Experience in Brussels, Belgium by Reine

What is it like to live in Brussels? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Brussels is certainly very attractive for its architectural and art history. There are several high schools and universities. It is an old city and many buildings and monuments are well conserved and open for public visits. It is a multicultural city and therefore has various restaurants, bars, markets where people meet. There are many hotels but they are rather expensive. There is underground transportation although connections are not top. Brussels is also a very green city with many parks. I will certainly recommend Brussels to everyone.

What is the student lifestyle like in Brussels?

There are many students in Brussels as there are many high schools and universities. Students get together mostly on Fridays and Saturdays in the many student circles and on the campuses. Even Belgian students live mostly in student flats on the university campus. High school students mostly live with their family as Brussels is rather expensive.

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How much does it cost to live in Brussels?

A student flat in Brussels costs around 400-500€ rent, electricity, heating and water inclusive.

Students can mostly eat on the campus for good prices such as a lunch at 7€. They also obtain special prices for public transport and muses entrances with the student cards.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Brussels? Is there any advice you can give?

It is very difficult to find accommodation in Brussels. Students best ask on the campus itself at the housing bureau. Many students take accommodation just out of Brussels as distances are not so big in our little country.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

We mostly eat very classic food, French cuisine and continental breakfast. But as in many capitals, there is also good Italian and Chinese food. More and more bio food and restaurants as well as vegetarian open nowadays.

What places would you recommend visiting in Brussels?

I would certainly recommend visiting the Grand Place and its surroundings, the Bozar museum, the" Galeries du Roi et de la Reine", the Bellevue museum, the Atomium, the arch and museum of the Cinquantenaire", the Royal botanical garden of Meise, the basilica of Koekelberg, the "Sablon" with its old buildings, nice restaurants and bars and the antique market on Sunday mornings.

Is it good to eat out in Brussels? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

There are many very good restaurants in Brussels although very expensive. But it is not recommended to eat in the "Petite Rue du Boucher" because of the bad quality/price ratio.

What advice would you give future students heading to Brussels?

I would recommend students to search for accommodation rather around Brussels and to bring their bikes.

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