Accommodation
Most
students rent a private room. If your stay in Belgium will be
longer than 6 months, or certainly if you are going to stay for a whole academic
year, we strongly advise you to look for a room on the private market.
We advise you to contact the Programme Coordinator before you arrive in Belgium, so she/he can arrange initial temporary housing. You can then look for a permanent place to live in a more comfortable way.
We advise you to come two weeks prior to the start of classes as you will need time to adjust and to find your way around Ghent. The best time of year to start looking for housing is July - August.
Accommodation prices
Accommodation prices
range from 250 euros to 620 euros per month for a student apartment.
Before moving into your room or apartment you will have to pay, in addition to
the first month's rent, a security deposit of two or three
times the monthly rent. Be sure to have the required amount available upon your
arrival.
Regarding the deposit: note that you may not simply withhold the last month's rent and inform the landlord that this sum should be deducted from the deposit. This is considered a breach of contract and you could be subject to legal action. The deposit will be returned to you when you return your keys and if no damage is assessed.
Try this link to find a place to live:
- For Ghent: www.kotatgent.be/, www.gent.be/immodatabank (in Dutch, English, French and German)www.immoweb.be (in Dutch, English and French)www.CasaSwap.com
- For Leuven: www.opkotinleuven.be (Dutch) or www.kuleuven.be/english/living.html
Getting around
We will provide a quick definition of the various types of accommodation, with price indication, so that you can get around and find housing more easily:
|
Term |
Definition |
Average price |
|---|---|---|
| Kamer |
A room usually furnished with a bed, cupboard, study table, possibly a sink and with curtains. The bathroom and kitchen will be shared by several tenants. |
250 euros |
| Studio |
A room that includes a bathroom and a small kitchen. Usually furnished as above. |
300 - 400 euros |
| Duplex |
Similar to a studio, but a duplex consists of two storeys. |
300 - 400 euros |
| Apartement |
Apartment or Flat: includes a living room, kitchen, bathroom and 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms. May or may not be furnished. |
+ 500 euros |
| Te Huur |
For rent |
|
| Te koop |
For sale |
Once you have a permanent address in Belgium, you will have to register at the Municipality to obtain a residence permit valid for one year.
Living Expenses
Although the cost of living largely depends on the student's lifestyle, these costs range from 6,000 to 10,000 euro for the duration of the programme (based on estimates from 2006-2007 graduates).
An average monthly budget consists of:
- Housing: 300 euro
- Electricity, gas and water: 40 euro
- Food: 250 euro
- Miscellaneous (trips, clothing, laundry,…): 160 euro
Total: about 750 euro per month