Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
LEUVEN
2018-2019
Preface
WELCOME TO
THE CITY OF LEUVEN!
The City of Leuven and the institutions of cultural challenges you might face during
higher education that call Leuven home are your stay in Leuven.
pleased to welcome you to this lovely city. Living in Leuven will answer many, albeit
We have joined forces to produce this guide not all, questions you may have and settling
to Leuven which is available on paper and into your new home will feel much less over-
online. Living in Leuven has been written whelming than you might think.
especially for all international visitors of the
institutions of higher education. Leuven will be your city before you know it!
It contains information about the institu-
tions, Belgium, daily life in Leuven and can —
help you navigate the practical, social and The Editorial Team
3
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
4
Useful Contact Information
© Rob Stevens
5
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
CITY HALL
Overstraetenplein 1
FOREIGNERS 3000 Leuven
016 27 21 94
OFFICE
International Office
UC LEUVEN
Geldenaaksebaan 335 016 375 700 www.ucll.be/international
-LIMBURG
3001 Heverlee
LUCA SCHOOL
Lemmensberg 3
OF ARTS CAMPUS 02 447 15 00 www.luca-arts.be
3000 Leuven
LEMMENS
FOR STUDENTS
REGISTRAR’S OFFICE
KU Leuven
016 32 40 40 sa@kuleuven.be
Naamsestraat 22
REGISTRAR’S UC
inschrijvingen.leuven@ucll.be
OFFICE Leuven-Limburg
STUDENT SERVICES
HOUSING
016 32 44 00 housingservice@kuleuven.be
SERVICE
FOR ALL STUDENTS
juridischedienststudenten@kuleu-
LEGAL SERVICE 016 32 44 31
ven.be
6
Useful Contact Information
SUSTAINABILITY
STUDENTS
016 32 93 01 duurzaamheid@kuleuven.be
FOR ALL
UNIT
PANGAEA, INTER-
CULTURAL MEET- *open to staff as well 016 32 33 96 pangaea@kuleuven.be
ING CENTRE*
DISABILITY
016 32 44 26 disability@kuleuven.be
OFFICE
CONTACT POINT
FOR RELIGION
016 32 43 32 reldiv@kuleuven.be
AND PHILOSOPH-
ICAL DIVERSITY
INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS
Admissions
KU LEUVEN Naamsestraat 63 016 37 98 84 admissions@kuleuven.be
3000 Leuven
Admissions
UC LEUVEN
Geldenaaksebaan 016 37 57 00 international@ucll.be
-LIMBURG
335, 3001 Heverlee
LUCA SCHOOL OF
ARTS - CAMPUS admissions@luca-arts.be
LEMMENS
FOR STAFF
HR DEPARTMENT
telephone number of
your HR adviser can
KU LEUVEN Parijsstraat 72b hr-international@kuleuven.be
be found in your KU-
Loket (see p. 57)
UC LEUVEN-
international@ucll.be
LIMBURG
LUCA SCHOOL OF
ARTS - CAMPUS katrien.declerck@luca-arts.be
LEMMENS
7
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
1. Who are we 13
ID OF THE I NSTITUTIONS 14
KU Leuven 14
UC Leuven-Limburg 14
LUCA School of Arts – Campus Lemmens Leuven 15
City of Leuven 15
MAP OF LEUVEN 17
ACADEMIC CALENDAR 20
KU LEUVEN ASSOCIATION 20
3. Living 37
HOUSEK EEPING 38
Sorting waste 38
Responsible energy use 39
Laundrettes, laundries and dry cleaning 40
SHOPPING 41
Supermarkets and shops 41
Markets 41
Second hand shops 41
8
Contents
EATING 42
Alma University Restaurant 42
Veggie Bag 42
WORKING AS A STUDENT EMPLOYEE 43
TAXES AND TAX FORM 44
9
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
CVO Volt 61
Language practice at Pangaea 61
Self-study packages 61
6. Communications 64
COMPUTER, INTERNET AND EMAIL FACILITIES 64
How to activate your account 64
Email 64
KotNet 65
Wifi – eduroam 65
PC-rooms, rental and purchase 65
ICT support 66
POSTAL SERVICES 66
TELEPHONE SERVICES 67
General information 67
Mobile telephones (cell phones) 67
RADIO 67
Leuven radio projects 67
Belgian radio channels 67
PUBLICATIONS 68
7. Health 69
THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM 70
General practitioners (GPs) and specialists 70
Hospital services 71
Where to go when? 71
THE FLEMISH CARE INSURANCE 72
REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAL COSTS VIA HEALTH INSURANCE 72
VACCINATIONS 74
THERMOM ETERS 74
8. Socialising 75
SPORTS 76
KU Leuven Sports Centre (Universitair Sportcentrum) 76
Student’s sports initiatives 77
City’s sports facilities 77
Sport clubs in Leuven 77
CULTURE 77
How to get cultural deals? 77
Performing arts 78
Music 79
10
Contents
Film 81
Municipal musea 81
Library 81
Academies 82
PLACES TO VISIT 83
University carillon 83
App Leuven Walk 83
Parks and green around Leuven 83
PEOPLE TO MEET 83
Pangaea Intercultural Meeting Centre 83
Student faculty unions and student representation 84
International Student Associations 88
Meeting opportunities for KU Leuven doctoral students and staff 89
9. Family 91
FAMILY REUNIFICATION 92
BIRTHS, M ARRIAGES AND DEATHS 92
SCHOOLS 93
The educational system 93
The school calendar 94
How to register 94
Private international school 94
CHILD CARE 95
Studying while pregnant/with children 95
Day care services 95
Playground activities during school holidays 96
Babysitting services 97
10. Religion 99
ON CAMPUS 100
RELIGIOUS CONTACT POINTS 101
Roman-Catholic 101
Anglican 102
Protestant 102
Orthodox 102
Jewish 102
Muslim 102
Buddhists 103
Hindu 103
Mormon Community 103
BAHÁ’Í Community 103
11
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
Glossary 120
Notes 121
12
1
Who are we?
1.1 ID of the Institutions
1.2 Map of Leuven
1.3 Academic calendar
1.4 KU Leuven Associations
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
14
Who are we – who is this guide for?
1 .1 I D O F T H E I N S T I T U T I O N S
institution offering higher Construction, Arts, Interior • Capital of the province
education, research and Design, Design, Film & Flemish Brabant.
community services and Photography • More than 100 000 inhab-
educates its students to • Number of students: 510. itants, named ‘Pieterman-
become inspiring profes- • International students: 86. nen’ after the oldest parish
sionals, broad-minded • Staff: 210. St- Peter’s.
world citizens and strong • Situated in a large park area • 5 communities: Leuven,
personalities who contrib- overlooking the Gasthuis- Heverlee, Kessel-Lo, Wilsele
ute to a sustainable and just berg university hospital. and Wijgmaal.
society. [2] • The institute’s facilities • Its population has a high av-
include concert halls, erage level of education, due
LUCA School of Arts theatres, ballet studios, to the presence of the insti-
– Campus Lemmens multimedia rooms, a library tutions of higher education.
Leuven and a number of rehearsal • Employment is primarily in
studios. The institute holds the tertiary and quaternary
• Founded in 1879. concerts, introductions to sectors.
• Developed into a complete concerts, masterclasses, • Large employers: University
Conservatory which offers special projects which in- Hospital and Inbev (beer
training in a wide range volve the preparation and brewery).
of disciplines: performance of musical • Mayor: Louis Tobback.
• Bachelor/Master masterpieces, choirs and • Alderman responsible for
in Music: Composition, orchestras, specialised stu- student affairs since 2001.
Conducting, Music Ed- dent ensembles for ancient • Sister towns: ’s
ucation, Music Therapy, and contemporary music, Hertogenbosch (NL),
Instrument/Voice, Jazz chamber orchestras and big Rennes (F), Lüdenscheid
band. [3] (D), Krakow (PL). [4]
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STUDENT SERVICES • Residence Rega F2 102
Sint-Maartenstraat 55d, 3000 Leuven
• Advisors housing culture, environment and mobility D3 76 • Residence Wisteria A1 84
Zwartzusterstraat 2, 3000 Leuven Sint-Jansbergsesteenweg 101, 3001 Heverlee
• Service for students with a disability - Religion & Philosophical D3 36 • Rijschoolstraat 6, 3000 Leuven E3 97
Diversity contact point - Housing service - Student Employment • Rijschoolstraat 17, 3000 Leuven E3 89
Service - Assisted Living accommodation - Student Health Centre - • Rijschoolstraat 25, 3000 Leuven E3 90
Residence management - Social Service - Legal Service - • Romero I E4 91
Study advice service Blijde Inkomststraat 32, 3000 Leuven
Van Dalecollege, Naamsestraat 80, 3000 Leuven • Romero II E4 60
• Residence management reception desk Heverlee C3 94 Tiensestraat 115, 3000 Leuven
De Waag, Studentenwijk Arenberg 10, 3001 Heverlee • Sedes Parkstraat D3 92
• Residence management reception desk Leuven D3 36 Parkstraat 23, 3000 Leuven
Van Dalecollege, Naamsestraat 80, 3000 Leuven • Sedes Vlamingenstraat D3 98
• Intercultural Meeting Centre Pangaea E4 95 Vlamingenstraat 87, 3000 Leuven
Vesaliusstraat 34, 3000 Leuven • Sint-Catharina F2 93
RESIDENCES KU LEUVEN Sluisstraat 2, 3000 Leuven
• Studax F4 138
• Amerikaans College D3 75 Martelarenlaan 40, 3000 Leuven
Naamsestraat 100, 3000 Leuven • Studenthouses University Parish E4 69
• Camilo Torres D2 80 Tiensestraat 124, 3000 Leuven
Brusselsestraat 165, 3000 Leuven • Studentresidence Groenveld B2 74
• Copal D2 72 Celestijnenlaan 76-78-80-82, 3001 Heverlee
Tervuursestraat 56, 3000 Leuven • Studentenwijk Arenberg C3 94
• De Snek E1 66 Studentenwijk Arenberg 2-25, 3001 Heverlee
Noormannenstraat 68, 3000 Leuven • Zwartzustersklooster D3 76
• De Vesten C3 99 Schapenstraat 80, 3000 Leuven
Tervuursevest 107, 3001 Heverlee
• De Viking E1 66 PRIVATE RESIDENCES
Noormannenstraat 68, 3000 Leuven • #94 F2 133
• Don-Boscopeda D4 79 Vaartstraat 94, 3000 Leuven
Van Ostaijenlaan 21, 3001 Heverlee • Campus Artemis C4 134
• Dondeynehuis D2 72 Groenstraat 264, 3001 Heverlee
Tervuursestraat 56, 3000 Leuven • Goede Herder Leuven (GHL) D2 132
• Edith Stein D4 81 Minderbroedersstraat 21, 3000 Leuven
Van Belstraat 6, 3000 Leuven • Home Thomas Morus C3 119
• Father Damian Community D3 82 Tervuursevest 115-116-117, 3001 Heverlee
Damiaanplein 9, 3000 Leuven • La Marbrerie D4 137
• Groot Begijnhof D3 70 Naamsestraat 183, 3000 Leuven
Groot Begijnhof 94-95, 3000 Leuven • Regina Mundi Leuven (RML) D3 130
• Heilige-Geestcollege E3 71 Janseniusstraat 38, 3000 Leuven
Naamsestraat 40, 3000 Leuven • Residence Flamingo E3 126
• Holleberg D3 83 Ravenstraat 28, 3000 Leuven
Schapenstraat 37, 3000 Leuven • Residence Thomas Morus C3 119
• Home Vesalius E4 95 Tervuursevest 115-117-119, 3001 Heverlee
Vesaliusstraat 34, 3000 Leuven • Studenten Concentratie Keizersberg F1-F2 123
• Johannes XXIII C3 85 Mechelsestraat 202, 3000 Leuven
Tervuursevest 141, 3001 Heverlee • Studentenhuis Lerkeveld B4 128
• Junior House F4 100 Waversebaan 220, 3001 Heverlee
Lipsiusstraat 58, 3000 Leuven • Studentenhuis Magnolia E3 127
• Justus Lipsiuscollege D3 86 Blijde Inkomststraat 28, 3000 Leuven
Minderbroedersstraat 15, 3000 Leuven • Studentresidence De Kotstones C4 121
• J.L. Vives International Residence D3 68 Hoveniersdreef 21, 3001 Heverlee
Damiaanplein 10, 3000 Leuven • Studentresidence Jan Pieter Minckelers C4 129
• Leo XIII-seminarie E4 69 Sint-Lambertusstraat 2, 3001 Heverlee
Tiensestraat 112, 3000 Leuven • The Flint
• Loyola International Nachbahr Huis D3 76 Vesaliusstraat 45c, 3000 Leuven
Schapenstraat 80, 3000 Leuven • The Village E4 135
• Meisjescentrum E3 96 Blijde Inkomststraat 81, 3000 Leuven
Vital Decosterstraat 47, 3000 Leuven Mathildegang 16, 3000 Leuven
• Parkstraat 29, 3000 Leuven D4 87 Burgermeesterstraat 32-46-50, 3000 Leuven
• Paus Adriaan VI-college E3 73
Hogeschoolplein 3, 3000 Leuven GUESTHOUSING
• Pius X-college C3 88
Tervuursevest 103, 3001 Heverlee • De Viking E1 66
• Residence de La Salle D1 131 Noormannenstraat 68, 3000 Leuven
