposit ...... 19 8.2.4 Additional expenses ...... 19 8.2.5 City tax ...... 20 9. Registering at the city of Leuven ...... 20 10. Mobility ...... 22 10.1 Bicycles ...... 22 10.2 Bus ...... 22 10.3 train ...... 22 11. Student restaurants ...... 23 12. Sports ...... 23 13. International Student Organisations ...... 24 13.1 Erasmus Student Network (ESN) ...... 24 13.2 Pangaea ...... 24 14. Student Services ...... 25 15. Student Council ...... 25 16. Health care system ...... 25 16.1 Pharmacies ...... 25 16.2 Visiting the doctor ...... 26 17. Useful phone numbers ...... 27

1. UC Leuven-Limburg 1.2 Our faculties 1.1 General overview UC Leuven campus comprises (the following) three

faculties: UC Leuven-Limburg or University Colleges Leuven- Limburg, is a university college with 10 campuses in  Faculty of Health & Social Work ((G&W) the greater Leuven area and in Limburg. You can take  Faculty of Management & Technology (M&T) bachelor degree courses in the fields of education,  Faculty of Teacher Education (LER) commercial sciences and business administration, health care, industrial sciences, and social and community work. 1.2.1 Faculty of Management & Technology

UCLL also offers advanced bachelor's programmes,  Bachelor degree in Business Management postgraduate certificates and other continuing  Bachelor degree in Business Management - studies. As an institute of knowledge, the university Marketing (English) college also takes part in research and provides  Bachelor degree in Office Management  Bachelor degree in Information Technology ID UC Leuven-Limburg (UCLL)  Advanced bachelor's programmes in Business  Founded in 2015 Management  Partnership of KHLeuven, KHLimburg, and Groep T  Postgraduate certificate Business Teacher Education Management programmes  3 Faculties: Health & Social Work, Management & Technology, and Teacher Education Have a look at the atmosphere of the Management  Bachelor degree courses in the fields of education, campus in Leuven in this short clip: commercial sciences and business administration, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygWZq7__5Oc. health care, industrial sciences, and social and community -work  Advanced bachelor’s programmes, postgraduate certificates and other continuing studies.  Number of students: 15.000  Headquarters Leuven: Geldenaaksebaan 335 3001 Heverlee (Proximus Campus)  Several campuses around the city  Mission: to prepare its students for the job market of the 21st century by providing state-of-the-art higher education.  Member of KU Leuven Association (close cooperation between Leuven University and 12 Management campus Flemish university colleges) Hertogstraat 178 B-3001 Heverlee Tel: +32(0) 16 37 53 00 Fax: +32(0) 16 37 53 99 [email protected] community outreach services. Getting there

© 2015 UC Leuven-Limburg • Geldenaaksebaan 335• 3001 Heverlee • Tel: +32 (0) 16 375 700 • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/Leuven University CollegeInternational  By bus You can easily take the bus to the Management campus. The bus stop Heverlee Kazerne is only 200 metres away from the campus entrance. You can find the bus timetable for buses 4, 5 and 6 on www.delijn.be.

Teacher Education campus

Heverlee campus Every 15 minutes there is also a bus from the centre of Hertogstraat 178 Leuven. Bus 2 (Naamsesteenweg) takes you to the 3001 Heverlee Tel: +32 (0) 16 37 56 00 campus via Naamsesteenweg. Fax: +32 (0) 16 37 56 99  By train [email protected]

Heverlee station is a 10-minute walk from the campus. Getting there You can get to Heverlee station on the Leuven- Ottignies line. Consult the NMBS timetable here: You can easily take the bus to the teacher education www.b-rail.be. campus. Every 15 minutes there are buses from the

Technology campus (NEW as of 2015-2016) centre of Leuven. Buses 1, 2 and 18 take you to the (also called Proximus campus) campus via Naamsesteenweg. Geldenaaksebaan 335 3001 Heverlee Tel: +32(0)16 37 57 00

Getting there

You can easily take the bus to the Proximus campus. The bus stop is called Haasrode Industrie Interleuvenlaan serviced by lines 4, 5, 6 and 630 (Some off-peak buses do not go as far as this bus stop, so make sure to ask the driver before you board the bus !)

1.2.2 Faculty of teacher education Alternative bus: lines 4, 5 and 6. The bus stop is 200 metres from the Management Campus and is called  Bachelor degree in Pre-primary Education Heverlee Kazerne. You can find the bus timetable on (also in Diest) www.delijn.be.  Bachelor degree in Primary Education (also in Diest)  Bachelor degree in Secondary Education  Advanced bachelor's programmes in Teacher Education  Postgraduate certificate programmes in Teacher Education

© 2015 UC Leuven-Limburg• Geldenaaksebaan 335• 3001 Heverlee • Tel: +32 (0) 16 375 700 • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/KHLeuvenInternational  By train. The campus is only a 10-minute walk from Heverlee train station. You can get to Heverlee station The Health campus is located next to the Hospital on the Leuven-Ottignies line. Consult the Belgain Gasthuisberg and the train annex bus station in Railways (NMBS) timetable here: www.b-rail.be. Leuven is approximately 4 km from the Gasthuisberg site. You can take one of the following lines to get 1.2.3 Faculty of Health & Social Work there: 3, 16, 316, 317, 333, 334, 335, 380, 370-374.

During the day, there is a bus every ten minutes. Note  Bachelor degree in Biomedical Laboratory that bus 3 is the only bus that continues to the Technology campus. All the other buses stop at the main entrance  Bachelor degree in Chemistry of the hospital, not at the entrance of the Health  Bachelor degree in Nursing campus, but the campus is within walking distance of  Bachelor degree in Nutrition and Dietetics this bus stop. From the hospital entrance bus stop,  Bachelor degree in Midwifery take the walking path with the glass roof to the right  Bachelor degree in Social Work until you arrive at the car park. In the car park, go to  Bachelor degree in Child & Youth Care level +2. Walk across the roof parking. At your right,  Advanced bachelor's programmes in Health almost in front of you, you will see a red building. and Social Work Enter this building via the rear entrance and walk up  Advanced Bachelor’s programme in the stairs to arrive at the reception. For more International Cooperation for North-South information, please visit www.delijn.be. Relations (ICoNS)  Postgraduate certificate programmes in Health and Social Work

Sample the atmosphere in this short movie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Rzv7oAkqVE&fea ture=related (in Dutch)

Health campus Herestraat 49 3000 Leuven

Tel: +32 (0) 16 375 200 Fax: +32 (0) 16 375 299 Social Work campus [email protected] Groeneweg 151 3001 Heverlee Getting there by bus: Tel: +32 (0) 16 37 51 00 Fax: +32 (0) 16 37 51 99 5

