Week 1: First To-Dos in Leuven
We do hope you already have a place to live, but if you don’t, don’t panic. It’s much more common than you think to arrive in Leuven and still don’t have a set place to stay. You will find everything you need to know about moving and housing on our website. You will also find what is required of you as a renter in Belgium and other FAQs about renting here, on the tenants’ union website.
Customize your mailbox
Add your name to your mailbox and go to the Stadskantoor (City Hall) to get stickers that notify the postal workers if you wish to receive junk mail, and another in case you have pets in your house to notify emergency services authorities.
Set up your utilities and internet
Find everything you need to know about setting up utilities in Belgium in our website.
Register at the City Hall (Stadskantoor)
Here you will find all the information you need if you are staying in Belgium for more than three months, which means you need to register.
Open a Belgian bank account
Learn how to open a Belgian bank account in our website.
Sign up for health insurance
Before signing up for health insurance (mutualiteit), use this tool to compare different health insurances and find the one that fits you best.
Might-be-nice-to-do list
Get a Belgian SIM card
Visit this website to find the tariff plan that works best for you.
Get information about the trash schedule and where to get the bags
Download this app to get the trash schedule for your address and find everything you need to know about how waste management works in Leuven and where you can buy the specific bags you need.
Sign up for the IHL newsletter
Sign up here for our monthly newsletter and stay up to date on upcoming events, policy changes, career opportunities, and more!
New Dutch Words for this Week
Stadskantoor — City Hall/Office
Afval — Trash
Te huur — For rent
First steps to becoming a local
Start exploring Leuven and surrounding areas
Become familiar with your new surroundings and locate all the important places such as hospitals, supermarkets, banks, post office, etc. Check out the different neighborhoods in Leuven.
Have a drink in Oude Markt
This famous square of Leuven is filled with bars (and terraces) where you can have your first drink to celebrate your move and the beginning of a new chapter!
Week 2: Public Transport, Health & Daily Life
Learn about the public transport
Get all the information you need to know to get around in Leuven and Belgium.
Get a bike (and get it registered!)
Besides getting a bike, you should register it once you have a national number (which you will get once you have your residence card), so you can find it easily in case it gets stolen.
Download the local apps
Read here about the must-have apps you should download.
Learn about the Belgian healthcare system
We all know one of the trickiest things about moving to another country is having to learn and understand a new healthcare system. Find everything you need to know on our website and start getting familiarized with Belgian healthcare.
Start collecting all your administrative paperwork in a folder (digital or physical)
New Dutch Words for this Week
Fiets— Bike
Ziekenhuis— Hospital
Mutualiteit/Ziekenfonds — Health insurance fund
First steps to becoming a local
Start exploring the city
Go to Grote Markt and check out Leuven’s stunning historic City Hall and the beautiful St. Peter’s Church.
Go on your first bike trip
Take your bike out on a ride to Park Abbey, the best place to go if you’re looking to spend some time in nature close to the city. Check out our day trip itinerary!
Week 3: Language, Pets & Meeting People
Consider signing up for Dutch classes
Get more information on our website on how to find a Dutch class that fits you. Classes start at specific times of the year, and beginner classes fill up early!
Learn about the Integration Office
Check out the Integration Office website and learn about how they can help you integrate, get qualification recognition, and find the right Dutch class.
Do you have a pet?
If you do, register your pet with the vet (if you have one) and pick up your “pet card” from the city hall.
Connect with other internationals
Join the IHL Meetup group to connect with internationals in Leuven and join the Expats in Leuven Facebook group to meet new people and ask advice from fellow internationals!
New Dutch Words for this Week
- Dierenarts— Vet
- Huisdier— Pet
- Language NT2— Dutch as a second language
First steps to becoming a local
Get to know the city
Get to know Leuven with a walking tour, guided or on your own!
Check out the local markets
Don’t miss the local markets, where you will find products that you wouldn’t find at your average supermarket. Learn about the different markets in Leuven.
Week 4: Family Life in Belgium – Schools, Childcare & More
Of course, if you don’t have children, this information is not for you, but it's still good to learn something about it.
Learn about the Belgian school system
Read about Elementary and Secondary school enrolment.
Learn about childcare options
Discover all the different childcare options in Leuven.
Connect with other international parents
Join the Expat and International Parents Leuven Facebook group and find a community where you can ask for advice, share your own experiences and meet other parents just like you.
Discover helpful organizations for parents in Leuven
Learn about organizations like Kind en Gezin or Huis van het Kind, which provide information about raising children, childcare services, parenting in Leuven and much more.
Get all the tips!
New Dutch Words for This Week
Onderwijs— Education
Kind— Child
Kinderopvang— Daycare
First steps to becoming a local
Start exploring the city and the surrounding areas
Visit the Proviciedomein Kessel-Lo, a huge park filled with playgrounds, farm animals, pedal boats and walking trails. The perfect outing for your family!
Check out Leuven’s play areas!
Explore the different play areas in and around Leuven and have fun with your children.
Congrats, you made it through your first month!
If you are reading this after being in Leuven for longer, that is completely fine. Take your time to go through each of these steps, one day at a time, and before you know it, you will have completed them all. We know the first weeks in a new country can feel overwhelming, so keep that in mind. Be kind to yourself, stay patient, and try to enjoy the process.
Onto Month Two
All done? Read about what to do during your second month in Leuven.
And should you have any questions in the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out to the International House Leuven. You can send us an email at internationalhouse@leuven.be or come to our office on Tuesdays from 10:00-16:00 at Bondgenotenlaan 103.