Mechelsevest 6, 3000 Leuven • Youth Hostel De Blauwput F3 47
• Residence Herman Servotte D4 77 Martelarenlaan 11A, 3010 Leuven
Parkstraat 39-41, 3000 Leuven • Leuven City Hostel F3 48
• Residence Mgr. Cruysberghs E3 78 Ravenstraat 37, 3000 Leuven
Minderbroedersstraat 6, 3000 Leuven • Residence Herman Servotte D4 77
Parkstraat 39-41, 3000 Leuven
KU LEUVEN UNIVERSITY SERVICES • Alma Gasthuisberg C1 216
Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven
• University Administration and Central Services E3 1 • Alma Pauscollege E3 73
Krakenstraat 3, 3000 Leuven Hogeschoolplein 3, 3000 Leuven
• E3 4
Naamsestraat 22, 3000 Leuven UNIVERSITY COLLEGES IN LEUVEN
• Central library E3 5
Ladeuzeplein 21, 3000 Leuven • UC Leuven-Limburg, Faculty of Management and Technology C4 25
• A4 12 Geldenaaksebaan 335, 3001 Heverlee
de Croylaan 52b, 3001 Heverlee • UC Leuven-Limburg, Faculty of Teacher Education C4 25-26
• E3 37 Hertogstraat 178, 3001 Heverlee
Atrechtcollege, Naamsestraat 63, 3000 Leuven • UC Leuven-Limburg,
• University Reception Desk & KU Leuven Shop E3 4 Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven (Faculty of Health) C1 27
Naamsestraat 22, 3000 Leuven Groeneweg 151, 3001 Heverlee ((Faculty of Social Work)) B1 28
• E3 4 • LUCA School of Arts, campus Lemmens D1 23
Naamsestraat 22, 3000 Leuven Lemmensberg 3, 3000 Leuven
• Vlerick Bussiness School, Campus Leuven E3 231
KU LEUVEN FACULTIES AND INSTITUTES Vlamingenstraat 83, 3000 Leuven
• Faculty of Canon Law E3 192
HOSPITALS
Sint-Michielsstraat 6, 3000 Leuven
• Faculty of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science (FaBeR) C3 222 • Regional Hospital H. Hart Leuven D4 140
Tervuursevest 101, 3001 Heverlee Naamsestraat 105, 3000 Leuven
• Faculty of Bioscience Engineering B4 213 • University Hospital Gasthuisberg C1 216
Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, 3001 Heverlee Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven
• Faculty of Business and Economics D3 194 • University Hospital Sint-Pieter E2 142
Naamsestraat 69, 3000 Leuven Brusselsestraat 69, 3000 Leuven
• Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences C1 215 • University Hospital Sint-Rafaël E2 217
Onderwijs en Navorsing 2, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven Kapucijnenvoer 33, 3000 Leuven
• Faculty of Medicine C1 215
Onderwijs en Navorsing 2, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven PUBLIC SERVICES
• Faculty of Engineering Technology, Campus Group T E4 20
• Fire Department B1 153
Andreas Vesaliusstraat 13, 3000 Leuven
Terbankstraat 20, 3001 Heverlee
• Faculty of Engineering Science B3 207
• Immigration and Visa Services (Stadskantoor) F4 163
Kasteelpark Arenberg 1, 3001 Heverlee
Van Overstraetenplein 1, 3000 Leuven
• Faculty of Arts E4 196
• Fietspunt-Leuven station F4 163
Blijde Inkomststraat 21, 3000 Leuven
Van Overstraetenplein 1/001, 3000 Leuven
• Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences E4 197
• Leuven Police Department E3 157
Tiensestraat 102, 3000 Leuven
Grote Markt 8, 3000 Leuven
• Faculty of Law E3 192
• Local and Federal Police E4 158
Tiensestraat 41, 3000 Leuven
Philipssite 4, 3001 Heverlee
• Faculty of Social Sciences E4 195
• Town Hall E3 157
Parkstraat 45, 3000 Leuven
Grote Markt 9, 3000 Leuven
• Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies E3 190
• Leuven Train Station F4 167
Sint-Michielsstraat 4, 3000 Leuven
Martelarenplein 16, 3000 Leuven
• Faculty of Science B4 199
• STUK Arts centre D3 43
Geel Huis, Kasteelpark Arenberg 11, 3001 Heverlee
Naamsestraat 96, 3000 Leuven
• Institute of Philosophy E4 191
• VELO C3 181
Mercierplein 2, 3000 Leuven
Hollestraat 1, 3001 Heverlee
• Leuven Language Institute E4 224
• CM Health Insurance F3 365
Dekenstraat 6, 3000 Leuven
Leopold I-straat 34, 3000 Leuven
UNIVERSITY RESTAURANTS
PARKING IN LEUVEN
• Alma I E4 60
KU Leuven parking is open to visitors for events and activities (such as
Tiensestraat 115, 3000 Leuven
• Alma II E4 195
to each event or activity for more information about parking opportunities.
Van Evenstraat 2c, 3000 Leuven
• Alma III C3 2 • Periphery parking (free)
Studentenwijk Arenberg 1, 3001 Heverlee Parking Bodart, Tervuursevest 165 pl. C3
• Alma ESAT2 B4 199 Sport Centre (Stade), Tervuursevest 100 pl. C3
Kasteelpark Arenberg 10, 3001 Heverlee Tervuursevest near viaduct 55 pl. C3-D3
• Alma Groep T E4 20 • Periphery parking (paid)
Andreas Vesaliusstraat 13, 3000 Leuven Parking Philipssite 1245 pl. D4
• Alma De Moete B3 62 Parking Station Leuven, Martelarenplein 385 pl. F4
Celestijnenlaan 200P, 3001 Heverlee
• De Spuye, kantine Universitair Sportcentrum C3 63 GOOD TO KNOW
Tervuursevest 101, 3001 Heverlee
• Alma Het Academisch Kwartier E3 192 All parts of the city within ‘the ring’ (the motorway that encircles the city)
Tiensestraat 41, 3000 Leuven is a ‘blue zone’. In this zone, parking on the street is limited and regulated.
• Faculty Club D3 64
Groot Begijnhof 14, 3000 Leuven streets. Take care to select the correct route to your desired parking lot.
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
S O N D J F M A M J J A
Lectures
Rehearsal
period
Examinations
1 . 3 AC A D E M I C C A L E N DA R — 1 . 4 H OW TO U S E T H I S G U I D E
Deliberations
Holiday
ACADEMIC KU LEUVEN
CALENDAR ASSOCIATION
• KU Leuven: You will notice that the institutions
www.kuleuven.be/about/ work together for a lot of services.
calendars/ This is due to the KU Leuven As-
• UC Leuven-Limburg: sociation. The KU Leuven Asso-
www.ucll.be/international/ ciation is an open and dynamic
about/academic-information/ network linking university colleges
academic-calendar across Flanders and Brussels with
• LUCA School of Arts – the KU Leuven. Together, they
Campus Lemmens Leuven: hold a prominent and influential
www.luca-arts.be/ position in Flemish and European
academische-kalender Higher Education. The Associa-
tion members strengthen each
other by exchanging expertise
and pooling resources, which en-
ables them to improve the quality
of their teaching and research.
associatie.kuleuven.be/eng
20 © Rob Stevens
2
First week
to do’s
2.1 Accommodation
2.2 Insurances
2.3 Registration City Hall
2.4 Money matters
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
FOR STUDENTS
22
First week to do’s
FOR STAFF
23
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
ACCOMMO
DATION
Housing market
in Leuven
2 . 1 A C C O M O D AT I O N
SITUATION
24
First week to do’s
Looking for
housing as a student • A limited number of com- period. Addresses listed in Kotwijs
If you arrive in Leuven and haven’t puters and telephones is come from reliable landlords and
found housing yet, you should go available to search for hous- the database is constantly updated.
to the KU Leuven Housing Service ing and contact landlords. You can enter your requirements
immediately with your admission • During the summer months regarding type of accommodation,
letter. This service assists all stu- a student employee is at facilities, maximum rent, etc., and
dents enrolled in an institution hand to help you contact the system will show a selection
of higher education in Leuven. landlords (in Dutch). of suitable addresses, together
Most students will find their new with the landlord’s data. After per-
• A Housing Officer will pro- home in Leuven within a week. forming a search via Kotwijs, it
vide you with the most up- Leuven has seen a rise in student is recommended that you view
to-date information on the accommodation over the last years, the rooms as quickly as possible.
student housing market and so there will certainly be housing www.kotwijs.be
will guide you through the available for students throughout
procedure to find permanent the year. UNIVERSITY RESIDENCE HALLS
2 . 1 A C C O M O D AT I O N
housing. There are rooms, studios and
KOTLABEL IN SIGHT? apartments available for inter-
THIS KOT IS ALRIGHT! national students in KU Leu-
Recently Leuven introduced the ven residence halls. For more
‘KotLabel’. All rooms carrying this information on conditions and
label meet the proper standards application procedure, con-
in regard with quality of living, tact KU Leuven Housing Ser-
fire safety, quality of the contract vice and/or check the website.
and student-friendliness. You can www.kuleuven.be/residencehalls
25
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
expected to find housing on your and Rega: www.kuleuven.be/ When you conclude a contract, the
own, there is no housing service waterview - www.kuleuven.be/ payment of a deposit is required.
for staff members. Some basic residentierega.
information is available on the • University Residential Area • For rooms: a deposit of one
website of your institution. Groot Begijnhof: or two months’ rent.
If you will be staying in Leuven www.kuleuven.be/ • For studios and apartments:
alone and for a short period of grootbegijnhof/welcome. deposits generally amount
time, you can benefit from the to two months’ rent.
student housing market to find Practical information
a single room or studio with a on renting The deposit can only be used to
student contract of maximum www.kuleuven.be/housing-leuven compensate for damage to the
12 months, with the possibility rented property caused by the
of renewal. THE RENTAL CONTRACT tenant or by third parties to whom
If you prefer more comfort, or if There are several types of the tenant has granted access. The
you will be staying for a few years contracts: deposit or its balance will be re-
and/or with your family, you will • A student contract with a imbursed within one month after
find yourself on the regular rental term of 10, 11 or 12 months the end of the agreement, taking
market looking for an apartment or a short term: It is advis- into account that the landlord
or a house, where rental contracts able to use the KU Leuven should have the opportunity to
have a rental term of 3, 6 or 9 modal rental contract, draw up the final bill for heating,
26
First week to do’s
electricity, etc. The landlord can beginning and at the end of than 90 days and you are
charge an extra cost if the keys the rental term. not registered in the mu-
were not returned in time and/or • To pay a fixed monthly or nicipal register: A reduced
the property has not been cleaned yearly amount for the sup- second-residence tax of
thoroughly. plementary expenses. €94,50 is due, if you submit
In this case no calculation proof of enrolment at an
Make sure that you: will be made at the end of educational institution offer-
• Ask for (and keep) the the contract. ing full-time day courses.
receipt when you pay the • To have an individual con- • You are staying for less than
deposit in cash. tract with the gas, electric- 90 days: You are obliged
• Pay the rent until the last ity and water companies. to present yourself at City
month, you cannot deduct In this case the tenant will Hall where you receive a
the deposit from your rent receive and pay the invoices declaration of arrival (annex
that is still due. directly from and to the 3 or 3ter). No city tax is due
• Don’t close your bank company. This usually ap- if this document is handed
account when leaving plies for studio’s, apartments over to the landlord in time.
