Experience in Brussels, Belgium by Boris

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

The life in Brussels greatly differs according to where you study, where you live and what you like to do. It's a city that can truly offer a wide variety of life styles.

I totally recommend it, every person that I know who lived there for a long time or even for a year for an exchange program has been satisfied with it. Even to the point of certain of them coming back later on (to work and live). The city is not quite as large as other capitals of Europe or the world and it's in fact a good thing. You can really easily go to a point A to a point B across the city in an hour or less. You can even travel by bike, skate/longboard or other if you want (even though it can be hilly).

What is the student lifestyle like in Brussels?

The student lifestyle is really pleasant. There are lots of things to do. The historical city is full of life, there are numerous neighborhood where you can find different types of night life, lots of interesting cultural activities can also be found easily.

According to the school/university you wish to go, you will find yourself in different part of the city, each part having its own atmosphere and lifestyle, each being really nice place to live.

How much does it cost to live in Brussels?

Brussels is one of the capitals in Europe where the cost of life is the lowest. I don't know exactly how much less it cost to live in Brussels but it is totally affordable. Of course it also depends on where you choose to live. There are neighborhoods where it's much than others but globally it's not that high. Well, it also depends on the way you like to spend your free time...

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

Finding accommodations in Brussels is not a complicated thing. There are lots of Facebook groups where you can find great stuff on. Schools and universities also offer student accommodations for affordable prices (but not always).

In the end, it depends on how much you are ready to pay and how picky you will be. You can totally find great places to live not far from school and night life for affordable price if you look at the right spot.

If there is one advice I can give, it's to stay connected and look around on Facebook (school's groups, Brussels' colocations groups and so on) where there are always people looking for flatmates or offering places to live in, and on real estate website (you'd be amazed of what you can find on those).

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

Belgium and Brussels are not places with that much of special food, but if you are a student you'll definitely try at one point the dürüm/kebab. It's the classical junk food you can find almost everywhere in the city and at an affordable price. There are also lots of markets where you can find fresh products for affordable prices. If you like your occasional restaurant, there are lots of little places you can go for reasonable prices.

What places would you recommend visiting in Brussels?

Everything! I think it'd be a shame not to make use of the 6 months to a year living there and pass by great places and opportunities. Like in every cities, there are classical monuments you have to go and check (even if it's just to take a look). You also have to go and take a stroll in "Les Marolles" which is an old popular area with a nice cachet to it (there is a market every day on the principal square of the neighborhood).

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

As I said earlier, you can easily find places (big or little) where the food is good and the price not too high. It all comes down to which kind of food and environment you are used to. I don't have a particular spot in mind where I go regularly but there is a lot of choice and everyone can find what he looks for.

Is the nightlife good in Brussels? Where is good to go?

The night life is really great. There are lots of bars and nightclubs disseminated across the city. The historical center is a place where everything is near the rest and you can always meet new people because it's the spot where travelers and students gather a lot. After that there are also the neighborhoods near the schools and universities where lots of animation take place.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Brussels?

It'll go by way faster than what you expect so enjoy as much as you can and have a great stay!