Step-by-Step Roadmap for Incoming Students

Before reading this document you should have duly introduced an application form to Bruface (see www.bruface.eu) and got any message of acceptance. Please note that if accepted you register for master year 1 at the 'Universit Libre de Bruxelles', hereafter named 'ULB' and for master year 2 at the 'Vrije Universiteit Brussel' or 'VUB'. The present roadmap is mostly valid only for the Masters organised by Bruface.

Step 1: Before your arrival please organize following important practical aspects:
A health insurance valid in Belgium is not compulsary but strongly advised when enrolling at the ULB. EU nationals can use their European Health Insurance card. Otherwise you should arrange coverage shortly after arrival in Belgium. Start looking for a temporary lodging where you can stay a few days after your arrival. If possible also start taking steps to arrange for a more permanent accommodation for the entire period of study at the VUB. On-campus accommodation at the ULB lodgings is limited so in general students have to find a room from a private landlord. Temporary accommodation If your accommodation is not yet arranged when you arrive in Brussels, you can book affordable temporary accommodation at the various youth hostels and hotels in Brussels until you find a short or long term housing solution.

Youth hostels

Hotels

www.auberge3fontaines.be www.besthotels.com www.sleepwell.be www.bnb-brussels.be www.laj.be www.hihostels.com www.brussels-hotels.com www.vjh.be

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Permanent accommodation Br(ik (www.brik.be) is a trustworthy housing organization, which aims to create a reliable network of quality accommodations. The landlords and offered accommodations must meet criteria set by Br(ik. In case of problems between the landlord and the tenant the organization can intervene. For those who cannot find suitable accommodation through the above mentioned option the following website links are a good alternative. Housing websites www.woneninbrussel.be www.ncf.be www.citan.be /woonbank www.rent-a-flatwww.vlan.be www.brussels-flats.be brussels.eu www.xpats.com www.expatriates.com www.flatsbrussels.com www.traineesinbrussels. www.sionduquesne.be housing.justlanded.com be www.brusselsinternation www.eu-rentals.com www.immoweb.be al.be www.be-housing.be www.franoise.be www.pied-a-terre.be/welc.htm www.easylifeinbrussels. www.apartager.be be http://xpats.spotter.be/en/Housing/ category_4.htm

You don't have to preregister on the website of the ULB. All information will be verified upon arrival in Brussels (see step 3). You will have to pay the tuition fee at the time of registration and you will also need some money for housing gaurantees. Please prepare the required funding before departure. Prepare enough (typically 4) ID photographs and certified copies of all your official documents. It is important that you arrive on time. Classes start the 19th of September and the formal deadline for registration at the university (ULB) is the 30th of September. Getting settled also takes time!

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Step 2: Feel@home
At the beginning of the academic year Bruface organizes an Orientation Day to welcome all new students from abroad, in the city of Brussels and in Belgium. The orientation day will take place on the 23th of September at VUB from 9h30 12h in aula QC, Pleinlaan 2, Campus Etterbeek. Please register through the following link if you want to participate : http://vub.checkboxonline.com/Survey.aspx? s=5b2406abbb5a43bbb9f92a5647097764

Step 3: Enrolling as a master student at the ULB (first year)

As of September 5 you can go to the Welcome Desk of IRMO (International Relations Office and Mobility office) of VUB where you will get proper instructions for registration at ULB. DO NOT go directly to the ULB registration offices ! The address of IRMO is

IRMO (International Relations and Mobility Office) Pleinlaan 5 1050 Brussels Phone +32-2-6148101 Fax +32-2-6148080 Mail : international.relations@vub.ac.be IRMO is open on weekdays from 09:00-12:30 and from 13:30-16:30 and closed on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. The registration period for Bruface students runs from September 5 until September 30. After September 30, enrolment is only possible after written consent by the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering.

You will need to bring: your ID card your original diploma (no copy!) or an official certificate issued by your home institution if you pay your tuition fee immediately by bank card, you also need to bring an ID photograph for your student ID card.

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 Tuition fees The master programs you can register for equal 120 ECTS credits, split up in two years of 60 ECTS each. Tuition fee must be paid each academic year that you enroll. Tuition fees are o 835 euro first year for EU Students o 2500 euro per year for non EU students

Step 4: Enrolling as a Guest student at the VUB

You should also register at VUB as a guest student (free of charge) after registration at ULB, in order to access all of the VUB facilities (restaurant, sport facilities, library, etc). Such registration can be arranged at IRMO.

Step 5: Student ID card and certificates

Student ID card When you have paid your tuition fee at ULB registration desk with a bank card, you will receive your student ID card immediately, otherwise you will receive it by regular mail at your study address (do not forget to communicate all address changes to the ULB Registrars Office). Certificates After you have enrolled, you will receive a form with certificates (for public transportation, for health insurance,). Save this form carefully. You will have to submit these certificates to various authorities.

Step 6: Activating your e-mail account

You will get a network ID and e-mail account upon registration. You must activate these on any computer access to internet starting the day after you received your student ID card. The pin code to create your ULB e-mail address and network identity (NetID user name and password) is mentioned on your student card next to your passport photo. The activation occurs online at the following address: https://idsapp.ulb.ac.be/pam/pamsignup.php?language=uk Within 24 hours after completion of this procedure, your network identity and e-mail address will be available. With your ULB NetID you can access PointCarr, the distance learning platform used at the VUB, which offers a broad range of e-tools and which is used for all foreigh students. Surf to the PointCarr English web pages: http://pointcarre.vub.ac.be/docs/index.php/Hoofdpagina_engels

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Step 7: Consulting your Timetable

First semester timetables are available on the following link http://locus.vub.ac.be/20112012/studsetIR_1112.htm Make following selections : 1 M ENGINEERING xxxx Week 1-14 8-18u Sorry, some fields are not yet translated in English but it is easily readable. Some rooms are also not yet indicated. A map with exact room locations will be made available at IRMO.

Step 8: Enjoy your study at BRUFACE, enjoy Brussels, enjoy Belgium. We wish you good luck! Further questions? Mail to info@bruface.be or see www.bruface.eu.

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