Getting there by bus: The autumn semester is open to business students with a specialisation in Marketing. Students take The train and bus station in Leuven is about 4 km away courses in the 2nd year of the BME-programme from the Social Work campus. Take a bus to the (International Bachelor in Business Management - campus (line 315, 316 or 317; platform 8). The actual Marketing) with a focus on marketing topics. Students campus is another ten-minute walk: follow are advised to take 30 ECTS credits. Tervuursesteenweg, turn left onto Groeneweg. Bus and train routes may besubject to change. Consult the Students take classes for13 weeks. The courses are timetables here: www.delijn.be. mainly organised by the faculty of Management & Technology. Other courses are organised by UC Leuven-Limburg for all students. 1.3 Exchange programmes Specific information on the courses and subjects If you are an exchange student, UC Leuven-Limburg offered can be found on our website may be exactly what you are looking for. We currently http://www.leuvenuniversitycollege.be/Exchange- offer English exchange programmes in Business student/Exchange-programmes Management, Applied Information Technology,

Chemistry, Biomedical Laboratory Technology, Nursing, Midwifery, Nutrition and Dietetics, Social Spring semester Work and Teacher Education. Every semester starts with an Introduction Week for exchange students (see The spring semester is open to all Business and Office below). Management students. The semester starts with 2 weeks of Integrated Project Work. This project runs in 1.3.1 Business/Office Management cooperation with second-year Marketing students and (Management campus) the business world and its main topic is International Marketing. This project will be followed by courses The Business Management programme is open for lasting 11 weeks. These courses are mainly organised exchange students in the autumn semester 2015 and by the faculty of Management & Technology. Other the spring semester 2016. This programme offers courses are organised by UC Leuven-Limburg for all courses of general interest which can easily be Erasmus students (Common International combined with more specialised ones, thus enabling Programme). The 11 weeks are divided into 10 weeks you to develop a certain area of expertise. All courses of lectures and seminars and 1 International Marketing are taught in English. Please note that a beginner's Week. level of English is not sufficient to successfully take All students attending courses at the management courses and exams. campus have a wide range of subjects. Most courses are interactive lectures, supplemented by supervised and independent study. This means that the subject matter of these courses will not only be acquired by lectures but also by independent study supervised by the lecturer.

During the International Marketing Week, students work together with Belgian and other international students to create a unique company logo. The Integrated Project Work and the International Marketing Week are compulsory subjects. A

© 2015 UC Leuven-Limburg• Geldenaaksebaan 335• 3001 Heverlee • Tel: +32 (0) 16 375 700 • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/KHLeuvenInternational contribution of 80 euro is required for the International Specific information on the courses and subjects Marketing Week, which has to be paid at the offered can be found on our website beginning of the semester. https://www.leuvenuniversitycollege.be/Exchange- student/Exchange-programmes Specific information on the courses and subjects offered can be found on our Contact person Applied Information Technology https://www.leuvenuniversitycollege.be/Exchange- programme: student/Exchange-programmes Mrs. Griet t’Servranckx Contact persons Business Management programme [email protected]  Mr. Mario De Wolf [email protected]  Mrs. Hilde Evers 1.3.3 Chemistry [email protected] The programme presented here is open to exchange 1.3.2 Applied Information Technology students in spring semester 2016.

The Applied Information Technology programme is open to exchange students in autumn semester 2015 and spring semester 2016. You can compile your study programme based on the available course units. They consist of courses of general interest which can be combined with specific courses in the field of Applied Information Technology. All courses are taught in English. Please note that a beginner's level of English is not sufficient to follow courses and take exams.

UC Leuven-Limburg offers a number of courses which are of general interest to all exchange students. Each UC Leuven-Limburgoffers a number of courses which of those open courses can be included in your study are of general interest to all exchange students. Each programme. They are a great opportunity to meet of those open courses can be included in your study students from many countries and diverse interests. A programme. They are a great opportunity to meet number of specialised courses in the field of Applied students from many countries and diverse interests. A Information Technology are available to complement number of specialised courses in the field of Chemistry your own study programme. are available to complement your own study programme. All courses are taught in English. Please note that a beginner's level of English is not sufficient to follow courses and take exams.

Specific information on the courses and subjects offered can be found on our website http://www.leuvenuniversitycollege.be/Exchange- student/Exchange-programmes

Contact persons Chemistry programme :

© 2015 UC Leuven-Limburg• Geldenaaksebaan 335• 3001 Heverlee • Tel: +32 (0) 16 375 700 • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/KHLeuvenInternational  Mr. Laurent Jacoby [email protected] [email protected]

1.3.4 Nursing/ Midwifery 1.3.5 Office Management

The programmes presented here are open to The Office Management programme is open to exchange students in autumn semester 2015 and exchange students in spring semester 2016. Spring semester 2016. UC Leuven-Limburg offers a number of courses which UC Leuven-Limburg offers a number of courses which are of general interest to all exchange students. Each are of general interest to all exchange students. Each of those open courses can be included in your study of those open courses can be included in your study programme. They are a great opportunity to meet programme. They are a great opportunity to meet students from many countries and diverse interests. A students from many countries and diverse interests. number of specialised courses in the field Specialised training in the fields of Nursing and of Business/Office Management are available to Midwifery is available to complement your own study complement your own study programme. programme in both semesters. All courses are taught in English. Please note that a All courses are taught in English. Please note that a beginner's level of English is not sufficient to follow beginner's level of English is not sufficient to follow courses and take exams. courses and take exams. Specific information on the courses and subjects If you are a Dutch-speaking exchange student, your offered can be found on our website programme may be supplemented with a selection http://www.leuvenuniversitycollege.be/Exchange- of courses from the regular programmes in Nursing student/Exchange-programmes and Midwifery. Contact persons Business/Office Management programme :

 Mr. Mario De Wolf [email protected]  Mrs. Hilde Evers [email protected]

1.3.6 Social Work

Exchange students are welcome in autumn semester 2015 and Spring semester 2016.

Specific information on the courses and subjects offered can be found on our website http://www.leuvenuniversitycollege.be/Exchange- student/Exchange-programmes

Contact person Nursing programme : Mrs. Ann Deschamps [email protected]

Contact person Midwifery programme :

Mrs. Veerle Michiels

© 2015 UC Leuven-Limburg• Geldenaaksebaan 335• 3001 Heverlee • Tel: +32 (0) 16 375 700 • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/KHLeuvenInternational During both semesters work placements may be http://www.leuvenuniversitycollege.be/Exchange- arranged in English, French or Dutch depending on the student/Exchange-programmes hosting organisation. During the spring semester you can enroll in the exchange programme for Contact person Teaching Education programme: Mrs Hilde Stroobants International Social (Care) Work Students: "Challenges [email protected] of Social Work in the 21th Century.

Specific information on the courses and subjects offered can be found on our website 1.4 The 2015-16 academic & holidays http://www.leuvenuniversitycollege.be/Exchange- calendar (see academic calendar on UCLL student/Exchange-programmes intranet) Contact person Social Work : Mr. Raf Sondervorst [email protected] 2. About Belgium & Leuven

1.3.7 Teacher Education 2.1 Belgium

The programme is open to exchange students in the Belgium, officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a spring semester 2016. federal state in Western Europe. Straddling the You can compile your study programme based on the cultural boundary between Germanic and Latin course units offered. They consist of courses of Europe, Belgium is home to two main linguistic general interest which can be combined with specific groups, the Dutch speakers, mostly Flemish (about courses in the field of Teacher Education. 60%), and the French speakers, mostly Walloons (about 40%), plus a small group of German speakers.

