Welcome to the Vrije Universiteit Brussel

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Orientation Days 20 & 21 Sep 2013

Weather forecast

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Orientation Day 20 Sep 2013

Program

14h00-14h15 Welcome word by Prof. Dr. Jan Cornelis, Vice- Rector International Policy VUB

14h15-17h00 Info session on studying & living in Brussels

17h00-18h00 Campus Tour

18h00 Welcome Drink @ KK

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Orientation Days 20 & 21 Sep 2013

PowerPoint presentation:

MY.VUB (E-tools, Education, Student facilities) https://my.vub.ac.be/en/

Under ‘Arrival in Brussels’

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Welcome!

Info session on studying & living in Brussels

1. Vrije Universiteit Brussel

2. International Relations and Mobility Office

3. Settling in Brussels

4. Campus Facilities

5. Life in Brussels

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Vrije Universiteit Brussel

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• ° 1970 (offshoot of French-speaking Université Libre de Bruxelles, ° 1834)

• Rector Prof. Dr. Paul De Knop

• 2 campuses: Main Campus EtterbeekMedical Campus & University Hospital Jette

• 8 faculties

• academic year 2012-2013: more than 12.000 students

• More than 20% international students

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Higher Education Structure

• Bachelors • Masters• Advanced Masters• Doctoral

Bachelor Paper, Master Thesis

• Study Credit SystemCredit Points / ECTS

1 academic year: 60 credit points

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

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IRMO

 

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International Relations and Mobility Office –IRMO-

What

•international student services at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel•study abroad opportunities for Belgian students•international initiatives by students in Brussels•development cooperation•international programmes such as Erasmus Mundus, Lifelong Learning Programme or LLP, Tempus Tacis, Jean Monnet, Asia Link, etc.• …

Where Pleinlaan 5, 1050 Brussels, Ground Floor

Contact

1. Front desk office hours2. Appointment with specific officer3. E-mail: international.relations@vub.ac.be ; Tel.: +32 (0) 2 614 81 01

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IRMO

Opening hours

MORNING AFTERNOON

MONDAY 9 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. 1.30 p.m. – 4.30 p.m.

TUESDAY 9 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. 1.30 p.m. – 4.30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY 9 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. CLOSED

THURSDAY 9 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. CLOSED

FRIDAY 9 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. 1.30 p.m. – 4.30 p.m.

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IRMO

Info files:

  - Banking  - Commune registration  - Emergency numbers  - Housing  - Insurance  - Language learning  - Leisure  - Shopping  - Taxes  - Transport

  Website: https://my.vub.ac.be/en/studying-brussels

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• No rooms on VUB-campuses

• Housing in the private sector

→ Website:

- Br(ik -Brussel & ik-: www.brik.be=> Search engine

→ Questions:

- Br(ik- IRMO

Settling in BrusselsHousing

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Rents in Brussels are relatively high

Short stay – semester – year

Room : +/- 400 Euro

Small apartment: +/- 550 Euro

Fire insurance (IRMO)

Third-party liability (ING bank)

Settling in BrusselsHousing

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Settling in BrusselsHousing

! Contract: make clear arrangements with your landlord !

→ How to end the contract?

→ Subletting?

→ Electricity, gas, internet,.. : included?

→ Deposit?

→ Registration residence permit?

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Settling in BrusselsRegistering

Short type residence (max. 3 months)

- EU : no registration required

- Non-EU: report to commune ‘Declaration of Arrival’ –Model 24 –within 8 days after arrival

Long type residence

- EU: registration at commune within 3 months after arrival, option ID-card

- Non-EU: registration after singing a rental contract, ID-card valid for duration of academic program/funding (in general 1 academic year)

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Settling in BrusselsRegistering

  Required documents for ID-card application:

  - Rental contract  - National ID / Passport with type D visa  - Registration Certificate from VUB  - European Insurance Card  - Proof of solvability (scholarship, savings, loan, job)

  - Sometimes: Birth Certificate, Certificates of Civil Status or Good Conduct

  Procedure

  - Contact Foreigners Department at town hall + request an appointment  - Local Police Check  - Belgian ID-card: delivered 2 – 6 months  - Different procedures per commune!

