BRUXELLES !
Welcome in the capital of europe
Welcome to Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the heart of the European Union. A multilingual, international, and vibrant city, Brussels is home to students, researchers, and professionals from all over the world.
The History
Brussels was founded around the 10th century as a small settlement along the Senne River. During the Middle Ages, it became an important trading center in the Duchy of Brabant, symbolized by the construction of the Grand-Place, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Over the centuries, the city was ruled by the Burgundians, Spanish and Austrian Habsburgs, and later France. In 1830, a revolution in Brussels led to Belgian independence, and the city became the capital of the new kingdom.
In the 20th century, after both World Wars, Brussels gained international importance. Today it hosts key European institutions, including the European Parliament, and is often considered the de facto capital of the European Union.
The COUNTRY
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Population: ~1.2 million (metro area >2 million)
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Languages: French (main), Dutch, English widely spoken
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Currency: Euro (€)
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Time zone: Central European Time (CET)
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The city: Brussels is divided into 19 municipalities. Popular student areas include:
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Ixelles / Elsene
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Etterbeek
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Saint-Gilles
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Woluwe (Saint-Lambert & Saint-Pierre)
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City center (Bruxelles-Ville)
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Public Transportation
Public transport is efficient and well-connected.
🚇 Main Operator: STIB/MIVB
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Metro
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Trams
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Buses
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Website: https://www.stib-mivb.be
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Mobile App: STIB-MIVB (iOS & Android)
🚆 Trains (SNCB/NMBS)
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For travel within Belgium (Ghent, Antwerp, Leuven, Bruges, etc.)
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Website: https://www.belgiantrain.be
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during weekends: weekend pass A/R is half of the price!!
🎫 Transport Tickets & Subscriptions
MOBIB Card
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You need a MOBIB card to load subscriptions.
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Cost: ~€5 (one-time fee)
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Can be purchased at BOOTIK STIB offices or machines.
Monthly Subscription (Brussels region)
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Under 25 years: ~€12–15/month (very affordable!)
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25–64 years: ~€49/month
Annual passes are available at reduced rates
For students under 25, public transport is heavily subsidized.
You can subscribe:
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Online
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At STIB BOOTIK offices
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Via machines in metro stations
HOUSING
Housing can be competitive, especially in August–September.
Types of Housing
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Kot: Typical Belgian student room (private room, shared kitchen/bathroom)
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Shared Apartment / Coloc houses: Very common among international students
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Studio: Independent small apartment
💶 Average Rent Prices (2026 estimate)
Kot: €400–600/month
Shared apartment room: €500–750/month
Studio: €700–1,100/month
⚠️ Utilities may or may not be included (always check!).
🔎 Where to Search
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace
University housing offices
Facebook pages
!!!! Never transfer money before seeing the property (or at least having a verified contract).
If you need, we are always available to help you in your choice!
Registration & Administration
If staying more than 3 months:
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EU Students: Register at the local commune (town hall)
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Non-EU Students
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Residence permit required
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Registration at commune mandatory
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Find your commune:
https://be.brussels/en/about-the-region/the-19-municipalities
You will need:
- Passport/ID
- Rental contract
- Proof of enrollment
- Health insurance
HEALTH INSURANCES
Health insurance is mandatory in Belgium.
EU students
Bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Non-EU students
Must register with a mutual insurance fund.
Major ones in Belgium:
https://www.partena-ziekenfonds.be
Cost: ~€10–15/month
Banking & Payments
Most payments are electronic.
Popular banks:
BNP Paribas Fortis
KBC
ING
Belfius
Online banks:
Revolut
N26
Cost of Living
Estimated monthly budget:
Expense Average Cost
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Rent €500–900
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Transport €15–50
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Food €250–400
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Miscellaneous €150–300
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Estimated total: €900–1,500/month
AIRPORTS
The are 2 main airports:
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Brussels Airport (Zaventem), close to the city, accessible by train or by bus (line 12)
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Brussels South Charleroi Airport (low-cost airlines): accessible by bus Flibco
Supermarkets
Common supermarkets:
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Delhaize
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Carrefour
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Colruyt
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Aldi / Lidl (cheaper options)
Opening hours:
Usually 8:00–20:00
Sometimes closed on Sundays
ADVICES
Learn basic French (very helpful)
Always carry ID
Keep copies of documents
Join local student groups
Open a Belgian bank account if staying long-term
Register early at the commune (appointments can take weeks)
Brussels is safe, international, and culturally rich. It may seem bureaucratic at first, but once registered and settled, life becomes very smooth.
Welcome to your new adventure in Belgium! 🇧🇪✨