2 . 1 A C C O M O D AT I O N
Leuven indefinitely, before and houses. • All regulations on city tax
the deposit has been are only applicable if Jan-
returned to your account. CITY TAX uary 1st is included in the
The city of Leuven levies a tax duration of the stay. Not
SUPPLEMENTARY EXPENSES on the owner of every housing living in Leuven on January
If the cost of heating, electricity, unit in Leuven used as second 1st, means no city tax.
water, etc. is not included in the residence in certain situations.
rent, the contract should clearly This tax amounts to € 789,50 FIRE INSURANCE
state how these costs will be per second residence per year for When you rent a property, you are
calculated. 2017. Most landlords stipulate in responsible for damage caused
their contract that they will recover by fire, water or an explosion,
There are different possibilities: this sum from the tenant. except in circumstances beyond
• To pay a monthly advance your control (i.e. “force majeure”).
for the costs, over and What does this mean for students Depending on the rental contract,
above the cost of the rent. and staff members? you have to subscribe to an insur-
At the end of the agree- • You are staying for more ance policy to cover these risks.
ment, a settlement of the than 90 days and you are
total costs is made, taking registered in the municipal • If the tenant’s liability is
into account the advance register (with annex 8, 15 included in the landlord’s
payments. If each housing or 33): No second-residence insurance policy: in the con-
unit is equipped with an tax is due. On the request tract the landlord can stip-
individual electricity and gas of the landlord you should ulate that the tenant must
meter, the tenant and the hand over the annex as pay his/her share in this fire
landlord should make a note proof of registration. insurance premium.
of the meter reading at the • You are staying for more The tenant’s personal >
27
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
belongings will never be not taken care of by the a health insurance policy. This is
covered by the landlord’s institution. In most cases, also in your own interest. Without
insurance policy. To insure you will have to affiliate insurance coverage, the costs of
damage to his/her own with a public Belgian health medical care can quickly spiral
property, the tenant needs insurance fund . out of control. You have to arrange
to subscribe to a separate • Study/work accidents affiliation with health insurance
insurance policy. and damage to third parties on your own, this is not taken care
• If he tenant’s liability is not during student/work activi- of by your institution.
included in the landlord’s ties: Through your registra- In most cases, you will have to
insurance policy (usually tion, you are automatically affiliate yourself with a public
the case for apartments covered for this by your Belgian health insurance fund.
and houses): the tenant institution. This fund reimburses an aver-
needs to take out individual • Damage to third par- age of 75% of the official tariffs
2 . 1 A C C O M O D AT I O N — 2 . 2 I N S U R A N C E S
insurance to cover the risks ties during private of (Belgian) medical expenses.
of damage both to the land- life: This insurance covers See p. 72 for more information on
lord’s property and to their the physical and material reimbursement of medical costs.
personal belongings. An in- damage accidentally caused
dividual policy is obviously by you or members of your DO I NEED TO
AFFILIATE MYSELF?
more expensive, depending household to others in your
on the coverage and the private life. These are general guidelines.
value of the property and The situation might be differ-
furniture insured. Who can you contact with ques- ent depending on your status,
• When you rent a room from tions regarding insurances? [2] in combination with the >
another student (sublet-
ting), you can sign in on a • All students: Insurance Of- [1] HOUSING SERVICE i
fire insurance policy offered fice KU Leuven KU LEUVEN
Naamsestraat 80
by the KU Leuven that cov- • Staff members: Your local
3000 Leuven
ers your liability towards the HR adviser or the Insurance T 016 32 44 00
housingservice@kuleuven.be
landlord and third parties, Office KU Leuven
www.kuleuven.be/
as well as your personal be- KU Leuven: hr-international@ housing-leuven
longings. This fire insurance kuleuven.be
Weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00
policy costs € 25 per year. UC Leuven-Limburg: p.m.
In September on weekdays also
international@ucll.be
from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
LUCA School of Arts, cam-
INSURANCE pus Lemmens:
There are different types of katrien.declerck@luca-arts.be [2] INSURANCE OFFICE KU
LEUVEN
insurance for :
Health Insurance Krakenstraat 3/5515
3000 Leuven
• Medical costs: Coverage All residents of Belgium, Belgian T 016 32 40 99
verzekeringen@kuleuven.be
by a health insurance policy nationals or otherwise, are re- admin.kuleuven.be/sab/vz/en/
is required by law. This is quired by law to be covered by insurance-office
28
First week to do’s
You have an European Health In- With the EHIC, a Belgian health
surance Card (EHIC) -> You don’t insurance fund will partially reim-
need to affiliate yourself. burse you for essential medical
For a long stay: costs based on your receipts
Your EHIC might not cover you for (doctor, pharmacist, etc.). E.g.
a long stay. Check the regulation non-urgent dental check-ups
in your home country. might not be included.
No Resi-
You don’t have an EHIC. -> You
(steady) dent of
need to affiliate with a Belgian
Belgian an EEA
health insurance or take out a
income country
private insurance for medical costs
in Belgium.
For a stay less than 3 months: See below.
Check if you are covered by the
health insurance in your country.
If not, you need to take out
a private insurance for medical
costs in Belgium.
2.2 INSURANCES
Your country has a bilateral
You need a special document
agreement on medical costs with
from your health insurance
Belgium. (www.kruispuntmi.be, search
company in your home country
‘publieke ziekteverzekering bilater-
before you leave for Belgium.
aal akkoord’) -> You don’t need to
With this document, you can get
affiliate yourself, if your stay in Bel-
(partial) reimbursement from a
gium does not exceed the period
Belgian insurance fund for your
foreseen in the agreement. You
costs based on your receipts
keep your affiliation with a health
(doctor, pharmacist, etc.).
No Resident insurance in your home country.
(steady) of a Your country does not have a bi-
Belgian non-EEA lateral agreement on medical costs
income country with Belgium. -> You need to affiliate
with a Belgian health insurance or
take out a private insurance for med-
ical costs in Belgium.
See below.
For a stay less than 3 months:
Check if you are covered by
the health insurance in your country.
If not, you need to take out a
private insurance for medical
costs in Belgium.
A steady Belgian
income (= a salary or a You need to affiliate with a
See below.
scholarship subject to Belgian health insurance.
social security)
29
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
You can affiliate yourself with the is born during your stay in card/residence permit or
30
First week to do’s
your temporary document • Your own physical damage and in some cases obliged to take
(e.g. annex 15). during study or work related this policy.
If applicable: the contract of activities and during the
the employer who is paying journey to and from these • All students: your institution
your scholarship or salary. activities, in Belgium as well provides a third party liabil-
Your bank account number. as abroad. ity insurance at an advanta-
• With family: the certificate • Your civil liability (damage geous price.
of your family composition to third parties) during Non-EEA students are
(gezinssamenstelling), that study or work related activ- obliged to join the institu-
you can obtain at City Hall. ities, in Belgium as well as tion’s third party liability
abroad. policy upon registration and
For students: pay €10 the first year (€5 the
After finishing the procedure at More information for all institutions: subsequent academic years).
City Hall, you will have to complete admin.kuleuven.be/sab/vz/en EEA students are strongly
your file at the health insurance recommended to take this
fund with: Third Party Liability policy upon registration as
Insurance well.
2.2 INSURANCES
• Your Belgian identity Almost all Belgians have a third • Staff members: Staff mem-
card/residence permit or party liability insurance for private bers can take out this insur-
your temporary document life. This policy compensates the ance with a bank or private
(e.g. annex 15), if applicable. physical and material damage insurance company.
• Your bank accoun t number. that they, the members of their
household or their pets acciden- In case of an accident:
Depending on your situation, tally cause to others in their pri- • Students: Report your ac-
you will pay a different fee: see vate life and for which they are cident as soon as possibble
table p. 30. legally liable. E.g. when you ac- to the Insurance Office KU
cidentally knock the side mirror Leuven (see p. 28). This
For information on the health care off a parked car while cycling or office will file the claim
system and the reimbursement spill your coffee on the laptop of with the relevant insurance
of medical costs, see chapter 7 your friend. The insured party company on your behalf
‘Health’. [3] who has his/her normal residence and help you to follow up
in Belgium and family members your claim.
Civil liability (= legal partner and /or child) • Staff members: Please
insurance: coverage staying with the insured party at contact your insurance
by your institution the same address in Belgium will company immediately.
during study/work be covered throughout the world.
related activities Past experience has shown that
Through your enrolment as a the costs associated with damage
student or staff member at your caused, even in a minor accident,
institution, you are insured by can turn out to be very high. That
your institution for: is why you are strongly advised
31
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
you are enroled at your educa- of a delay of more than 10 weeks, Neutraal Ziekenfonds Vlaanderen
tional institution. The procedure you can get in touch with the Vaartstraat 56/1
3000 Leuven
and necessary documents needed police via doelgroepenwerking@ T 016 30 16 43
will vary upon your student or politieleuven.be.
Socialistische Mutualiteit
staff status, your nationality and If you are not at home at the time Mechelsestraat 70
length of stay. You need to make of the officer’s visit, you will receive 3000 Leuven
2 . 3 R E G I S T R AT I O N C I T Y H A L L
T 016 22 57 04
an appointment prior to your visit a letter inviting you to report to
at City Hall. You can make an ap- the police station in your district. Liberale Mutualiteit van Brabant
Vital Decosterstraat 84
pointment online. You can also Make sure you do this as soon as 3000 Leuven
make an appointment through possible in order to avoid misun- T 016 47 25 41
telephone. With questions about derstandings or future adminis- Vlaams en Neutraal Ziekenfonds
this procedure, you can contact: trative problems. Vital Decosterstraat 83
3000 Leuven
If you live in a KU Leuven resi- T 016 85 29 20
• KU Leuven: dence hall, the police will not drop
Securex
Students: studentimmigra- by. They will check that you ac- Tiensevest 58
tion@kuleuven.be tually live there via the residence 3000 Leuven
T 016 38 86 11
Visiting scholars/fellows: management of KU Leuven.
visitings@kuleuven.be Partena Onafhankelijk Ziekenfonds
Naamsestraat 102
Staff members: Belgian identity 3000 Leuven
hr-international@kuleuven.be card/residence T 016 22 34 24
32
First week to do’s
before the expiry date of your iden- MONEY small fee to cover postage,
tity card. Non-EEA students will MATTERS your banks will send your
have to present a new proof of transaction statements to
enrolment, a proof of solvency Opening a bank your home address. The
and a copy of their transcript. Not account easiest way of obtaining ac-
attending exams without a valid Branches of the principal Belgian count statements is to print
reason can effect in a refusal of and international banks can be them out at a “selfbanking”
the extension of your residence found in all Belgian cities. Among terminal, this is free.
permit. Non-EEA staff members, the best known Belgian banks are • Withdrawals in dollars or
depending on their staff status, ING, KBC, Belfius, BNP Paribas traveller’s checks need to
will be asked to submit either a Fortis, Argenta and Citibank. be ordered some days in
new hosting agreement or a new A bank account can only be opened advance.
work permit. after arrival in Belgium. The pro-
If you lose your identity card/res- cedure on how to open a bank ac- Payment by bank transfer is a very
idence permit, you must report count can differ from bank to bank. common method of paying bills
this in person at the local police in Belgium. Most banks provide
2 . 4 M O N E Y M AT T E R S
station and sign an official dec- • After opening a bank ac- online Home-Banking options. It
laration of loss. Bring along two count, you receive a debit is advisable to arrange standing or-
passport photographs as well. After card, which needs to be ders with the bank (‘domiciliëring’)
an investigation by the police, you signed and activated by for recurring payments such as
will be given a duplicate of your choosing and confirming a rent, gas, electricity, water or tele-
identity card/residence permit. personal “PIN code”. phone bills. Since the payments are
• You will have to pay a made automatically, you cannot
Change of address monthly fee that includes all forget, even if you are away for a
Every time you change your ad- the standard services. For a period of time. >
dress, you must report your new
address within eight days to the
City Hall of your place of residence.
If you are moving to another town
or city in Belgium, you must re-
port to the Foreigners Office of
the City Hall of your new place
of residence. You are likewise re-
quired to inform your institution,
and other relevant offices of your
change of address.
33
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
Living Cost
Average of ¤500
Study materials (books, course materials, print
Depending on your programme,
costs, study related trips, costs for practica,…)
costs can be higher.
(cheapest model)
Housing costs
With partner
Single
(1 bedroom apartment,
(furnished room)
unfurnished)
Room amenities:
matrass Min. ¤ 60 (optional) Min. ¤ 100
bedding and linen Min. ¤ 40 Min. ¤ 70
Purchase of furniture:
see Spit p. 37
*Utility costs: electricity, heating, water, internet, fire insurance, taxes, communal costs etc. Not included:
insurance of your belongings (in case of fire, water damage etc.)
