Welcome to Leuven!
Our Welcome Days will guide you through all "need to know" and "nice to know" information on Belgium, Leuven and our university.
From a warm welcome at our campus to a city tour and an online gaming night in which you can get to know your fellow students a little better; this week will ensure a one of a kind start of your stay with us.
We have composed a social yet safe Introduction Week focussing mainly on a warm welcome. Social activities will be organized in small groups so we can ensure physical distancing. Where needed, face masks and hand sanitizers will be available for you whilst some other activities – such as info sessions - will be organised online.
All students are invited!
(enrolled in any of the degree, exchange or short programmes)
- September 2020: 14-18 September
- February 2021: 1-5 February
Take a look at the preliminary schedule below.
Please check back on a regular basis for the most recent updates.
REGISTRATION AND FEE
In order to give every student the chance to socialize in these special times, we decided to waive the participation fee.
You'll be able to register for the activities, once the final schedule is published on this page.
accomodations
If you do not yet have a student room during the Welcome days, you can book a room in the youth hostel.
COVID-19
Plan your travel to Belgium according to the COVID guidelines: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/
Preliminary programme
| Sun 31/01 | Mon 01/02 | Tue 02/02 | Wed 03/02 | Thu 04/02 | Fri 05/02 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 | Morning Coffee @ Pangaea + info + start Guided City tour (group 1) | Online Kot coaching by KU Leuven Housing Service | ||||
| 12:00 | Noon Coffee @ Pangaea + info + start Guided City tour (group 2) | |||||
| 13:00 | On campus and online Welcome by UCLL President and Student Services |
Visit historic University Library and its ancient tower with panoramic view over Leuven. |
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| 14:00 | On campus and online Welcome International Office | Visit historic University Library and ancient tower with panoramic view over Leuven. (Group 2) | ||||
| 15:00 | Q&A and Quiz | Visit historic University Library and ancient tower with panoramic view over Leuven. (Group 3) | ||||
| 19:00 | Online international dinner night by ESN | Torchlight Walk by LOKO | ||||
| 20:00 | City Game by ESN | |||||
| 20:30 | Online Game Night by ESN | (Online) Belgium Quiz by ESN |
All activities are subject to COVID-measures and organized in small groups or online.
LIVING IN LEUVEN
If you want to get a headstart, we can recommend having a look at our "Living in Leuven" city guide for students on the Student Life webpage. It will answer most (if not all) questions you may have about student services, cost of living, transport, etc.
Also "Getting Started as an Exchange Student at UCLL Leuven" provides useful information in a nutshell.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Please remember to arrange for health insurance during your stay in Belgium before arrival. If you do not have health insurance, please consult the "Living in Leuven" brochure ( Student Life webpage ) for specific information.
HOUSING
Please note that we cannot process any individual requests for student housing in Leuven university residences before the Introduction Week. During our Introduction Week you can continue or start searching for a student room for the duration of your stay.
If you want to rent a student room on the private market, check out our housing in Leuven page.
BUDDY PROGRAMME
A buddy is a student from Leuven, who can help you to get settled in our city and at our university college.
We are working on a buddy system that will be up and running as from September 2021.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
If you want to learn more about living in Leuven as a student, please visit the Residence, mobility, environment web pages where you will find information about student responsibility, waste disposal, bike, bus and train travel, and so much more.