Settling in to Leuven

Over the next couple of days we spent a lot of time setting up everything that we would need to get settled in Leuven. We went to the local bank to set up an account and made sure we changed all of our money from dollars to euros. One morning we went to Velo, a place where we could rent bicycles. Unlike in America, when you navigate the streets of Leuven, you are more likely to see bicycles than cars. I decided to rent a bike for the year because that will be my major mode of transportation.  The KU Leuven campus is quite large and a bike would make it much easier to travel to and from the academic buildings once my classes begin.

My new mode of transportation!

            One afternoon we went to the Office of International Studies at KU Leuven for a welcome reception. The day started out with another walking tour of Leuven. But this one was more specific to the university. (Yes, everyone walks everywhere in Leuven! We have been getting plenty of exercise!) There were refreshments that included snacks, as well as drinks like Stella Artois and Hoegarden, two very popular Belgian beers. At this reception we met another group of Americans who were studying abroad as well. They were students from UPenn and it was nice to see other people in the same position as us.

Some of us at the International Student Reception at KU Leuven

                 

                  Even with our very busy schedule, Shayne and I made time to go for a few runs around Leuven. We decided it was the best way to get to know our way around the city. We ran to the KU Leuven athletic complex where there were fields, tennis courts, and trails to run or bike. We had taken a walking tour of this place earlier in the week so we had an idea of where everything was.

This is one of the parks at KU Leuven close to the athletic complex. The running path is to the right and it raps around the entire park.

            

Here are some picutres of the Loyola Nachbahr Huis. This will be my new home for the next 10 months!

Our front gate.

The courtyard and view from my bedroom window.

My side of the room.

               So after a very long and exciting week, we started to get our itineraries and background information of all the places in France we would be visiting. I packed my bag and went to bed thinking about the week ahead that will be one I will never forget.