MASTERS PROGRAMMES

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE

2014-2015

CONTENT OF THIS GUIDE 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 4

2. : A FEW FACTS ...... 5

3. BRUSSELS: THE CAPITAL OF EUROPE...... 8

4. CLIMATE AND CLOTHING ...... 9

5. PRE-ARRIVAL ARRANGEMENTS ...... 10

1. APPLYING FOR A VISA ...... 10

2. BRINGING YOUR FAMILY TO BELGIUM ...... 12

3. ADDITIONAL VISA INFORMATION ...... 12

6. UPON ARRIVAL: GETTING TO THE BRUSSELS CAMPUS ...... 12

7. HOUSING AND RESIDENCE PERMIT ...... 15

1. TEMPORARY HOUSING ...... 15

2. LOOKING FOR A STUDENT ROOM ...... 15

3. RESIDENCE PERMIT ...... 17

8. BANKING ...... 18

9. HEALTH CARE INSURANCE ...... 21

10. ADDITIONAL INSURANCE ...... 25

8. SETTLING IN ...... 26

1. ELECTRICITY, GAS AND WATER ...... 26

2. WATER ...... 28

3. MOBILE PHONES ...... 29

4. USING THE TELEPHONE ...... 30

5. INTERNET...... 30

6. COST OF LIVING ...... 32

9. OTHER PRACTICAL INFORMATION ...... 34

1. CULTURAL LIFE ...... 34

2. CYCLING ...... 37

3. DOCTORS, DENTISTS AND HOSPITALS ...... 39

4. FOOD AND DINING ...... 41

5. LANGUAGE STUDIES ...... 42

6. LIBRARY ...... 43

7. MAIL ...... 43

8. NEWSPAPER, RADIO AND TELEVISION ...... 45

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9. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS ...... 45

10. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN BRUSSELS ...... 45

11. SHOPPING AND MARKETS ...... 47

12. SPORTS FACILITIES ...... 51

13. TRAVEL WHILE IN BELGIUM ...... 53

10. IMPORTANT WEBSITES AND PHONE NUMBERS...... 54

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1. INTRODUCTION

We would like to welcome you to Belgium and to the Vlerick Business School. This guide has been compiled to provide you with some practical information on formalities and procedures you should consider prior to coming to Belgium. The guide also covers some aspects of daily life in Belgium.

If you have any questions that are not addressed in this guide, please direct them to the International office (not programme related) or to your Programme Manager (programme related):

International Office

Ms. Anke Cosijns [email protected] [email protected]

Ms. Tanja Vercruysse [email protected]

Programme Manager Masters in Financial Management

Ms. Sara Teuwen [email protected]

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2. BELGIUM: A FEW FACTS

Belgium is one of the smallest countries in Europe. Its number of inhabitants makes it one of the most densely populated countries in the world and even second highest in Europe (after The Netherlands). The country's population is concentrated around the main urban areas of , Brussels and Ghent.

Belgium gained its independence from Holland in 1830. Initially a republic, the country was quickly established as a constitutional monarchy when Prince Leopold I of Saxe-Coburg was elected king on July 21, 1831. Albert II is the present and sixth king in the Coburg line. He began his reign in 1993 following the sudden death at age 62 of his brother Baudoiun I who had ruled since 1951.

Belgium is situated in the west of Europe, bordered to the north by the Netherlands, to the east by Germany and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and to the south and the west by France. As a number of international treaties led to the formation of Belgium its borders are extremely irregular and include few natural boundaries.

“Belgium, heart of Europe” is not just a catch phrase: the geographical centre of the 15 countries of the European Union (before it was enlarged to 25 countries) was actually in Belgium, and more precisely in Oignies-en-Thiérache (Viroinval), in the province of Namur.

Belgium is both a kingdom and a federal state. There are four administrative regions: Flanders, Wallonia, Oostkantons (East Cantons) and Brussels. Belgium has three official languages: Flemish, French and German, but English is widely spoken throughout the country.

