Experience the university in Leuven

University Library

An indispensable symbol in the streetscape and the history of the city. The University Library is not part of Leuven's top 10 for nothing. With the help of an audio tour, you can discover for yourself the turbulent stories behind this historic building. During your visit, you can catch a glimpse of the great Reading Room, where students sit with their noses in the books. The library manages a precious heritage collection of encyclopaedias, manuscripts and such like. Don't be put off by the five-storey climb to the tower. You will be rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view of the university city.

The colleges

In the 600 years that the university has existed, it has completely taken over Leuven with its heritage. Examples of this are the historical colleges that are scattered across the city. Originally built to provide housing and livelihood for needy students, they have since been given a new interpretation. Some fine examples are located close together in the Naamsestraat. Take a walk along the ‘Leuven High Street’ and view the Atrecht College, College of the Holy Spirit and the Van Dale College among others. Be sure not to miss the romantic courtyards! Let yourself be guided by the KU Leuven walking app or by a expert guide during one of the weekly heritage tours.

Another interesting college can be found on the Hogeschoolplein. Pope’s College was recently completely renovated in honour of its 500th anniversary. Combine a visit to this building with lunch at the nearby Dewerf restaurant and discover why this is the number 1 lunch spot for students.

University Hall

Before the university existed, this imposing building served as a cloth hall, but in 1425 it was rechristened University Hall. Today, students go here for their registration. The Museum Room is particularly interesting for visitors, you can buy souvenirs for friends and family in the University shop or warm up in the KUp bar with a coffee from Leuven’s pride Onan.

Extra tip: On the Zeelstraat side, a new glass stairwell and lift building were constructed in 2007. VBM Architects designed this unique extension and with it they won the Leuven Architecture Prize. Take the glass elevator to the top and admire the view of the Oude Markt among other sights.

Botanical Garden

Given the omnipresence of the university in Leuven, it can be no surprise that the Botanical Garden is also an achievement of the KU Leuven. The botanical garden was created in 1738 for the medical students. Centuries later, the scientific university garden is mostly known as a green oasis in the city. Learn about this wonderful place with the help of the audio guide and unwind amongst the extraordinary plant collection. Young children can also go on expeditions here.

Museum of Zoology

Ever seen a whale in the city? Leuven students certainly have. When they attend classes at King’s College, they pass by the small Museum of Zoology. Visitors can also admire the zoological collection of the university. This ‘hidden’ gem is ironically enough located right in the centre of the city, next to the municipal park.

Oude Markt and the faculty bars

‘The city that never sleeps’, or in the case of Leuven, ‘the students that never sleep’. The nightlife in the city is carried by the students. You can of course find the party animals at the Oude Markt, enjoying a freshly tapped pint. But the ‘longest bar in Europe’ extends even further for the students to the ‘faculty bars’. These are pubs run by one or more student associations. Here there are drinks at student prices, and above all tons of ambiance. The faculty bars are only accessible to students, but you can experience this unique atmosphere as a visitor too. Take a stroll down the Tiensestraat or Naamsestraat at about ten o’clock in the evening. You will soon notice where the 'life of the party' is.

Arenberg Castle and park

Another top university location is located just outside the centre and it lends itself perfectly to a pleasant bike ride. The neo-Gothic Arenberg Castle, donated to the university by the Duke in 1917, is now home to the Science and Technology campus. This is why you will also find the Agricultural Institute and the Thermotechnical Institute there. Spend an afternoon around the castle walls and picnic among the students on the green grounds.