Student Welcome Guide
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Table of Contents Introduction _________________________________________________________ 4 Important contacts _________________________________________________________ 4 Checklist for studying in Belgium _____________________________________ 5 What should I do before I arrive? _____________________________________ 6 Apply for a student visa _____________________________________________________ 6 Do I need a student visa? ___________________________________________________ 6 When should I start the visa application process? ______________________________ 6 Where should I submit my visa application? ___________________________________ 7 Different types of visas _____________________________________________________ 7 Useful websites ____________________________________________________________ 7 Visa application fee ________________________________________________________ 7 Proof of solvency (sufficient financial means) __________________________________ 7 Extending your visa (degree students only) ____________________________________ 8 Search for housing __________________________________________________________ 9 Sign up for the buddy programme __________________________________________ 10 What does a buddy do? ___________________________________________________ 10 How do I sign up for the buddy programme? _________________________________ 11 Pack your bags ____________________________________________________________ 11 Clothing _________________________________________________________________ 11 Electronics and household appliances _______________________________________ 11 Medicine, cosmetics and toiletries __________________________________________ 12 Get to know Belgium _______________________________________________________ 12 A quick look _____________________________________________________________ 12 Customs and formalities ___________________________________________________ 13 Study the local language ____________________________________________________ 14 What will I need to do when I arrive? ________________________________ 17 Touchdown ________________________________________________________________ 17 Airports _________________________________________________________________ 17 Trains ___________________________________________________________________ 18 Welcome Days _____________________________________________________________ 18 Find a place to live _________________________________________________________ 19 Temporary accommodation ________________________________________________ 19 Permanent housing _______________________________________________________ 20 Signing a lease ___________________________________________________________ 20 Rental guarantee _________________________________________________________ 20 Getting settled ___________________________________________________________ 21 THOMAS MORE UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES – WELCOME GUIDE 2 Register at the town hall ___________________________________________________ 21 Set up a mobile phone ______________________________________________________ 23 Open a bank account _______________________________________________________ 24 Sign up for insurance _______________________________________________________ 24 Health insurance & seeing a doctor _________________________________________ 25 Other insurance plans _____________________________________________________ 26 Daily life in Belgium _________________________________________________ 28 Transportation _____________________________________________________________ 28 Train ____________________________________________________________________ 28 Buses and trams __________________________________________________________ 28 Bikes ____________________________________________________________________ 28 Safety _____________________________________________________________________ 29 Money matters ____________________________________________________________ 30 Student resources __________________________________________________ 31 Academic calendar _________________________________________________________ 31 Online tools _______________________________________________________________ 31 Student portal ____________________________________________________________ 31 Software for students _____________________________________________________ 31 Canvas __________________________________________________________________ 31 Student email ____________________________________________________________ 32 Free Wi-Fi on campus _____________________________________________________ 32 Printing, scanning and making copies _______________________________________ 32 Borrow a laptop __________________________________________________________ 33 Borrow a QWERTY keyboard _______________________________________________ 33 Student ID card___________________________________________________________ 33 On-campus support ________________________________________________________ 34 Student services (Stuvo) ___________________________________________________ 34 Student administration/James ______________________________________________ 34 International support ______________________________________________________ 34 Programme managers and study counsellors _________________________________ 34 Studies tailored to your needs ______________________________________________ 34 Eat & drink _______________________________________________________________ 35 Studying in Belgium _______________________________________________________ 35 Beyond the classroom ______________________________________________ 37 Clubs & activities __________________________________________________________ 37 Sports _____________________________________________________________________ 37 International experiences ___________________________________________________ 37 THOMAS MORE UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES – WELCOME GUIDE 3 Introduction Dear International Student, Welcome to Thomas More, and welcome to Belgium. This is certainly an exciting new adventure, as well as a challenging one. Thomas More students are encouraged to push themselves outside of their comfort zones – to explore, to learn, to thrive – and we are here to help you make that happen! This Welcome Guide includes everything you need to know while starting your new chapter in Belgium. Do you ever ask yourself, “How will I find a place to live?” or “What happens if I get sick and need to see a doctor?” Then, you’ve come to the right place. Check here for advice on how to open a bank account, how to sign up for health insurance, how to get a Belgian cell phone number and more. And, if you don’t find what you need here, or just want a bit more guidance, that’s no problem. In the ‘student resources’ section of this guide, you will find a list of support services for students. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help. We are here for you. Now, let’s start this new journey together! Best regards, International Support IMPORTANT CONTACTS Degree students International Support Email: [email protected] Student Services Email: [email protected] Admissions Email: [email protected] Phone: +32 15 369 205 | Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9.00-16.00 | Wed: 9.00-12.00 (GMT+2) Exchange students International Office Email: [email protected] International Coordinators: find your international coordinator’s contact information at the bottom of your programme page on our website. THOMAS MORE UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES – WELCOME GUIDE 4 Checklist for studying in Belgium Here you'll find a checklist of all the things you need to do before you get to Belgium and once you arrive. On the following pages, you'll find a detailed explanation of every item on the checklist. Be sure to tick every box for a smooth departure and arrival in Belgium! THOMAS MORE UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES – WELCOME GUIDE 5 What should I do before I arrive? Apply for a student visa If you come from a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA), then applying for a student visa is the first step you will need to take before coming to Belgium. DO I NEED A STUDENT VISA? Yes, if you come from a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) – other than Monaco or Switzerland – then you will need a visa before coming to Belgium for your studies. No, if you are a student coming from an EEA country, Monaco or Switzerland, you will not need a visa and may travel to Belgium on the strength of your national passport or identity card, but all other students (both exchange and full degree) will need to apply for a visa before coming to Belgium. WHEN SHOULD I START THE VISA APPLICATION PROCESS? It’s important that you start the visa application process as soon as possible, but be aware that a visa application can be submitted no more than 3 months in advance of the date you have requested to enter Belgium. For Fall 2020, classes start on the 21st of September, but you should plan to be in Belgium at least one week before in order to attend the Welcome Days and get settled into your accommodation. For Spring 2021, classes start on the 15th of February (for Content Strategy and Customer Experience, the start date is the 1st of February), but you should plan to be in Belgium at least one week before in order to attend the Welcome Days and get settled into your accommodation. The duration of the visa application process can vary depending on your nationality. Visa processing can take as little as 4 weeks, but many students have to wait up to 3 months to receive their visa once they have