Belgium has two distinct geographical regions, each with its own characteristics: a level fertile farmland area to the north and west (Flanders) and the hilly wooded region (the Ardennes), to the south and east. Two main rivers cross the country, the Schelde and the Meuse. Both rivers begin in France and empty into the North Sea. A network of navigable canals adds to the country's scenic beauty.

The capital, Brussels, is the headquarter for the institutions of the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treat Organisation (NATO) including NATO’s military arm SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Powers Europe) located near the city of Mons in the south. Brussels is also the European home base of numerous multinational corporations. Belgium’s openness and central location in Europe has led it to become one of Europe's most prosperous industrialised nations, and one of the most important trading countries in the World.

Major industries include automobile assembly, biotechnology, chemicals, diamond cutting, firearms, food and beverages, glass, steel, transportation and high value-added manufacturing. Major agricultural products are barley, sugar beet, oats, potatoes, rye and wheat.

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3. BRUSSELS: THE CAPITAL OF EUROPE

You may know all the clichés, but life in Brussels isn’t all about comic strips, beer, waffles, and French fries. The Brussels- Capital Region is a melting pot of different cultures. There are two official languages (French and Dutch), but English is understood and spoken in many places. The many international institutions in Brussels attract various foreign communities, so you will also find a wide range of products, media, schools and culture from abroad. On average, people living in Brussels are younger than those in the rest of the country as the dynamic city center houses around 74.000 students. The residents of Brussels are blessed with an urban architecture, comprising various styles, from medieval to postmodern. Flemish townhouses stand side by side with impressive Art Nouveau buildings and postmodern edifices dominate the European Quarter.

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4. CLIMATE AND CLOTHING

Belgium has a temperate maritime climate influenced by the Atlantic Ocean which causes frequent and heavy rainfall. Belgian weather is subjected to many ups and downs. During one day it might be bright and sunny and then turn rainy and grey.

Winter is usually cold and dark and there is occasional snow. Spring, Summer and Fall are much nicer.

Be prepared to bring winter and summer clothes and do not forget an umbrella as you will undoubtedly need it.

January February March April May June

Min. Temp °C -1 0 2 5 8 11

Max. Temp °C 4 7 10 14 18 22

Humidity % 89 87 83 81 78 76

Raindays 21 17 17 18 16 15

July August September October November December

Min. Temp °C 12 12 11 7 3 0

Max. Temp °C 23 22 21 15 9 6

Humidity % 80 81 82 85 89 89

Raindays 17 18 13 17 20 19

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5. PRE-ARRIVAL ARRANGEMENTS

Before your studies in Belgium can start, you need to obtain a study visa (1). Next to that you also need to provide documentation of health care insurance (2). Belgium has no immunisation requirements.

1. APPLYING FOR A VISA Visit the website of the Foreign Affairs department: www.diplomatie.be or http://www.studyinbelgium.be/en/how-apply . You will need to obtain a visa to reside in Belgium during your period of study unless you are a national of one of the member states of the European Union or a few other selected countries. Visa requirements also apply to family members who may accompany you during your stay. The following outlines the general policies and procedures:

- Case 1: Nationals of European Union and Selected Exempt Countries Nationals of the Member States of the European Union (EU) and of the European Economic Area do not need a visa to reside and study in Wallonia-Brussels.. Although exempt from Belgian visa requirements you will still need to have when coming to Belgium:

1. Your letter of admission to Vlerick Business School 2. A valid passport or identity card for yourself as well as any accompanying family members

- Case 2: Nationals of countries outside the European Union If you are not a national of one of the states noted in the preceding paragraph, you will need to obtain an ‘Authorisation for Provisional Sojourn’.

The Belgian Embassy or Consulate in your country will provide you with all information on the documents and procedures required to obtain this visa. In this regard, you should request this information from your local Embassy or Consulate as soon as you receive your letter of admission to Vlerick Business School.

Principle

As a general rule, authorisation to stay in Belgium for more than 3 months is granted to a foreign student wishing to pursue higher education there, or spend a preparatory year ahead of higher education, as a regular student, in an educational establishment organised, recognised or subsidised by the public authorities, if that student:

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1. proves that he is a regular student in a higher education establishment organised, recognised or subsidised by the public authorities, 2. proves that he has sufficient means of subsistence, 3. proves that he is not carrying any of the diseases which might endanger public health, and 4. if aged over 21, produces a document stating that he has no convictions for crimes or offences under common law.

