Go to the content

Brussels for students

Brussels is not only the largest, but also the nicest student city in the country.

With more than 86,000 students - almost a quarter of all Belgian students - Brussels is the largest student city in the country.
But above all, Brussels is a real world city. You can fully immerse yourself in campus life or explore the rest of the city. One in 24 is a student in Brussels, compared to one in 2.5 in Leuven, for example. So you get all the benefits of a student city plus all the benefits of a global city.

Discover the world


No fewer than 160 different nationalities live in Brussels. Together the people of Brussels speak more than 180 languages. It will therefore not surprise you that every neighbourhood has its own character.

The posh Avenue Louise, the impressive Place Flagey and the colorful Matongé-area are all within walking distance of the VUB campus in Etterbeek.
There is also so much to see and experience in the rest of Brussels. Take a walk in the historic center, have a drink in the trendy Dansaert district, feel on holiday in the Mediterranean Vorst or taste the popular Schaerbeek. If you want to discover the world, then it's best to start in Brussels!


Bored, I don't think so!

At the start of the academic year, the VUB welcomes its students with information moments, surprising activities and fun parties during the kick-off weeks. Brik, the service desk for city students, is also organizing a welcome festival - Brussels Brost - with live performances and an information market where you can discover all the Brussels hotspots.

If you want to be absolutely sure that you will never be bored, you can join one of the 35 student groups at the VUB. They organize excursions, film screenings, sports competitions, singing evenings (cantuses) and parties (TDs). You have associations linked to the faculty, but also thematic and regional associations. SOmething for everyone!

You will find everything you need on our campuses - restaurants, sandwich shops, an athletics track, sports halls, party halls and student accommodation - but there is so much more to do in Brussels. Whether you are looking for the best fries in the city, a quiet spot in the green for chilling out or a new museum: Brik collected all the nice places in Brussels on a super handy website with tips for and by students.


Affordable student rooms


Brussels is often considered to be the most expensive city to live in, but thanks to various housing projects for students, everyone can afford to live here.

The VUB offers 1,540 rooms. You can rent from € 315 per month, all costs included. The rooms are located on or right next to the campus, so you have everything you need within walking distance. And above all: no apologies for being late in class!

If you have outgrown the campus, you can go to the central Sint-Katelijneplein, the bustling neighborhood of the Sint-Gorikshallen or the trendy Sint-Gillis neighborhood. Brik developed the kotzoeker Mykot where you can find more than 4,000 rooms that are all tested against strict quality requirements. 400 of those rooms are also managed by Brik itself. Among other things, they take care of maintenance so that you can enjoy your student days undisturbed.


Everything within reach


Brussels is a big city and yet everything is much closer than you think. You can cycle through the entire city in just 30 minutes by bike. Cycling is therefore really on the rise in Brussels. There are various options for renting a student bicycle (including maintenance!). If you do not take the bicycle every day, then a Villo! Subscription is for you. The bicycle sharing system has a station every 450 meters and you get a 50 percent discount via Brik.

You can also easily get from a to b with public transport. The STIB operates the city buses, trams, premetros and subways in Brussels. For 50 euros you have an annual subscription for students. Bargain!

Due to the central location of Brussels in Belgium ànd in Europe, commuting to other well-known cities in Belgium and its neighbouring countries is a breeze. By train you can be in Leuven in fifteen minutes in Leuven and half an hour in Ghent or Antwerp. Paris, Amsterdam, London, Berlin are all reachable by (high-speed) train under or around 2 hours.

You will see: the world is at your feet while studying at VUB!