Student Accommodation in Brussels

Are you planning to study in Brussels and need some place to stay? When you come here for university, sometimes you don’t get a room right away, and it feel a bit confusing. This small guide tell you about student accommodation in Brussels, like what kind of rooms you find, how much rent can be, which areas students pick, and few tips that help you search better.

Finding a student room in Brussels is not always easy, because many international students come for big universities like VUB and ULB. So many people look for rooms at same time, and places fill fast. You should start searching maybe 2–3 months before you reach Belgium, and if you plan early, you get more choices and less worry.

You got different housing options here: university rooms, private student rooms, shared flats (people call it kot or WG), private apartments, and short stay places also. Most students pay around €350 to €650 every month for rent, but shared flats or university housing usually stay cheaper than private apartments.

Brussels has good transport, so you can live a bit far also. Many students choose Ixelles, Etterbeek, Auderghem, Saint-Gilles, or Bruxelles-Ville because these neighbourhoods connect well to universities and feel nice for students. Sometimes living slightly outside main city area helps you get lower rent too.

Types of Student Accommodation in Brussels

Brussels has different housing options for students. The accommodation in Brussels includes university housing to private apartments, and shared flats.  With some planning, you can find a good and cheap accommodation in Belgium that fits your budget.

University Housing (VUB & ULB)

You get cheap rooms from the university, but seats are very limited. You must apply very early to get a place.

Private Student Residences

These places cost more but have better rooms and modern facilities. Private companies run them.

Shared Apartments (Kot / WG)

You share a flat with other students, so rent becomes cheaper. You get your own room but share kitchen and bathroom.

Private Apartments & Studios

You stay alone and get full privacy, but rent is higher. Good for families or students wanting independence.

Short-term & Temporary Housing

You stay here for a short time when you first arrive. Good for avoiding scams and checking rooms in person.

Must-Check: Top Student Checklist Before Moving to Germany

Student Housing in Brussels Cost Comparison 2025

Based on the different types of student housing in Brussels, here is a list of the cheapest to the most expensive options, mentioned in the table below for reference:

So, the cheapest accommodation in Brussels for students is university housing if you manage to get a place. Shared flats are also quite affordable. On the other hand, private apartments, studios, and short-term housing options can be expensive in the long run.

Also Check: Cost of Studying in Belgium

Documents Required for Rent in Brussels

The common documents required for student accommodation in Brussels include:

• Proof of Income
• Copy of Passport or ID
• Your passport or ID card.
• Proof you are a student
• Belgian ID card or visa
• Guarantor details
• Proof you paid the rental deposit

Also Check: Universities and Colleges in Belgium

Monthly Cost of Living in Brussels

The estimated monthly costs of living in Brussels for a single person in Brussels are around ₹105,722.5 ( €1,043.7), excluding rent. Your actual expenses for cost of living in Belgium will depend on your lifestyle.

Note: During the first month, students often face higher costs due to registration, deposits, and setup expenses. Plan your budget accordingly.

Important advice before starting your search for Student Accommodation in Belgium:

Here are some easy things you need to know before you start looking for student accommodation in Belgium. In Brussels the housing is very competitive, and sometimes you don’t find a room fast, so you should begin searching as soon as you get your admission or exchange letter. In Belgium a student room is many times called a “kot”, and in a kot you get your own room but the kitchen and bathroom you share with other students.

You need to keep a budget around €400–€500 each month, but it change based on area and how good the place is. A furnished student room usually cost €350–€450, and a furnished short-term studio maybe €450–€700, and long-term non-furnished studios start from €600 and go up. Always check if things like heating, electricity and water are inside the rent or not, because if not, the contract must tell you how they calculate these extra charges.

Most landlords ask for a deposit, normally like 2 months’ rent, so you should be ready for that too. Try to visit the room yourself before you sign anything. If you cannot go, ask someone you trust in Brussels to check it for you. Many students search through Facebook/forums also to read reviews about rooms.

Do not send money through private transfer services like Western Union, because that is risky. Use only normal bank transfers and ask the landlord for ID proof, like passport copy. Make sure to always sign a written rental contract, and read it slowly so you understand notice periods and how to leave early if needed. If anything in the contract feels confusing, ask for advice before signing it.

Welcome to Brussels and good luck with your housing search!