The supporting documents to be provided with the visa application

1. a completed and signed visa application form (in duplicate) 2. a travel document into which a visa can be affixed and which is valid for more than 12 months (e.g. a passport) 3. an attestation of registration as a regular student in higher education 4. proof that you satisfy the conditions for access to higher education (diploma, academic record, attestation that account is being taken of the application for equivalence or decision or dispatch of equivalence) 5. proof that you have sufficient means of subsistence 6. a medical certificate attesting that the applicant is not carrying any of the diseases which might endanger public health 7. if you are aged over 21, a certificate attesting to the lack of any convictions for crimes or offences under common law

You must lodge the original documents, plus a photocopy of these documents. The originals will be returned to you.

The foreign official documents must be legalised or carry an apostil, unless an exemption is provided in a treaty. All the relevant information on this formality is available on the website of the SPF Foreign Affairs (http://diplomatie.belgium.be).

The documents drawn up abroad in a language other than German, French or Dutch are to be translated in accordance with the original by a sworn translator. The translation must be legalised as a separate document in line with the procedure laid down in the country of origin, and then by the competent Belgian consulate or Embassy.

- Case 3: Application for visa from other country than yours If you do not currently reside in your own country, you must apply for the visa through the Belgian Embassy or Consulate in the country you are currently residing in. If you fail to obtain the necessary documents for residing in Belgium or fail to register at the municipality after arrival, you

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may encounter serious problems in obtaining the necessary authorisations in Belgium.

Note: Those who are required to have obtained the “Authorisation for Provisional Sojourn” but fail to do so will be returned to their country of origin by the Belgian Aliens Registration Officer. Vlerick Business School cannot be held responsible for any such problems if you have neglected to obtain the necessary visa.

2. BRINGING YOUR FAMILY TO BELGIUM

The Belgian Migration Law of December 15, 1980 has complicated the procedure for bringing family members to Belgium. As a result it may take a few months before your family members can receive a residence permit. Therefore, make sure your spouse or other family members have the required documents and confirm this fact before you depart for Belgium. As in the case of student visas, the procedures and requirements for accompanying family members differ depending on nationality.

Depending on the relationship there are different requirements/ procedures. Up-to-date info can be found at:

https://dofi.ibz.be/sites/dvzoe/EN/Application-guides/Pages/Accompanying_of_Joining.aspx

3. ADDITIONAL VISA INFORMATION

- Tranlation of documents The required documents delivered to the Belgian Embassy or Consulate may either be in English, French, German or Dutch, or an authenticated translation in one of these languages.

- Authentication of documents Ask the Belgian diplomatic offices in your country of residence who should authenticate the original documents and any translation thereof. This may be done by the Belgian diplomatic offices or by the local authorities themselves, by adding an ‘Apostille’ to the documents.

Although the international office will make sure to check in with you on a regularly base, we would appreciate it if you could keep us posted on how your visum application is going. We would really love to welcome you in Belgium and at Vlerick and this is the first step to make this happen.

6. UPON ARRIVAL: GETTING TO THE BRUSSELS CAMPUS

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There are two airports in Brussels. Bruxelles-National airport (BRU code) located at Zaventem in the Flandres. There is a train (2.60 €) each 15 minutes from the city centre (25 minutes), and the bus line 12 (3 €) each 20-30 minutes from the European Institutions area (Schuman). Bruxelles Sud airport (CRL code) - (50km from Brussels) where you find low-cost companies: Ryanair and Wizzair. You can go by bus, coach or train from Brussels.

When arriving at Brussels Airport you can either take a train or taxi to reach the Brussels Campus. As taxis are quite expensive, we advise you to take the train. From Brussels Airport, you take a direct train to “Brussel-Noord”. This takes about 15 minutes.

