When moving to a new city, meeting people can present its challenges. And while it may feel a bit daunting at first, getting yourself out there is about the only thing that is required (and the only thing that works). Joining a local sport, cultural or other recreational club will help you blend in with your local community. Why not do some volunteer work? You get to make a difference while at the same time getting to know your new city, local organisations and people. If you work, don’t forget to check what your employer offers for its international employees. Your company might have a page on Facebook or intranet where colleagues exchange tips and tricks about the local culture and activities or even organise activities.
Ways to connect at the IHL
The International House is a great place to start!
All IHL social events can be found on our website. Be aware that some events require registration, as we have limited seating available or some preparations need to be made. All of our events are casual and often volunteer led! Maybe there is a group you haven't found in Leuven and you would like to start it yourself, reach out to us and we can discuss the possibilities of starting one at the IHL!
The Welcome Ambassador program is another great way to get involved an grow your social network. You can join as a newcomer or as welcome host. The goal is to provide an individual contact point to newly arrived international working professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs as well as accompanying family members and in the process personalize the experience of arrival, settling in and living in the greater Leuven area.
Get involved with the IHl here!
Local groups
Join a local sports club! This is a great way to meet locals, practice Dutch, and of course, stay fit! You can find the sports guide to the city of Leuven here (the guide is in Dutch but very understandable). You can also make an appointment at the Tofsportloket to ask for recommendations.
Facebook groups! There are 2 very popular facebook groups with internationals in the Leuven area: Expats in Leuven and International and Expat parents in Leuven.
Volunteering is another way that we recommend making connections. No matter where you live, there will likely be ways that you can get involved in your local community by lending a helping hand. In Leuven there is even a database filled with different opportunities. Find them all here. On this database there is even a filter for non-Dutch speaking volunteering opportunities.
Are you an employee? Maybe your company has different groups or events after hours, non work related of course. You can always enquire with your colleagues or HR to see if there are some groups.
Are you an international student looking for a place to connect with other international students? Then head over to Pangaea to get plugged in!
Other groups/resources in the area of Leuven and or Belgium:
- Internations (expat community)
- People to People Brussels chapter (expat community)
- Expatica (info about all aspects of life in Belgium)
- Expat info desk (expat services)
- Just landed (info for expats)
- The Bulletin (Belgian news source in English)
Local events
There are a lot of cultural events happening around town, all throughout the year. Keep your eye out on the 30CC website and the city of Leuven to hear about new events! All of the cultural organizations of the city can be found here.
Check out the ‘Uit kalender’ (only in Dutch) for all of the cultural activities in Leuven.