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Student Information Hub

Building D, entrance hall Pleinlaan 2 - 1050 Brussels Mon-Fri 9:00am-6:00pm

[T] + 32 (0)2 629 20 10 [E] info@vub.ac.be

Campus facilities

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Student Card

  Issued after online registration  Any errors on your card: contact the Student Administration Center, building Y

When to use your student card?

to buy meals in the VUB restaurant to buy a VUB sports card to access the VUB library access to VUB Webmail and Pointcarré to obtain (in some cases) a discount when using public transport (-26 ), cinema,…

Campus facilities

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On campus -First Aid- registration

Do you need assistance with your enrolment and/or course registration?

Starting from 16 September you can get on-campus assistance in Etterbeek

Where can you find them?

16/09 - 20/09: building E, room 1.7 (09:00am-4:00pm, except September 18 from 1:00pm)

21/09: building E, room 1.7 (12:00am-4:00pm)

23/09 - 27/09: building E, room 1.5 (09:00am-4:00pm)

30/09 - 03/10: building E, room 1.5 (09:00am-4:00pm)

Campus facilities

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Computing Facilities

  Free access to internet and an e-mail account for every student

  How to log in?→ Student card: personal pin code & enrolment number

  Activation procedure:→ You can find the activation procedure on the web page:

www.vub.ac.be/tools/activatie.html → Network access activated within 24 hours

You can access your VUB e-mail directly on the server, anywhere in the world, via webmail (webmail.vub.ac.be)

First name.Surname@vub.ac.be(e.g. Deborah.Gies@vub.ac.be)

Campus facilities

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Computing Rooms

Campus Etterbeek

Faculty of Humanities: Room B002 to B006Faculty of Engineering: 3K110, 3K115, 3K116, 3K125Faculty of Science and Bio-engineering Sciences: 1E001 to 1E005, 1E007Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy: L2.19 (7 PCs)

Campus Jette

Building A: first floor and library

Free print credit: 100 pages/academic year

Campus facilities

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Campus facilities

Free WIFI Campus Etterbeek - 3 networks

Vubnet: VUB’s wireless network for students and staff

Eduroam: an international project that allows users of other institutions to log into wireless networks using the username and password they use in their own institution

Urbizone: Wifi on offer to the general public within the Brussels-Capital Region On campus Jette wireless internet is available in the library and the Centre for Study and Guidance

More info: MY.VUB

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E-learning with Pointcarré

- E-learning platform of VUB

- Tools for:1) Exchanging course material2) Organizing group work3) Sending announcements4) Using discussion boards

Students can consult their course websites by logging in on Pointcarré with their VUBnet-account

http://pointcarré.vub.ac.be/

Campus facilities

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Campus facilities

Library

  Campus EtterbeekBuilding B & C, 1st floor

  Campus JetteBuilding A, ground floor and 1st floor

  Opening hours: check libraries

  To borrow books from the library you will need your student card

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Campus facilities

Student Restaurants

  Campus Etterbeek• Student Cafeteria, building R• Other meeting/lunch places: Opinio

‘t Complex KultuurKaffee

  Campus Jette• Student Cafetaria, building R• Other meeting/lunch places: Sportopolis

  => Meals of the World  => Thursday: Veggie day

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Campus facilities

     The English Table, El Rincón español, Tavola Italiano, Table française, Nederlands Taaltafel, Deutscher Stammtisch

Want to meet new people, speak English and enjoy lunch in a laidback, friendly atmosphere?

¿Te gusta conocer a nueva gente, hablar español y comer en buena compañía?

Ti piace conoscere nuove persone, parlare italiano e mangiare in buona compagnia?

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Language Tables

Place and time: Starting on Monday 30 September 2013 During lunchtime from 12h15 until 13h45 Downstairs in the restaurant, Campus Etterbeek           

English Table Monday

Nederlands Taaltafel Dinsdag

Tavola Italiano  Martedì

Deutscher Stammtisch Mittwoch

Table Française Jeudi (13-14h)

Rincón Español Jueves

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Campus facilities

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Campus facilities

Language Learning→ ITO or Inter-departmental Language CentreCampus EtterbeekBuilding EAccess depending on your VUB Bachelor/Master ProgramMore info: http://ito.vub.ac.be/Engels/Engels.htm

→ Brussels Education Center or CVO Campus EtterbeekBuilding D, room D.1.33Not free of chargeDay, evening and Saturday classesMore info: http://www.vub.ac.be/khnb/

! Registration fall 2013: until 26 Sep 2013!Online registration for 2nd semester courses: start november 2013

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Campus facilities

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Culture and Leisure on campus

The KultuurKaffee or KK and Galery’ (building Y, Campus Etterbeek)

- Exhibitions

- Concerts

- Comedy

- Creative workshops

- Parties

International Students @ VUB Facebook

Campus facilities

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Campus facilities

Sports & Fitness

• A whole range of sports can be played at both campuses

• A comprehensive booklet is available at the sport centers of both campuses.