At Brussel-Noord Station

Once you arrive at “Brussel-Noord” it’s a ten minutes’ walk towards the Brussels Campus. Please follow the exit signs “City Center/Place Rogier”.

Brussels Campus (Bolwerklaan 21 – 1210 BRUSSELS)

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7. HOUSING AND RESIDENCE PERMIT

Vlerick Business School does not offer on-campus accommodation. However, most students studying in Belgium have no trouble finding accommodation. If you are staying in Belgium for a whole academic year, we strongly advise you to look for a room on the private market.

1. TEMPORARY HOUSING We advise you to stay in a hotel or youth hostel during the first days of your stay. We can then help you look for a permanent place to live in a more comfortable way.

Youth Hostel Sleep Well Rue du Damier 23, Brussels +32 (0)2.218.50.50 [email protected] www.sleepwell.be

2. LOOKING FOR A STUDENT ROOM The best time of the year to start looking for housing is July-August. We advise you to come two weeks prior to the start of classes at the latest, as you will need time to adjust and find your way around in Brussels.

The best way to look for a room or apartment is simply by walking around the vicinity of the school, looking for orange signs saying ‘te huur’ (= for rent). To visit a room, you have to call the landlord and schedule an appointment. Most landlords in Brussels speak English or French.

A quick definition of the various types of accomodation, with price indication:

 Kamer: A room usually furnished with a bed, cupboard, study table, possibly a sink and with curtains. The bathroom and kitchen will be shared by several tenants. (€300 - €400)  Studio: A room that includes a bathroom and a small kitchen. Usually furnished as aboven (€400 - €600).  Duplex: Similar to a studio, where the bed is up a flight of stairs.

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 Apartment: Includes a living room, kitchen, bathroom and 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms. May or may not be furnished. (+ €500)  Te huur: For rent  Te koop: For sale

You can try the following links to find a place to live:

 www.immoweb.be  http://www.easykot.be/brussel/kot-brussel-bruxelles  https://ikot.brik.be/en

Before you can move into your room or apartment you will have to pay, in addition to the first months rent, a security deposit equal to 2 or 3 times the monthly rent. Be sure you have the required amount of money available once you arrive.

Regarding the deposit, note that you may not simply withhold the last month's rent and inform the landlord that this sum should be deducted from the deposit. This is considered a breach of contract and you could be subject to legal action. The deposit will be returned to you when you return your keys and if no damage is assessed.

In case you need furniture or small items to decorate your room, you could buy second-hand stuff at the ‘Kringwinkels’, for very little money.

 www.dekringwinkel.be  www.televil.eu

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3. RESIDENCE PERMIT

Foreigners Office Boulevard Anspach 6, Brussels

+32 2 279 35 20 [email protected]

Open: Working days (8.30am – 12.30pm)

The residence procedure distinguishes two major groups of foreign students:  EU-citizens and nationals of a country belonging to the European Economic Area  Third-country nationals

- Case 1: EU-citizens, nationals of a country belonging to the European Economic Area and third-country nationals with a primary residence in a neighbouring country (= France, Luxemburg, Germany or the Netherlands)

For whom? Students with a primary residence in a neighbouring country who wish to maintain their primary residence (‘domicile’) in that country and who therefore do not want to be registered in a Belgian city.

Please mind! This residence procedure does not apply to students with a primary residence in Great Britain.

Consequently, this residence procedure does not ensue in a registration in a Belgian city. The students will not obtain a primary residence (‘domicile’) in Brussels. This may constitute a difficulty when initiating certain other administrative procedures (application for a resident card, application for a Belgian bank account,…)

How? You present yourself within 8 working days following your arrival in Belgium at the Foreigners Office (third floor)

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What items to bring along?

 Passport (or for EU-citizens or nationals of a country belonging to the European Economic Area – an ID card)  Valid residence card, delivered by the neighbouring country involved (only for a third-country national)  Registration certificate of Vlerick Business School  Correct and complete residence address in Brussels  3 recent and identical passport photos on an even and light background

The certificate of registration costs 7.50 euro.