34
First week to do’s
2 . 4 M O N E Y M AT T E R S
(rent for 1 year)
Students: ¤ 23
Sports card (optional) 100 ¤
Staff: ¤ 40
Students: ¤ 95
With extra fitness card Staff KU Leuven: ¤ 155 ¤ 300
Staff Association: ¤ 300
35
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
Tomato 1 kg ¤ 2,50
Banana 1 kg ¤ 2,65
Rice 1 kg ¤ 1,80
2 . 4 M O N E Y M AT T E R S
Milk 1 l ¤ 0,65
Coffee/soft drink/
¤ 1 – ¤ 1,20
regular beer in faculty bar (fakbar)
Club Sandwich ¤3
Cinema ticket ¤ 8 – ¤ 13
36
3
Living
3.1 Housekeeping
3.2 Shopping
3.3 Eating
3.4 Working as a student employee
3.5 Taxes and tax form
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
HOUSE
KEEPING
www.kuleuven.be/housekeepingtips
Sorting waste
In Leuven, waste needs to be
3 .1 H O U S E K E E P I N G
38
Living
Fraction What Bag/Container Not Allowed! Price*
Pizza delivery
PAPER AND boxes
CARDBOARD Free
Bread bags
AT YOUR DOOR
Paper with foil
Light bulbs
Flat glass (e.g.
GLASS
broken Free
IN TOWN
window)
ceramics
3 .1 H O U S E K E E P I N G
ORGANIC Bones (e.g. ¤ 10 / 10 large
WASTE chicken) bags
=GFT Clams ¤ 5 / 10 small
AT YOUR DOOR Soil bags
SOFT
¤ 2,50 / 10
PLASTICS All PMD
large bags
AT YOUR DOOR
¤ 22.50 / 10
REGULAR large bags
All other house-
WASTE All KGA
hold waste ¤ 11.25 / 10
AT YOUR DOOR
small bags
39
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
SMALL
DANGEROUS
WASTE Free
=KGA
AT RECYCLING
CENTRE
centre for
reuse of house-
hold items.
TEXTILES Free pick-up at
Free
IN TOWN your residence
for large items
is possible. See
p. 42
40
Living
3 .1 H O U S E K E E P I N G
ergy and water use, sustainable
transportation
• Copy and print on both • Super Clean
Zwartzustersstraat 2/5006 sides of your printing paper. A. Vesaliusstraat 16
3000 Leuven
T 016 32 18 43 • De Washoek
duurzaamheid@kuleuven.be Green Office KU Leuven Schapenstraat 134
All students and staff are welcome to • Kesselse wasserij Prima
enjoy and/or join the green activities, Press - Platte Lostraat 278 -
[2] ECOWERF LEUVEN
(RECYCLING CENTRES)
campaigns, projects and workshops 3010 Kessel-Lo
Diestsesteenweg 504 of the Green Office, an initiative act- • Leuvense Strijk- en Poets-
3010 Kessel-Lo ing as a sustainability lab within the dienst - Kapucijnenvoer
Aarschotsesteenweg 210
3012 Wilsele university community. [3] 133/1
Grauwmeer • Wassalon Primus
3001 Heverlee
Leuven going carbon Ridderstraat 75
STADSREINIGING neutral by 2030 • Nemo Wash - Tiensestraat
(SANITATION Leuven commits to being car- 67 and Parijsstraat 43
DEPARTMENT)
Aarschotsesteenweg 68 bon neutral by 2030. To make
3012 Leuven this ambitious plan work, the
T 016 29 61 14
reinigingsdienst@leuven.be city, KU Leuven and different
partners have joined hands for
Monday to Friday from 07:00
a.m. to 3:00 p.m. projects on energy-efficient ren-
ovating, sustainable mobility,
renewable energy, local agricul-
[3] GREEN OFFICE KU LEUVEN ture, nature etc. Anybody, indi-
Zwartzusterstraat 2
vidual or organisation, can join.
3000 Leuven
greenoffice@kuleuven.be www.leuven2030.be
41
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
SHOPPING
Ladeuzeplein and H.Hoo-
Supermarkets verplein (food and goods),
and shops Brusselsestraat (flowers).
Most supermarkets and shops are • Saturdays: M. de Layens-
open every day except Sundays, plein and Mechelsestraat
usually from 9 or 10 a.m. until 6 (flee market), Brussel-
or 8 p.m. Some shops will have sestraat (vegetables, cheese,
a weekday closing. There are a local delicacies).
few supermarkets that do open • Sunday mornings: Heverlee
on Sundays. Bakeries are usu- station (food and goods).
ally always open on Sundays and
bank holidays. Leuven has a lot of Second hand shops
Night Shops, they open after 6:00
p.m. until late at night and offer • SPIT (household items,
a limited selection of food items. furniture and clothing) -
€: Aldi, Colruyt, Lidl IJzermolenstraat 10-12
3.2 SHOPPING
42
Living
3 . 3 E AT I N G
3001 Heverlee
Every weekday, Alma offers a wide The Veggie Bag is locally produced
PAUSCOLLEGE choice of warm and cold dishes, at by De Wikke, an organic farming
Hogeschoolplein 3
least one vegetarian meal, as well project. You order, pay for, and
3000 Leuven
as a variety of sandwiches. You collect your veggie bag(s) at the
GASTHUISBERG HOSPITAL
can check the daily menu online, pick-up spot of your choice at a
Herestraat 49
3001 Heverlee order a sandwich via the alma app certain time.
or take-away certain dishes. [5] www.kuleuven.be/veggiebag
DE MOETE
Celestijnenlaan 200 P
3001 Heverlee
GROEP T
Andreas Vesaliusstraat 13
3000 Leuven
ESAT2
Kasteelpark Arenberg 10
3001 Heverlee
SANDWICH APP
broodje.alma.be/#
www.alma.be
43
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
jobs range from babysitting to bate to a foreign account number. Philipsite 3A/1
3000 Leuven
translating, IT-jobs etc. Most jobs More information for students: Weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to
require a very good knowledge of www.kuleuven.be/english/tax-forms 12:00 noon
in June: Weekdays from 9:00
Dutch. Therefore, the list with job a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
44
4
Transportation
& travelling
4.1 Means of transportation
4.2 Traffic and safety
4.3 Travelling abroad during your stay
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
MEANS OF
TRANSPOR
TATION
4 . 1 M E A N S O F T R A N S P O R T AT I O N
Bicycles
Cycling is healthy, inexpensive • KU Leuven and LUCA KU LEUVEN
and good for the environment. School of Arts, campus KU Leuven staff members paid a
Furthermore, in a city like Leuven Lemmens: € 70/year. salary or scholarship by KU Leu-
it is the fastest way to get from • UC Leuven-Limburg: ven can apply for a 2WD bicycle.
one place to another. € 25/year. This is a company bicycle provided
free of charge for commuting to
BICYCLE RENTAL AND REPAIR You can always pass by at the bicy- work and for work-related trips.
FOR STUDENTS: VELO cle repair shop to have your bicycle It can also be used for personal
You can rent a safe, fully equipped repaired for a nominal fee. [1] transport. Repairs are included
and registered second-hand via the designated 2WD repair
bicycle with a solid lock at VELO. BICYCLE RENTAL AND REPAIR parking spots. For € 11 a month
FOR STAFF
A rental contract will be drawn you can get an electrical bicycle
up (please bring your passport, Staff members can also rent a bi- (E-2WD) with helmet, rack bags
student card and bank account cycle at Velo for a fee of € 105/ and maintenance included.
number). You will need to pay a year plus a deposit of € 70. Conditions and application:
rental fee plus a deposit of €70. admin.kuleuven.be/td/intranet/2wd/
46
Transportation & travelling
DIY BICYCLE REPAIR city, bicycle repair and a few rec- and Attenhoven. It is valid for an
FOR ALL STUDENTS reational cycling tours. A course entire academic year and can be
AND KU LEUVEN STAFF costs € 20. [3] purchased upon your registration
You can repair your bicycle for for a fee of:
free yourself, assisted by a bicy- Buses
cle technician, at the KU Leuven In Belgium there are three main
Fietsatelier or at one of the many bus companies: • KU Leuven and LUCA
Repair Stands [2] School of Arts – campus
• De Lijn in Flanders and to Lemmens: € 20.
BICYCLE RENTAL AND REPAIR and from Brussels: • UC Leuven-Limburg : € 25.
AT TRAIN STATION www.delijn.be
All main train stations in Belgium • MIVB in Brussels (also To use the student bus pass, you
provide the service of bicycle rental trams and subway): will need to upload it on a MO-
(Blue-bike) to get from the train www.mivb.be BIB card. This card costs € 5, and
4 . 1 M E A N S O F T R A N S P O R T AT I O N
station to your destination and • TEC in Wallonia and to and remains valid for 5 years. This
back. A card costs € 12 a year from Brussels: means that the first year, your
and a ride maximum € 3,15 per www.infotec.be bus pass will cost you € 25 (€ 30
24 hours. for UC Leuven-Limburg), and the
www.blue-bike.be The bus in Leuven has many next four years only € 20 (€ 25).
lines, that all pass by the train If you want to travel outside this
Via Fietspunt located in 45 train station. For information about area, you will need to buy a reg-
stations in Flanders and Brus- timetables, bus lines and tickets ular ticket.
sels, you can have your bicycle you can go to the ‘Lijnwinkel’
repaired on the spot according (in front of Leuven station) or FOR STAFF
to the principle of ‘getting home consult the website. Online infor- For commuting costs, salaried
safely’. This means that Fietspunt mation on bus lines and tickets staff members can apply for a
takes care of essential repairs nec- is only available in Dutch. You discounted bus pass. Check the
essary to get home safely with can find English information and conditions with your HR advisor.
your bicycle (brakes, lights). links to specific timetables via
www.fietsenwerk.be/nl/welkom-18.htm www.kuleuven.be/transportation.
bicycle in the city centre or you For students: the student bus
want to refresh your knowledge pass — The student bus pass en-
on the traffic rules as a cyclist? The ables you to use the regular bus
Leuven Cycling school is here to lines of De Lijn within the Leuven
help you. One course of 6 lessons area (including Kessel-lo, Wijg-
includes learning how to cycle, maal, Heverlee) and even in parts
cycling in traffic, cycling in the of Herent, Linden, Korbeek-Lo >
47
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
48
Transportation & travelling
4 . 1 M E A N S O F T R A N S P O R T AT I O N
tion on the KU Leuven parking pol-
icy: www.kuleuven.be/transportation.
TAXIS
© Stad Leuven
49
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
TRAFFIC
AND SAFETY
Traffic rules
The traffic in Leuven is very
crowded, with a lot of cyclists. It
is important to know the traffic
rules in order to prevent accidents
and to avoid expensive fines, since
the Leuven traffic police is very
strict. The Belgian traffic rules
may vary from the ones in your
home country.
Consult the Belgian Highway
Code for cycling: www.kuleuven.
4.2 TRAFFIC AND SAFETY
be/transportation/cycling-guide
50
Transportation & travelling
4 . 3 T R AV E L L I N G A B R O A D D U R I N G YO U R S TAY
by police identity card/residence • KU Leuven:
Cycling is popular in Leuven, permit is still valid for your Students:
which means the city is filled with return-trip to Belgium, es- www.kuleuven.be/outgoing
bicycles. To avoid clogged streets pecially for trips outside the Staff: admin.kuleuven.be/td/
police regularly removes illegally EEA students and staff can travel • UC Leuven-Limburg:
parked bicycles and stores them at freely within Europe on the basis www.ucll.be/international/
retrieve your bicycle, you have to Non-EEA students and staff mem- • LUCA School of Arts -
pick it up and pay a fine. bers with a valid Belgian residence Campus Lemmens:
It is advisable to contact the Fiets permit are allowed to travel within international@luca-arts.be
51
4 . 3 T R AV E L L I N G A B R O A D D U R I N G YO U R S TAY
52
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
© milo-profi.be
5
Education
& languages
5.1 Educational system
5.2 Regulations on education and examinations
5.3 Successful studying
5.4 Syllabuses and textbooks
5.5 Places to study, research or read
5.6 Language learning
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
EDUCATIONAL
SYSTEM
The credit
accumulation system
5 . 1 E D U C AT I O N A L S Y S T E M
permitted: only if you obtain all master’s programme, you receive dentenportaal/start.do
the necessary credits or have at an initial learning account totalling
most one fail mark of 9/20 and 140 credits. At the beginning of For examples: www.kuleuven.be/
your overall result is a distinction, the year, the number of credits learningaccount/count.html
you can pass the master’s. for which you have registered is
54
Education & languages
5 . 2 R E G U L AT I O N S O N E D U C AT I O N A N D E X A M I N AT I O N S
be done in August, which
You are strongly advised to read means there are only two
these regulations carefully, so exam attempts per subject
that you will be aware of your per academic year.
