Erasmus in Leuven
The official links people use most when they arrive in Leuven. We opened each one on its website, and each shows the date we checked it.
To start with
Universities
International offices for exchange students.
- Practical information for incoming exchange students at KU LeuvenKU Leuven
Registration and contact with the incoming exchange team; you need a formal nomination from your home university.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- UCLL exchange applicationUCLL
How and when to apply for an exchange at UCLL, Leuven's other large university college.
Checked on 24 October 2026
When you arrive
Student associations and welcome services.
- Local ESN section in LeuvenESN Leuven
Student network that runs activities, trips and a buddy programme for Erasmus students arriving in Leuven.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- Pangaea international meeting centreKU Leuven (Pangaea)
KU Leuven centre that welcomes international students and runs the orientation days.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Erasmus associations
ESN sections, AEGEE and international student associations: activities, buddies and help when you arrive.
- LOKO International: support for international studentsLOKO International
International branch of LOKO, Leuven's student organisation: representation, events and support for KU Leuven, UCLL and LUCA students.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- International student associations in LeuvenLOKO
LOKO directory listing ESN Leuven, country-based associations and an English-language theatre group.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- ESN Leuven: team and officeESN Leuven
Introduces ESN Leuven's board, with trip, sports and culture coordinators, and its office at the Pangaea centre.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Parties and events
Welcome parties, language exchanges and events for international students. Buy tickets only on the organiser's own website.
- ESN Leuven: event calendarESN Leuven
Kick-off party, beer tasting, Babbel Café language exchange, cantus and a welcome weekend outside Leuven.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- LOKO: calendar for international studentsLOKO International
LOKO activities for international students throughout the year, starting with the September Orientation Days.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Paperwork
What an EU student staying for a semester has to do.
- Report your stay as an EU mobility student in LeuvenStad Leuven
For EU Erasmus students staying 3 to 6 months: you get an annex 3septies, valid for up to 6 months; bring ID, proof of your mobility programme and a photo.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- EU citizens: right of entry and residenceOffice des étrangers / Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken
Immigration Office: for stays over 3 months you must apply at your municipality before the 3 months end; for short stays, report your presence within 10 working days.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Transport
Public transport, passes and bikes.
- Leuven Student Bus PassDe Lijn
Cheap De Lijn pass for KU Leuven, UCLL and LUCA students in the Leuven area; your institution sets the price and it goes on a MOBIB card.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- Student bike rental (Velo)Velo vzw (socio de KU Leuven)
Social economy project renting and repairing bikes in Leuven; KU Leuven recommends it to its students.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- Train for under 26s (SNCB)SNCB-NMBS
Under 26s get 40% off the standard fare; with Train+ a second-class journey costs at most €5.50.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Health and emergencies
European Health Insurance Card, emergencies and doctors.
- Health insurance for KU Leuven studentsKU Leuven
If you are from the EEA, you can use your European Health Insurance Card or join a Belgian health fund and pay a contribution.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- European Health Insurance Card in BelgiumComisión Europea
European Commission: you pay the doctor and then claim a refund at any Belgian health insurance fund with your card and the treatment certificate.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- Emergency numbers in Belgium112.be (FOD Binnenlandse Zaken)
112 for ambulance and fire brigade, 101 for police and 1733 for the doctor on duty; 112 is free across Europe.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in Dutch
Student discounts
Cards and reduced prices for young people and students.
- KU Leuven Culture CardKU Leuven
For €25 a year: free city museum, cheaper cinema, a free show and a free film every month and discounts at Leuven venues.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- M Leuven ticket prices and discountsM Leuven
Youth ticket of €6 for ages 19 to 25; free with the KU Leuven Culture Card or the museum pass.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Culture and city life
Official tourism, events and libraries.
- Official Leuven tourismVisit Leuven (Stad Leuven)
What to see and do in Leuven, with a calendar of events.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- Leuven culture and leisure calendarUiT in Leuven
Municipal calendar of concerts, theatre, exhibitions, sport and free activities (in Dutch).
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in Dutch
Offers for students in your city
Every two weeks, an email with discounts and useful things for Erasmus students in Leuven: transport, trips, activities and services. Only while you are there.
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Other cities in Belgium
These are links to official websites. If one no longer works or has changed, write to us at hello@erasmuskit.com.