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Leuven Gakusei Forum:
Elevating Your Belgian Study Adventure
Our organization is not just dedicated to ensuring your time here is academically enriching and filled with memorable experiences, we also make an effort to support incoming exchange students where we can!
On this page, you can find some basic information you might need before coming to Belgium, and if there are any questions that keep you up at night, don't hesitate to contact us! You can contact us trough our Google form located on the "about" page!
What
You Need To Know
Campus Life
Because of the sheer size of the KU Leuven, there are many libraries scattered all across the city. Each library has its own charm, but we still have some recommendations of our own for you!
- The central library: for the aesthetic and great location!
- Agora: Open until midnight and aways has a spot open for you to study.
- Arenberg: A bit outside of the city center with no shops around, which can be a good thing if you are bad with concentration 😉
You can find an official list of KU Leuven’s Libraries here.
Most cafes allow you to take out your laptop, and do some schoolwork! Just be sure to not just take up space of course, and buy something to justify your long stay (don’t buy 1 coffee, and stay for like 4 hours).
You can find more cafes here.
(We also would love to promote “mont cafe“, even though its not a coffeeshop where u can easily sit down and study)
Although public transportation is pretty good here in Leuven, there is a strong tradition of cycling. Having a bicycle is the best way to get around in Leuven, but there are some things you should know before getting cycling onto the horizon.
- Make sure you have a working white light to illuminate the front, and a red light to illuminate the back.
- Be aware that there are multiple one-way streets in Leuven! Cycling the wrong way can get you a fine from the police!
More information here.
Most student accommodations in Leuven are privately owned (~80% of the housing market). In Leuven, students usually live in privately owned student houses. Since there are no on-campus options, unlike in some countries, student rooms are spread around the city.
Luckily, because Leuven is small, getting around is easy.
We recommend using Kotwijs or ikot if you’re interested in the private market.
Accommodation Guidance
Practical Living
The absolute cheapest supermarket by far, Colruyt.
The most expensive ones, both the “Carrefour express” and the “Louis Delhaize”. These ones are the most expensive as they are open on weekends and holidays.
Some great recommendations:
- Domus (Belgian food, 12 – 22 euro)
- Medina (Moroccan food, 12-22 euro)
- Ah Quy (Vietnamese, 7-10 euro)
- Thai house (Thai, 3-7 euro)
By not spending too much money 😉
Why
You Should Join Us In Leuven
Join Us!
Embark on an immersive academic experience in Leuven, Belgium, a city known for its unique student culture. Leuven Gakusei Forum offers a safe space to help you make friends with similar interests and buildlifelong connections.
Cultural Fusion
Engage in events specifically organised for Japanese exchange students and those who study Japanese Studies. Experience our events, blending Japanese traditions with the Belgian charm. Become part of a welcoming community, connecting with fellow students and locals to ensure a smooth transition to life in Leuven.
Academic Environment
Leuven is home to globally recognized (Loko, japanology students) institutions, providing a stimulating environment for your studies with a unique perspective.
Event Highlights
Immerse yourself in our 10 exciting annual events, carefully curated to make your time in Leuven unforgettable. Only here for one semester? No problem! we hold at least 5 events during each semester.