Students share their personal experiences and views

On the general atmosphere and state of mind

Julien, bachelor's degree in journalism and a European master's in performing arts, aged 23 'I owe a lot to ULB with respect to my intellectual development and my interpretation of society. I was able to develop a form of critical thinking and free enquiry without being "baptised".' 'I know ULB quite well as an institution because I was very much involved as a student representative on the faculty board and board of governors.'

Salim, student in journalism, aged 21 'Solbosch is a place for discussion and exchange. Here, you meet people from different horizons. You sense very little racism and intolerance – it's really nice. I'm a factory worker's son and it's extremely enriching for me to be in this environment.'

Dominic, student in journalism from the Université du Québec in Montreal, bilateral exchange 'The students are easy to approach here, regardless of their faculty. At my university, students devote less time to others. This need for openness is something I love about ULB.'

On Brussels, the ULB campus and life

Caroline, second-year law student 'University in Brussels is truly extraordinary. It's a vibrant city full of people of all nationalities. Brussels is the only big European capital which isn't too expensive and which has a human side. There are many events, cultural activities and places to go out. And it's nice that there aren't only students around – unlike Louvain. I love dance and in Brussels there are a lot of performances.'

Dorothée, political science student, aged 24 'The place I like most is the cultural room. It's one of the rare places at the university where you can sit quietly and read or listen to someone play music. The students go there to relax and forget the pressures of their studies, or because it's a place to meet people.'
'One of ULB's strong points is that it is integrated into the city. On the one hand, it's in a lively neighbourhood of Brussels – in a place where people live and enjoy themselves. On the other, it's just next to nature – the Bois de la Cambre – where you can relax and clear your mind.'

Yacine, aged 24, biology student 'I studied at the Plaine campus. A lot of students who don't know the place think that it's boring and depressing because it's not part of the excitement at Solbosch. But it's just the opposite: this distance has led us to create our own energy, with the cultural room, the organisation of a rock festival and so many other things.'

Guillaume, aged 22, fourth-year political science student 'I'm a host on Radio Campus. To me, it's one of the only real radio stations out there. The students at ULB are incredibly lucky to have genuine free radio available to them. Let's enjoy it!'

Carine, aged 24, law student 'I would like to mention the quality of the work at the Law Students' Office. In addition to providing course notes and seminars, they take their task seriously and provide a true service to students who are discovering the university and its requirements.'
'I really like the law faculty library. That's where I study and do my work. It has a big collection, and students benefit from seminars to learn to use it as best as possible. The staff are competent and friendly, and there is a pleasant atmosphere. How could you ask for more?'

Quentin, aged 26, economics assistant 'As a student and then as a university staff member, I have always enjoyed the atmosphere on the campus. There are many activities organised by and for the different members of the university community. I participate regularly in the sports events organised by ASPUB, the ULB sports association, and really take pleasure in it.'
'Generally speaking, I think it's really important for students to be able to enjoy their favourite sports on campus. Physical activity is essential when you've been concentrating a lot.'

On their studies...

Agnès, aged 26, medical student, second year of a specialisation in internal medicine Medical studies combine theory, practice and multiple disciplines. After the first year and the basic courses, the studies become more and more medical and students are quickly integrated in the hospital setting via internships. They therefore find out long before the end of their studies whether the environment suits them.'

Nicolas, aged 25, doctoral candidate in immunology at the Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine 'With almost 250 researchers, the research centre in Gosselies is huge. Having all the fields of molecular biology in one place is truly exceptional: it favours exchanges between scientists. We have very modern infrastructures and high-performance machines, which is clearly a huge asset for our research work.'
'All the areas of molecular biology exist here. There are, of course, students in their final years of a bachelor's programme, but there are above all many researchers – approximately 250. The most interesting aspect is that we have very high-performance material and that we all work in the same location. In addition to the practical advantages, this creates a positive atmosphere.'

Isabelle, aged 24, fourth-year languages and literature student, certificate of aptitude for teaching 'The certificate of aptitude for teaching is a bridge between theory and practice. It has allowed me to experience what it is like to stand in front of a class. It is an occasion to transform your academic knowledge into knowledge which can be shared, and it is an important personal experience. I'm not shy but it was sometimes difficult. You have to have self-discipline, etc. It's good to have a chance to break the bubble of student life.'

On Erasmus ...

Anne, aged 19, originally from Brussels, student in archaeology and art history at ULB. She went to Edinburgh in Scotland for one year as an Erasmus exchange student. Her main goal was to perfect her English. 'The Anglo-Saxon system is different from the Belgian system. In Belgium, the professors place the emphasis on the history of objects, whereas in the UK, there is a more practical approach. There is more of a focus on field work, landscapes and the archaeological context. My experience was very rewarding: Scotland is a very beautiful country and I was able to visit several archaeological sites. There is only one negative point: the food and the lack of nice pastries for breakfast!'

Céline, aged 20, economics student 'I just got back from an Erasmus exchange in Denmark thanks to ULB. Participating in an international exchange is an extremely enriching experience. It was very simple. I just sent in an application last year and after a short selection process I was catapulted into another culture and another environment. It was not always easy of course, but it was a very important experience.'

Julien, aged 23, bachelor's degree in journalism and a European master's in performing arts 'This year I went to Seville as part of the Erasmus programme. I feel that this type of exchange should be more widespread and that financial means should exist to enable this. The Erasmus programme allows students to discover a culture, a language and a university with a different way of operating which goes beyond the subjects taught. It is not, however, just a voyage of discovery: there is a study programme as well.'