rights and responsibilities at
exam time: For more detailed information:
• UC Leuven-Limburg: • UC Leuven-Limburg:
www.ucll.be/international/ www.ucll.be/international/
about/academic-information/ exchange-programmes/
education-and-examination- exchange-programmes-
regulations grading-tables
University Library © Marja Ligterink
• LUCA School of Arts,
REGULATIONS Campus Lemmens: OMBUDSPERSON
ON EDUCATION www.luca-arts.be/ The ombudsperson is someone
AND EXAMINA onderwijs-en-examenreglement who has been appointed to mediate
TIONS between students and lecturers in
Examination rules cases of dispute. The ombudsper-
The regulations on education and GENERAL RULES son fulfils a very important role.
examinations include rules about: Exams are graded on a 20 point He/she decides whether an exam-
scale, or – in specific cases – on ination can be postponed or not,
• Which courses can be taken a pass/fail scale. A student with and mediates in conflicts. If you
in which programmes. a score of at least 10/20 (or a have problems of any kind during
• How many credits students passing result) obtains a credit the exams, you can go and talk to
may take in one academic for that course. him/her. If you do not show up
year per programme. for an exam, without previously
• The deadlines by which There are three examination notifying the ombudsman, you will
definitive choices must periods: be considered illegally absent. >
55
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
sanctions include failing the course career: before you enter the uni- own Student Office which provide
or being denied the opportunity versity, while you are studying at a listening ear and a source of ad-
to take other examinations for the the university and after you have vice and support for all students.
rest of that academic year. graduated. You can turn to this www.ucll.be/international/
56
Education & languages
• KU Leuven: www.toledo.
kuleuven.be/english
• UC Leuven-Limburg:
intranet.ucll.be/en
5 . 3 S U C C E S S F U L S T U DY I N G
toledo.luca-arts.be
KU LOKET
accommodations. This procedure your application ultimately by the KU Loket is the administrative
takes time. It is advisable to make deadline for completing the Indi- portal for all students of the KU
an appointment with one of the vidual Study Programme (ISP). Leuven Association. Here, you
disability officers as early as pos- Information on procedure and can access your ISP (Individual
sible. [2] list of recognised religious hol- Study Programme), where you
idays: www.kuleuven.be/religion/ record your choices about your
UC Leuven-Limburg rescheduling. With questions, you individual course choices. In
UC Leuven-Limburg gladly ac- can contact the Religion and Phil- this administrative system, you
cepts students with a disability. osophical Diversity Contact Point will also find the Study Progress
Contact international@ucll.be prior (see p. 100). File with information about your
to arrival to discuss how we can exam results and study progress
support you. Important tools in general. You can also change
for students your personal data (e.g. home
Combining Study TOLEDO address) in this portal. KU Loket
and Religious Toledo is the central web-based can be accessed via:
Worship e-learning environment for the
KU Leuven and LUCA School of institutions of higher education • KU Leuven:
Arts – Campus Lemmens to support the implementation www.kuleuven.be/kuloket
with a recognized religious holiday. access to a broad variety of on- • LUCA School of Arts,
There is a strict procedure that has line course materials, like texts, Campus Lemmens:
to be followed and you must file slides, links to useful websites, studloket.luca-arts.be
57
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
SYLLABUSES
AND TEXT-
BOOKS
The student union of your faculty
organises a textbook service for
certain syllabuses and textbooks
required for the different study
programmes (see p. 84).
The institutions of higher educa-
tion also cooperate with ACCO
(The ‘Academic Cooperative’),
where you can find a lot of sylla-
buses and textbooks at reasona-
5 . 4 S Y L L A B U S E S A N D T E X T B O O K S
ble prices.
Besides these syllabuses, ACCO’s
bookshops offer a wide range of
required and recommended read-
ing material, dictionaries, scientific
books, novels, office and computer
supplies, stationery, etc.
If you are staying in Belgium for
a while, you may find it worth-
while to buy a share in ACCO.
It’s a one-time investment of €
31 from which you will profit for
the rest of your life: as a share-
holder you are entitled to a 25%
discount on ACCO syllabuses and
15% on office supplies and books
published by ACCO. In addition
members also benefit from special
offers in their (web)shop as well as
discounts on printing orders from
their digital printing services. [3]
58
Education & languages
5 . 5 P L A C E S T O S T U DY, R
the KU Leuven and other libraries on the Mgr. Ladeuzeplein. It able rooms that can be used for
and have access to all scientific and contains some fine heritage meetings and group work, pres-
scholarly databases and e-journal collections. Its vast stacks con- entations, video conference or
collections licensed by KU Leuven tain, among other things, the video editing. AGORA further
libraries or freely available. depository supports students’ learning by
providing video cameras, audio
Campus and faculty collection of the University Library. recorders, projectors, speakers
libraries With its extensive programme and web conference sets. It is
ESEARCH OR READ
Every campus and/or faculty has of expositions and events, also possible to borrow a laptop
its own library where you can find the Ladeuzegebouw plays an or iPad for use in- and outside.
subject-related books, magazines important role in the cultural life In short: AGORA is more than just
and catalogues as well as wireless of the university and the town. a building. It forms a social hub
internet access. Your student or The building also houses a very where information, technology
staff card gives you automatic ac- large carillon with 63 bells. and services come together. [4]
cess to all libraries of your insti-
tution and their various services.
For opening hours and other
information:
• KU Leuven:
bib.kuleuven.be/english
• UC Leuven-Limburg:
www.ucll.be/international/
student-services/libraries
bibliotheeklemmens
59
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
offers Dutch language courses: and it forms a natural and stim- Naamsestraat 80
3000 Leuven
ulating language learning com- T 016 32 44 26
• 5 basic levels and 1 profi- munity with more than 5 000 disability@kuleuven.be
www.kuleuven.be/disability
ciency level (1 level equals students and 100 nationalities. Students campus Lemmens:
80 contact hours). A wide range of language courses via contact
greetje.anthoni@luca-arts.be
• Modules in standard mode (with standard and intensive
(6h/week in the afternoon tracks) are on offer, each of which
5 . 6 L A N G U A G E L E A R N I N G
level required for admission to a reading and writing) and all pro-
Dutch-taught study programme grams are founded on enhanced
[4] AGORA
at university. On completion of a and up-to-date teaching meth-
E. Van Evenstraat 4
year-long intensive Dutch pro- odologies. Communication in 3000 Leuven
agora@kuleuven.be
gramme, students need to demon- authentic contexts is central to
bib.kuleuven.be/agora
strate B2 level of the Common CLT’s approach. agora - Leercentrum KU Leuven
Weekdays during the academic
European Framework by taking For certain languages, you can fol-
year from 8:00 a.m. until midnight,
the ITNA test. low a blended language course that weekends and holidays from 9:00
a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
During the academic year, ILT also combines face-to-face instruction
offers an Academic English course, with 50% e-learning, an intensive
designed for students enrolled in summer course during the last two
[5] ILT
an English-taught Master’s pro- weeks of July or a crash course Dekenstraat 6/5302
gramme at KU Leuven who wish in September or February. [6] > 3000 Leuven
T 016 32 56 60
to improve their academic writing info@ilt.kuleuven.be
skills. [5] ilt.kuleuven.be
60
Education & languages
age of 16 years.
You can study Dutch as a Foreign Language practice GO DUTCH! A LANGUAGE
choose between different levels, In Pangaea Intercultural Meeting The Go Dutch! course focuses
intensities and starting dates. [7] Centre you can practice your lan- more on the grammar and vo-
guage skills in an informal setting. cabulary needed to learn to speak
CVO Volt
5 . 6 L A N G U A G E L E A R N I N G
fluent Dutch in everyday situations
CVO Volt is an adult education • Students: join one of the quickly. This course is primarily
centre recognised and funded by conversation groups in intended for language learners
the Flemish government, that of- English, Dutch, Spanish, who have completed higher ed-
fers a wide range of courses, such German or French ucation. The explanatory texts
as administration, IT, visual arts • Everybody: look for a are all in English. Go Dutch! is
[6] CLT
language partner in the lan- available from most bookshops
Dekenstraat 4/4014 guage chain calendar. You and online booksellers in Belgium
3000 Leuven can find the calendar on the and the Netherlands.
T 016 32 56 61
info@clt.kuleuven.be wall in the lounge. www.coutinho.nl (you can order the
www.clt.be course from the website)
www.kuleuven.be/pangaea
(see p. 84)
[7] MOBYUS
Campus Naamsesteenweg
Naamsesteenweg 355 Self-study packages
3001 Heverlee VANZELFSPREKEND &
T 016 37 57 92
NIET VANZELFSPREKEND
info@mobyus.be
‘Vanzelfsprekend’ is a multimedia
Monday to Thursday
from 5:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. self-study course for adult learn-
ers of Dutch. ‘Vanzelfsprekend’
has been designed to lead the
[8] CVO VOLT
student to a lower intermediate
campus Leuven
Interleuvenlaan 3
level. The sequel to this course,
3001 Heverlee ‘Niet Vanzelfsprekend’, is aimed
T 016 31 99 20
leuven.info@cvovolt.be
at people with a basic knowledge
i www.cvovolt.be of Dutch, and leads the student
61
5 . 6 L A N G U A G E L E A R N I N G
62
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
6 Communications
6.1 Computer, internet and email facilities
6.2 Postal services
6.3 Telephone services
6.4 Radio
6.5 Publications
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
COMPUTER,
6 . 1 C O M P U T E R , I N T E R N E T A N D E M A I L FA C I L I T I E S
INTERNET
AND EMAIL
FACILITIES
Upon registration at your insti-
tution, you will receive a student
or staff card with a user ID. By
activating this ID, you will be able
to use different services:
64
Communications
6 . 1 C O M P U T E R , I N T E R N E T A N D E M A I L FA C I L I T I E S
public areas such as libraries and 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
the Alma restaurants. • Celestijnenlaan 200c, 3001
For everyday use on your laptop, Heverlee – Weekdays from
tablet or smartphone, we strongly 8:00 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.
recommend the use of the cam-
pusroam or eduroam network. For KU Leuven students:
eduroam (education roaming) is ICTS also operates a PC rental
the secure, world-wide roaming service. Consult the website for
access service developed for the the rental prices of desktop PC’s
international research and edu- and laptops or other promotions.
cation community. To configure
campusroam or eduroam on your ICT support
Internet in your device, please follow the instruc- For ICT-related questions and for
accommodation tions on www.kuleuven.be/icts/eng- KotNet support, you can contact
Generally speaking, you can find lish/wifi or use the configuration your local IT service.
an internet connection in every tool on cat.eduroam.org. If your
student room or studio. The pro- home institution uses eduroam • KU Leuven:
vider will depend on the choice of as well, you will also be able to www.kuleuven.be/icts/english
the landlord. Wireless internet is connect via your home institu- ICTS Service Desk (Hever-
not standard yet in student hous- tion’s account. lee) - servicedesk@kuleuven.be
ing, most landlords provide inter- T 016 32 28 00 - Weekdays
net though cable. PC-rooms, rental from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The cost for internet usage is usu- and purchase ICTS Walk-In Desk at
ally included in the monthly rent. Interesting purchase deals for all AGORA (Leuven) – Week-
The exact price depends on students and staff can be found days from 8:00 a.m. to
the type of connection and/or at www.campusshop.be. 11:00 p.m., Saturdays from
subscription. 9:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. >
In case you rent a flat or a house, • UC Leuven-Limburg:
you will have to take care of the support.leuven@ucll.be
65
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
6 . 2 P O S TA L S E R V I C E S
66
Communications
i www.bpost.be
67
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
PUBLICATIONS
The Voice
‘THE VOICE, International Stu-
dent Publication’
Veto
www.veto.be
KU Leuven Campuskrant
www.kuleuven.be/ck
7
Health
7.1 The health care system
7.2 The Flemish Care Insurance
7.3 Reimbursement of medical costs
via health insurance
7.4 Vaccinations
7.5 Thermometers
69
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
THE HEALTH
CARE SYSTEM
7. 1 T H E H E A LT H C A R E S Y S T E M
General practitioners
(GPs) and specialists
If you have a health related prob-
lem, it is best to see a general prac- • GPs are easier to reach, to your present condition.
titioner first, rather than going to there could be a long • It also means that a GP does
the hospital immediately. A GP can waiting list to consult a not need to repeat medical
solve most medical problems. If specialist. tests or examinations you
the GP decides that you should • If you officially register with may have already had.
consult a specialist, he/she will one GP – which is called This can save you a lot of
refer you to one who is best qual- ‘Globaal Medisch Dossier’ or money, time and possible
ified to deal with your problem. GMD – the Belgian health discomfort.
