Learn about the city
Brussels is the name of a city. It’s also the name of a larger region that includes the city and its suburbs. When most people talk about the city, they say the ‘City of Brussels’. When they talk about the Brussels-Capital Region, they just say ‘Brussels’.
As the official languages are Dutch and French, all government institutions, banks, hospitals, etc. are bilingual. You’ll find a lot of people speak English as well. You’ll also hear and even learn some of the wonderful local dialect. Its name? It’s also called ‘Brussels’!
Education
If you're studying in Brussels as part of the Erasmus program, it's crucial to be well-informed about the universities you wish to collaborate with. Start your search by visiting both the official Erasmus website and the website of the host university in Brussels. In Brussels, you have the opportunity to study in French, Dutch, and English.
If you prefer Dutch-language education, you can find all the information you need here.
For French-language higher education in Brussels, you can explore institutions such as Wallonie Bruxelles Campus, ARES, and the Pôle Académique de Bruxelles.
Please be aware that admission procedures may vary for each of these institutions, so it's essential to consult the specific requirements and deadlines on the website of your chosen school. Brussels offers a diverse and captivating educational environment, where you can study in different languages, and there's a suitable study program for everyone.
Student housing
You’ll discover a huge variety of student rooms in Brussels. But how do you find the room that’s perfect for you?
Language
Are you having trouble finding your way around Brussels? Maybe you want to chat with someone but there’s a language barrier in the way. It might be time to ask out that pretty person you just met … And maybe, maybe you just really need to use the bathroom, but don’t know how to ask someone where it is. Here are the basics in Dutch and French:
| English | Dutch | French |
|---|---|---|
| Hi! How are you? | Hallo! Hoe gaat het? | Bonjour! Comment ça va? |
| Where are you from? | Van waar ben je? | D'ou viens-tu? |
| Can I have your number? | Mag ik je nummer? | Puis-je avoir ton numéro? |
| Would you like to go out with me? | Wil je met mij op date gaan? | Voudrais-tu sortir avec moi? |
| Where can i find ... ? | Waar kan ik ... vinden? | Ou puis-je trouver ... ? |
| Where is the bathroom? | Waar is het toilet? | Ou se trouvent les toilettes? |
| How much does this cost? | Hoeveel kost dit? | Combien cela coûte-t-il? |
Currency
Belgium uses the euro as its currency. It replaced the Belgian franc in 2002. There are 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2 coins. 1 euro is equal to 100 eurocents. Bank notes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500. Every note has its own colour and a picture of an artistic or architectural achievement in Europe.
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| Bread | €2 - €3.50 |
| Beer | €1.5 - €3 |
| Cocktail | €7 - €12 |
| Pizza | €6 - €15 |
| Train ride | €6 - €18 |
| Hotel room | €100 |
Discounts
Student card
Your student card gives you discounts in all kinds of places, from the cinema, clothing stores and the hairdresser to computer and technology shops, museums and second-hand stores, as well as for magazines and software.
ISIC card
The internationally accepted student identity card opens the door to discounts, offers and services.
Banks in Belgium
There is a wide range of banking institutions and services in Belgium. Argenta, Belfius, ING, KBC … Which one should you choose for your bank account?
A good option for Erasmus and international students is the ‘Hello4You’ bank account. Ask for more information about this at any branch of BNP Paribas Fortis. The options offered by ING have also proven popular with a lot of students.
It’s also important to look for a bank where it will be easy to open an account. In every case, you’ll need certain documents:
- Valid proof of identification (with your student visa);
- Proof of your Belgian address;
- Proof of your enrolment at a school or university.
You’ll be told what to bring when you make your appointment.
What about closing your bank account when you’re going back home? You’ll have to make another appointment at the same bank branch.
Online banking solutions are popping up everywhere. As they link to your bank in your home country, you might be able to bypass the need to make a bank account in Belgium. Examples? We have heard good things about Revolut. Online banking is a fast-changing industry though. Do a little homework and find the option that works best for you.
Mobile phones and internet
Everybody knows it’s impossible to survive a day without internet access. The good news? There are plenty of places in Brussels that offer free Wi-Fi:
- At the top of the list? All academic institutions have Wi-Fi on their campuses. You’ll only be able to access it when you have your official login information.
- A lot of metro stations offer free Wi-Fi. Perfect for scrolling through your Facebook or Instagram feed while you’re on the go.
- And of course, almost every café in Brussels has Wi-Fi. Make the most of it.
- Wifi.brussels is the official Wi-Fi network of the Brussels-Capital Region. Download the free app and you’ll have free Wi-Fi at a zillion indoor and outdoor sites!
You’re extra lucky if you’re an EU citizen. The ‘roam like you’re at home’ rules were introduced a few years ago. They mean you don’t have to pay any additional roaming charges when you use data on your mobile phone in Belgium or any EU member state. Nice!
What if you’re from a country that’s not part of the EU? We advise you to get a Belgian SIM card. The main Belgian mobile operators are Proximus, Orange and Telenet/Base. You’ll need your ID, proof of your Belgian address and an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) to arrange a SIM card.