Belgium's two largest regions are the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders in the north and the French-

speaking southern region of Wallonia. The Brussels- Each of those open courses can be included in your Capital Region, officially bilingual, is a mostly French- study programme. They are a great opportunity to speaking enclave within the Flemish Region. A meet students from many countries and diverse German-speaking Community exists in eastern interests. Wallonia. Belgium's linguistic diversity and related political conflicts are reflected in the political history All courses are taught in English. Please note that a beginner's level of English is not sufficient to follow and a complex system of government. courses and take exams. “Your Majesty, there are no Belgians” – a Belgian politician once famously exclaimed to the king. This Specific information on the courses and subjects offered can be found on our website statement exemplifies the attitude of many Belgians towards their own country. Although the politician in question meant to refer to the fact that Belgium is 9

© 2015 UC Leuven-Limburg• Geldenaaksebaan 335• 3001 Heverlee • Tel: +32 (0) 16 375 700 • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/KHLeuvenInternational divided into different linguistic groups, it also reflects ID Belgium the high degree of self-criticism characteristic of almost all Belgians. There is no such thing as a Date of birth: 1830 patriotic Belgian. Attractively modest though this National Holiday: 21 July attitude might seem, it does lead to a distorted image Kingdom: King Filip & Queen Mathilde of Belgium abroad. After all, who will take a country seriously when even its own citizens deride it? As an 11.008.000 inhabitants (2011) international student or scholar in Belgium, you will with 360 people/ km2 find that most Belgians will agree wholeheartedly with 6.3 million live in Flanders (N), any criticism you have to offer of their country, 1.2 million in Brussels, customs or politics. 3.5 million in Wallonia (S) To redress the balance, we would like to reiterate that the standard of living in Belgium is among the highest 74 000 people speak German in the world, its citizens benefit from an excellent 10 provinces, with Leuven as the (almost free) educational system, universal healthcare capital of the province of and social security coverage. They usually own their Flemish-Brabant own homes, and have never started or engaged in an armed conflict, either internally or internationally, 6 governments: 1 federal, 5 regional except for a futile attempt at self-defense against the Prime minister is Charles Michel Germans in World Wars I and II. (since Oct. 2014)

3 official languages: Dutch, French and German

Political structure: Federal Government

3 Communities (Flemish, French, German) 3 Regions (Flemish, Brussels, Walloon) = 5 regional governments In Leuven, people speak Dutch

Brussels = capital, Flemish capital and capital of the European Union. Tourist information: www.visitbrussels.be

Ports: Antwerp and Zeebrugge

Religion: mainly Catholic (75 %), but mass attendance is very low, Muslim (4%), Protestant (1%)

High living standard and excellent social security system

Historical and beautiful towns: © 2015 UC Leuven-Limburg• GeldenaaksebaanAntwerp, 335• 3001 Heverlee • Tel: +32 (0) 16 375 700 • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/KHLeuvenInternationalBruges, Gent, Tongeren, Tournai, Liège

experience, is without a doubt a very safe university town. The main petty crime to watch out for is bicycle theft.

Source: Brochure “Living in Leuven” 2014-2015.

2.2 Leuven

Leuven, the capital of the province of Flemish Brabant, The market square in Brussels is a charming, fascinating and safe student town. And what’s more, it is a nice place to study. Thousands of The Belgian maritime climate is characterized by students have experienced it from as early as 1425, abundant precipitation throughout the year. The when the Leuven University was founded, until this temperature is fairly variable and moderate (average very day. Leuven is relatively small, yet you will find temperature in January: 3,3°C, in July: 18,4°C). Overall almost anything: inviting cafés, pleasant sandwich average temperature 11,2°C. Extreme temperatures shops, cosy restaurants, charming shopping streets can occur in summer and winter time. and a large selection of cultural, sports and The one thing that most non-Belgians would agree on recreational events. when first confronted with the Belgians on their home turf is that Belgians are a reserved and introverted The centre of Leuven has compactness and coziness in people. This impression usually lasts until their first equal measure. No doubt, you are already familiar visit to a Belgian’s home, where they will be very with the gothic town hall, and chances are that you cordially welcomed and fed large amounts of excellent will eventually end up on the Leuven Oude Markt, food and drinks. A Belgian feels most relaxed and aptly named the longest bar in the world. comfortable in the midst of his close circle of family Transportation in and around Leuven is easy as pie: and friends. Family ties are very important – witness the station is at walking distance from the centre and the weekly exodus of Belgian students from Leuven, ‘De Lijn’ buses cover every corner of the town. who routinely spend every weekend at home with Students can buy a bus pass at time of registration (20 their parents and childhood friends. Friendships are euro reduced student rate) for an entire academic enduring; once you have made a Belgian friend, you year. will find that it is very hard to get rid of him.

Another attractive feature of the Belgian character is the trend towards egalitarianism. There are no obscenely wide gaps in income, the rich are never super rich, the poor are provided for, and the number of homeless people might well be the smallest in the entire industrial world. It is fashionable among Belgians and non-Belgians alike to complain about the level of bureaucracy in the country and the inordinate In all, Leuven is just the right size to bike or walk number of holidays that Belgians enjoy. In fact, around town. As a matter of fact, you will see bikers economic productivity is among the highest in the everywhere in the streets of Leuven. Being a student, world, and the anarchic streak in the Belgian character you can rent a bike at a reasonable price. Studying in ensures that bureaucrats never gain the upper hand. Leuven means so much more than just being in a Belgium is also a very safe country, with a remarkably classroom. It is truly an experience that you will low crime rate. Brussels, according to some surveys, is remember for the rest of your life. the safest capital in the world in terms of murder rate. Leuven, we can assure you from a lifetime of personal 11

© 2015 UC Leuven-Limburg• Geldenaaksebaan 335• 3001 Heverlee • Tel: +32 (0) 16 375 700 • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/KHLeuvenInternational Discover much more about Leuven at www.leuven.be or www.visitleuven.be.

ID Leuven • First mentioned in 884 as Luvanium • Capital of the province Flemish Brabant • More than 98 000inhabitants, named‘Pietermannen’ after the oldest parish St-Peter’s • 5 communities: Leuven, Heverlee, Kessel-Lo, Wilsele and Wijgmaal • 50.000 students (KU Leuven + Institutions of Higher Education) • Its population has a high average level of education • University is part of the town • Employment is primarily in the tertiary and quaternary sectors • Other large employer: University Hospital and AB-Inbev (beer brewery). • Mayor Louis Tobback • Alderman of student affairs since 2001 • Twin towns: ‘s Hertogenbosch (NL), Rennes (F), Lüdenscheid (D), Krakow (Poland) • Read more on www.leuven.be/en • Famous people who were born or live(d) in Leuven: − Erasmus (15th & 16th century) , Justus Lipsius (16th century), Andreas Vesalius (16th C), Mercator, Quinten Metsys, − Recent: Milow (singer-songwriter), Selah Sue (singer-songwriter) • Main events: Easter festival (days before Eastern, Leuven in Scene, Beleuvenissen (July), Hapje Tapje (August), Marktrock (August), Leuven Fair (September). • Tourist information: www.leuven.be/en/

Source: Brochure “Living in Leuven 2014-2015”.