You can usually reach a GP during insurance rewards you with • With certain medical
office hours and in emergencies a higher reimbursement. conditions, it is not always
even at night. There are many Ask your GP about this. clear which specialist is best
advantages to consulting a GP • A GP will keep your medical qualified. A GP can quickly
first, before seeing a specialist. history on file. This is im- diagnose your problem
Also, for most specialists it is only portant since information and refer you to the proper
possible to make an appointment from previous medical ex- specialist.
after referral of a GP. aminations may be relevant
70
Health
7. 1 T H E H E A LT H C A R E S Y S T E M
When What Where
GP
• Students KU Leuven
and their family mem-
bers and students LUCA
Lemmens: Student Health
Any medical problem Centre (see below).
• All others: find a GP in
During office hours
your area via
www.mediwacht.be or in the
area of Leuven via
www.khobra.be
GP
• GP on call via
1733 (24h).
Urgent medical problem • Walk-in-clinic at Justus
After office hours Lipsiusstraat 36 (from Fri-
& on weekends day 7:00 p.m. to Monday
8:00 a.m.): no appoint-
ment needed.
71
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
are by appointment only, house insurance is not the same as the [1] UZ LEUVEN CAMPUS i
GASTHUISBERG
calls are possible on request, in health insurance, which refunds
Herestraat 49
case of serious illness. medical costs and is provided by 3000 Leuven
the health insurance funds (see T 016 33 22 11
www.uzleuven.be/gasthuisberg
Psychologists p. 28).
Students dealing with personal or
psychological problems can apply Anyone older than 25 living in [2] REGIONAAL ZIEKENHUIS
to the psychologists for profes- Flanders is required to contribute HEILIG-HART
Naamsestraat 105
sional help. A team of experienced to this care insurance, by paying
3000 Leuven
psychotherapists and psychia- an annual fee of € 50. This fee is T 016 20 92 11
www.hhleuven.be
trists provides psychotherapy and mostly charged by your health
counselling, medical treatment insurance fund, they will sent you
MEDISCH CENTRUM VOOR
(diagnosis, medication), advice a letter for the payment. HUISARTSEN (MCH)
and information. English-speaking Students and their family mem- Maria Theresiastraat 63/A
7. 2 T H E F L E M I S H C A R E I N S U R A N C E
3000 Leuven
therapists are available. You have bers (residing with them) with a T 016 31 01 00
to make an appointment first. [3] temporary residence permit are www.medischcentrumhuisartsen.be
REIMBURSE
THE FLEM MENT OF
ISH CARE MEDICAL
INSURANCE COSTS VIA
HEALTH
The Flemish Care Insurance is INSURANCE
an insurance that covers the ex-
penses for non-medical care to In general, up to 75% of your
persons heavily reliant on care, medical expenses will be reim-
e.g. people with a disability, elderly bursed by your health insurance
people, cancer patients, etc. This company. When you subscribe
72
Health
7. 3 R E I M B U R S E M E N T O F M E D I C A L C O S T S V I A H E A LT H I N S U R A N C E
and pharmacists will use your
ID-card card to view the data on
your health insurance.
73
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
74
8 Socialising
8.1 Sports
8.2 Culture
8.3 Places to visit
8.4 People to meet
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
SPORTS
KU Leuven Sports
Centre (Universitair
Sportcentrum)
CAN I JOIN?
8 .1 S P O R T S
• Student Association
KU Leuven: €23 student card. pool, 5 beach volley courts,
• Exchange student KU Otherwise, you can buy the sports a fitness hall (requires addi-
Leuven: free, membership card online or at the Sports Sec- tional fee), outdoor and in-
automatically granted retariat. If you don’t have a com- door athletics track, 2 dance
• Student other: €40 patible card with your picture on halls, martial arts hall, 3
• Staff Association it (student card association KU artificial soccer fields, rugby
KU Leuven: €40 Leuven or staff card KU Leuven), field, gymnastics hall, etc.
• Alumni KU Leuven you can visit the Sports Secretariat • Reserve this accommo-
(paying member): €70 to get your card printed. dation for free and have a
• Other: €100 sportive session with your
WHY DO I WANT friends. Just go to the reser-
THIS MEMBERSHIP?
WHERE CAN I GET vation page on the website.
THE SPORTS CARD? With the sports card you can: • Participate in some great
As a student, you can purchase a annual activities like bike
sports card upon registration at • Join more than 60 organ- and run, survival of the stu-
your institution. It will be men- ised sports in 4 sports halls, dent, table tennis competi-
tioned on the backside of your 7 tennis fields, a swimming tion, athletics competition,
76
Socialising
8 . 2 C U LT U R E
• Stadionlaan 4, 3010 Kes- • Free entry to UUR KUL-
sel-Lo – T 016 25 34 80 TUUR, the university’s
• Aarschotsesteenweg 730, cultural programme.
3012 Wilsele-Putkapel • Free visit of Museum M.
T 016 44 33 88 • Exclusive discount of 20%
• Sportoase Philipssite 6, on all tickets at the 30CC
sports camps for kids, etc. 3001 Heverlee – T 016 74 Ticket Office (Rijschool-
• Access the UC Leuven-Lim- 07 40 – www.sportoase.be straat 4).
burg sports campus in • Significant discounts at the
Hertogstraat equipped for Sport clubs various large cultural cen-
basketball, volleyball, ten- in Leuven tres in Leuven.
nis, gymnastics, dance and The Sports Office has a compre- • Discounts for all perfor-
badminton. There is also a hensive list of sport clubs in the mances of the 8 Univer-
fitness room and a climbing Leuven area. This list is constantly sity Ensembles, Campus
wall. [1] updated: www.leuven.be/sportclubs. Theatre and the student
association theatre compa-
Student’s sports nies during the Interfaculty
initiatives Theatre Festival.
If you love to do sports in a more • Take part in competitions
student like atmosphere, you will to win tickets to various
certainly find what you want at productions.
LOKO Sport, an organisation for You will be kept informed about
and by students. LOKO Sport all the advantages through >
77
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
www.campustoneel.be
sport@loko.be
• With your KU Leuven
Culture Card or European Interfaculty Theatre Festival
Youth Card you double the The Interfaculty Theatre Festival, [3] KU LEUVEN
CULTURE OFFICE
student discount and get a mostly in Dutch, brings together
(Dienst Cultuur KU Leuven)
20% reduction. the student faculty union theatre Naamsestraat 96
• All students under 26 have companies. 3000 Leuven
T 016 32 03 40
access to the Last Minute www.iftf.be cultuur@kuleuven.be
Deals, where remaining www.kuleuven.be/culture
KU Leuven Culture
tickets are sold at the door BAC ATELIER KU LEUVEN
78
Socialising
STUK
8 . 2 C U LT U R E
season at the end of September,
is a unique opportunity to get to
know STUK. STUK also has an
elegant grand café where you can
drink or eat something, read a
newspaper or surf the internet
for free. [5]
79
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
Andreas Vesaliusstraat 9c
3000 Leuven
students have priority, but others
are welcome to join, if there are Pati Pati ZED STUK
Naamsestraat 96
open spots. The Pati Pati Solidarity Choir uses 3000 Leuven
music to express solidarity. The
Tickets: T 016 67 92 35
Arenberg Orchestra choir consists of both national www.cinemazed.be/en
– Arenbergorkest and international students and info@cinemazed.be
80
Socialising
are always an enormous specta- HET DEPOT the spectacular roof terrace dur-
cle during which other art forms Het Depot is not only a concert ing the summer, or the intimate
complement the music or famous hall, it is also the driving force festival M-idzomer, turn M into
soloists are invited to perform. behind numerous musical ini- an exciting meeting place. [10]
Rehearsals every Tuesday at 8:00 tiatives in the region. Besides
p.m. at STUK (Naamsestraat 96). organising concerts, Het Depot M-Treasury of Saint Peter
info@uho.be – offers an unconventional range The Treasury of Saint Peter is sit-
www.kuleuven.be/cultuur/uho of instrumental classes, software uated in the choir of Saint Peter’s
lessons, PA courses, workshops Church, known as one of the most
University Symphony Orchestra and master classes. [7] beautiful buildings of the 15th
(USO) – Universitair Symfonisch century Brabant gothic period.
Orkest Film The impressive choir hosts a small
The University Symphony Or- MOVIE THEATRES IN LEUVEN museum. Here you find many
chestra offers students a unique Cinema ZED sculptures, paintings and religious
opportunity to perform great Cinema ZED is a non-profit cin- silverwork. The masterpiece is ‘The
symphonic compositions. The ema, screening primarily films Last Supper’ by Flemish primitive
orchestra is conducted with much from the alternative circuit, in- Dirk Bouts. [11]
passion and professionalism by cluding a considerable number
8 . 2 C U LT U R E
the famous conductor Edmond of European films in languages Library
Saveniers. For more than 50 other than English or Dutch. ZED Public Library: de Bib Leuven
years, the repertoire has com- screens at two different venues in The public library of Leuven –
bined monumental pieces with Leuven, Vesalius and STUK. You named 'de Bib Leuven' – has ex-
fresh, original ideas. Rehearsals can also buy tickets online. [8] tensive collections on loan: novels
every Wednesday at 7:45 p.m. at in Dutch, French, English, Ger-
STUK (Naamsestraat 96). Kinepolis Leuven man, Spanish and Italian, also
www.kuleuven.be/cultuur/uso – Kinepolis Leuven offers a wide non-fiction works (books and
info@usoleuven.be range of box office movies. With DVDs) and a diverse collection
7 halls and 1 870 seats, this movie of comic books and graphic novels.
CONCERTS AT LUCA SCHOOL theater is very popular with teen- You can read newspapers, weeklies
OF ARTS – CAMPUS LEMMENS agers and students. [9] and other periodicals (in Dutch
The campus Lemmens concert and other languages) or consult
association organises weekly con- Municipal musea more than 3.000 international
certs, mostly on Thursday eve- M – Museum Leuven titels via Pressreader.
nings. Everybody is welcome: M, the Museum of Leuven, houses To be able to borrow library mate-
free for students campus Lem- a historical collection centred rials, you need a library card. The
mens, other people must buy a around late-gothic art of the 19th annual fee for a card is € 6 (free
ticket, but there are reductions century. Additionally, M organises for those younger than 18). The
for students. temporary exhibitions featuring largest part of the materials in the
www.luca-arts.be/concertvereniging contemporary artists or classic library can be lent free of charge.
historical works. A membership card for library
Student nights, a pop-up bar on consultation only is also free >
81
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
i
[11] M-TREASURY OF
SAINT-P ETER
Grote Markt
3000 Leuven
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday and public holidays from
11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed on Wednesdays
and obtain your library card, you eral visual arts education, drawing T 016 22 08 70
academie@leuven.be
will need to show your ID card. and painting, photography (also www.slac.be/academie
Enrolment is easy if your ID men- digital), advertising and sculp-
MUNICIPAL CONSERVA-
tions your address in Belgium or if ture, digital art, graphics, ceramics TORY FOR MUSIC, DRAMA
you can show a document ‘Bewijs and textile arts, lace-making or & DANCE
van woonst’ (to be obtained at City cross-curricular projects. Several Dirk Boutslaan 60
3000 Leuven
Hall). If not, you can still get your times a year exhibitions and lec- T 016 22 21 21
library card, but then you will be tures are organised in the academy conservatorium@leuven.be
www.slac.be/conservatorium
asked to pay a refundable deposit and also ‘outdoors’. Courses are
of € 75. [12] in Dutch.
[14] TOURISM LEUVEN
Academies Municipal conservatory for music, Naamsestraat 3
3000 Leuven
Municipal academy of fine arts drama & dance SLAC – Conser
T 016 20 30 20
SLAC – Academie Beeldende vatorium Muziek, Woord & Dans tourism@leuven.be
www.visitleuven.be
Kunst For music, dance and drama, the
Monday to Sunday from 10:00
The academy offers a whole range Music Conservatory caters to all a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
82
Socialising
your needs. If you possess musical PLACES Abbey (Kessel-Lo), Arenberg Cas-
talent, want to learn to play an TO VISIT tle and Park (Heverlee), Provin-
instrument, take dance or acting ciedomein (Kessel-Lo), Meerdael
lessons, feel free to apply. Own University carillon Forest (Heverlee), Zoet Water
creations and productions are The tower of the KU Leuven Cen- (Oud-Heverlee).
regularly produced on stage. [13] tral Library on the Ladeuzeplein
houses one of Europe’s largest and Worth a visit: Old Market Place
best carillons. During the academic (pubs, the Kotmadam), Great Be-
year until mid-May, the carillon is guinage with Sint-Jan-De-Doper
played twice a week, on Tuesdays Church, Sint-Geertrui Church and
and Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. to Abbey, Sint-Michiels Church, Bo-
7:45 p.m. tanical Garden. [14]
8 . 3 P L AC E S TO V I S I T — 8 . 4 P E O P L E TO M E E T
You can enjoy unique tower visits
and accompany the carillonneur
up the tower with your friends, PEOPLE
family or student association (max. TO MEET
25 persons per tour). You need to
register via forms.kuleuven.be/a0025. Pangaea Intercultural
www.kuleuven.be/culture/carillon Meeting Centre
In the spirit of hospitality and in-
App Leuven Walk tercultural understanding, Pangaea
With the App Leuven Walk, you aims to create a home-away-from-
can visit the highlights of the home for internationals and wants
city. The app will suggest a route to support meeting and exchange
through the city and a handy nav- within the Leuven university com-
igation shows you the way. For munity. The name Pangaea refers
each location you will find a brief to the name of the original single
description, a photo or video and continent which made up the en-
a challenge. The app is available tire land surface of the earth some
in Dutch, French, English and 175 million years ago.