1) Club card: 22,5 Euro for participation in sports programme

2) Health City Fitness pass:

250 Euro/year or 90 Euro/month

More info: visit the Sports Center in building L (Campus Etterbeek)

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Medical Care

  Both campuses provide medical assistance to students

  Medical assistance offered:

- General Medical Care: €23/consultation (cash)

Mo > Fr: 8 am – 8 pmMake an appointment online.

- Dentist: Tu > Th: 8.30 am – 7 pm

- Nursing Services & Vaccination

- Blood Tests

- Gynaecologist

Campus Etterbeek: Building Y (entrance Y2), Tel: 02 629 23 00 or appointment via website

Campus Jette: Building Agora

Campus facilities

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Campus Facilities

Need to go to a hospital:

University Hospital VUB -Jette (Campus Jette)

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In case of emergency:

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ICE-number mobile phone(In Case of Emergency,

contact person)

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Other student services

CAW Mozaiek at Campus Etterbeek (Building Y3)   ->legal and psychological support & mediation  begeleiding@cawmozaiek.be   Possible to have an appointment at Medical Campus in Jette

Study Guidance Center (SGC)  -> Study skills, study orientation, studying with specifc needs  -> Advice on planning and study methods, questions about exams,…  -> Building F, Campus Etterbeek  -> Workshops:

Study Skills, Tuesday 15/10, 6-8pm

Exam Skills, Wednesday 27/10, 12-2pm

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Campus facilities

Do you want a job in Belgium?

Questions about working in Belgium, work permits, your rights as a worker?

→ Job Service: Campus Etterbeek - Building Y

Open from Monday- Friday, 1.30pm - 5pm

  - Non-European students are required to have a category C work permit

  - Employers in Brussels very often need bilingual French/Dutch workers

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Campus facilities

• Guidance in finding internships in Brussels and abroad

• Assist you in finding first career opportunities

• Coach your application skills

Contact:Building B, Campus EtterbeekW: www.vub.ac.be/en/careercenter E: info@vub.careercenter.be

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Campus facilities

Technology Transfer Interface Brussels

Gateway between the university’s research and expertise and the industry and society

Starter seminars:

- the fundamentals of business & (technology) entrepreneurship

- 11 sessions on Tuesday, 6.15 – 9.15pm, English-taught, Campus Etterbeek (start 1/10/13)

- Students VUB: € 50

www.vubtechtransfer.be

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Sustainable development

  ° 2011: policy of strategic planning

  → Action plans

Energy audits, projects to reduce consumption

Student restaurants: Project sustainable mass catering, Reduction of waste, Thursday Veggie dayFair trade products, etc.

Veggie garden on campus

Bio vegetable/fruit packages for students & employees

Sustainable mobility (Fietspunt)

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Sustainable development

Separate collection of waste:

- Garbage bags:Yellow bagsBlue bagsWhite bags

- Glass bottles & jars- Vegetable/Fruit/Garden waste- Batteries- Large pieces of garbage

→ Incorrect collection of waste: high fine!→ Illegal dumping: forbidden by law, high fine!

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Kick-off the Campus

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• Tuesday 24/09, 12-15h: Info Market, Campus Etterbeek + BX Soccer Games

•Wednesday 25/09, 12-14h: Introduction – Belgian Political Structure

• Wednesday 2/10, 12-14h: How to survive in Brussels: an intercultural perspective

• Thursday 3/10, 12-14h: Belgian lunch@Resto

And many more activities… (karaoke, parties, sports, etc.)

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Life in Brussels

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Public Transport in Brussels

MIVB / STIB: Metro, Bus, Tram

Website: www.mivb.be

  No public transport during the night on weekdays!