B. Before your arrival

3. Enrolment at UC Leuven- Please note that a beginner’s level of English is not Limburg (Leuven campus) sufficient. We require a European B1 level or equivalent in order to complete the coursework at 3.1 Application procedure for exchange UC Leuven-Limburg. Please contact the international coordinator at your home institution if you need any students additional information about this. Furthermore, our coordinators may contact you personally to assess Applying for an exchange programme must be done your level of English. by means of a web form on http://www.leuvenuniversitycollege.be/Exchange- student/Admission-Exchange-Student. Here you can find the online application form. The entire application comprises 2 steps:

1. Fill in the online form and click on the “send” button 2. Download the application documents, read the instructions, fill them out, have them signed, attach the requested documents, and mail them to:

UC Leuven-Limburg International Mobility Officer 3.2 Registration Introduction Week Geldenaaksebaan 335 B – 3001 Heverlee In the application form on BELGIUM http://www.leuvenuniversitycollege.be/Exchange- student/Admission-Exchange-Student you also have Or send it by email to [email protected]. to fill in whether you want to take part in the Introduction Week or not. Information considering Your application should arrive: the Introduction Week can be found in chapter 5 (part  before 15 June 2015 (for the Autumn C) of this brochure. semester 2015-2016) When you have signed up for the Introduction Week  before 15 November 2015 (for the Spring and you have received confirmation that you are semester 2015-2016) accepted, we kindly ask you to pay the Introduction Week fee (see chapter 5). Important Your application is complete only after the online We are aware that taking part in the Introduction form has been sent and the application documents Week is your personal decision. Nevertheless, we have been received. strongly advise to consider it since it includes a room in a local youth hostel, assistance with finding a We would like to emphasize that all courses in the student room, student room internet fee, free meals, exchange programmes will be taught in English. and all activities scheduled during the week.

© 2015 UC Leuven-Limburg• Geldenaaksebaan 335• 3001 Heverlee • Tel: +32 (0) 16 375 700 • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/KHLeuvenInternational A definitive schedule will be presented during the Introduction Week.

The programme also includes an excursion to the European Parliament in Brussels. You will be invited to register for this excursion during the semester.

3.3 Registration buddy programme

You look forward to life in Leuven but you do not know what to expect? You like our study programmes but wonder what the work load will be like? You want to know where to party ? When these thoughts cross your mind, you are in need of an international buddy. Students from will act as your personal buddy. 4. Health care and other insurance Register by filling out the web form on http://www.leuvenuniversitycollege.be/Exchange- All residents of Belgium, Belgian nationals or student/Buddy otherwise, are required by law to be covered by a If possible, your preferences will be matched with health insurance policy. It is also in your own best those of a student in Leuven. This student will contact interest. Without insurance coverage the cost of you before your arrival and help you as much as medical care can quickly spiral out of control. For possible. As soon as you arrive in Leuven your buddy instance, a single night’s stay in the hospital can cost will help you through the first days and, who up to € 400 not including treatment or medicine. A knows, he/she may become a friend for life. standard health insurance policy will reimburse about 3.4 Spring common International 75% of the cost of a doctor’s visit, medicine and hospitalisation. programme (Spring semester) As an exchange student you are responsible for your Each spring semester a Common International own insurance while being abroad. Three levels have to be considered: Programme (CIP) is organised. From Monday till

Thursday, students follow courses in one of the  Insurance by your home institution: faculties of UC Leuven-Limburg (Leuven campus). On Bring proof that you are insured as a student by Friday a Common International Programme is your home institution for study-related liability organised by UC Leuven-Limburg. It consists of four and bodily injuries. If you do a work placement, courses for which you can earn a total of 12 ECTS your home institution should provide credits. occupational accident coverage. If you are not If you are enrolled in courses of the Common insured by your home institution, you have to International Programme, you can find the time obtain coverage through UC Leuven-Limburg. schedule online at http://www.leuvenuniversitycollege.be/Exchange-  Health insurance: Bring proof that you have health insurance. student/Exchange-programmes. Contact your health insurance company

© 2015 UC Leuven-Limburg• Geldenaaksebaan 335• 3001 Heverlee • Tel: +32 (0) 16 375 700 • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/KHLeuvenInternational whether or not you have coverage abroad. If With your certificate of enrolment, you can subscribe not, purchase insurance with a private company. to a health insurance policy at the insurance company For EEA students see below. of your choice. However, it may be useful to know that KU Leuven Association has excellent relations

with ‘CM - Leuven’ (Christelijke Mutualiteit, a major  Personal insurance: Health insurance company). CM organises Travel insurance and personal liability insurance information and sign-up sessions. See their website: are optional yet highly recommended. They www.cmleuven.be/students. cover a lot of risks when you are abroad. Check with your agent whether coverage is also The documents you must submit: applicable while being a student abroad. NEW!!  passport Non-EEA students are required to take out  Belgian resident permit (if you have it personal liability insurance through our already) or annex 15 university college (13 euro/year).More details  bank account number will be provided upon arrival.  the certificate of enrolment which you will receive during the Introduction Week . 4.1 For EEA students The fee consists of a quarterly payment, which entitles you to all benefits from the first day of that Students who are EEA nationals should obtain a so- quarter. There are four payment periods: from the called European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) proving beginning of October to the end of December, from you already have insurance coverage in your home January to March, from the beginning of April to the country. Nationals from Algeria, Australia, Tunisia, end of June and from July until September. Turkey and former Yugoslavia can also obtain From the first quarter of your stay as a student in documents under the terms of the agreement Belgium you will be eligible for health insurance as a between Belgium and their country. Any medical ‘student’ (around € 70). Once you have received your costs you may incur will be reimbursed by a Belgian resident permit at city hall you will be eligible for health insurance company (‘CM’, for example) if you health insurance as a ‘resident’ which costs € 14.85 show them the EHIC. This also applies to the cost of per quarter. prescribed drugs and medication: ask for a 704N form Christelijke Mutualiteit or Annex 30 at the pharmacist’s. If you have no EHIC, Koning Leopold I-straat 34 you are required to follow the same procedure as 3000 Leuven non-EEA students and take out health-insurance www.cmleuven.be/students coverage in Belgium. Source: Brochure “Living in Leuven” 2014-2015 Source: Brochure “Living in Leuven” 2014-2015

4.2 For Non-EEA students

Self-supporting students, or those with a scholarship that does not include health insurance, should take out a health insurance policy. If you arrive before 1 July, you will have to obtain temporary private health insurance (see below). The cost of private health insurance is € 41.15 per month for men and up to € 60.49 per month for women and children. If you arrive after 1 July, you can wait until the start of the university’s enrolment period.

