New in Leuven
Your first 30 days, in order
A practical arrival plan for international and first-year students. Work through it in order — most steps take an afternoon.
Procedures, fees and deadlines are set by the city, your university and your insurer, and they change. Always confirm the current requirements with the official service before you act on anything here.
Checklist
The arrival essentials
The short version — the things nearly every new student in Leuven has to do.
- 1
Find accommodation
Search listings and compare neighbourhoods.
- 2
Register in Leuven
City registration as a new resident.
- 3
Set up your phone
Local SIM or eSIM plan.
- 4
Open a bank account
A local account makes daily life easier.
- 5
Get a bike
Buy or rent — your main transport in Leuven.
- 6
Find your supermarket
Plan a weekly shop that fits your budget.
- 7
Set up university essentials
Student card, accounts and systems.
- 8
Find your student community
Clubs, societies and sports.
Week 1 — the essentials
- Move in and note anything already damaged, with photos and dates.
- Register your address with the city — this is a legal requirement and starts other paperwork.
- Get a local SIM or eSIM so you can receive verification codes.
- Find your campus buildings, library and student restaurant before classes start.
Week 2 — money and paperwork
- Open a Belgian bank account once you have your address confirmation.
- Arrange health insurance cover and keep the documents together.
- Set up your university account, student card and timetable.
- Work out your monthly budget: rent, utilities, food, transport, study materials.
Weeks 3–4 — settling in
- Buy or rent a bike and a good lock — it is the fastest way around Leuven.
- Join a student association, sports club or faculty circle.
- Learn your grocery routine: which shops are cheap, and when markets happen.
- Save the emergency and student-support contacts you may need later.
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