- Case 2: Third-country nationals

For whom? Third-country nationals for a prolonged study period (more than 3 months). Third-country nationals with a primary residence address in a neighbouring country (= France, Luxemburg, Germany or the Netherlands)) but wish to transfer their primary residence to Belgium.

If you have a visa D, you will be able to order an electronic A card (temporary stay) when you register. You will receive an appendix 15 in anticipation of this card (production period approximately 3 weeks).

What items to bring along?

 passport  valid student visa type D  registration certificate of Vlerick Business School  proof of sufficient means of existence (study grant, sponsorship form (annex 32), certificate of frozen bank account, …)  5 recent and identical passport photos on an even and light background

The electronic card A costs 17.50 euro.

8. BANKING

Since 2002, the Euro is the common currency in Belgium and 15 other European countries. More information about the Euro can be found at www.euro.fgov.be.

There are more than hundred banks in Belgium, in all the financial sectors. More than 40 foreign banks (Citibank, Deutsche Bank, ING, Axa, ...) make business in the capital of Europe. Since the euro, Belgium banks tend to disappear,

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purchased by international groups (Générale de Banque, Crédit Communal, Kredietbank, BBL have been taken over by Fortis Banque, Dexia Banque, KBC, ING). Most are open from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 4 pm, but they often close for lunch between 1pm and 2 pm. Bank officers are there to assist with all forms of bank transactions, including money transfers, credit cards, etc.

The nearest bank is ING:

If you would like to check out all the ING offices nearby the school, please visit: https://branches.ing.be/#branches

- Accounts You can open an account at any bank upon presentating proper identification. Belgian bank accounts can be ‘current’, ‘savings’ or ‘time’. The first is used for current payments by check or transfer; the second is self-explanatory; the third is an interest-bearing account, fixed for a definite period of time and for which the rate of interest varies with the time period involved. Several banks also offer dollar-savings accounts. Deposits and withdrawals may be made in U.S. dollar notes as well as dollar checks; withdrawals can be made at any time without notice.

Generally, you will be billed for all charges your account has incurred (e.g. checks issued, interest due, mailing fees, etc.) at the end of the calendar year.

Opening a current account in Belgium is relatively easy. To open a bank account in order to deposit funds and have a credit or debit card, the following papers are necessary:  Passport  Bank Account Application Form (completed and signed)  Some banks will request proof of address (such as a utility bill)

Some banks allow customers to open bank accounts online, and there are banks in Belgium that allow foreigners to open an account online before they arrive in Belgium. The bank must be informed once a residency permit has been issued.

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Once the account has been opened, it can take up to two weeks to receive the cards, PIN codes and passwords necessary to manage the account (although the process may sometimes be quicker). Bank statements are generally sent out monthly, but it is possible to receive them more frequently for an additional charge. Overdraft facilities are available on current accounts, but banks will request proof of income (for example a work contract) or three months worth of payslips.

- Payment by Cheque, Transfer or Credit Card Traveller’s checks are not commonly used anymore. They are only sold at smaller banks. Payments in Belgium are commonly made by bank transfer rather than by check. People or companies to whom payment is to be made will normally indicate on their invoices that they wish a transfer to be made to their bank or P.R.C. account. It is common to request (via a standing order) that the Bank automatically make payments for rent, gas, electricity, telephone and other regular billings at the time they become due. Setting up automatic payments is recommended since it precludes losing utility services, etc. during any extended absence from the city. Note that such payments are always taken from your current account so you should ensure that you maintain a sufficient balance of funds in your account.

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- Bank statements Providing a statement of your account transactions and balances on a regular basis (e.g., end-of-the-month) is not done in Belgium.

Instead, you can utilise machines located inside your bank or near the bank’s cash machines to obtain, on demand, a printed copy of your account statements. Most banks also offer some form of Internet online banking service that allows you to access your accounts and to conduct transactions.

9. HEALTH CARE INSURANCE

Health care insurance covers a portion of your medical expenses in the event medical treatment is required. All individuals resident in Belgium are required by law to be covered by health care insurance. As a foreign student, you are also subject to this requirement.

