Student housing in Ghent and Brussels: the complete guide for the 2026-2027 academic year

The search for a student room in Brussels and Ghent is a stressful experience for thousands of students every year. Start too late? The best rooms are gone. No idea which neighborhood suits you? You’ll end up paying too much for too little. Furthermore, the quality of student housing in Belgium varies enormously—from outdated buildings lacking proper insulation to modern residences with every comfort.

At JACKEY, part of STAY-C (expert in property management), we have years of experience in managing (student) housing and renting out (student) rooms in Ghent and Brussels. We know the market, the pitfalls, and the trends from the inside out. In this guide, we share everything we know, not as a sales pitch, but as an honest compass for every student looking for the right student room, or ‘kot’ as we say in Belgium. 

The Student Housing Market in Belgium: What You Need to Know

Belgium has more than 530,000 students in higher education. Ghent and Brussels are among the most popular student cities, featuring Ghent University (UGent), Artevelde University of Applied Sciences, and HOGENT in Ghent, alongside VUB, ULB, UCLouvain Saint-Louis, and numerous colleges in Brussels.

The demand for student housing has exceeded supply for years, especially in the most popular districts. This makes the market highly competitive—and makes it all the more important for students to be well-informed before signing a lease.

Ghent: A Compact Student City with High Demand

Ghent is one of the most sought-after student cities in Flanders. The city combines a vibrant nightlife with a high academic reputation.

Popular neighborhoods to rent a student room in Ghent:

• Student Quarter (Overpoort & Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat): The beating heart of student life. Lively and social, but can be loud.

• Dampoort & Muide: Emerging neighborhoods with good price points, popular for those seeking more peace.

• Coupure & Bijloke: Centrally located with a mix of classic mansions and newer residences.

• Station District (Ghent-Sint-Pieters): Ideal for “commuter” students who take the train frequently.

• Campus Zwijnaarde (Tech Lane): Home to engineering faculties and tech companies. Perfect for students who want to live near their labs; the city center is just a 20-minute bike ride away.

What does a student room in Ghent cost? The average rent for a student room Belgium (specifically Ghent) fluctuates between €350 and €550 per month. Studios generally range between €500 and €750. All-inclusive formulas, covering internet, energy, and water—are becoming increasingly popular for budget certainty.

From our experience: As an operator of multiple residences in Ghent, we see every year that students who start searching before April have significantly more choice. Those searching in August or September often have to settle for lower quality.

Brussels: International, Diverse, and Complex

Brussels offers a completely different dynamic. As the capital of Belgium and Europe, it attracts a diverse population—from local students to Erasmus and international master’s students.

Popular neighborhoods for a student room in Brussels:

• Ixelles (Elsene): The ultimate student district near VUB and ULB. Lively and multicultural, but prices are rising fast.

• Saint-Gilles (Sint-Gillis): A trendy, bohemian vibe popular with creative and Erasmus students.

• City Center (Grand Place & Dansaert): Culturally rich, though the supply of student rooms is more limited.

• Brussels-North Region (Schaerbeek, Saint-Josse): One of the fastest-changing areas. Excellent accessibility and relatively affordable prices compared to Ixelles.

What does a student room in Brussels cost? Brussels is, on average, 10–20% more expensive than Ghent. Expect to pay €400 to €650 for a room and €550 to €850 for a studio.

From our experience: International students often underestimate the complexity of the Brussels rental market. Differences in regional regulations and language barriers make professional guidance extra valuable.

What to Look for When Choosing Student Housing

After years of renting out student rooms, we’ve identified the factors that truly matter:

1. All-inclusive or not? A base rent of €350 can quickly jump to €500 with utilities. Always compare the total price. At JACKEY, we use all-inclusive formulas to avoid hidden cost frustrations.

2. Condition of the building: Check for double glazing, signs of mold, and the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) label.

3. Safety: Ask about secure access (badges/codes), CCTV in common areas, and fire safety (smoke detectors and escape routes).

4. Proximity to Campus: Living 10 minutes away instead of 45 saves you nearly 200 hours a year—that’s over eight full days!

5. Community: Residences that invest in common rooms and events score higher on student well-being.

Managing Student Housing: What Makes the Difference?

• Private Landlords: Often offer a personal touch and sometimes lower prices, but quality and maintenance responsiveness can vary.

• Professional Operators (like JACKEY): We invest in new builds or thorough renovations, provide 24/7 support, and foster communities. While the rent might be slightly higher, the peace of mind and total experience are superior.

Frequently asked questions

• How early should I book? Ideally between January and March.

• Is all-inclusive always better? It provides budget security and eliminates surprises at the end of the year.

• Can international students find rooms easily? It can be complex, but professional residences like JACKEY offer English-language support and transparent booking.

Your Next Step

Whether you are a freshman or an experienced student looking for an upgrade, the right housing defines your academic year. Don’t let “artificial scarcity” rush you—take the time to compare.

Want to experience what JACKEY has to offer for yourself? Discover our residences in Ghent (The Arch & The Root) and Brussels (KVSII) and schedule a viewing. We would love to show you why students choose JACKEY. Our ultimate checklist for your student room is a great place to start.