Top 5 student cities in Belgium

Discover the favourite cities for university students in Belgium and what makes them unique.

Doing an exchange in this European country is always a good idea, but the experiences can vary greatly depending on the destination you choose. In this article, we'll tell you about the five best cities to study in Belgium, so you can choose the one that's right for you based on your preferences. From its large capital, Brussels, to smaller but charming cities like Ghent, they all have their own appeal.

In this guide, you’ll find the five cities most chosen by university students in Belgium, with the pros and cons of choosing them, their leading universities, and reference rental prices.

Once you’ve chosen the right one for you, you can compare different accommodations on our platform, Erasmus Play. You can search by filtering according to your preferences and easily book verified student accommodation in Belgium.

Brussels

The Belgian capital is the most cosmopolitan city in the country. Its neighbourhoods are very diverse, with modern areas alongside more historic and alternative ones. Brussels is multicultural, with a mix of cultures that can be felt in its streets and gastronomic offerings. It’s also home to the European Parliament and institutions such as the European Union, which means there are excellent job and internship opportunities.

Pros and cons of studying in Brussels

Doing an exchange in the Belgian capital has advantages and disadvantages that should be taken into account when choosing it as a destination:

Pros of studying in Brussels

A multicultural and cosmopolitan city, with a large number of international students.
Its location and connections allow you to travel throughout Belgium and other European countries.
The cultural and entertainment offerings are among the most extensive in the country.
Possibility of studying at universities with Dutch or French as the language of instruction, as well as those offering programmes in English.

Cons of studying in Brussels

The cost of living is among the highest in the country.
Winters are grey and cold, with frequent rain.
Finding affordable accommodation for students is quite a challenge.

Top Universities in Brussels

The Belgian capital is home to some of the country's most renowned universities:

Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB - Free University of Brussels)

This is one of the most important French-speaking public universities in Belgium. It has over 20,000 students, more than 30% of whom are international. It’s divided into eight campuses in total, five of which are in Brussels.

Explore locations, neighbourhoods, and tips in the guide to accommodation near the Université Libre de Bruxelles.

Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain)

This is another one of the most prestigious French-speaking institutions in the country, and one of the oldest in Europe. Its main campus is in Leuven, but it has smaller campuses in Brussels (such as the Brussels Woluwe Campus and the Saint-Louis Campus - Brussels), as well as in other Belgian cities.

Find out everything you need to know about the university and its surroundings in our guide to accommodation near the Universite Catholique de Louvain.

Student housing in Brussels

The cost of student accommodation in the capital is among the highest in the country. In addition, demand is very high, so we recommend starting your search as early as possible. As a reference, the cost of a room in a shared flat averages around €450, while a studio flat in a central area usually costs €600 upwards.

Are you looking for accommodation in the Belgian capital? Read our guide to student accommodation in Brussels, with the best neighbourhoods and approximate prices.

Leuven

Leuven is Belgium's university town par excellence and a very popular destination for international students. In fact, despite its small size, it has an incredible student atmosphere! It’s also the capital of Belgian beer, home to one of the largest breweries in the world.

Pros and cons of studying in Leuven

Studying in this city in the Flanders region can be a great experience because of its advantages, although it also involves some challenges.

Pros of studying in Leuven

It’s the most important university city in Flanders, and one of the most important in Belgium.
The student atmosphere is incredible, with all kinds of plans every day.
You can get around by bicycle and on foot, saving on transport costs.
It’s half an hour by train from Brussels.

Cons of studying in Leuven

The cost of living is quite high.
With so many students arriving, finding accommodation is very competitive. You need to start looking as soon as possible.
The main language is Dutch, which can make it difficult to connect with locals and find work.

Top Universities in Leuven

Leuven is home to one of Belgium's most prestigious institutions:

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KULeuven)

This institution differs from UCLeuven in that it’s Dutch-speaking. It’s the largest university in Belgium and is usually ranked among the top 100 universities in the world. It has campuses in various Belgian cities (including Leuven, Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent), with the largest one in Leuven.

If you’re thinking of studying there, we recommend reading our guide to housing close to Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, so you can identify which of its campuses you’ll be attending and choose convenient areas to live in.

Student housing in Leuven

The cost of rent in this city is quite high, and it’s usually the largest expense in a student's budget. The average monthly price for a room in a shared flat is €600, while a studio flat starts at €720 and up.

To learn more about types, prices, and convenient areas to live, read our guide on student accommodation in Leuven.

Ghent

This small city is another favourite among university students in Belgium, both for its atmosphere and the quality of its universities. It’s a multicultural city where many people speak English, although the official language is Dutch. It also has a lively atmosphere, thanks in large part to its student associations.

Pros and cons of studying in Ghent

Choosing Ghent as a destination has various benefits, but also some disadvantages.

Pros of studying in Ghent

Multicultural city with lots of students.
His university is one of the most prestigious in Europe.
Living surrounded by historic buildings and monuments.