Proof of health care insurance is a prerequisite for obtaining valid residence status and also a necessary requirement for enrolment at the school. Apart from these legal requirements, health care insurance is also in your own interest.

How you obtain or prove your health care insurance coverage depends partly on your nationality:

- Case 1: Nationals of the European Union and Selected countries For students who are nationals of an EU country or of one of the following countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Switzerland, Algeria, Tunisia, Turkey, and the former Yugoslavia), proof of the required health insurance coverage is provided via the European Health Care Card or similar document, which you can obtain in your local health insurance office. Those possessing this card/document do not have to obtain additional health care insurance coverage during their stay in Belgium. Reimbursement of your medical costs will be provided by a Belgian mutual health insurance company upon showing your European Health Care card. This also applies to costs for medication - ask for form 704N at your pharmacy.

Students who do not possess the European Health Care Card/document must follow the same procedures as non-EU students as described below:

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- Case 2: Nationals of countries outside the European Union and selected countries If you currently have health care coverage in your home country, and this insurance would also cover any medical expenses during your stay in Belgium, there is nothing else you need to do (apart from proving that you have the coverage). Part of your medical certificates, based on your medical certifictes, will be refunded once you are back home.

However, if you want your medical expenses to be refunded immediately, you will need to register at a Belgian health fund. In that case, no additional fee has to be paid.

If you do not have coverage*, or your insurance does not cover costs while outside your home country, you will need to purchase insurance to cover your period of residency in Belgium.

As a student, you can take advantage of health insurance coverage at a somewhat reduced cost. To prove your student status you will need to obtain a Registration Certificate issued by the MBA/Masters office of the Vlerick Business School. Once the insurance fee is paid, your expenses will be (partially) covered.

After registering with a Belgian health fund, you will receive your letter of coverage and your personal membership stickers. In some cases, you will need these when visiting a General Practitioner, a specialist or a pharmacist. You will also receive your health insurance card (or ‘SIS card’). Make sure you always have these with you.

So to prevent delay in obtaining coverage you should check-in with the MBA/Masters office as soon as possible upon arrival in Brussels. Once you have your enrolment certificate you can immediately take it to a Belgian health care insurance company of your choice to obtain the necessary insurance coverage. Insurance is provided on a quarterly basis and starts from the first day of the quarter in which you enrol. The cost for the first quarter is approximately €55,00.

* If you want to be sure you are covered please contact your health care insurance company at home before leaving for Belgium.

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- Case 3: Temporary private insurance If you arrive in Belgium before the beginning of the enrolment period, you can not subscribe immediately to a health care policy as a student. To cover the period before your student coverage can begin we urge you to take out a temporary private health care insurance. The price per month for such coverage is approximately €38,00 for men and €56,00 for women.

HEALTH CARE INSURANCES NEARBY THE SCHOOL

CHRISTELIJKE MUTUALITEIT LAKENSESTRAAT 156, BRUSSELS 02/244.28.03 [email protected]

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PARTENA / EUROMUT ANSPACHLAAN 1B, BRUSSELS 02/209.06.80 [email protected]

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10. ADDITIONAL INSURANCE

- Student insurance Once you are enrolled at our school, you are automatically covered by a personal accident insurance which covers all student activities, including commuting to and from the courses. This is supplementary insurance, over and above the required health insurance.

Any cost not reimbursed under your health care insurance will be covered by this special policy, on the strict condition, however, that the student concerned has paid all dues for health insurance.

This supplemental policy also covers third-party liability, that is, you are insured, within reason, against all damages resulting from actions committed by you while you are on campus as a student of our school.

- Third party liability insurance We highly recommend students to subscribe to a third-party liability insurance policy that covers off-campus damage caused by the student or their close family members to third parties. For example, suppose you accidentally scratch a parked car while riding your bike and you are held responsible for the damage:

 Your health insurance & student insurance will cover your medical costs.  The third party insurance will pay for the damage to the car.  Your personal damage (to your bike) is not covered under this policy. There is, however, a guarantee of legal assistance if needed.

