Meeting My Welcome Host Karine – A Great Match
The goal of the program is to help newcomers find their footing fast—whether that means giving tips on practical matters or just linking them up with someone who already knows the city. After ten years, I was eager to brush up on my Dutch and to meet someone truly local. That’s why my meetings with Karine (my welcome host) became so precious to me; discovering Leuven through her eyes and chatting about the quirks of bigger cities was an experience I won’t soon forget. And it didn’t stop at our conversations—we also got the chance to join events at International House Leuven. On one occasion, I was even invited to Karen’s home and met her husband, a teacher, which turned into one of the most special—and utterly unforgettable—moments of my life in Leuven.
I believe everyone’s adjustment period to a new environment depends on both themselves and how open they are to discovering their new surroundings. In the early days of my arrival, I remember feeling a sense of being somewhere entirely different as I gazed out the car window on trips to places I didn’t yet know. Within a year, however, I began to feel a sense of familiarity.
If you are open to exploring the place where you live, every corner holds something to catch your eye. Leuven does this exceptionally well. Travel a little southeast from Leuven, and you find yourself in the French-speaking part of the country. In Waver, you might visit Walibi or the Hergé Museum—the language changes, the atmosphere shifts. Yet even this eventually becomes something you take in stride.
At this time of year, just as students are preparing for the year ahead and newcomers arrive from various cities or other countries—everywhere from Bondgenotenlaan to Dietsestraat, the streets come alive with stands, music, and festivities, ready to welcome you.
Welcoming Alessia – A New Chapter Begins
Just as I was settling into this newfound familiarity, Sophie came to me with the offer: “Would you like to be a Welcome Host?” And I thought, why not? I already knew the city, its cozy cafés, and all the handy tips that make life easier for newcomers—and honestly, there’s something genuinely fun about showing newcomers the ropes.
Alessia is originally from Italy, a successful architect who moved to Belgium from Finland as a newcomer and is also a mother like me. From our very first meeting, it was clear that she was eager to explore Leuven and understand how things work here. After adding each other on WhatsApp, we started checking in more often. I shared my experiences on practical matters, like where to buy a fluos for the kids or tips about Leuven’s markets.
Through our conversations, we discovered that we shared much more than practical advice. Our children added a lively rhythm to our chats, but even beyond that, we found we had many things in common. The very process of settling in a new country had created a shared interest between us, a bridge that made it easy to connect. And of course, and a dash of Mediterranean warmth brought its own special flavor to our connection. It’s remarkable how quickly we were able to be receptive and open to one another.
After meeting Alessia and sharing our experiences, I decided to join activities organized as part of the International House Leuven program to explore the city more deeply and gather knowledge to share with newcomers. International House Leuven doesn’t just run this program—they also organize activities in collaboration with Visit Leuven to turn hosts into true ambassadors of the city. Although Leuven has now become my home, it was still very valuable to learn about its history and background so that I could share this knowledge with newcomers.
In March, I joined a walking city tour organized by the International House Leuven and Visit Leuven. We started at the Visit Leuven’s office at Jozef Vounckplein 2, together with the other Welcome Hosts. The aim was to discover new ideas and gather fun tips that we could pass along to newcomers, making their introduction to the city more engaging and enjoyable.
It’s been more than six months since Alessia and I met, and we still make time to catch up—leaving all the daily chaos behind and enjoying a relaxed chat as fellow moms. So, what do we love doing most in Leuven?
Below, you’ll find a short list of our favorite spots, activities, and tips—our little guide to the city from both Alessia’s and my perspective.
Tips for Getting to Know the City from the Newcomer and Welcome Host
What's the best park or hidden spot to relax and unwind?
Alessia: Sint-Donatus Park is in the city centre, a good spot for a walk or for sitting on a bench
Ezgi: A long walk through Abdij van Park
What's your favorite place to have coffee or read a book?
Alessia: Onan is the best place for a cup of coffee and Blanco Coffeebar the best café for studying / working
Ezgi: Noir Café on Naamsestraat is one of my regular spots— both for its coffee and for the quiet moments it offers, sitting behind my laptop and working in peace.
What are the most fun places to go with kids?
Alessia: Playgrounds, some of them are really nice and big. Ladeuzeplein is the fav spot for our kids
Ezgi: Especially after the redesign, Zoetwaterpark: it has a corner for children of all ages.
Where can you get the best ice cream or dessert in town?
Alessia: La Decadenza Gelateria has the best Italian gelato in town. For dessert Kanela has amazing Greek pastries!
Ezgi: For me, the best patisserie in town is Zuut Leuven at Vismarkt.
What's the best time of year in Leuven?
Alessia: Spring, when everything is blooming.
Ezgi: Leuven shines in the Easter holidays, as if announcing the arrival of spring; and in September, when students flock back for the new academic year, the city comes alive with a joyful energy.
What are the best cycling routes in the city?
Alessia: The one that passes by Arenberg Castle, it’s always like being in a fairytale!
Ezgi: Passing through Heverleebos to get to Zoetwater is one of my favorite cycling routes
Which historical building in Leuven impresses you the most?
Alessia: Historic Leuven Town Hall and Arenberg Castle, always… but also the Begijnhof
Ezgi: Ohh, there are many. I think Arenberg Castle impresses me the most.
How can you experience the city like a local?
Alessia: Enjoying time riding a bike, walking in the city centre, having good coffee, drinks and food!
Ezgi: The moment you start loading the kids onto a cargo bike and pedaling them to school, you really start to feel like a local :)
What's your favorite thing about living in Leuven?
Alessia: The city is always alive and safe at the same time. Small but big enough to be interesting
Ezgi: The city’s facilities feel designed with students and families in mind, which gives a sense of safety and calm.
What do you like to do in your free time in Leuven?
Alessia: Enjoy the city centre, riding the bike and visiting new places around and in Leuven (castles)
Ezgi: I love exploring the city and its surroundings—there’s always something happening. I follow M Museum and 30CC programs, and International House Leuven offers plenty too: game nights, book clubs, language groups, and more.