  During the weekend: Noctis night busses

  Public Transport Passes: 1 ride, 10 rides, a day pass, a monthly pass, a year pass (Prices: check website)

Rates:

Monthly pass: €47.50; Year pass € 499; Student year pass € 120 ( < 25 years)

Life in Brussels

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Life in Brussels

  Campus Etterbeek:Metro Petillon

 

Campus Jette: Metro Simonis

  + Bus 13, 14  (after 20h: Bus 15)

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Public Transport in Brussels

Belgian Railway Company or NMBS  Website: www.nmbs.be (E)  Ticket formulas: weekend ticket (-50%), Go Pass (-26,

€50), Railpass (+26, €74),…

Bicycles  Second-hand bicycles at the Midi Sunday Market  Sports shops (e.g. Decathlon)  Villo! (http://en.villo.be (E))

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Shopping

  Opening hours: 9am – 6pm, most shops are closed on Sundays

  Main shopping street: Rue Neuve/ Nieuwstraat

  Shopping Centers: City 2, Woluwe Shopping, Westland Shopping Centre

Supermarkets  Main supermarket chains: Colruyt, Carrefour, Delhaize, Aldi, Lidl,…

Markets (Fruits and Vegetables)  Gare du Midi (large Sunday Market) (until 1pm)  Place Jourdan  Market Place Jette  Clemenceau Market  …

Life in Brussels

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Main bookshops  Fnac, City 2 shopping centre  The European Bookshop  Sterling Books  Waterstones  Filigranes

Kitchen utensils and bed linen  Shops: Wibra, Hema, Zeeman, Blokker, Casa,…

Furniture and home decoration  IKEA (www.ikea.com)

(Anderlecht, Metro COOVI, line 5)

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Concerts  Ancienne Belgique: www.ab.be  Botanique: www.botanique.be  Vorst Nationaal: www.vorstnationaal.be

Theatre

→ English performances   Kaaitheater: www.kaaitheater.be  Koninklijke Vlaamse Schouwburg: www.kvs.be

Opera

De Munt: www.demunt.be

Cinema  UGC (De Brouckère & Toison d’Or) : www.ugc.be  Kinepolis (Heysel) : www.kinepolis.be  Vendôme

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Travelling around in Belgium & Europe

Don’t forget to visit:

Ghent, Antwerp, Liège, Namur,….

Offical holiday periods:

Christmas holidays (2 weeks),

1 week after the exams in January,

Easter holidays (2 weeks),

Summer holidays (July – September)

→ Check the VUB Academic Calendar!

ID card or visa:

Valid multiple entry visa type D

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Travelling around in Europe

Cheap flight tickets   Brussels Airlines, Ryanair, Connections, Airstop, Neckermann, Jetair, ..

International trains   Thalys, TGV, …

(Railway Station ‘Gare du Midi’)

Bus  Eurolines   (Railway Station ‘Gare du Nord’)

Taxistop  www.taxistop.be

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International Student Associations

  - AEGEE  - AIESEC   - BEST   - ESN VUB-EhB  - IAESTE  - UCOS  - VUBMUN  - ISP

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Campus Tour 21 Sep 2013

Color card

Esplanade: look for tour guide with your color

Drink@KK (1 free drink: soft drink/regular beer)

VUBMUN, ESN VUB-EhB, AIESEC

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Brussels City Tour

Meeting 14h30, Grand Place, Brussels city center

Color card

Look for the VUB tour guides, bright blue t-shirt, on Grand Place with color sign

Grand Place: Metro stop ‘Gare Centrale’ or ‘Parc’, line 1 & 5

AEGEE, ESN VUB-EhB

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Welcome the World Party

Welcome the World Party@ RITS CaféStart: 21hRue A. Dansaert 70, 1000 BrusselsMetro ‘Sainte Cathérine’ (line 1 & 5)

Together with our association partner school ‘Erasmushogeschool Brussel’ (EHB)

Dance the night away…!!!

VUBMUN, ESN VUB-EhB

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Erasmus Mundus Action 2

  Erasmus Mundus Action 2 Scholarship Holders

  (Medastar, Lotus III, Marco XXI)

  Meeting Saturday 21 Sep 2013  13h00, Esplanade

Ms. Ann-Sophie VanderschuerenMs. Marie Aurousseau

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Exchange

  Exchange students  (Erasmus, Science without Borders, ASEM DUO)

  Meeting Saturday 21 Sep 2013  13h30, Room D.0.05

Ms. Nikki Van TendelooMs. Deborah Gies

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  Enjoy your stay at our university and in Brussels!

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Vrije Universiteit Brussel