Living as a student in Belgium: budget, transport, health, going out

What should you know to live well as a student in Belgium?

Living as a student in Belgium means learning how to manage a monthly budget of €800 to €1,200, getting discounts on public transport, making sure you have health coverage, and finding a balance between studying and social life.

It’s also about experiencing a new kind of independence: paying for your kot (student room), doing your groceries, keeping up with your class schedule, while integrating into a lively student community.

Belgium offers many advantages to make this transition easier: modern infrastructure, accessible transport, student health funds, a rich cultural scene, and useful apps to stay organized.

But to adapt, you need to understand how things work:

• how much living costs each month,
• how to get around without blowing your budget,
• how to be properly covered for health issues,
• how to enjoy student associations and culture,
• and which apps can help you day to day.

This complete guide explains everything you need to know to enjoy student life in Belgium whether you’re from Brussels, Liège, Arlon… or you’re an international student who just arrived.

Average monthly budget for a student in Belgium

What to expect each month

Whether you live in Brussels, Louvain-la-Neuve, Namur or Liège, prices can vary, but here is a realistic estimate of the main monthly expenses for a student:

1. Housing (kot or shared flat): €350 to €550
2. Groceries: €200 to €300
3. Transport: €20 to €60
4. Mobile plan + Internet: €15 to €40
5. Health & mutual insurance: €0 to €30
6. Leisure & going out: €50 to €150
7. Estimated total: €800 to €1,200

💡 Brussels is the most expensive city for housing. Cities like Mons, Namur or Louvain-la-Neuve tend to be more affordable.

Tips to manage your budget

Student job: you can work up to 650 hours/year with reduced social contributions

• Too Good To Go to eat cheaply
• Study grant if your household tax situation is eligible
• University housing / public student housing → often cheaper rent

Transport and student subscriptions

Getting around as a student: what options do you have?

You have plenty of choices depending on your city and lifestyle:

Train (SNCB/NMBS): ideal if you go back to your parents on weekends or commute

Local transport:

• STIB (Brussels)
• TEC (Wallonia)
• De Lijn (Flanders)
• Soft mobility: bike, e-scooters (Tier, Bolt, Voi)

Discounted student passes

• SNCB Student Multi: €10.20 for 12 rides (less than €1 per ride)
• STIB (Brussels): €12/year (for under-25s)
• TEC (Wallonia): ~€12/month (school pass)
• De Lijn (Flanders): €12/month (youth pass)

💡 Combine a train pass + a folding bike → a smart and affordable option for mixed commutes.

Insurance, mutual fund and health

Mutual insurance: am I automatically covered?

Not necessarily. Two common situations:

1. You live with your parents and don’t have a regular income: you’re usually covered as a dependent → no separate registration needed.
2. You work regularly or live on your own: you need to register yourself with a mutual fund (Solidaris, Partenamut, Mutualité Chrétienne, etc.).

It’s free or low-cost for young people.

What medical costs are reimbursed?

1. Your mutual fund typically covers:
2. GP consultations
3. part of prescribed medicines
4. some dental care, glasses, physiotherapy…
5. hospital costs (if you have complementary insurance)

Mental health support?

Many institutions offer psychological support free of charge or at a symbolic price.

Examples: ULB psychology service, UNamur mental health unit, UCLouvain guidance center...

Culture, soirées, vie associative

Culture, parties and student associations

Why Belgian student life is unique ?

Belgium is known for its student folklore: guindailles, cantus, baptisms (not mandatory!), parties, the 24h Vélo, and many other festive events.

But that’s not all—student associations are very active:

• Student circles (by faculty/field), often organizing parties and activities
• Cultural, sports and solidarity associations
• Student projects: newspapers, campus radios, theatre groups…

Affordable culture and going out

Also read: How do I know if I’m still “fundable”? Calculate your eligibility!

1. You can enjoy culture without spending much:
2. Museums → often free or 50% off
3. Student cinemas → €5–€6 per ticket
4. Concerts → many free campus events
5. Public libraries → access to lots of cultural content

💡 Example: in Brussels, STIB and City museums often offer reduced prices for under-26s.

The best apps for students in Belgium

Organisation & productivity

1. Notion / Google Calendar: plan classes and projects
2. Forest: stay focused while studying
3. Splitwise: manage shared expenses in a flatshare
4. Everyday life & savings
5. Too Good To Go / Phenix: get unsold food for under €3
6. Yuka: scan food and cosmetic products
7. Bepress: read Belgian newspapers for free if your school has a subscription

Mobility

1. SNCB/NMBS: schedules, delays, tickets
2. STIB, TEC, De Lijn: official apps
3. Tier, Bolt, Voi: quick urban mobility
4. Conclusion: Studying in Belgium means learning to manage and enjoy it
5. Living as a student in Belgium isn’t just about attending classes.

It’s learning how to:

manage your budget without struggling,

travel easily thanks to discounted student passes,

take care of your physical and mental health,

integrate into a vibrant, culturally rich environment.

🎯 In short:

Plan €800–€1,200/month

Make sure you’re registered with a mutual fund

Use ultra-discounted transport passes

Get involved through student associations

Use the right apps to stay organized

👉 Need a student job to boost your budget?

Check out the available student job offers!

FAQ — Living as a student in Belgium

1) Can an international student work in Belgium?

Yes—up to 20 hours/week during the academic year (with a work permit), and full-time during holidays.

2) Is living in a kot mandatory to study in Belgium?

No, but it’s recommended if you live far from campus. Some schools offer reduced-rent student housing.

3) Which city is the most affordable for students?

Liège, Mons or Namur are often cheaper than Brussels or Louvain.

4) Can I get financial help for transport?

Yes. If you receive a grant or qualify via a school card/status, you can get discounts with SNCB, TEC, STIB and De Lijn.

5) How do I meet people when I arrive in a new student city?

Join welcome-week activities, a student circle or association, and don’t hesitate to join local groups on social media.

Need a hand balancing your student budget?

Work at your own pace without sacrificing your studies with a student job.

➡️ Find a job that fits your schedule, anywhere in Belgium.

A job means more independence, more freedom… and less stress.