Study abroad in Brussels
Housing, Erasmus groups, universities, costs and student life for exchange students in Brussels.
Country
BelgiumStudent Budget
EUR 950 – 1,350/month
Transport Card
STIB-MIVB MTB Junior pass — EUR 12/month for under-25s, all-zone unlimited bus, tram, metro.
Population
1,250,000 city / 2,140,000 metro (Statbel, 2024)
City Vibe
EU institutional capital and Belgium's most international city: ULB, VUB, and KU Leuven Brussels deliver the country's deepest English-taught master catalogue, 35% of residents are foreign, and weekend trains reach Paris and Amsterdam in under 2 hours.
Who loves this city?
Students who want a multilingual, EU-political, culturally chaotic capital — equal parts academic seriousness, surrealist humour, and weekend travel hub.
What makes it special
No other European capital is this international, this cheap to leave on weekends, and this saturated with cheap world-class beer cafes. Brussels makes you a continental citizen by accident.
Newcomer shocks
- Bilingual signage everywhere — Dutch and French side by side; English service is consistent in centre and Ixelles.
- Sunday is quiet — most shops close but cafes and restaurants are full.
- Brussels charm is hidden behind shabby facades — the city rewards exploration over first impressions.
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Weather & Packing
| Season | High / Low | Conditions | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5°C / 1°C | Rain and drizzle | 8h daylight; waterproof gear essential |
| February | 7°C / 1°C | Rain/sleet | Slightly milder; still grey |
| March | 10°C / 4°C | Showers | Spring hints; jacket always needed |
| April | 14°C / 6°C | Showers | Parks bloom; bring umbrella |
| May | 18°C / 9°C | Some rain | Pleasant; Belgian Beer Weekend prep |
| June | 21°C / 12°C | Occasional rain | Outdoor markets; terrace season |
| July | 23°C / 14°C | Showers possible | National Day Jul 21; warmest month |
| August | 23°C / 14°C | Showers | Humid; pack light rain jacket |
| September | 19°C / 11°C | Rain increases | Autumn; layer up |
| October | 14°C / 7°C | Frequent rain | Wet; good waterproof boots |
| November | 9°C / 4°C | Cold rain | Dark afternoons; warm layers |
| December | 6°C / 2°C | Rain, possible frost | Christmas market on Grand-Place |
Mild but rainy winters (3-8 C average January). Bring waterproof layers and a real coat for cold spells. STIB runs almost 24/7 on weekends (Noctis night bus network).
Packing checklist
- Waterproof jacket year-round
- Layers for variable temperatures
- Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones
- Umbrella always handy
- Warm coat for Nov–Feb
Cost of Living
Cost of Living Index
69.9 / 100
Expensive · World avg ≈ 44
| Category | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Room Rent | EUR 450 – 650/month | From the Brussels snapshot student rent range; inspect contract terms and what bills include before paying a deposit. |
| Groceries | EUR 170 – 340/month | Directional grocery allowance derived from the city snapshot budget and local price basket items. |
| Transport Monthly | EUR 12 – 60/month | Under-25 STIB-MIVB products can be very cheap; verify age and eligibility. |
| Leisure Phone Misc | EUR 110 – 270/month | Planning buffer for phone, basic social life, small supplies, and local surprises; keep a separate emergency reserve. |
Supermarket basket
Source: Numbeo · Prices approximate, updated periodically.
Housing
Ixelles / Elsene
Varies by street, room type, and season.Best for ULB, Flagey, cafes, bars, and a classic international student base.
Etterbeek
Varies by street, room type, and season.Good for VUB, EU quarter access, calmer streets, and reliable tram/metro links.
Saint-Gilles
Varies by street, room type, and season.Creative, multicultural, good value if you want central life without Ixelles prices.
Where to search
Documents to prepare
Passport or national ID
Admission or exchange confirmation
Proof of funds or guarantor details if requested
Deposit funds and signed lease
Health insurance or local registration documents if required
Timing
Start with university housing as soon as the host opens applications.
Keep temporary accommodation for arrival if the private market is tight.
For one-semester stays, confirm minimum term and cancellation rules before signing.
Red flags
Do not pay a deposit before seeing a contract, landlord identity, and a visit or verified platform listing.
Check whether utilities, internet, city taxes, and common charges are included; Brik/MyKot listings separate some extra costs.
If you stay one semester, prioritise short-stay rooms or sublets. Standard Belgian student contracts can be harder to exit early.
Transport
🚌 City public transport
Brussels students should compare housing by the route to campus, not only by neighbourhood name.
Use the student or youth fare noted in the city snapshot when eligible.
🚌 Regional and weekend travel
Useful for airport links, day trips, and commuting from cheaper areas when city-centre housing is tight.
Check local rail, bus, and university student-card discounts before booking.
Events & Activities
Bright Festival Brussels
February
Free outdoor light trail
It turns cold February evenings into a walkable night route through the historic centre, with installations that work even on a tight budget.
Free Brussels museums
First Sunday or first Wednesday depending on museum
Free for selected museums
A practical culture hack: plan one free museum day each month instead of paying tourist prices.
Saint-Verhaegen / St V
20 November
Mostly free public student celebration
The biggest Brussels student folklore day linked to ULB/VUB culture; useful to understand local student identity beyond Erasmus parties.
Brussel Brost
September
Student festival pricing
A compact way to meet the Brussels student scene at the start of the academic year.
medium
Belgian National Day
July 21
Free
Military parade, fireworks over Grand-Place, free concerts — the city is at its most festive
BOZAR Summer Festival
July – August
€10–30; student discounts
World-class arts at the Centre for Fine Arts — film, music, theatre in one iconic art deco building
Student Perks
Museums & Culture
Food Savings
Verify the student transit pass option for the STIB-MIVB MTB Junior pass — EUR 12/month for under-25s, all-zone unlimited bus, tram, metro. to save on daily commuting costs. Fares & passes
Universities
Universite Libre de Bruxelles
Brussels' leading French-speaking research university (QS top 250), founded 1834 on principles of free inquiry, with a dense Erasmus+ network and the largest francophone English-taught master catalogue in Belgium.
Universite Saint-Louis – Bruxelles
Compact French-speaking university (now UCLouvain Saint-Louis Bruxelles) at the heart of Brussels, specialised in law, political science, economics, and philosophy with a strong Erasmus tradition.
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Brussels' Dutch-speaking research university (QS top 200) with the strongest English-only master catalogue in the city, founded 1970, located in Etterbeek next to the EU institutions.
Social Life
What Students Usually Get Wrong
Student Associations
Meeting Places 4
Public Groups 4
ESN ULB Brussels
Official Erasmus Student Network chapter for ULB incoming students and Brussels international events.
ESN VUB Brussels
Official ESN chapter for VUB exchange students; useful for welcome events and buddy contacts.
Brik Student in Brussels
Student housing and Brussels student-life hub connected to VUB, EhB, Odisee, LUCA, and KU Leuven Brussels.
MyKot Brussels
Main Brussels student-room search platform recommended by Brik.
Forums & Advice 2
Erasmus+ Community
Official network for exchange students — forums, contacts, and city guides.
Reddit: STIB student ticket practicalities
Useful reality check on MOBIB, proof, and how students actually obtain the cheap Brussels transport pass.
Reddit: Brussels free museums
Local discussion that helps students decide which free museum days are actually worth using.