One of the fun challenges of studying abroad is learning the local language. In Flanders, people speak their own variant of Dutch called Flemish. It can’t be learned on Duolingo, but who needs Duolingo when you have dwars? This quick guide will teach you four Flemish words that will instantly make you sound like a local from Antwerp – or from ‘t Stad, as you should call it from now on. Let’s get started, or as they would say in Flemish: vooruit met de geit (‘forward with the goat’)!
 

Antwerp: Belgium’s capital of fashion and the heart of the diamond industry. For you, a student, glamour and glittering gems might not be important. But if you’re interested: our chic boutiques can be found near the Meir shopping street and our diamonds are located around the Central Station. We, on the other hand, suggest you discover the Stadscampus (the campus in the city centre) and its neighbourhood first, as it can seem like quite a maze. Luckily, we have a more appealing labyrinth for you to practise your orientation skills on page 22.

As you have already read, there is enough to do on and around campus to take your mind off the dull lecture halls for a moment. Not really interested in all that collegiate stuff or do you simply feel like you have too much spare time on your hands? Great news: you are now a student in ‘t Stad! It is not without reason that proud locals call the rest of the country Antwerp’s parking lot: even outside of university life, there is loads to do here. If you are looking for a place to start, have a look at our writers’ favourite spots in town.
 

Voor velen onder jullie begint nu de spannende queeste voor een diploma, maar sommigen onder ons zullen dit jaar streven naar iets veel prestigieuzer: de wereldbeker mislukte voornemens. Geen idee voor wie je dit jaar moet supporteren? dwars zet de topfavorieten op een rijtje. 
 

Los jij de schaakpuzzels hiernaast met twee vingers in de neus op? Of heb je het altijd al willen leren? Van Carlsen tot Polgar, van beginner tot expert: studentenschaakclub De Rode Loper helpt je graag verder. Elke donderdagavond biedt de club ruimte om chess.com – of lichess, voor de kenners − in real life te spelen. Vladomeare Obolonskyy, voorzitter maar vooral schaker, licht alvast een tipje van de zwart-witte sluier.