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Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Brussels
Flatshare in Brussels

Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Brussels
Private rooms Bruxelles/brussels 2176 726/month
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*:2024-03-06T09:42:28.143Z

Brussels is a city that attracts thousands of young people every year, both students and young professionals who come to the Belgian capital to develop their careers. Living in a shared apartment is usually the most chosen option by all of them to live in, although there are many options to choose from, there is also a lot of other people searching.

Brussels has picturesque neighbourhoods and very nice historic buildings, you will surely find your ideal accommodation in the neighbourhood you want in the Erasmus Play search engine!

Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Brussels

https://erasmusplay.com/en/search/bruxelles-brussel.html?sort=cheapest

These are some of the pros and cons of living in a shared flat in Brussels:

Advantages of sharing a flat in Brussels 

  • The climate in Brussels is not the best: it is characterized by having long, dark winters, as well as plenty of rain. This directly affects the state of mind and having roommates with whom to share the day to day can make those days go by more pleasantly.

  • By sharing a flat you will save on the monthly rent, which will leave you some extra money to travel to other nearby cities! From Brussels, you can quickly reach Paris, London and Amsterdam, for example.

  • Another advantage of having a lower rental cost is that you will have the possibility of living in a more central neighbourhood or better connected to places of interest, compared to renting an entire apartment.

Disadvantages of sharing a flat in Brussels

  • The only space that you will have completely to yourself will be your room. We recommend that you decorate it and make it a comfortable space to live in, especially if you like to have time for yourself.

  • Some apartments are renovated and in good condition, but others are not as well maintained.

  • Normally, shared flats in Brussels do not have a washing machine among the appliances in the flat.

Erasmus App for your exchange programme in Brussels 

You can use various apps for Erasmus+ during your international exchange in Brussels. These applications are designed to guide students in the different processes and procedures that they have to do during mobility.

How to meet people in Brussels?

https://erasmusplay.com/en/search/bruxelles-brussel.html

The following are some of the ways you can meet people in the Belgian capital, in addition to building close relationships with your flatmates:

Student associations in Brussels

Most universities in Brussels have an association of Erasmus students that is in charge of organizing plans and events to achieve the integration of young people. One of them is the Express Erasmus of the Free University of Brussels and the other is the Erasmus Student Network.

Facebook groups for Erasmus in Brussels

On Facebook, you will be able to join groups according to the academic year in which you are going to be in Brussels and meet people who are going to be there at the same time. You will also find groups of student associations where they announce their events such as language exchanges, parties, free tours, cheap trips, among others.

WhatsApp groups for Erasmus in Brussels

Many of the Facebook groups and associations create WhatsApp groups so that students can talk to each other and organize other plans. In this way, you can be instantly updated on everything that happens, as well as connect directly with other young people who have similar interests to yours.

Tips for living in a shared apartment in Brussels

Here are some tips for living in a shared flat in the Belgian capital:

  • Choose central neighbourhoods or neighbourhoods with good connections (such as Etterbeek, Ixelles or Saint-Gilles) to avoid spending a lot of money on public transport.

  • Ask for the amount of your utility bills, ask the landlord to inform you of the cost of utility bills, and whether they are included in your monthly rental price or not. This way you avoid surprises.

  • Pay attention to the description and photographs of the rooms. Some may not have windows, others might be in a basement or at street level. You have to decide if they are characteristics you can live with or you prefer to look for another accommodation.

Frequently asked queries about sharing a flat in Brussels

How much does a shared flat cost in Brussels?
The price of rooms in shared apartments in Brussels usually has a minimum of €350 per month, with an average of €500, but it can go up to €1,000 depending on its characteristics and location.

How to find roommates in Brussels?
You can search for your classmates through online communities like Erasmus Play, where you will be able to connect with them and see if their lifestyles are compatible or similar.

How to meet people in Brussels?
Take the opportunity to generate close relationships with your flatmates and to make plans with them, both inside and outside the flat. You can also connect with other students through student associations, Facebook groups and WhatsApp.

What are the advantages of sharing a flat in Brussels?
You will be able to save on your rental cost, choose more central and convenient neighbourhoods to live in as a student, as well as invest part of that money to travel to other cities. You will also be accompanied on grey and rainy days, which will make your mood not drop so much.

What should I look for when entering a flatshare in Brussels?
You have to know what the public transport connection with the places of interest and with your university will be. We also recommend that you ask what the final amount of the monthly expenses will be, as well as what the characteristics of the room are.