ExpatsParadiseI am moving to Ghent in a few months for a one-year work contract and feeling a bit overwhelmed! I am coming from the US so everything feels so different. Is the cost of living going to be crazy compared to Brussels? Also how do people deal with the winter darkness and the public transit system there? I am a bit worried about healthcare paperwork and language too... Any tips for a newcomer? cheers
Accepted answer
garden_teacher_70Plan for a slow administrative transition and prioritize finding temporary accommodation to explore different neighborhoods before signing a long-term rental contract. Finding a place to live is the hardest part because most apartments come without furniture even if they have a kitchen and contracts usually require staying for 3 years ! You should get temporary housing first to see the different areas before signing anything long term because registration can take 6 months ! English is probably fine for work but dont forget the rent is competitive
been_there_done_thatEnglish works for many jobs... but learning Dutch is the only way to really integrate and make local friends !
super_belgium2Ghent has such a wild nightlife because of all the students too !
wafflelover882Canal boat tours are great for seeing the city from a new angle... highly recommend it !
map_readerTrains connect you easily to Antwerp, Lille, or the coast. Good luck