Leuven Travel Forum

Hi dudes, I'm thinking of doing part of my degree in Leuven. Is there any chance to rent a bigger flat or house with other students? I live in the UK and I am used to living in rather bigger 'social' houses. Any ideas or tips where would I find details on how to find such places to rent in Leuven? Cheers for any replies;) Mira

Students in Belgium, if not living at home, generally live in "kots" which are studio flats/bedsits, often with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities, and which generally rent from September for the academic year. If you can find one, this would effectively give you a room of your own in a shared house. Try through your university (see http://icts.kuleuven.be/students/).
There are homeshare ads - although almost always for Brussels - on www.xpats.com under the classifieds or you could try on http://www.belgiumhousing.be/bus/indexE.htm. Housesharing is not all that common here because tenancy agreements are not flexible and it is not usually possible to sublet, which means all tenants must sign the lease. Also if you are looking for a short lease, these are expensive (and don't be tempted to sign a longer one on the assumption that you can just break it, there are heavy penalties for doing so!).

Thanks for that. I just went to Leuven and loved it so much I started thinking...wow wow...I could spend some time there;) I knew about the option of small studios but to be frank with you I would really prefer something more hip and social;) I've got already offered a room in a lovely house by the locals that invited me for a dinner when I was there;) If nothing else comes up I can go for that;) Cheers for help anyways. Are you from Leuven yourself? Mira