Are you coming to Brussels and you still haven't found an accommodation or a place to stay?  We know that finding a place to live in Brussels can sometimes be difficult. So here are some tips to help you find the home of your dreams.

Watch out for scams!

A small reminder that is always important to have is: Do not pay or sign anything before visiting (or virtually visiting) the place. If the place sounds too good to be true (for example the room is VERY nice and VERY cheap compared to the other things you’ve seen, then it might be a scam). If something feels off or suspicious during your interactions with the landlord or while viewing the property, trust your instincts. It's better to continue your search for a more trustworthy accommodation option.

How to find an accommodation?

During your first days in Brussels, as you search for housing, staying in a hostel could be the most suitable, secure, and cost-effective option for you. If you possess an ESNcard, you can enjoy a 10% discount on your booking at Hostelling International, as well as other discounts on accommodations through Spotahome or other providers.

Through your institution:

Your first step should be to explore the accommodation options provided by your university. Depending on your institution, they may offer various forms of assistance. However, it's important to note that accommodation places can be limited (don't wait too long to secure your housing arrangements).

Student residences (private):

Residences managed by compagnies are also an option to consider when searching for accommodation in Brussels. While they may be slightly more expensive, they offer added comfort and provide great spaces for international students to connect and interact with one another. 
Here are a few popular options in Brussels:
Bru Upkot Residence 
365 Residence 
KVS I Residence 
Woodskot Residence 
Brusello XL Residence 
Studeopolis Residence

Private sector:

There are several websites in Belgium that specialise in student housing and private rentals. Here are a few popular options:
https://www.brukot.be/en/
https://www.immoweb.be/en/search/kot/for-rent
https://ikot.be/en/flat-brussels
 https://www.spotahome.com/s/brussels

Social Networks:

In Belgium, we often rely on Facebook to find student housing. There are several active groups where people post listings and search for roommates. Here are some important ones:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/885747388211605/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/249165441913335/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bruxelleschambresalouer/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/virtueljojo/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/482068671840449/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/195527370457521/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Brusselsrooms
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BRUSSELSFORRENT

Things to check while visiting a potential accommodation in Brussels

  • Find out if the place comes with furniture. It's always good to know what's already there, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.
  • Check if there are enough outlets and where they are located in the rooms. You'll want to make sure you have easy access to plug in your devices.
  • Ask if the rent includes internet connection, gas, water, and electricity. It's important to know what additional expenses you might have to cover.
  • Clarify how long the lease agreement is for—whether it's 6 months or 1 year—and if there are options for renewal. Knowing the terms will help you plan your stay.
  • Check if there are shops and supermarkets close by. It's great to have convenient access to places where you can buy groceries and other essentials.
  • Assess how easy it is to get around using public transportation. Find out the distance to bus stops, tram stations, or metro stations, and ask about the availability of routes to your university or the city center. Easy access to transportation can make your daily commute smoother.

Good luck in your hunt!