Accommodations

Hi Crew,

I am presently going through the process of trying to find accomodations for next year. I have four options available to me:

1) University Residence
2) Private Accommodation AKA Kot
3) City Living Student Hotel
4) Self Initiative Search

The university residence isn't really an option. All the descriptions I've read and people I've talked to have said that although the price is attractive, the location is isolated and undesirable. It is located on the campus of Sart-Tilman which is actually outside of town. Buses stop running at about 11:00 pm which can make getting home difficult. No thank you.

The private accommodations option definitely shows some potential. ULg has what is called the "International Exchange Student Network" (ESN)  which is a student association that among other things will locate and negotiate the terms of a lease for incoming international students. The average price of housing found through the ESN is 300€ monthly and the administration fee for finding a place and working out the details for you is relatively low at 20€. I have filled out the registration form and submitted it so hopefully I hear back relatively soon.

The City Living Student Hotel is a neat concept. It is a complex that house about 150 students and is 10 minutes away from the downtown ULg campus.  A full time building manager is always floating around and the complex is extremely secure and is know for being a safe place. There are four different room types that range from basic to over abundance. The room I am considering is the most basic bedroom. Consisting of simple furniture and a bathroom with stand up shower, the cost for the "standard" level rooms are about 460€ a month with utilities not included. The more advanced rooms have more space, double beds, full bathrooms, and full kitchens if you are willing to pay for them. There is one common room and study area for the building but full kitchens on each floor. The kitchens have locking cupboards for each resident. I think that is a brilliant idea. Another nice thing about City Living, although again expensive, is that they sell basic linen and kitchen packages that have all the basics you need. It would be nice if these were provided but I can't imagine it would be too hard to buy a set of an outgoing student for relatively cheap. My only hesitation with City Living at this moment in time is one or two of the contract clauses. Before I apply I will definitely be consulting with someone who is wiser than I.

My last resort is trying to find something on my own. This may prove rather difficult from Canada but I'm sure I could dig something up.

Tomorrow I have a meeting set up with a former Liege exchange student named Eugene. He did a double semester 10 month exchange and lived one semester in residence and one semester in a Kot. Hopefully he will be able to provide some insight.

153ish days until take off!

- Jacqueline