Visa help: US citizen living in Belgium

Hello,
I am a US citizen, currently residing in Belgium. I've been traveling different countries in Europe for the past 7 or 8 months. I fell in love with a Belgian girl, while abroad, and have been traveling and living with her for the past 5 months. I have a little less than 2 months in Belgium before I need to leave. I recently went to the "Hotel de Ville" (City Hall) for more information on receiving a visa. I will be going back for some more information tomorrow, but I was told that it's very difficult to receive a visa while I'm here in Belgium. They say it would be better to go back to the US, get my visa there, and then return. While this may be the best option, I'm hoping there is another way. This would be very expensive, take me away from my girlfriend for some period of time, and greatly decrease the amount of French I learn while gone. I plan to start University here next September and I need to speak French proficiently before then. I tried to see if I could register for the University in advance, for a student visa, but it's not possible to register until April. I also have a job opportunity, but it seems the time it takes to receive a work visa and the money involved is too great. If it makes any difference, I have 6 years in food industry as a server, employee trainer, bakery/cafe associate, etc. I also have a high school diploma and 2 years at a community college (just short of an AA degree). I would greatly appreciate some help figuring this out for anyone who's been in a similar situation. Thank you for taking the time out to read and help!