Cons of studying in Ghent

With so many students arriving, affordable accommodation tends to sell out quickly.
It’s small in size and the cultural offering is limited.
Being in Flanders, its official language is Dutch, which means that many international students do not integrate with the locals.

Top Universities in Ghent

This city is home to one of Belgium's most prestigious universities:

Universiteit Gent (University of Ghent)

It’s one of the most important institutions in the Flanders region and the second largest in Belgium. It has several campuses, both in Ghent and in the cities of Bruges and Kortrijk.

In this guide, we tell you more about their locations and how to find accommodation near the University of Ghent.

Student housing in Ghent

Rent for students in Ghent is usually average, but demand is very high, so you need to start looking as soon as possible to find affordable options. The average price for a single room is €400 per month, while a studio flat starts at €700 and up.

Are you planning to study in Belgium? Don't miss our guide to student housing in Ghent, with up-to-date neighbourhoods and prices.

Antwerp

The second most populous city in Belgium has always been very important due to its large port (one of the most important on the continent) and its diamond production. It’s also a popular destination for students due to its lively atmosphere, beautiful historic centre, and the many activities available there. It’s a city where many nationalities coexist, making it easy for international students to adapt quickly.

Pros and cons of studying in Antwerp

Being a student in Antwerp has many advantages, but there are also some drawbacks that you should consider.

Pros of studying in Antwerp

A beautiful city with loads of cultural and leisure activities every day.
Ideal location to travel around Belgium and the Netherlands (Amsterdam is just over an hour away by train!).
Its universities have very good academic standards.
The student atmosphere is great fun.

Cons of studying in Antwerp

The cost of housing and living expenses is usually quite high.
The main language is Dutch, which can be a barrier at first or when looking for work.
Being a port city, the weather is often grey and rainy.

Top Universities in Antwerp

One renowned institution stands out above all others in this Flemish city:

Universiteit Antwerpen (University of Antwerp)

It’s one of the largest Belgian universities and ranks among the top three in the Flanders region. Its entrepreneurial approach attracts thousands of students every year, representing more than 120 nationalities!

This University has several campuses in the city, with the main one (Stadscampus) located in the beautiful historic centre. Find useful information about areas and housing in the guide of accommodation near the University of Antwerp.

Student housing in Antwerp

The cost of renting in Antwerp is usually quite high, although it’s still possible to find cheaper options than in Brussels. Generally, the most economical type of accommodation is a room in a shared flat, which usually costs from €350 per month. The price of a studio flat is always higher: from €600 upwards.

If you’re going to study in this Belgian city, check out our guide to student accommodation in Antwerp with information on prices and recommended neighbourhoods.

Liège

Liège, located in eastern Belgium, is a small historic city in the French-speaking region of Wallonia. Despite its size, the good reputation of its universities attracts many students every year. As a result, the student atmosphere in this Belgian city is very lively, with associations organising activities every week and a vibrant nightlife.

Pros and cons of studying in Liège

The academic experience in Liège has many advantages, but certain disadvantages could influence your stay.

Pros of studying in Liège

Large international student community.
Possibility of travelling to the rest of Belgium, as well as to Germany and the Netherlands (Maastricht is half an hour away by train!).
The University of Liège offers very high-quality education, with French as its main language.
The cost of living is lower compared to the other cities mentioned.

Cons of studying in Liège

The climate is temperate, but it rains a lot!
In addition to French, the Walloon language is spoken in Liège. This can make communication with locals more difficult for international visitors, as not all locals speak English.
Finding a job is often complicated.

Top Universities in Liège

This city in Flanders is home to one of the most prestigious universities in the region:

Université de Liège (University of Liège)

This French-speaking university has a distinguished academic history, having been founded in 1817. It has campuses in three different cities, including two in Liège: the Liège City Centre Campus in the historic centre and the Liège Sart Tilman Campus to the south.

Find the best areas to live in our article on housing close to the University of Liège.

Student housing in Liège

The cost of rent in Liège is usually cheaper than in larger cities in Belgium. Generally, the cheapest option is a room in a flat shared with other students, with prices starting at €300 upwards. Entire flats are more expensive, usually starting at €600 per month.

Want to find your ideal accommodation in this Belgian city? In our guide to accommodation in Liège you can find all the information you need to know, from the types available to prices and convenient locations.

Find accommodation in Belgium with Erasmus Play

Have you already chosen between the 5 best cities to study in Belgium? Then, now it's time to book your accommodation! On Erasmus Play, you can compare rooms, flats and verified residences available for your stay, both in these cities and in others around the country!

With our platform, you can easily compare options, view images and locations, and filter according to your preferences and needs. Remember that for any of these university destinations in Belgium, it’s advisable to make your reservation as soon as possible, especially if you find accommodation that meets all your preferred criteria. Don't miss out!

Other guides on studying and living in Belgium

If you’d like to learn more about these university cities, you can find much more information in our guides: