If you are thinking about studying in Brussels, with a little planning and effort, you can have an unforgettable student experience in the heart of Europe.

Finding affordable student accommodation in the Belgian capital can seem like a daunting task. Student.com makes it a whole lot easier to make one of the most diverse cities in Europe your home.

Our student housing in Brussels offers cheap student rooms in studio-type apartments with great amenities. To learn more about the student accommodation options in Brussels we offer, simply give us a call, or send us a message through the live chat on this page or WhatsApp. Our booking consultants are always happy to help and they’ll be able to give you the latest information about accommodation availability across Brussels! 

Get to know Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and a tourist attraction for visitors from all over the world. Unassuming but charming, historic but hip, confident but modest, bureaucratic but artistic, Brussels is known for being many things.

It is a beautiful city famous for its stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, rich history, and thriving cultural scene. Located in the heart of Belgium and home to the European Parliament and the NATO Headquarters, Brussels is also a bustling city and an important political hub.

Vibrant and multicultural, the city also boasts an impressive array of attractions, from stunning architecture to world-class museums.

Architecture

One of the most striking features of Brussels are its beautiful buildings. The city’s versatility extends to its cityscape, swinging from majestic to quirky, and back again. Its architecture is a blend of different styles, including Gothic, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco.

The futuristic Atomium is the city’s most iconic landmark. The giant steel structure, which was originally built for the 1958 World’s Fair, stands at an impressive 102 metres (335 feet). A magnificent sight to behold, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Explore its exhibitions on science and technology, including a virtual reality experience that will transport you to space.

Another must-see attraction is the Grand-Place (also known as Grote Markt), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world. Located in the heart of Brussels, this stunning square is surrounded by guild halls and the iconic Town Hall, all of which date back to the 17th century. Wander around the square and take in the stunning medieval architecture.

Another fascinating attraction is Manneken Pis, a small bronze statue of a boy urinating. Built in the 17th century, the little bronze statue has become a symbol of the city.

Arts 

If you’re interested in history and art, you will be in for a treat in Brussels. Full of culture and history, the city is home to many fascinating museums.

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium have an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. It is home to a vast collection of paintings by Flemish old masters and newer Belgian artists, including works by painters such as Rubens, Bruegel, and Magritte.

Brussels has several other world-class museums, including the Museum of the Belgian Brewers, the Museum of Natural Sciences, and the famous Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique.

Food 

Belgium’s capital mixes bespoke chocolate, waffles, and craft beer with a melting pot of European culture.

Famous for its mouth-watering cuisine, Brussels is like heaven for foodies. No trip to the city would be complete without trying some of the local specialties, such as delicious waffles, chocolate, and moules-frites (mussels with fries). You can find these local delights at many of the city’s restaurants and cafes, which also offer a wide range of cuisines from around the world.

Beer lovers will love that Brussels is also home to some of the best breweries in the world, including Cantillon and Delirium Tremens.

Student life in Brussels 

Home to over 100,000 students from all over the world, Brussels is a truly international city that offers a unique and exciting experience for students.

This inclusivity, along with its gastronomy, rich history, stunning architecture, and diverse cultures and languages, make for an exciting and enriching student experience.

The diverse nature of the student population also lends to an energetic student atmosphere, especially when the sun goes down. 

Nightlife

There are many student-friendly bars, cafes, and clubs throughout the city, making it easy to socialise and make new friends. Whether you’re into techno, jazz, or anything in between, there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the city’s nightlife with your new friends at any of its lively bars, clubs, and music venues.

The Saint-Géry neighbourhood is a popular spot for party-goers, with its trendy bars and nightclubs. But if you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe, head to the Sablon area, where you can enjoy a drink in one of its many cosy cafes. 

Events and entertainment

Brussels is a city that loves to celebrate, and its jam-packed event calendar is proof of that. From music festivals to cultural events, there is always something going on all year round in the Belgian capital.

One of the most famous events is the Brussels Jazz Festival, which takes place every January. Other popular events include the Brussels Christmas Market, the Brussels Food Truck Festival, and the Brussels Jazz Marathon.

The Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival showcases some of the best horror, sci-fi, and fantasy films from around the world. There are also many music festivals, including the famous Tomorrowland electronic music festival that is hosted just outside the city.

If you are looking for a more chilled form of entertainment, Brussels is also home to several theatres, cinemas, and comedy clubs. 

Restaurant scene

Brussels’ diverse and exciting restaurant scene offers everything from classic Belgian dishes like moules-frites (mussels and fries) to international cuisine from all over the world. There are also plenty of local markets where you can sample some of the best Belgian cuisines and take part in the city’s vibrant food culture. 