German. You can download the What Pangaea has to offer you:
free app from the Appstore (iOS)
or the Google Play store (Android). Intercultural Meeting Centre
and Bar
Parks and This is a lively meeting place on
green spaces the KU Leuven Social Sciences
In and around Leuven there are Campus where international and
a lot of parks: large or small, for Belgian students and staff can get
peace and quiet or for playing together in an informal setting.
with children, etc. Among others: It has a lounge with a coffee bar,
Park Abbey (Heverlee), Vlierbeek WIFI, a variety of board games >
83
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
84
Socialising
Faculty Bar or
Faculty Programme Faculty Union
‘Fakbar’
KU LEUVEN
Seven Oaks
Theology and Katechetika
(on Wednesdays)
Religious Studies www.katechetika.be
Hanengang 3
Canonica
Canon Law
canonica
Crimen Maximo
Criminology
crimen.be Naamsestraat 35
Law
VRG Huis der Rechten
Law
www.vrg.be Tiensestraat 53
8 . 4 P E O P L E TO M E E T
Economics and Ekonomika Dulci
Business www.ekonomika.be Naamsestraat 34
Koco International
Umbrella
Koco Letteren
Alfa
Archeology www.alfa.student.
kuleuven.be
Eoos
Eastern and
Arts www.eoos.student.
Slavic Studies
kuleuven.be/en Fakbar Letteren
Blijde Inkomststraat 11
Historia
History www.hist.student.
kuleuven.be
Mecenas
Art Studies
mecenas-kul.be
Musicologica
Musicology
www.musicologica.org
Pedagogische Kring
Educational Sciences pedagogischekringleuven.
Psychology and wordpress.com
Educational Sciences
Psychologische Kring Recup – Tiensestraat
Psychology www.psychokring.be 51
85
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
Faculty Bar or
Faculty Programme Faculty Union
‘Fakbar’
KU LEUVEN
Scienticafé @ ‘t Elixir
Scientica
Umbrella on Mondays – Ter-
www.scientica.be
vuursevest 60
Chemika ‘t Vervolg
Chemistry
www.chemika.be Pater Damiaanplein 1
Bios De Blokhut
Biology
www.biosleuven.be Oude Markt
Science
Geos
Geology
geosleuven.be
Merkator
‘t Vervolg
Geography www.merk.student.
Pater Damiaanplein 1
kuleuven.be/
VTK ‘t Elixir
Engineering Science
www.vtk.be Tervuursevest 60
Revue
Sexuology Eros
Oude Markt 51
Apollonia
Dental Sciences
Pharmaceutical www.apollonialeuven.be
86
Socialising
Faculty Bar or
Faculty Programme Faculty Union
‘Fakbar’
UC LEUVEN–LIMBURG
De Kelten Maxim’O
Management Management
dekelten.be Naamsestraat 32
Soca
’t Archief
Social Work studentenvereniging.
Zeelstraat
soca
Docentica ’t Archief
Teacher Education
docentica.be Zeelstraat 1
Cluster
Music and Theater Art
8 . 4 P E O P L E TO M E E T
www.clusterleuven.be
student representatives or campuses in Flanders. These in- events and support for your as-
all students from different clude all educational policies, as well sociation, you can contact LOKO
faculties together. as some international matters and International. The role of LOKO
• Subsidise faculty unions and social policies such as diversity. [16] International within LOKO is
other student associations to to represent the growing share
organise activities that bring LOKO of international students in the
students together. LOKO on the other hand is re- student population, to support
sponsible for representation of the them in starting an association
KU LEUVEN students of the Leuven campus. In and/or in requesting subsidies
Within KU Leuven there are two practice, this means LOKO is the for activities. [17]
main umbrella organisations re- representative for what local social
sponsible for student representa- policies and the impact on Leu- UC LEUVEN-LIMBURG
tion: The KU Leuven Student ven students is concerned (such Within UC Leuven-Limburg there
Council and LOKO. as Alma, Acco, Student Services, are also two main umbrella organ-
etc.). LOKO organises a few large isations representing students:
KU Leuven Student Council events for all students such as the the Student Council Leuven and
The Student Council acts as a repre- 24-hour relay race, the Interfacul- OKeR.
sentative of all students and faculty tary Theatre festival, the world’s
associations of the KU Leuven for largest carillon cantus, etc. StudentenRaad Leuven (SRL)
what concerns policy matters on For information on how to get or UCLL Leuven Student Council
university level, applicable to all involved in representation, on SRL (Student Council Leuven) >
87
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
The student clubs at faculty level Development, Feminist Society etc.) POSTDOC SOCIETY KU
organise various cultural and LEUVEN
sporting activities, as well as the The contact data of the inter- postdocsociety.wixsite.com/
kuleuven
occasional party. These clubs are national student associations postdocsociety@kuleuven.be
coordinated by the umbrella stu- changes quite often. For a list
dent organisation OKeR. Activities of registered associations, check
are posted on the OKeR facebook the LOKO webpage loko.be/ve-
page. [19] renigingen. For the most recent
88
Socialising
8 . 4 P E O P L E TO M E E T
Meeting opportuni- students, both international and structure of the PhD Society Leu-
ties for KU Leuven Belgian. Activities organised by ven, and the two societies will
doctoral students the PhD Society cover academic, closely cooperate and collaborate
and staff social, and career aspects of a to complement each other.
Info session for newly arrived doctoral student’s life. The PhD
international doctoral students Society is always on the lookout
and staff members for enthusiastic doctoral students
These info sessions are organised to join one of the committees and
once every three months. Check participate in events. [21]
the website for dates:
www.kuleuven.be/english/admissions/ KU Leuven Postdoc Society
phd/introsessions The KU Leuven Postdoc Society
aims to provide a sustainable plat-
PhD Society Leuven form to meet the specific needs
The PhD Society is an international (development, career, integration,
interfaculty student organisation of etc.) perceived by postdocs at/from
doctoral students that aims to pro- KU Leuven. The Postdoc Soci-
mote interaction among doctoral ety is created within the existing >
89
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
8 . 4 P E O P L E TO M E E T
90
9
Family
9.1 Family reunification
9.2 Births, marriages and deaths
9.3 Schools
9.4 Child care
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
9 . 1 FA M I LY R E U N I F I C AT I O N — 9 . 2 B I R T H S , M A R R I A G E S A N D D E AT H S
FAMILY REUNI
FICATION
If you wish to bring along your
family members, you will have
to start the procedure for family
reunification. This is a lengthy
and comprehensive procedure.
Detailed information on the le-
gal framework and the required
documents can be found here:
www.kuleuven.be/english/admissions/
travelling/bringing.
92
Family
9.3 SCHOOLS
tuition fees. ment. However, you will receive a
Children of international students monthly bill for various inciden-
and staff are welcome in this public tal expenses such as trips, swim-
school system. They can study ming, school magazines, drinks, >
93
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
Leuven, contact Onthaalbureau ber (Autumn Break around • The other secondary schools
9.3 SCHOOLS
of the city of Leuven. [2] All Saints). each have their own sys-
• Two weeks Christmas break. tem. It is important to find
There are also secondary schools • One week in February or out beforehand about the
that organise such classes: early March (Spring Break system of the school of your
around Carnival). preference.
• Sint-Albertuscollege • Two weeks Easter break.
Haasrode • Two months in the summer Private international
Geldenaaksebaan 277 break (July and August).
3000 Leuven
T 016 40 50 60 How to register
• Heilig Hartinstituut Parents are encouraged to exam-
Kessel-lo ine the curriculum and visit the
Jozef Pierrestraat 56 schools, so that they can explain
3010 Kessel- Lo their interests as well as their
T 016 25 22 51 child’s situation and ‘post-Bel-
or 0490 64 51 69 gium’ plans. The purpose of such
info@okan.ksleuven.be a visit is to enable parents to de-
• Middenschool Ter Beuke cide which school offers them the
Rerum Novarumlaan 1 most appropriate education for
3010 Kessel-lo their child.
T 016 25 32 12 When your child has to start
school, it is important to regis-
The school calendar ter in time, since the places per
All pre-primary, primary and school are limited.
94
Family
school will automatically contact you. [5] Desk at City Hall. [7]
Since 2013-2014, Leuven also
has a private international school. Huis van het Kind KU Leuven Day Care Centres
It offers international education Advice concerning pregnancy, The KU Leuven Day Care Centres
in English for children of expa- raising children, education. All offer day care for a subsidised price.
triates and foreign employees in child-related questions are wel- For these day care centres you also
Belgium. The school is founded come. [6] need to register through the web
and supported by KU Leuven, page www.kinderopvangleuven.
the city of Leuven, IMEC and Day care services be. They are open to everyone,
VIB. The one-time application DAY CARE FOR CHILDREN UP but priority is given to children of
TO 2,5 YEARS OLD
fee is € 800 and the annual fee is KU Leuven staff and KU Leuven
€ 9 996. Children from staff mem- Central day care system students. Make sure to mention
bers of the 4 founding partners There are a number of day care this in your application.
get a 10% discount. [3] centres and registered childmin- admin.kuleuven.be/personeel/english/
ders in the Leuven area. To apply day_care_centres
95
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
Several organisations pro- YOUTH DEPARTMENT – The child needs to obtain a youth
CITY OF LEUVEN
vide extra-curricular day care. pass first for € 5 at Jeugdcentrum
A list of all these day care Volunteering adolescents supervise Vleugel F. You can also register
centres is also available at and entertain the children during online: leuven.kwandoo.com. [8]
www.kinderopvangleuven.be. school breaks in different settings.
Select ‘age 2,5 to 12 years old’ DON BOSCO PLAYGROUND
in your search to get the correct Playgrounds: During the summer holidays,
search results. • Easter holidays and the children of KU Leuven in-
summer holidays. ternational students can join
DAY CARE FOR SICK CHILDREN • In Leuven, Heverlee, the activities at Don Bosco in
Day care at home for sick children Kessel-Lo and Wilsele. Oud-Heverlee and Groene Zone
is provided by several organisa- • For children aged 3 to 15, in Heverlee. For more information
tions. A qualified childminder will in age groups.
[2] ONTHAALBUREAU i
come to your house, so you can • For half a day or a full day. I NBURGERING LEUVEN
rest assured that your child will be • No reservation is needed. Ladeuzeplein 17
taken care of while you go to work. • For prices, see table above 3000 Leuven
T 016 47 43 11
Your child has to have been exam- Thematic weeks ‘ReTTeKePReT’ onthaalbureau.leuven@vlaams-
ined by a doctor and you will need • Carnival and Autumn brabant.be
96
Family
S P O RT C A M P S U N I V E R S I T Y
SPORTS CENTRE
Babysitting Services
of the “Gezinsbond”
Parents interested in making use
of this service can consult the Gez-
insbond’s database for a list of
names of babysitters, as well as
the number of hours that they are
willing to work. The babysitters
have been screened beforehand
and they are insured. The prices
are fixed per hour. In addition,
you pay a small annual fee to
the Gezinsbond. You have to be
a member of the Gezinsbond to
use this service. If your child is
born in Leuven, you automatically
become a member for one year
free of charge. If this is not the
case, your family can join for €
40 and enjoy all the benefits. [9]
www.gezinsbond.be/
kinderoppasdienst
97
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
[4] DE BAKERMAT
Diestsesteenweg 49
3010 Leuven
T 016 20 77 40
debakermat@bakermat.be
www.debakermat.be
[8] JEUGDCENTRUM
VLEUGEL F
Brusselsestraat 61a
3000 Leuven
T 016 27 27 50
www.vleugelf.be
98
10
Religion
10.1 On campus
10.2 Religious Contact Points
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
commodation, prayer and prepare public statements rooted [1] RELIGION AND
PHILOSOPHICAL DIVERSITY
contemplation rooms etc.). in shared concerns.
