When you move to Ghent, Belgium, a country whose language you might not speak, you want to know where can you quickly find English information about Ghent that will answer all your questions in a language you understand. Luckily, this is the age of the internet and information, and the online expat community in Ghent is quite active.

Here is a list of the main online sources for English information about Ghent:

TheSquare.Gent

Ok, we are being cheeky here, but it would be weird if we didn’t think we were one of the essential guides to living in Ghent. Short, informative and to the point, sharing with you what we know and love about Ghent. And sometimes things that drive us crazy.

The official city guide for expats

Launched in autumn 2016, this English-language information about Ghent finally puts the city on the expat map. Quite comprehensive, which can be intimidating at first, but a good source of reliable information. You can also download the expat guide as a pdf, so it’s always at your fingertips.

Expats in Ghent (Facebook group)

The Facebook group for and by all expats in Ghent, happy to answer any questions. Expect incredibly knowledgeable local expats, who seem to have investigated everything, from finding fresh cow’s milk to the best local DIY stores.

Spotted by Locals Ghent (website and app)

Once you’ve seen the castle and that infamous lamb, dig a little deeper into some of the best things to do in Ghent with the Spotted by Locals Ghent guide. All the spots are hand-picked and written by locals (a mix of Belgians and expats) who love to share their tips on how to get the most out of the city.

Gentse Spruiten (Facebook group and offline meetings)

A bilingual group recommended for anyone coming to Ghent with children. The members are a mix of locals and expats, which means you get the most reliable English information about Ghent and a chance to see some Dutch in action. Founder Jovita makes sure that everybody gets together at least once a week.

Rooms and Apartments for Expats in Gent (Facebook group)

Facebook group for posting housing ads. Especially popular for student rooms and sharing, but you can find other types of rentals too.

Other useful Facebook groups

Ghent Expat Ladies Friendship Group: a nice group for the ladies where you can ask any questions that you might think are too embarrassing for a larger group. Or just organise a girls’ night out.

Second Hand Market Gent: your local second-hand bazaar, where you can find all that you need to quickly furnish your new home.

Meetings, Activities, Event and Parties in Ghent/Gent: does what it says on the box, namely provides info about regular bar nights and other socialising events for expats in Ghent.

News from Belgium

If you are wondering about the current security situation, or just want to know what the Belgian government is up to these days, have a look at one of these news websites:

Flanders Today: what started as a promotional newsletter by the Flemish region, has grown into a solid weekly printed paper and a website with in-depth English information about Belgian politics, culture and research.

VRT: the online news website of the Flemish public broadcaster also has news in French, German and English.

Are there any essential websites or Facebook groups for newcomers that we have missed? Send an email to hello@thesquare.gent to let us know.

Author: Nina Jere