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Are you looking for accommodation and considering student residences in Ghent? Here you’ll find the most important facts! We’ll tell you everything, pros and cons of living in a residence, the differences between private and university alternatives, the best way to find affordable options and FAQs. Here we go!
In Ghent demand for accommodation tends to be higher before the start of the first semester. So, the search for accommodation is usually easier before the start of the second semester.
In this Belgian city, as in most of the country, you’ll also find the so-called kots. These are small houses, where between 10 and 20 students live, each in private rooms but sharing common areas such as kitchen, bathrooms and living room. Unlike larger residences, the kots offer a more independent living experience, with fewer institutional rules, but also fewer facilities and services.
Characteristics of this type of accommodation are:
Student residences in this Belgian city are located in popular student areas, such as Overwale, Schoonmeersen, and near university campuses.
They usually offer different accommodation options, from private studio flats to rooms in shared flats, allowing choice according to preference and budget. Shared flats generally include private rooms with shared spaces such as kitchens and living rooms.
Private residences have communal facilities that encourage a communal living atmosphere such as games rooms, gyms and roof terraces.
Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and maintenance of communal areas are often included in the rental cost. Many of them also have bicycle parking. In fact, some residences have charging stations for electric bicycles! In most private residences the rent includes basic utilities such as electricity, water and heating, as well as cleaning of the common areas and 24-hour security.
In this section we’ll talk about halls of residence offered by the institutions, such as Ghent University or HOGHENT University of Applied Sciences. These halls of residence are usually located close to the campuses or further but with good connections. Typical locations include neighbourhoods like Kantienberg and Stalhof, which are also close to the centre and well served by public transport.
The university halls of residence offer different types of accommodation such as single rooms, rooms in shared flats and studio flats. Rooms usually include basic furnishing such as a bed, desk and wardrobe, while studios and flats also offer a small kitchen and private bathroom in some cases.
These residences also have several shared facilities that enrich community life, such as common kitchens, study rooms and leisure areas, where students can socialise.
They usually provide cleaning services for common areas and basic maintenance of the facilities, ensuring a safe and clean environment. In addition, many residences also include laundry facilities with a token system and bicycle parking, essential in a city where young people choose cycling as their preferred means of transport.
This institution has several student residences, both in buildings and in kots. However, only students with a semester invitation letter can apply for a place.
If you want to know about accommodation near Ghent University, read this article.
In our Erasmus Play search engine you can compare between residences and other types of available and verified accommodation in Ghent: compare locations, prices and features easily, so you can find your ideal accommodation in Ghent quickly and easily!
The main difference lies in the type of accommodation and level of independence. Student residences are buildings managed by Universities or private companies, with common services and rules of coexistence. A 'kot,' on the other hand, is a private rental of a room or studio within a house shared with other students, providing more autonomy and fewer restrictions, but with fewer services included.
Requirements generally include being enrolled at a local University, submitting an application before the start of the semester and meeting certain cohabitation criteria. International and exchange students may have additional or specific requirements depending on the programme of study. In addition, some residences require you to sign an annual contract and to respect the regulations for the use of the space.
Yes, in Ghent there are some scholarships to cover the costs of student residences. Erasmus students, for example, can benefit from the Erasmus programme scholarship, which offers financial support to cover part of the accommodation costs. In addition, Universities often have funds and scholarships available for students in financial need.
It’s better to apply months in advance, especially for the first semester when demand is high. Although there’s availability all year round, it’s easier to find accommodation before the second semester starts in February, as occupancy tends to be lower at that time.
To find a cheap residence in Ghent, Erasmus Play is a useful search engine, as it allows you to compare prices and accommodation options of different residences and flats in the city. Our platform makes it easy to search by budget, location and type of accommodation.