CONTACT POINT
• For students: advice about www.kuleuven.be/lifestance
Naamsestraat 80
whether a partial or final 3000 Leuven
T 016 32 43 32
exam may be rescheduled
www.kuleuven.be/religion
because of a religious holi- reldiv@kuleuven.be
day (see p. 57).
100
Religion
CHRISTIANITY – ROMAN-CATHOLIC
Universitaire
www.kuleuven.be/up/
ENLISH-
Chapel of Leo english
SPEAKING Ewelina ewelina.konings@
XIII Seminary
UNIVERSITY Konings UP International kuleuven.be
Tiensestraat 112
PARISH (EUP)
KU Leuven
www.catholicchurchleu-
ST. KWINTEN'S ven.be
INTERNATIONAL Naamsestraat 160 youthfuljesus@
Bosco Catholic English
CATHOLIC 3000 Leuven gmail.com
COMMUNITY Speaking Community of
Leuven
SPANISH- juankatin@gmail.
Juan Carlos
SPEAKING
Tinjacá com
COMMUNITY
CHRISTIANITY – ANGLICAN
Justus Lipsiu
ANGLICAN PAR- scollege chaplain@angli-
Jack www.angli
ISH ST MARTHA Minderbroeders canchurchleu-
McDonald canchurchleuven.be
& MARY'S straat 15 ven.be
3000 Leuven
101
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
CHRISTIANITY – PROTESTANT
VERENIGDE Mariakapel
ernst.veen@
PROTESTANTSE Ernst Veen Matadilaan 6 www.vpkleuven.be
telenet.be
KERK LEUVEN 3001 Heverlee
ICEL INTERNA-
Chapel of the Pope
TIONAL CHURCH www.icel.be
College casteel.eric@
OF EVANGELI- Eric Casteel
Hogeschoolplein 3 ICEL near and far gmail.com
CAL CHRISTIANS
3000 Leuven
IN LEUVEN
Lara www.ichtus.be/Leuven
ICHTUS LEUVEN leuven@ichtus.be
Creemers Ichtus Leuven
10.2 WORSHIP COMMUNITIES
CHRISTIANITY – ORTHODOX
RUSSIAN Tervuursestraat 56
Veronika nikaandr@inbox.
ORTHODOX 3000 Leuven
Androsova ru
CHURCH (first floor)
HUMANIST MOUVEMENT
INTERCONFESSIONAL
GRENZEN
Bart grenzenbewegen bart.massart1@
BEWEGEN
Massart leuven.be telenet.be
LEUVEN
JUDAISM
102
Religion
ISLAM
www.imsal.be
IMSAL STUDENT Saba Kapuceinenvoer 39
info@imsal.be
MOSQUE Safdar 3000 Leuven IMSAL Leuven
Penitentienen
AL-FATEH
straat 33
MOSQUE
3000 Leuven
Kolonel
AL-IHSAAN
Begaultlaan 45 www.alihsaan.be
MOSQUE
3012 Wilsele
© Layla Aerts
HINDUISM
BAHÁ’Í
103
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
10.2 WORSHIP COMMUNITIES
104
11
Safety – What if
things go wrong?
11.1 Police and safety
11.2 Safety and security on campus
11.3 Social and legal aid
11.4 Harassment
11.5 Discrimination
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
POLICE
AND SAFETY
The police department is in charge
of maintaining law and order. Po-
1 1 .1 P O L I C E A N D S A F E T Y
106
Safety – What if things go wrong?
1 1 .1 P O L I C E A N D S A F E T Y
a cafe’s terrace. around.
• Drinking and driving (also • Take valuable goods with
with a bicycle) do not mix: you when you leave for the
having more than 0.5 per weekend or put them away
mille alcohol in the blood is in a safe place.
a punishable offence. • Give your room/house a
• Take good care of your lived-in appearance while
friends and do not abandon away.
pay electronically. each other, especially in • Do not hide your keys in
• When you go out or when case of excessive alcohol those typical ‘secret’ places
you are in crowded places, consumption. such as under a doormat, in
look after your purse, a flower pot, etc.
mobile phone, coat and Be considerate of the • Marking of valuable goods
keys. Keep them in a tightly neighbourhood. makes it much easier to
closed handbag, purse or • Respect the inhabitants’ identify stolen goods after-
inside pocket. Carry your right to a quiet night’s rest wards. It is recommended
handbag between arm and at all times. In order to pre- to keep an inventory of
body and never on your vent public nuisance there serial numbers of appli-
back. Keep the bag securely is a police regulation. Keep ances, IMEI number of your
closed, with the clasp on things quiet and clean as cell phone and MAC code
the inside. you go out at night, so you of your laptop. For that
• If you have a car, always won’t risk a fine. purpose you may use the
lock the doors and don’t • If you have a problem with registration card to be found
leave any valuables inside. your neighbours, discuss it on the website of the Leuven
with them first. You can also police. >
107
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
108
Safety – What if things go wrong?
SOCIAL AND The Legal Service provides infor- through the different options.
LEGAL AID mation and assistance on legal You can contact the helpdesk in
matters in civil and criminal law. various ways:
For all students You need to make an appointment
The Social Service strives to en- first. [5] • T 016 37 37 37
sure that every student can study • grensoverschrijdendgedrag@
‘care-free’. The Social Service is a For staff kuleuven.be
‘steppingstone’ where you can ask Staff members are expected to • online form: admin.kuleuven.
any question of a practical, legal request assistance of existing be/thema/gg/behaviour
109
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
KU Leuven
Students and staff can report com-
plaints and suggestions related
to gender and diversity through
a website form. Incoming mes-
sages will be listed and treated
anonymously.
www.kuleuven.be/diversiteit/meldpunt
UC Leuven-Limburg
UC Leuven-Limburg staff mem-
bers are referred to a designated
1 1 . 5 D I S C R I M I N AT I O N
110
12
Leaving
Leuven
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
LEAVING
LEUVEN –
BELGIUM
1 2 . L E AV I N G L E U V E N – B E L G I U M
1. De-register
at City Hall.
Please don’t forget to de-register
at the City Hall of your place of
residence in Belgium. This is very
important. If you neglect to prop-
erly close your file upon departure,
this can have a negative impact,
e.g. on any future visa applications
for the Schengen countries. Non-
EAA nationals, who have to make
stopovers in the Schengen territory
during their trip back home, have
to contact their institution. More
information:
www.kuleuven.be/english/admissions/
travelling/idcard
112
Leaving Leuven – Belgium
1 2 . L E AV I N G L E U V E N – B E L G I U M
Contact your health insurance fund/insurance company for more
information, as procedures may differ.
113
1 2 . L E AV I N G L E U V E N – B E L G I U M
114
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
© William Murphy
13
Belgium for
Dummies
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
Beautiful historical cities, belfries and force” is reminiscent of that found- as Wallonia, French is the official
cathedrals, all bear witness to a rich ing coalition. Belgium was given a language. This linguistic duality
past. Belgium is a young country most liberal constitution, a model created tensions. In the 19th cen-
with an old history and, for many in its time, and the Catholic Church tury language use in Belgium was
today, an uncertain future. It came
into being in 1830, within borders
that went back to the 16th century.
Belgium and the Netherlands, a
coastal region also called the Low
Countries, are situated at the mouth
of the Scheldt, the Meuse and the
Rhine. For centuries this region
was contested between the German
emperor and the French king and for
that reason it became the “battlefield
of Europe”. In the 15th century the
Dukes of Burgundy united different
medieval principalities and created
a third player between the two great
powers which was subsequently
taken over by the Habsburg dynasty.
The Seventeen Provinces as they
were called were then torn apart
in the 16th century by the wars of
religion. The Revolt against Spanish
rule resulted in the rupture of the
116
Belgium for Dummies
free, but public life was dominated this process the national political when the old industrial regions
by French, even in Flanders, for parties split in two. declined, the roles were inversed.
French was a European language However, Belgium not only faced Thanks to its position near the sea
of culture and the Flemish elite a division along language lines but and due to huge investments of
also spoke the language of Molière. also an economic divide. From the multinationals, Flanders could
The discrimination of the Flemish early 19th century the Liege region work its way up to become one
speakers gave rise to the crea- and Hainaut province were caught of the wealthiest regions on the
tion of the Flemish movement. up in a process of industrializa- continent. Antwerp is one of the
Legislation gradually regulated tion, thanks to the presence of coal most important ports in the world.
the public use of language and in and iron. The Walloon provinces Since cultural and economic fac-
the first half of the 20th century developed as an industrial strong- tors combined to accentuate their
Dutch became the official language hold on the continent and made different characters, Flanders and
in Flanders. Today, Belgium has pre-war Belgium one of the most Wallonia grew apart. This evolu-
four language regions. Brussels important industrial nations in the tion has led, since the seventies,
capital is bilingual, Flanders is world. The Flemish provinces, to a series of state reforms that
1 3 . B E LG I U M FO R D U M M I E S
unilingual Dutch, Wallonia uni- on the contrary, stayed rural and have eventually made Belgium a
lingual French, with the exception agricultural for many years and federal state. As a result and due
of a small German speaking ter- wealth grew at a slower pace. In to the fragmentation of the polit-
ritory in the east. In the course of the second half of the 20th century, ical parties, the formation of a >
117
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
federal government has become prominent university in Europe. evening as a moving tribute to the
a work of acrobatics. Belgium was an important the- many war victims. It was not only
atre in the First World War. In the “Westhoek” that was severely
This evolution also had important 1914, the Belgian army was hit by the war, but also many his-
consequences for the University of pushed back by the German ag- torical cities in the interior did not
Leuven. Being the oldest university gressor behind the river IJzer. remain unscathed. Large parts of
of the Low Countries, its origins Commanded by King Albert I, it Leuven went up in flames in the
going back to 1425, it once counted was able to stand its ground for summer of 1914. The Saint-Peter
famous humanists such as Deside- four years with French and Brit- Church and the late-Gothic city
rius Erasmus and Andreas Vesalius ish support. Flanders Fields is a hall were saved as if by miracle,
among its professors. After Belgian strong image for the British peo- but the university library, in the
independence the university was ple, even an almost sacred place, medieval cloth makers’ hall, was
first a francophone institution, where many hundred thousand completely destroyed. With Ameri-
then a bilingual one, and finally, soldiers from the Commonwealth can funding a new library was built
in 1968, it split into two parts: fell in the Ypres Salient. The war after the war on the Ladeuzeplein.
1 3 . B E LG I U M FO R D U M M I E S
the KU Leuven in the Flemish graves of the Commonwealth are The Old Market Place looks old,
city of Leuven, the francophone silent places of remembrance and but is no more than a replica built
Université Catholique de Louvain worth a visit. The Menin Gate in after 1918.
moved to Louvain-la-Neuve, a Ypres has the names of more than
new town on the other side of 50.000 missing soldiers inscribed Belgium is a small country with a
the language border. Despite the on its walls. Ever since 1928 the surface of only 30.500 km², but
split the KU Leuven remained a Last Post has been sounded in the from the end of the 19th century
© Ivan Vanderbiesen
118
Belgium for Dummies
119
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019 Glossary
A O
Association KU Leuven 72 OKAN class 90
C R
City Hall 4, 6, 19, 20, 21, 28, 30, 31, 34, 39, 45, 47, Residence hall 30
78, 88, 89, 108, 113 Residence permit 6, 28, 29, 30, 31, 39, 47, 68
Credit(s) 7, 50, 51
S
D Scholarship 26, 27, 28, 42
Disability 5, 52, 53, 56, 68, 106 Student/Staff card 38, 42, 43, 55, 60, 72
De Lijn 45, 46
T
E Tax 7, 25, 28, 33, 40, 109
Eduroam 8, 60, 61 City Tax 25
EEA (European Economic Area) TEC 47
27, 29, 39, 47, 109 Toledo 53, 60
Non-EEA 27, 29, 31, 39, 47, 68
V
EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) 27, 69 Visa 7, 47, 108
Exam 7, 18, 49, 51, 53, 55, 66, 68, 96
W
G Work permit 31, 39
Gezinsbond 95, 96
GMD (Globaal Medisch Dossier) 68
I
ISL (International School Leuven) 94
ISP (Individual Study Programme) 53
K
KotNet 8, 60, 61, 62
Kotwijs 23, 24
Kind en Gezin 70, 74
KU Loket 47, 53, 60
L
LOKO 63, 73, 74, 80, 83, 84, 102
M
MIVB 45
120
Notes
121
LIVING IN LEUVEN 2018—2019
122