© 2015 UC Leuven-Limburg• Geldenaaksebaan 335• 3001 Heverlee • Tel: +32 (0) 16 375 700 • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/KHLeuvenInternational C. After your arrival The easiest way to go to Leuven is to take the shuttle 5. How to get To Leuven? bus to Brussels, and continue your journey to Leuven by train. The shuttle bus runs every 30 minutes and 5.1 By car the journey to Brussels takes about 1 hour (to Leuven is situated close to the E40 and E314 ‘Zuid/Midi’ train station). A one-way ticket costs €13 motorways. Addresses of car parks in Leuven can be and a two-way ticket €22. You can buy the ticket found at this (Dutch) website: outside of the airport (follow the blue line) or online at http://www.leuven.be/leven/mobiliteit-openbare- http://www.charleroiairport.com/en/passengers/acce werken/parkeren/parkings/ s-and-parking/brussels-city-shuttle/index.html

5.2 By train From Brussels ‘Zuid/Midi’ to Leuven you can take a direct train. Every hour 4 trains depart to Leuven and Leuven train station is simply called “Leuven”. Direct trains from all over the country arrive here. For more the trip takes about 30 minutes (€5,30). Scheduling information about train schedules, go to information is available on http://www.belgianrail.be. www.belgianrail.be. Enter ‘Leuven [NMBS/SNCB]’ as Enter ‘Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi’ (train station) as your destination. the departure station.

5.3 By plane Bus & Train, option 2 Please note that Brussels, and therefore Leuven, is This option is the cheapest one. The Brussels South serviced by 2 main airports: Brussels National Airport Charleroi airport does not have its own train station. (Zaventem) and Brussels South Charleroi Airport. Therefore, you will have to take a bus to the (Charleroi). Charleroi-Sud (Charleroi South) train station, where you can catch a train to Leuven. The busses to the 5.3.1 From Brussels National Airport train station leave at the terminal exit and one ride costs €5. Train

The easiest way to go to Leuven from this airport is by There are no direct trains from Charleroi-Sud to train. The airport train station is located at level -1. Leuven. To know which train you have to take and You can catch a direct train to Leuven twice an hour where you need to change, you can look at the yellow (once an hour during weekends). In less than 15 posters in the train station or ask one of the minutes you arrive in Leuven. A ticket costs about employees of NMBS (the Belgian national railway €8.80 (2014). company). You can also look at www. belgianrail.be.

Enter ‘Charleroi-Sud [NMBS/SNCB]’ as the departure Bus station and ‘Leuven [NMBS/SNCB] as the arrival The airport bus station is located at level 0 (one floor station. The train ticket will cost €9.40. down from the arrivals hall). Buses 616, 651 and 652 will take you to the Leuven city centre. Taxi

The taxi station is located at the terminal exit. Be Taxi aware that a taxi ride to Leuven can easily cost €200. The taxi station is located at the exit of the arrivals hall. Please make sure you only take licensed taxis. They can be recognized by the blue and yellow emblem. If you’re travelling on your own, you might want to consider taking the bus or train as a taxi ride 6. Introduction Week to the centre of Leuven can easily cost €90. To kick off the semester, UC Leuven-Limburg (Leuven campus) organises an introduction Week for 6.3.1 From Brussels South Charleroi Airport exchange students in September and in February, Bus & Train, option 1 just before the start of the Autumn and Spring semester. All exchange students are invited to attend 16

© 2015 UC Leuven-Limburg• Geldenaaksebaan 335• 3001 Heverlee • Tel: +32 (0) 16 375 700 • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/KHLeuvenInternational our welcome sessions. We provide lots of information institution”. on Leuven, the university college and all practical matters. Registration for the programme is not complete until full payment of the deposit has been made. To find the programme of the next introduction week, check our website: On arrival, please come to our welcome desk at the http://www.leuvenuniversitycollege.be/Exchange- Youth Hostel to receive the programme of the student/Introduction-Week Introduction Week and any further information. Should you arrive before Sunday, we expect you to To participate in the Introduction Week we kindly ask take care of your own lodging. you to pay a fee of € 185 for the first week’s board and lodging. Please do not forget to bring a document proving that as a student you have health insurance provided by What does this fee include: your home institution or in your home country. You may obtain health insurance coverage through UC  a room at the Youth Hostel during the Leuven-Limburg for a small daily fee. For more Introduction Week information contact the International Mobility  student card Officer.  Internet access in student room (Kotnet)  Several meals during introduction week  All activities of introduction week 7. How to get to the youth hostel?

If you have already found a student room in Leuven The youth hostel is called ‘De Blauwput’ and is only and do not require accommodation during the first 200 metres from the Leuven train station. week, the fee is €80 which includes all the above Underneath the train station runs a tunnel which is minus lodging during the introduction week. connected to all train platforms. Follow this tunnel in the direction of platform 9. Once you exit the tunnel, you will see a yellow building up on the hill in front of you. This is the youth hostel.

The payment:

Please pay either fee into the account of UC Leuven- De Blauwput Limburg (Leuven campus) as soon as your application Martelarenlaan 11A has been accepted: 3010 Leuven http://www.leuven-hostel.com/index_en.html UC Leuven Belfius Bank (Pachecolaan 44, B-1000 Brussels) IBAN code: BE33 7865 4858 0046 8. Accommodation BIC code: GKCCBEBB

With reference “Erasmus Autumn 2015" or "Erasmus Upon arrival in Belgium, you will be accommodated Spring 2016", “student name ” and “student home at the youth hostel (http://www.leuven- 17

© 2015 UC Leuven-Limburg• Geldenaaksebaan 335• 3001 Heverlee • Tel: +32 (0) 16 375 700 • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/KHLeuvenInternational hostel.com/index_en.html) from Sunday night housing, the rental contract, the deposit, additional through Friday morning of the Introduction Week expenses and city taxes. (with the €185 fee). At the beginning of the week you will be accompanied to the Housing Service office for Please note that you will have to bring sheets, a pillow, cups, cutlery, plates etc. These items are signing up for a dormitory room or any specific information about student rooms in Leuven. usually not provided in the rooms you will rent.

Exchange students looking for a room on the private Also, please visit the room you want to rent before signing any contract or contact UC Leuven staff, market will be referred to the database of privately Housing Service or your buddy if you have doubts. rented student housing (www.kotwijs.be) powered by the Leuven University. 8.2.1 Types of housing

8.1 Housing service There are two types of housing which (exchange) students can rent, namely student rooms and studios. The Housing Service assists international students in finding suitable housing. The office can provide information about the various types of permanent housing in the private sector and in university residence halls. They will also answer specific questions about rent-related issues such as contracts, legal regulations, fire insurance, security, rental surcharges, etc. Should you have any complaints about your accommodation or a dispute with the landlord, they can also provide assistance and mediation.

