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Housing Guide

Student Housing in Belgium

Where students live in Belgium and what rooms cost in 2026-27, with KU Leuven (a university in the city of Leuven) and Ghent University (UGent) as examples. Prices are in euro (EUR).

Types of Housing

Most international students start in a university residence hall or a private student room.

Accommodation TypeAverage CostProsCons
University room

A furnished room in a university residence hall.

EUR 525 or EUR 553 a month

KU Leuven 2026-27, all-in

  • All-in at KU Leuven: all costs are included.
  • No deposit for KU Leuven rooms.
  • Shared kitchen and bathroom in standard rooms.
University studio

A small flat in a university building.

EUR 718 to EUR 854 a month

KU Leuven 2026-27, all-in

  • Your own kitchen and bathroom.
  • Deposit for a studio: EUR 500. An apartment needs EUR 800.
Private room

A room from a private landlord.

EUR 500 to EUR 650 a month

Brussels, VUB

  • More choice of area.
  • A deposit is asked (see Costs to Plan).
  • Energy may not be included.

Finding a Room

After admission

  • Sign up as a student at your university. At UGent you need this before you can apply for a room.
  • Apply for a university room.

On arrival

  • Book a short stay if you have no room.
  • Go to the town hall where you live within 8 days.

Reliable Platforms

  • KU Leuven housing service

    Furnished rooms, studios and apartments run by KU Leuven.

  • Ghent University Housing Office

    University homes and residence halls in Ghent.

Costs to Plan

Rent depends on the city, the room type and what is included.

Regional Cost Comparison

Higher Cost Regions

  • Brussels (VUB)

    Average studio: EUR 500 to EUR 650 a month for housing

Lower Cost Regions

  • Ghent (UGent residence halls, 2026-27)

    Shared apartment: EUR 391 to EUR 553 a month

Additional Costs to Consider

  • Deposit

    Paid back if you leave the room in good condition.

    Up to 3 months' rent

  • Energy

    If not in your rent (Brussels, VUB).

    EUR 100 to EUR 130 a month

  • Hostel while you search

    A cheap single room near VUB.

    About EUR 15 a night

Tips

Apply for a university room as early as the university allows.

Plan for a hostel at about EUR 15 a night while you look.

Check if energy and water are in the rent.

Put your name on your doorbell and letterbox when you move in.

Housing Questions

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