Discover the best housing options, read reviews from those who've already done this exchange, and connect with peers from universities worldwide!
Discover the best housing options, read reviews from those who've already done this exchange, and connect with peers from universities worldwide!
Simeon
From: ieseg paris
To: PUC minas
2025 • Spring
mascate, chalezinho..
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
How much was the rent per month?
450
Where was it located?
Lourdes, center
How can someone find this place?
airbnb
Would you recommend it?
the localisation
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
mascate, chalezinho
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
IA
Do you have some tips?
good uni
Best trips to do?
Amazonia
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Belo Horizonte?
very safe
Diane
From: ESPOL
To: PUC Minas
2025 • Fall
- Everything is relatively inexpensive compared to France (especially food). As for transport, there is a large bus network, but Uber remains the best option…..
What kind of place was it?
Airbnb
How much was the rent per month?
around 300€
Where was it located?
in grajaú between the center and my university
How can someone find this place?
https://www.airbnb.fr/rooms/689762515369011032?source_impression_id=p3_1764678765_P3eOvohWk1ojAc5z
Would you recommend it?
Yes, it was a really good place ! I highly recommend staying in this flat because: - It is in a good location: close to shops, not far from the city centre and the university, in a safe and quiet neighbourhood. - It is spacious for four people (even though one of the flatmates has a room that is not as nice as the others): two kitchens, three bathrooms, two living rooms. - It is fairly well equipped.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
- Night Market Rooftop (club) - Lab (club) - Baiana (bar) - the Kitchen (club) - Sava (bar)
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
to take "global classes" because it's in English and not in Portuguese :)
Do you have some tips?
the campus is super cool with a lot of infrastructures like a swimming pool, gym, athletics track, forest, etc.
Best trips to do?
by bus: Rio, Ouro Preto, São Paulo, Paraty, Buzios, Ilha Grande by plane: 2 aeroports (well connected to the other cities of Brazil and all of Latin America)
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Belo Horizonte?
- Everything is relatively inexpensive compared to France (especially food). As for transport, there is a large bus network, but Uber remains the best option given its low cost. - In terms of safety, it is still Brazil, so you need to keep an eye on your belongings and phone (especially in the city centre), but BH remains very safe compared to Rio. - The weather is very pleasant, it is often sunny and warm. - For food, try the ‘pao de queijo’: a bread with local cheese and the local alcohol: ‘Xeque Mate’.
Anastasia
From: skema
To: skema belo horizonte campus
2025 • Fall
uber is so cheap ! or you can also take the bus it’ll be less than one euro people are really nice, i think the best part about this experience..
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
How much was the rent per month?
325
Where was it located?
savassi, fed minutes walk from skema
How can someone find this place?
airbnb
Would you recommend it?
it was very nice as it’s a big appartement with a spacious living room and a hamac ! i would do it again
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
i’ve heard that it was nice but i don’t really know since i don’t go out often
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
portuguese kinda help i think
Do you have some tips?
the campus has a cafeteria in which you can eat everyday
Best trips to do?
ticket planes are a but expensive since belo is not a major city but a bus ride for rio is only 30 bucks
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Belo Horizonte?
uber is so cheap ! or you can also take the bus it’ll be less than one euro people are really nice, i think the best part about this experience
Cyrille
From: IESEG
To: PUC Minas
2025 • Spring
The flat was nice, almost completely renovated. But it looked bigger in the photos and the neighbourhood isn't great. I recommend either getting a flat outside…..
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
How much was the rent per month?
600
Where was it located?
Centro
How can someone find this place?
Airbnb
Would you recommend it?
The flat was nice, almost completely renovated. But it looked bigger in the photos and the neighbourhood isn't great. I recommend either getting a flat outside the city if there are more than 4-5 of you, as it works out cheaper, or getting a flat in neighbourhoods like Lourdes or Savassi
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
jacket club, mascaté, chalezinhio, the lab, café bonjour, café Hélène, whisper
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
It really depends on what you want to do. No subject is better than any other.
Do you have some tips?
The campus is located in the north-west of the city and is easily accessible by Uber. There are many cafeterias and indoor sports facilities (swimming pool, tennis court, football pitch, running track, etc.). It is a very large campus, but all classes are held in the same location.
Best trips to do?
Rio de Janeiro, take a bus by night (7h and only 20-30 euros)
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Belo Horizonte?
I've never taken public transport, but I've walked around at 4am and never had any problems. It also depends on the neighbourhood you're in. Always be careful, but compared to what people say about Brazil in general, Belo is a safe city.
Try to travel as much as possible. Time flies, so you can choose your classes so that you only have classes two days a week, leaving you plenty of time for other activities. Try to make Brazilian friends so that you can get tips and ideas for a good night out.
Briac
From: IESEG
To: PUC Minas
2024 • Fall
- Transport: Uber and bikes work well - Cost of living: about half the price of France - Safety: just follow the rules and you’ll be fine - Climate: hot and…..
What kind of place was it?
Airbnb
How much was the rent per month?
300 euros per person (shared with one roommate)
Where was it located?
Next to the university, in Coraça neighborhood (also central area is nice)
How can someone find this place?
Airbnb (listing not available anymore)
Would you recommend it?
Yes, 100%, amazing apartment and perfect location. Airbnb apartment with huge terrace, billiard table, big living room.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
- Major and Mercado Novo - Halloween party at PUC (legendary, in a metro) - Lots of trips, so less time spent partying in Belo Horizonte itself
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Courses in Portuguese are harder to follow, so choose carefully. Not much workload though (2 mornings per week).
Do you have some tips?
- PUC and UFMG both have good campuses. - People are friendly and welcoming. - If you don’t speak Portuguese, it’s complicated to follow classes.
Best trips to do?
- Around Belo Horizonte: waterfalls - In Brazil: Rio, Ilha Grande, Salvador, Morro de São Paulo, many more (huge country, endless options)
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Belo Horizonte?
- Transport: Uber and bikes work well - Cost of living: about half the price of France - Safety: just follow the rules and you’ll be fine - Climate: hot and humid - Food: great traditional restaurants (cheap and tasty)
With the SKEMA campus and many French exchange students, it feels like home quickly.