When you want to sign up for a dormitory room, the following information is necessary: A student room

 mobile phone number (preferably Belgian Student rooms (a “kot” in Dutch) number) because they will contact you by phone Students generally rent a room in a student house  personal budget for accommodation shared with between 5 and 15 fellow students. Rooms  letter of admission. are mostly for 1 person and are usually furnished. The average size of a room is 12 m². Bed linen and kitchen Contact utensils are not provided. Each room normally has a Van Dalecollege private sink, but showers, toilets and kitchen are Naamsestraat 80 • B-3000 Leuven shared. Access to the internet (“Kotnet”) is widely Tel. 016 32 44 00 • Fax 016 32 88 20 available in private student accommodation. You can [email protected] sign up for Kotnet at time of registration during the http://www.kuleuven.be/studentenvoorzieningen/acc Introduction Week. ommodation/ The average rent varies between € 280 and € 350 per Office hours month, including expenses for heating, electricity and Weekdays from 2:00 until 5:00 pm water (utilities). The price depends on the rental From 15 May until 30 September: term, size and the private comfort of the room. Weekdays from 9:00 am until 12:00 noon and from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm Studios

8.2 Practical information “Studio” is the word commonly used in Leuven to refer to a one-room flat, with a private bathroom and Below you will find more information on the types of kitchenette. Studios usually come furnished and have

© 2015 UC Leuven-Limburg• Geldenaaksebaan 335• 3001 Heverlee • Tel: +32 (0) 16 375 700 • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/KHLeuvenInternational an average size of 18 m2. According to government Source: Brochure “Living in Leuven” 2014-2015 regulations the size of a studio for 2 persons needs to be minimum 27m². The size of the bathroom is not included. A studio for 2 persons is not always suitable for 2 friends because it is often equipped for a couple (e.g. it has a double bed). The common rental period for a studio is 12 months but some studios can be rented for a shorter period. The average rent is approx. € 460 per month for a studio for 1 person and € 700 for a studio for 2 persons. The cost for heating, electricity and water (utilities) is usually not included. Access to the internet (“Kotnet”) is widely available in private student accommodation. You can sign up for Kotnet 8.2.3 Deposit at time of registration during the Introduction Week. When you conclude a contract, the payment of a Source: Brochure “Living in Leuven” 2014-2015 deposit is required. For rooms, a deposit of one or two months’ rent is usual. For studios and apartments, 8.2.2 The rental agreement deposits generally amount to two months’ rent. This sum can never be considered as rent and can only be Legally, every rental agreement has to be written. In used to compensate for damage to the rented practice, anything that has been agreed upon orally property caused by the tenant or by third parties to will be difficult to prove. It is advisable to use the whom the tenant has granted access. standard Leuven University (KUL) rental contract, which is recognisable by the logo of the Leuven The deposit or its balance will be reimbursed within University (KULeuven). one month after the end of the agreement, taking into account that the landlord should have the opportunity to draw up the final bill for heating, electricity, etc. before he can return the balance of the deposit. The landlord can charge an extra cost if

the keys are not returned in time and/or the room has Standard contracts are freely available at the Housing not been cleaned thoroughly. Service. Alterations are possible but are seldom to Source: Brochure “Living in Leuven” 2014-2015 your advantage and both parties must always sign them. Every rental contract will be valid if both tenant and landlord sign it. 8.2.4 Additional expenses

If the landlord insists on his own type of contract, If the cost of heating, electricity, water, etc. is not please drop by the Housing Service before you sign included in the rent, the contract should clearly state it. The housing officers will read it through, translate how these costs will be calculated. Many contracts big parts of the contract and let you know if it is state that the tenants have to pay a monthly advance reliable or not. for the costs, over and above the cost of the rent.

Rooms, studios and apartments that become At the end of the agreement, a settlement of the total available during the academic year will be rented out costs is made, taking into account the advance for the remainder of the initial rental term. According payments. The calculation of these costs should be to Belgian law a contract once signed, cannot be terminated before it expires, unless stated submitted to the tenant in a separate, detailed bill. otherwise in the contract.

© 2015 UC Leuven-Limburg• Geldenaaksebaan 335• 3001 Heverlee • Tel: +32 (0) 16 375 700 • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/KHLeuvenInternational The landlord provides this calculation at the latest municipal register to avoid paying the tax. Do not within one quarter after the end of the rental period. forget to deregister at the end of your stay in Leuven. If each housing unit is equipped with an individual electricity and gas meter, the tenant and the landlord should make a note of the meter reading at the 9. Registering at the city of Leuven beginning and at the end of the rental term. When the final bill is submitted, tenants are entitled to see When you have found a permanent residence in the individual invoices for the various costs. Leuven for the duration of your stay it is time to register at the city of Leuven. Every student is Some contracts state that the tenants have to pay a required to report to the city office of Leuven if they fixed amount for the additional expenses. In this case will reside in Leuven for 3 months or longer. no calculation will be made at the end of the contract. Tenants of apartments and houses normally have an individual contract with the gas, electricity and water companies. In this case they will receive the invoices directly from the company.

Source: Brochure “Living in Leuven” 2014-2015

8.2.5 City tax

On June 27, 2011 the city council of Leuven voted a new local tax, called the second-residence tax.

If the student can submit proof of enrolment at an Leuven City Hall entrance educational institution offering full-time day courses, the tax will be € 75 in accordance with municipal Contact Leuven City Hall (“Stadskantoor”) regulations. Professor Van Overstraetenplein 1 No second-residence tax is due if students are B-3000 Leuven registered (or awaiting registration) at this address in Tel. 016 27 21 70 the municipal register of Leuven on 1 January of the tax year and if students reside in Leuven for more than 90 days. Office hours City Hall

Students residing in Leuven for less than 90 days will Monday through Friday: 9.00 am – 4.30 pm. have to pay the € 75 tax anyway whether or not they Thursday: 12 noon – 8.00 pm. are registered in the municipal register of Leuven. Procedure: see p.22 Important! Only Annexe 8 or 15 –Verklaring van Inschrijving (Declaration of Registration) is valid proof of your registration in the municipal register.

Erasmus Belgica students do not register with the city office (since they are already registered elsewhere in Belgium) and consequently have to pay the 75 euros city tax (35 euro if grant student) just like any other Belgian student.