- Travel insurance Travel Insurance is optional, but it is for example important when you need to be repatriated to your country of origin or if you need to return prematurely to your country of origin because a relative has died.

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8. SETTLING IN

1. ELECTRICITY, GAS AND WATER The Belgian electricity and natural gas markets is deregulated, allowing consumers to choose from a range of companies. Electricity and gas companies in Belgium are regulated by the Commission for Regulation of Electricity and Gas. The commission fulfils two roles: it makes sure laws and regulations are adhered to, and it also acts in an advisory capacity to public authorities.

Normally, if you rent a student room, the charges for utilities (electricity, gas and water) are usually included in the monthly rent; your rental contract will give details.

Should this not be the case, please contact the gas or electricity company and request a transfer form. This form should be filled out by both the old and new tenants as connection to an existing system usually only requires a change of details. It will be necessary to provide a meter reading. If the meter is not accessible, contact the company, who will send out an agent to take a reading.

With the deregulation of gas and electricity, customers can choose to change supplier, however, do make sure to check this with your landlord. In order to do so, it is necessary to provide the following information to the present supplier:  EAN (European Article Numbering) code (can be obtained from the present supplier)  Yearly consumption mentioned on the last yearly invoice  Tariff applicable with the present contract (this is mentioned under the heading Données de Facturation on the last yearly invoice) The new supplier will take over at least one month after the new contract has been signed.

If you rent an apartment, it is normally your own responsibility to connect the electricity, gas and water mains and to pay the monthly charges. Electricity charges are normally paid in addition to the rent while central heating may be included in the rent. Again, the contract will determine the precise arrangement. Note that electricity, gas and water bills can be very expensive if usage is excessive.

Estimated electricity bills are sent out monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly depending on the chosen supplier. Annual meter readings are carried out automatically by all the utility companies and the bill is then readjusted in line with the consumption. The usual method of payment is via bank transfer or direct debit.

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Please find below the most common utility companies:  Electrabel (078 35 33 33)  Sibelga (02 549 41 00 - Rue des Poissonniers 13, 1000 Brussels)  Essent (07 815 79 79 – Veldkant 7, 1800 Brussels)  Eni (078 15 29 29 - Medialaan 34, 1800 Brussels)  Lumnius (078 15 51 00)

You can either go to the office in person or telephone to arrange the connection. If you arrange service by telephone, you must be present at your apartment when the technician comes to establish service.

A deposit of €125 must be paid for electricity and a further €26 if the house has gas central heating. Average electricity usage is estimated to be between €30 and €40 per month. An average gas bill is more difficult to estimate because it varies according to the appliances used. Billing for electricity and gas is normally done once a quarter.

Notify the local agencies two weeks before moving house. A final meter reading (where possible) is usually required, as well as a forwarding address where the final bills may be sent. If moving to another property in the same region, it is usually possible to transfer client details from one property to another.

Nice to know: The voltage in Belgium is 230V - 50Hz. Belgium uses the standard European two-pin plug and socket. Household appliances from a country with a different frequency and voltage (such as the United States, where it is 110 volts - 60 Hz) may need a transformer and/or adaptor in order to function properly (or at all). Appliances from the UK, and elsewhere in Europe, will work in Belgium without the need for a transformer, although a plug adapter or change of plug is needed.

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2. WATER

Each region has its own water company. To set up a contract the following information is required:

 The address of the property  The name of the new occupant  The moving-in date  The meter reading  Copy of the new occupant's passport or identity card

In the Brussels-Capital region the water supplier is the “Intercommunale Bruxelloise de Distribution d'Eau” / “Brusselse Intercommunale voor Waterdistributie”

Phone: 02 518 81 11 Address: Boulevard de l'Impératrice 17-19, 1000 Bruxelles

If moving to a new property or one that has been left empty, a visit from an IBDE/BIWD agent will be required as the meter will need to be re-started. You also have to fill out a form that needs to be signed by both you and the landlord or the previous owner.

An average annual water bill is estimated to be between €75 and €125.

When you decide to leave the flat or house, you should inform the company of your intended departure. After the company has read the meter(s), you will have to go to the