Looking for something? We are sure we also were in your position... This page should give you the answers to some of your ​Frequently Asked Questions!

About Belgium and Leuven

Find out about the languages spoken in and around Leuven, its climate, varieties of cuisines available here, the rich culture brought in from around the world and the geographical location of Leuven and how it plays an important and strategic role in its development:

​Visa

All the information related to securing a Visa to Belgium is available here. Depending on the location you are applying from, some of the application steps may change, but we have tried to consolidate the most important application steps to assist you in your application process.

Reaching Leuven

Things to do
When you have landed at Brussels, there are many ways to get to Leuven. You can read about the different modes of transport and some important information about how not to get lost in a new place.
When you reach leuven, there are some things that must be completed on priority, like registration at the Leuven City Hall, registration at KU Leuven, opening a bank account, getting a mobile phone connection.

​Transport

Getting around Leuven is easy. You can use the cycle, bus, or just walk across town. There are lot of discounts and student passes for using the national bus and train networks, which can help save time, effort; and some moolah.

Some things moms worry about

For all those who are planning to come to Leuven for the first time, there are a few things we would like to inform you about. For example, the different kitchen items you can buy here. You can also read about the food items that are commonly available here.

Leisure

Accommodation options
Shopping.... clothes, accessories, electronics, books, sports items etc. are readily available in Leuven. There is also a wide variety of choices to satisfy your gastronomic senses. To find out about some of the most commonly available leisure activities in and around Leuven, read on...
Now that you have reached Leuven and found your temporary accommodation, you would be frantically looking for a permanent one, before your temporary stay ends. ISAL would like to help you in this search for accommodation by recommending popular student places to check out...

Opportunities

Check this page for career opportunities and student internships in India and abroad.

Emergency numbers

  • For ambulance and fire brigade wagon dial 100.
  • Police: 
    • In case of a serious event, dial 101.
    • In case of a less serious event (e.g. neighbor is too evening noisy) dial 016-210 900
  • For ambulance dial 112 (applies for the entire European Union).
  • To report loss of a bankcard (credit card) dial 070 344 344.

Disclaimer

The purpose of this article is to describe in a nutshell, the different things to be done upon one's arrival in Leuven. By no means is it comprehensive. Facts and figures, as well as procedures, may change from time to time, and we cannot in any way be held responsible for discrepancies between those mentioned in this write-up and the actuals. Constructive inputs, of course, are always welcome.

The above information is correct to the best of our knowledge and experiences. We do not claim this information to be complete and authentic w.r.t Belgian/Indian laws in any way. This is intended to sincerely help the newcomers to Leuven. Best Wishes!