Although students/citizens of countries that border Belgium (the Netherlands, Germany, Luxemburg, France) are not required to, they can register in the 20

© 2015 UC Leuven-Limburg• Geldenaaksebaan 335• 3001 Heverlee • Tel: +32 (0) 16 375 700 • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/KHLeuvenInternational Procedure for EU-students Actual registration procedure:

Below, we list the documents you will have to  Email invitation by City Office to pick up present: Annexe 15 (proof of start of registration procedure)  Passport or ID card  Student residence will be physically checked  Certificate of enrolment and/or student ID by a city officer. If you are not home, the city  Proof of health insurance coverage (European officer will leave a note in your mailbox Health Card or other proof) (please make sure that your name is on the  Copy of rental agreement mailbox)  2 passport-size photographs (only if you  After positive residence check, student will require a residence card). receive email invitation to come to City Office for registration (the email will mention which Students residing in Leuven for less than 3 months documents to bring) are only required to bring their passport or ID card  After documents have been processed, and proof of health insurance coverage. students will receive residence card activation What you will receive: codes through regular mail  Student will receive email invitation to pick up  a document that proves that you have residence card. (Please bring activation codes presented yourself at City Hall to register to activate residence card at City Office) (upon your request).  cost standard procedure: 17.50 euro (+ cost of  A list of the documents you will have to submit 2 passport photos) to receive your residence card (if required) cost speedy procedure 1 (3 to 4 business days):

Procedure for non-EU-students 120 euro (+ cost of 2 passport photos) cost speedy procedure 2 (2 to 3 business days): For non-EU-students arriving in the first semester the 180 euro (+ cost of 2 passport photos) preparation of electronic student registration file takes place at UC Leuven-Limburg (Leuven campus) International Office and it requires the following documents:

 copy of valid passport + student visa type D  copy of student’s accommodation rental agreement (including exact room number)  student’s contact information: first and last

name, address in Leuven, telephone number,

valid email address (City Office will primarily communicate with students by email). Non-EU-students arriving in the second semester are required to submit all the aforementioned documents directly to the City Office (Stadskantoor).

© 2015 UC Leuven-Limburg• Geldenaaksebaan 335• 3001 Heverlee • Tel: +32 (0) 16 375 700 • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/KHLeuvenInternational D. Start your life in Leuven Limburg (Leuven campus). The student bus pass is a 10. Mobility project sponsored by the city and the Institutions of Higher Education of Leuven. This pass allows you to use the regular bus lines within the Leuven area In recent years, the city authorities have been trying (including Kessel-lo, Wijgmaal, Heverlee and parts of to encourage residents to walk, cycle or use public Herent, Linden, Korbeek-Lo and Pellenberg). transport in the city centre. Not only automobile traffic is reduced in this way, but it is also much faster When leaving the city area, you have to pay for the to travel on foot or by bicycle in the city centre extra bus zones. Make sure that you have your (especially because the centre is so small). You can student card with you at all times because you need get a bike and bus map of Leuven at the Housing to be able to prove that you are the rightful owner of the pass. In order to prevent abuse, write your name Service or download it from the internet and number of your official student card on your http://www.kuleuven.be/transportation/pdf/bus_bike student bus pass (Brochure “Living in Leuven” 2014- _map2010.pdf 2015).

10.1 Bicycles Contact De Lijn (bus company) Martelarenplein 19b Cycling is healthy, inexpensive and cool. B-3000 Leuven Furthermore, in a city like Leuven it is often the Tel. 070 22 02 00 (general information) quickest way to get from one place to another. Tel. 016 31 37 11 (province of Vlaams-Brabant) Cyclists are very welcome in Leuven, but need to www.delijn.be know the traffic rules. Make sure that your bike is in good working order and that you are visible in traffic (lights are required at night) . 10.3 train

UC Leuven-Limburg is cooperating with a non-profit Leuven is an important hub in the Belgian railway bike rental organisation, namely Velo. network. From Leuven station, there are connections to every other major Belgian train station. You can At Velo you can rent a safe, fully equipped and find the best connection and itinerary using the online registered second-hand bike with a solid lock. A search engine rental contract will be drawn up (bring your student http://www.belgianrail.be/en/Default.aspx card). As a UC Leuven student you don’t pay a rental (Brochure “Living in Leuven” 2014-2015). fee, just a 70 Euro deposit (repairs included) which is refunded when you return your bike in good order. Contact NMBS (train company) Leuven Railway Station Contact Velo (Veilingsite) Martelarenplein 16 Hollestraat 1 B-3000 Leuven B-3001 Heverlee Info for travellers: 016 21 21 21 Tel. 016 29 87 40 International Information & Eurostar, Thalys, [email protected] HST: 02 528 28 28

With a Go Pass (-26 years old), you can take 10 one- way trips in second class (price, February 2014: € 50). You will get the best value for money if you travel between two stations that are far apart (e.g. Antwerp, Bruges, Ghent, …). If you hold a RailPass (+ 26 years), 10.2 Bus you can take 10 one-way trips in second class (price, February 2014: € 76). Students can purchase a bus pass (20 euro reduced student rate) at time of registration at UC Leuven- 22

On Fridays after 7 pm and on weekends, ask for a 12. Sports “Weekend Ticket”. When you travel alone, you get a discount up to 40%. When travelling with friends, the first passenger gets a 50% discount. The 2nd, 3rd, UC Leuven-Limburg (Leuven campus) has a sports 4th, 5th and 6th passengers get a 70% discount, facility which is equipped for basketball, volleyball, provided that all members of the group travel tennis, gymnastics, dance, badminton and more. together (Brochure “Living in Leuven” 2013-2014). There is also a fitness room and a climbing wall. More information about the this sports facility can be found on http://www.khleuven.be/sport 11. Student restaurants As a UC Leuven-Limburg (Leuven campus) student, you need to have a sports card to use the facilities. The university student restaurants, known as Alma You can sign up for a sports card at time of (http://www.alma.be/) serve dishes priced between registration during the Introduction Week. € 2.60 and € 5. Alma offers a wide choice of warm and cold dishes and a variety of sandwiches. They also Your sports card also entitles you to use the Leuven University sports facilities just like any other serve at least one vegetarian meal every day. Do not University student. Holders of a sports card have forget to take your student card if you want to get insurance coverage in case of injury. reduced prices.

 Alma 1 Tiensestraat 115, B-3000 Leuven

 Alma 2 Van Evenstraat 2c, B-3000 Leuven

 Alma 3 Studentenwijk Arenberg, Groenveldlaan 3, B-3001 Heverlee

 Pauscollege Hogeschoolplein 3, B-3000 Leuven

 Gasthuisberg Hospital Herestraat 49, B-3001 Heverlee

 De Moete Celestijnenlaan 200 p, B-3001 Heverlee

 De Spuye Tervuursevest 101, B-3001 Heverlee

 Het Academisch Kwartier Tiensestraat 41, B-3000 Leuven

In addition to the student restaurants, there are also The UC Leuven sports hall cafes and restaurants in the city centre that serve delicious menus ranging from € 5 to € 9. Especially sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, salads and Belgian fries are affordable and tasty in many places.