Transportation

Getting around Brussels and exploring everything the city has to offer is easy with its excellent public transport system. The efficient and affordable metro, trams, and buses can take you anywhere in the city.

If you prefer to cycle, the city is also very bike-friendly, with many designated bike lanes and bike-sharing services. With over 5,000 bikes available at over 360 stations throughout the city, Brussels’ bike-sharing program is comprehensive. Depending on your needs, you can purchase single tickets, day passes, or multi-day passes.

STIB-MIVB (Brussels Public Transport Company) provides detailed information on ticket prices and routes on their websites.

Where to study in Brussels? 

If you’re considering studying in Brussels, you’ll have access to several world-class universities and colleges. Here’s a breakdown of the top universities and colleges in the city. 

Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)

Established in 1834, The Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) is one of the oldest universities in Belgium. The French-speaking university is renowned for its strong academic programs, excellence in research and innovation, as well as its commitment to social responsibility.

ULB offers degrees in various fields, including over 40 undergraduate programs and 200 graduate programs in a wide range of fields, including law, economics, political science, sociology, engineering, computer science, and management.

The university is particularly renowned for its law and political science programs and ranks high globally in the fields of social sciences and management, as well as arts and humanities.

ULB’s wide range of programs are offered across its four faculties (Law and Criminology, Philosophy and Social Sciences, Science, and Medicine) on several campuses, including the Solbosch Campus (main campus), the Plaine Campus, and the Erasme Campus.

The university’s campuses are home to several research centres, including the Centre for European Law, the Centre for Philosophy of Science, and the Centre for Research in Demography and Societies.

A producer of numerous notable alumni, including four Nobel Prize laureates, ULB’s faculty members are renowned scholars in their respective fields.

ULB is considered a top university globally by both QS and Times Higher Education. The university was ranked as the 189th best university in the world in the 2024 QS World University Rankings.

Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is a Dutch-speaking research university. Like Université libre de Bruxelles, it can trace its origins to 1834 and the founding of the original Free University of Brussels. Vrije Universiteit Brussel was ranked 259th in the world according to the 2024 QS World University Rankings.

One of the top universities in Belgium, VUB, is a free-thinking institution that prioritises academic freedom and independence. Known for its research-oriented education and multidisciplinary approach to learning, VUB offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in various fields, including life sciences, humanities, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and law.

Across its three campuses in Brussels, the university boasts modern facilities, including state-of-the-art research labs, lecture halls, libraries, and a sports centre.

VUB is highly regarded for its research output. It has contributed to ground-breaking research in various fields, including life sciences, social sciences, and engineering. The university also collaborates with other institutions in Belgium and overseas, creating opportunities for interdisciplinary research.

Université Saint-Louis - Bruxelles

The Université Saint-Louis - Bruxelles is another French-speaking university in Brussels.

Founded in 1857 as a Jesuit institution, Université Saint-Louis - Bruxelles has since evolved into a modern, secular university that prioritises social responsibility and humanism. It offers a wide range of programs in law, economics, social sciences, humanities, and more. 

Frequently asked questions about student apartments in Brussels

How do I apply for a private student residence in Brussels on Student.com? 

You can apply for private student housing in Brussels with just a few clicks. Use the filters and map on this page to find the ideal student residence in an ideal location for you. After selecting a property you’re interested in, go to the property page by clicking on ‘View rooms’.

On the property page you need to choose the actual room you want to book. Once you’ve chosen, click on ‘Enquire’ or ‘Book Now’ and leave your contact details. One of our booking agents will be in touch with you to answer any questions you may have and to help you complete the booking process once you’re ready to book. 

What are the different types of student rooms that you offer?

We list three different types of student rooms on Student.com.

1) Shared Rooms - These are bedrooms that you share with a roommate. Other living spaces are shared as well.

2) Private Room - These are private bedrooms that only accommodate one individual. Depending on the property and exact room you choose, your bathroom may be either private or shared. Other living spaces are shared with tenants from other rooms.

3) Entire Place - These are fully self-contained studio flats with fully private facilities. You’ll have your own private bedroom, bathroom and a kitchenette for cooking meals. In Brussels, Adagio Access Brussels Delta offers these fully private studio apartments. 

Do you offer accommodation for international and Erasmus students as well?

Yes, absolutely! Any full-time student can book any accommodation listed on Student.com. 

Do you list furnished apartments?

This depends on the property. You can find furnished apartments by choosing the filter ‘Furnished available’ in the filters at the top of this page. 

Are bills included in the rent?

This also depends on the property. You can use the filters to only find apartments with bills included. You can also see on the property page of each property which, if any, bills are included in the property.