Student halls of residence in Brussels

If you’re still not sure what student residence in Brussels is the ideal for you, keep reading! In this article we tell you everything about this type of accommodation, so that you keep in mind the information during your search. We include, for example, the most notable advantages and disadvantages, information on private and university residences, how to find cheap residences and answers to the most frequently asked questions that students usually have. On y va !

A type of accommodation in Brussels that shouldn’t be confused with residences, are kots. These are houses, generally semi-detached and much smaller than residences, in which ten or twelve people can live in rooms and share common spaces.

Pros and cons of living in a residence in Brussels

Some of the most notable pros and cons of this type of accommodation in the Belgian city are:

Pros of living in student dorms in Brussels

They give you the opportunity to have a unique multicultural experience and to meet people from different parts of the world, living with students from different careers and origins.
They offer various amenities such as study rooms, gym, and rest spaces with sofas and even television.
Sometimes they also have cleaning and food services, which makes it easier to focus on studies.
They are usually located near universities or have a good connection with them.
They include services such as cleaning of common areas, maintenance and 24-hour security. You can also choose whether to include other services that carry an extra cost, such as laundry or room cleaning.
The cost of utility bills is normally included in the price, so you don't have to face extra related expenses at the end of each month.
It’s an ideal way to meet people as soon as you arrive in Brussels, thus avoiding feeling alone or lost in a new environment.

Cons of living in student dorms in Brussels

The private space may be more limited compared to a flat, since common areas are shared with a large number of people.
Their prices can be quite high, especially in comparison with other European cities.
Most residences in Brussels have small common areas. This means that many of these areas are always very busy, so it can be difficult, for example, to use the common kitchens comfortably.
Their coexistence rules are usually stricter than those in private flats (and are even stricter in university residences compared to private residences).
Living with so many people in the same place can affect concentration while studying. Especially if you get FOMO easily! You’re going to have to learn to organise yourself well to be able to study and do everything you want to do.
Most university residences don’t have bedding and kitchenware.

Private student residences in Brussels

The private residences in Brussels are strategically located, allowing easy access to the university and the main tourist attractions of the city. Thanks to this, you can enjoy everything that the Belgian capital has to offer, as well as easily getting to your classes.

Regarding the types of accommodation that you can find in these residences, there are three main ones. The most common are single rooms, which may have a private bathroom or shared with residents of other rooms. There’s also a cheaper option, shared rooms (normally between two people) in which they may or may not have a private bathroom. Another type of accommodation that you’ll find are studio apartments. These usually have the highest rental cost, but have more space, a bathroom, and a small kitchen integrated into the room space.

Private residences in Brussels have several facilities that make students' lives more enjoyable. Among the most common that you’ll find are gyms, study rooms, living rooms, shared kitchens, and sofas with television. Furthermore, some organise activities and events for their residents, which makes your stay even more fun.

Some residences have food service, which may or may not be included in the price, and may or may not be optional. Normally there are two alternatives: half board (which includes breakfast and one meal per day) and full board (breakfast and two meals per day). If it’s not included, think about what best suits your needs, since full board is more expensive than half board.

University student halls of residence in Brussels

University residences, that is, those that belong to the universities, can be located both within the campus and in the surrounding areas. It’s true that living on campus provides comfort for access to classes and the institution's facilities, but it also makes it difficult to disconnect from university life.

A detail to take into account is that, in Brussels, university residences can not only accommodate students, they also welcome professors and researchers. This makes the environment change quite a bit, since not all residents will be of similar ages.

The type of accommodation that can be found the most in university residences are single rooms with bathroom, kitchen, and other shared areas with other students. The accommodation is usually furnished, but normally bed linen (including pillows) and kitchenware are not provided.

Although the cost of services is usually included in the rental price, in some cases some expenses are excluded, such as electricity or internet connection. This means that you’re going to have to add an extra amount at the end of each month to be able to afford it, according to your use.

University Residences of the Catholic University of Louvain

This institution has several accommodation options for students, which are located both on and off its campuses. Please note that first-year students have priority in the allocation of places.

If you want to know about the accommodation near the Université Catholique de Louvain, read this article.

University Residence Halls of the Université Libre de Bruxelles

This prestigious university doesn’t have its own residences, but you’ll have the possibility of choosing private residences that are close to it. If you want to know about the accommodation near the Université Libre de Bruxelles, read this article.

Rent cheap student residences in Brussels

In our search engine you can easily filter by price and find the cheapest private and verified residences in Brussels! You’ll also be able to filter by other characteristics that are important to you, which gives you the possibility of finding your ideal residence in a simpler and faster way. Thus, after making the reservation 100% online and totally secure through our platform, you can move on to another important aspect of your stay in the Belgian capital: checking where to find a second-hand bike when you arrive!

Frequently Asked Questions about student dorms in Brussels

What are the requirements to live in a student residence in Brussels?
Common requirements include being a student at a higher education institution, completing an application form, and, in some cases, providing proof of academic enrollment. Additionally, there may be specific requirements related to academic performance or financial needs.
What’s the difference between a student residence and a Kot?
Residences are usually large buildings with single or shared rooms and offer comprehensive services such as cleaning, security, and common areas, managed by a central administration. On the other hand, kots generally consist of rooms in shared houses or apartments, offering more independence and a closer experience to local life, but with fewer centralised services and administrative support.
How much does a student residence in Brussels cost?
Living in a residence in Brussels can be expensive. Prices for renting rooms generally range between €500 to €1,000 per month, depending on the facilities and services offered. Keep in mind that the cost of residences in Brussels depends a lot on the area of the city in which you live. The further you go from the centre, the cheaper they will be.
What’s cheaper, a flat, a kot or a student residence in Brussels?
Rooms in kots and in private flats are, generally, the most economical option, starting from €300 per month. Student residences tend to be more expensive, from €450 upwards, but this is due to the additional amenities they provide.
When to book a student residence in Brussels?
As soon as you can! The Belgian capital welcomes a large number of students every year, thanks to its atmosphere and the prestige of its universities. Because of this, rental demand increases considerably as the start of school approaches. The sooner you search, the more likely you are to find the residence that includes all the features important to you.