Getting acquainted with Belgium and the city where your LUCA campus is located is an important step in preparing your stay. Support is provided by several organizations, networks and tools.
STUVO
First, on-site welcome activities for international students at the different LUCA campuses will be provided by the student services of LUCA (STuVo). More information about their activities and support: https://www.luca-arts.be/en/student-support-services
Erasmus Student Network (ESN)
Also the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), one of the biggest student organisations in Europe is offering support to international students. The ESN branch in Belgium offers support to both exchange as degree students in different fields, going to support in finding accommodation and offering practical advice, to organising social & cultural events for both international and local students to foster mutual cultural understanding.
Currently there are 19 local ESN sections in 10 Belgian cities (Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp, Leuven, Liège, Louvain-la-Neuve, Mons, Hasselt, Kortrijk, Namur, Mechelen). Our campus locations are situated in Brussels, Gent, Leuven or Genk. LUCA School of Arts doesn’t have a local ESN section, but you'll always be welcome to all ESN events organised in your city.
More information: http://esnbelgium.org/incoming-students
Buddy System Programme
Students who would like to find a local student as buddy to be helped may sign up for the European Buddy System platform. Getting a local buddy is a great way to help you settle in during your first few days.
More information: https://buddysystem.eu/en/
KLIK studentapp
Meet new students in Gent and Genk
Looking for a sports buddy? Somebody to cook with or to have a coffee with? New friends are just a KLIK away!
KLIK app Gent (also available in Genk): https://stad.gent/en/international-students/culture-sports-leisure/klik-studentapp
Social engagement through Social Erasmus and World@School
We are also working together with ESN, the European Student Network with local branches in most university capitals in Belgium. Through ESN students come into contact with the recently set-up projects and activities of Social Erasmus (https://socialerasmus.org/ ), which aim at building bridges and spreading intercultural awareness in society by bringing international students closer to local schools. International students studying at LUCA are also actively stimulated to take part in a similar activity called the World @ School, initiated by VLUHR-I. More information: World@School | VLUHR Internationaal.