13.2 Pangaea UC Leuven Sports Hall Hertogstraat 178 ‘Pangaea’ is the name of the original continent which B-3001 Heverlee made up the entire land surface on earth some 175 Tel. 016 375 780 million years ago. ‘Pangaea’ is also the name of the [email protected] international students’ meeting centre at KU Leuven. http://www.khleuven.be/sport Pangaea is a lively meeting place where international Leuven University Sports Centre and Belgian students can get together in an informal Tervuursevest 101 setting. It has a lounge with a coffee bar with WIFI. A B-3001 Heverlee Tel. 016 32 91 30 variety of board games and some newspapers can be www.kuleuven.be/sport/english/ borrowed. There is also a recreational room with table tennis facilities, and a quiet room where students can study together. 13. International Student Pangaea offers a wide range of activities such as Organisations concerts, movies, lectures, workshops, trips, and language conversation groups. Membership only 13.1 Erasmus Student Network (ESN) costs €5 for students and includes benefits such as free coffee or tea at the bar, and entitles enrolment ESN is an international interdisciplinary organisation, for activities organised by Pangaea. The bar is partly organising activities for students. run by volunteers. Every volunteer who works in the bar for 15 hours receives a nice Pangaea T-shirt. One of ESN’s main goals is to provide the international student with a lot of opportunities to get in touch with their fellow students, both Pangaea international and Belgian. Andreas Vesaliusstraat34 3000 Leuven ESN organises parties, cultural activities and sports http://www.kuleuven.be/english/studentservices/pan activities. Apart from organising activities ourselves, gaea/index.html ESN Leuven also promotes activities organised by Source: Brochure “Living in Leuven” 2014-2015 other by other organisations. This way, we will inform the international student about the very active student life in the city of Leuven.

ESN is active in over 30 countries and contains more than 300 sections. Use your membership card to enjoy the various advantages cross-country. You can even become an ESN crewmember here in Leuven or back home. An ESN membership card costs €10 and can be obtained at the ESN office in Pangaea, Andreas Vesaliusstraat34, 3000 Leuven.

ESN Leuven Andreas Vesaliusstraat34 3000 Leuven www.esnleuven.org

Source: Brochure “Living in Leuven” 2014-2015

14. Student Services Second, 'Student Services' also provides the following services: UC Leuven-Limburg student services encompass a number of different counselling services whose  All the options for finding student objective it is to promote the social, mental and accommodation financial well-being of all students.  All the places where you can get a healthy, delicious meal at student prices First, our university college goes to great lengths to  Everything you should know about student provide good study coaching and study itinerary jobs coaching. Both are highly valuable and supplement  Free bicycle rental (with paid deposit) each other.  20 euro student bus pass  Cultural life in Leuven and Diest, and your Study coaching is the support you receive from us for free CJP card everything related to studying. How do you manage  The therapist you can go to if things aren't to assimilate all the subject matter you need to know? going too well  Your sports card: You can benefit from the How do you manage to acquire all the skills you need largest range of sports facilities for students to have? Study support helps you with your study in Flanders. approach in concrete ways: study method, tools for  … studying, concentration techniques etc. All these are options that may help you. vzw Studentenservice UC Leuven Personal development planning is all about your own Proximus campus choices. After all, at UC Leuven-Limburg, you're in Geldenaaksebaan 335 charge of your own study programme. We propose a 3001 Heverlee model, but you can change it. Making choices entails http://www.leuvenuniversitycollege.be/Degree- seeking-student/Student-Services a great deal of responsibility, and this is why we want to give you guidance. Every student has a personal development planner who is available at a number of 15. Student Council pivotal moments, such as at the start of the academic The student councils voice the students’ opinions on year or when you have obtained your points. But he educational and social issues to the directors of the or she is also your first point of contact at other times. school. They propose suggestions for making student At our university college, it is also possible to study life more attractive and send student representatives with a special statute. We give students with a to the board of directors, the general assembly, the disability the best possible opportunity to participate academic council and other governing bodies of our fully in all aspects of learning and living as a student. university college. But recognized top level athletes and artists are often entitled to a special statute, too. We also develop tailor-made courses for these students. 16. Health care system 16.1 Pharmacies

In Belgium, drugs and medicines are mainly sold in pharmacies (to be recognized by the green cross). In the yellow pages of the phone directory, pharmacies are listed under the word “apotheken”. They are open every day except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. When closed, all pharmacies will post in their window

© 2015 UC Leuven-Limburg• Geldenaaksebaan 335• 3001 Heverlee • Tel: +32 (0) 16 375 700 • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/KHLeuvenInternational a list of after-hours pharmacies (“wachtdienst”). This A GP can solve most medical problems. If the information is also published GP decides that you should consult a specialist, on http://www.apotheek.be/ where you will be asked he/she will refer you to the one best to enter the Leuven “postcode” (= 3000). qualified to deal with your problem. You can usually reach a GP during office hours and in emergencies even at night. If your regular GP is unavailable when you call, you will be referred to another GP. There are many advantages to consulting a GP first, before seeing a specialist: GPs are easier to reach and there could be a long waiting list to consult a specialist. A GP will keep your medical history on file. This is important since information from previous medical examinations may be relevant to your present

condition. It also means that the GP does not Source: Brochure “Living in Leuven” 2013-2014 need to repeat medical tests or examinations

you may already have had. This can save you

a lot of money, time and possible discomfort. 16.2 Visiting the doctor With certain medical conditions, it is not always clear which specialist is best qualified. On your

own, you might have to try several specialists If you have a health related problem, it is best to before finding the right one, whereas a GP can see a general practitioner first rather than going quickly diagnose your problem and refer you to to the hospital immediately. GPs are listed on the proper specialist. http://www.mediwacht.be/MDWonline/Default.aspx Hospital emergency services are expensive. under “huisartsen”, look for your city in “zoek hier uw If your condition is not immediately life threatening, deel-gemeente”. you can save a considerable amount of money by consulting a GP instead. If you officially register with one GP - which is called “Globaal Medisch Dossier” or GMD - the Belgian public health insurance rewards you with a higher reimbursement. Ask your GP about this. Most medical doctors speak English, French and Dutch. When discussing your condition, however, please try to be clear, and speak slowly and calmly. For consultation, make an appointment or go to the doctor’s office when he/she is available for general consultation. If necessary, the GP will refer you to a specialist in a private practice or a local hospital, or to the KU Leuven University Hospital.

For more information about the reimbursement of medical costs, see p. 16.

Source: Brochure “Living in Leuven” 2014-2015

17. Useful phone numbers

Emergency Services

 Ambulance and Fire Department tel. 112  Police Emergency tel. 101  After hour family doctor (night, weekend, holidays) tel. 070 25 70 25

Remember that in case of emergency, you can call 112 everywhere in Europe, free of charge, from fixed lines and cell phones

UC Leuven-Limburg (UCLL)

 Student services office tel. 016 37 57 47 and 016 37 57 48  Management campus tel. 016 37 53 00  Health campus tel. 016 375 200  Social Work campus tel. 016 37 51 00  Teacher Education campus tel. 016 37 56 00  Technology campus tel. 016 375 700  International Office tel. 016 375 700

Services for international students and guests

 Pangaea, international meeting centre tel. 016 32 33 96  LOKO International tel. 016 32 33 95  Student Cop tel. 016 21 09 00  Anti-Discrimination Centre (Meldpunt Discriminatie) tel. 016 27 26 00  Student Services (general)

 Housing Service tel. 016 32 44 00  City of Leuven tel. 016 27 26 50  Social Service tel. 016 32 44 36  Foreigners’ office (City of Leuven) tel. 016 27 21 94