Information and tips for Erasmus students in Brussels
Erasmus in Brussels
| Private rooms Bruxelles/brussels | 2440 | 768/month |
| Residences Bruxelles/brussels | 196 | 1070/month |
| Studios Bruxelles/brussels | 489 | 1015/month |
| Apartments Bruxelles/brussels | 1705 | 1645/month |
Looking forward to starting your erasmus in Brussels? The capital of Belgium is an ideal destination for international students, as it has several prestigious universities, such as the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). Its cultural mix, active student life, and strategic European location make it an attractive option. Brussels is also known for its wide range of leisure activities, its rich history, and its diverse cuisine.
The cost of living in Brussels is somewhat high compared to other Belgian cities, but with good organisation it’s possible to live affordably. Transportation is efficient and varied, although many students opt for bicycles or travel passes.
Discover everything Brussels has to offer!
Cost of living in Brussels, Belgium
The cost of living in Brussels depends on several factors, but with good planning, you can stay within a reasonable budget. Adding up food, transportation, and entertainment costs, a student can expect to spend between 800€ and 1.000€ per month, depending on their lifestyle.
For students, the biggest expense is usually accommodation. The price of a room in a shared apartment is between 500€-800€ per month, depending on the location and amenities. If you prefer to live in a university residence, prices range from 480–700€ per month, depending on the room type and amenities included.
Transportation in Brussels is very accessible for students. The metro, tram, and bus network covers the entire city, and a monthly youth pass costs around 12€. In addition, many people use bicycles to get around, as the city has designated bicycle lanes and rental systems.
Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Brussels
If you want to meet up with friends for a drink or a night out, you can do so any day of the week without any problem! You have many options for bars, pubs, and nightclubs in Brussels. Among the most popular areas to go out are Ixelles and Saint-Gilles, neighbourhoods where there are popular bars and clubs for students. We also recommend places like DYOUKES, Fuse, or FLASH Club to go out partying in Brussels at night.
If you prefer quieter plans, you can walk around Brussels Park (Parc de Bruxelles) or visit the Atomium, one of the symbols of the city. Brussels also hosts events and festivals like the Brussels Summer Festival and the Couleur Café, where you can enjoy concerts and cultural activities.
Something highly recommended for young people is to sign up for one of the student associations of the city. These groups organise parties, international dinners, and even trips. If you're interested in meeting new people and always having plans, we recommend looking for one of these groups.
Culture and gastronomy in Brussels, Belgium
The Belgian capital is a very important city in the European Union, as it’s home to its main administrative headquarters. Plus, if you're interested in culture, you're in luck! It has an incredible cultural offering.
If you’re interested in history, you can visit the Museum of the City of Brussels (Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles), where you can see exhibits about the city's evolution. Another option is the Royal Palace (Palais Royal), which opens its doors to the public in summer and allows you to see the interior of the official residence of the Belgian monarchy.
For lovers of art, the Magritte Museum (Musée Magritte) is a must-see, as it contains works by the famous Belgian surrealist painter, René Magritte. You can also tour the Comic neighbourhood (Parcours BD) and discover murals dedicated to characters such as Tintin and Lucky Luke.
The gastronomy in Brussels is varied and delicious! You can't miss trying the "gaufres" (Belgian waffles), the "moules-frites" (mussels with fries) or the "stoofvlees" (beef stew in beer). In addition, the city is famous for its beer, so visiting one traditional brewery is a recommended experience.
We recommend several places to eat at an affordable price for students such as De Pistolei, Manneken Frites, or Tonton Garby.
Advantages and disadvantages of doing Erasmus in Brussels
In this section, we explain the main pros and cons of doing an Erasmus in the Belgian capital.
Advantages
- Brussels is a multicultural city, which facilitates the integration of international students.
- Its location is ideal for travelling to other European countries such as France, the Netherlands or Germany in just a few hours.
- The transportation in the city operates well and has frequencies, with affordable options for students.
- The cultural offering is wide, with museums, theatres and festivals throughout the year.
- It’s a perfect city to be able to improve your French! It’s one of the official languages of the city, the other spoken being Flemish.
Disadvantages
- The cost of living in Brussels can be high, especially when it comes to accommodations. Although there are affordable options, it's important to look around to find reasonable prices.
- The weather can also be a challenge, as it rains frequently and winters are cold and grey.
- Being a city with many European institutions, the bureaucracy for residency procedures, permits and university registration can be slow and tedious. It’s important to be well informed before arriving.
- In Brussels, French and Dutch are the main languages spoken, and although most people speak English, the language barrier can be a problem in certain procedures or in everyday life.
Cheap student accommodation in Brussels, Belgium
Are you looking for accommodation in Brussels but don't know how to find it? Don't worry, with Erasmus Play you can compare the best offers of apartments, rooms and student residences in Brussels and choose the one you prefer.
FAQ about Erasmus in Brussels
How much does it cost to live in Brussels as a student?
In Brussels, rental prices can vary widely. The most popular rooms for students range from 500€ to 800€. However, keep in mind that you must add other monthly expenses, such as food and leisure activities to this price. In a residence, a room costs between 480€ and 700€ per month, depending on the type of room and the services included. Adding food, transportation, and leisure expenses, a student can spend between 800€ and 1,000€ per month.
What’s student life like in Brussels?
If you want to party, you can do so all week long! If you prefer other types of activities, there are several student associations that organize ongoing plans and excursions.
How much is the Erasmus grant for studying in Brussels?
The exact amount you’ll receive will depend primarily on your country of origin. The rules and conditions for granting this scholarship vary from country to country. Therefore, we recommend that you inquire at your university's international relations office for information.
What are the best areas to live in Brussels?
Most students choose where they’ll live depending on the location of their university. One of the most popular neighbourhoods in Brussels is Ixelles.
What’s transportation like in Brussels for students?
The city has a good transportation system with metro, tram, and buses. A monthly youth pass costs around 12€. It's also worth noting that many students choose to use bicycles to get around the city.
