Where to Study in Brussels? The Best Libraries for Your Exam Period!

Are you tired of studying at home? But struggling to find a quiet place outside? Is your usual library always full? In this article, we’ve gathered a list of libraries in Brussels where you can study in peace.

University and Higher Education Libraries

You might be used to studying in your own university’s library, but have you tried checking out those of other faculties?

• The various ULB libraries are accessible to anyone registered with the library system but are reserved for ULB students during exam periods. If you’re not a ULB student, registration costs €12.50 per year. Their website provides real-time opening hours and occupancy rates, so you won’t go there for nothing. You can also check this info via the “Affluences” mobile app. Note: During exam periods, you must book your seat in advance.
• The Saint-Louis University Library is also open to all students.
• The Health Sciences Library of UCLouvain, located in Alma, is accessible to all students with an access card. If you're not a UCLouvain student, you can get a card for €2.50 per day or €5 per year.

This list isn’t exhaustive—you can find all higher education libraries in Wallonia-Brussels Federation listed by ARES here.

Municipal Libraries

Each district in Brussels has a municipal library, some of which offer study spaces. The advantage? These libraries tend to be quieter since fewer students go there. Plus, you might find one just around the corner!

To access these spaces, you need to register for a Biblio-pass, which is free upon presentation of your ID.

Here’s a list of municipal libraries with study rooms:

• Bibliothèque des Riches Claires (1000 Brussels)
• Laeken Library
• Schaerbeek Libraries
• Jette Library
• Woluwe-Saint-Pierre Libraries
• Bibliothèque communale du Centre (Auderghem)
• Bibliothèque communale Uccle-Homborch
• Bibliothèque publique locale (Saint-Henri Hub) (Woluwe-Saint-Lambert)
• Saint-Josse Library
• Brussels City Artistic Library | Arba ESA (arba-esa.be)
• Charles Janssen Library (1000 Brussels)

Other Libraries and Study Rooms

There are also two major libraries in central Brussels open to the public:

• Royal Library of Belgium (KBR Reading Rooms): Students can get an annual pass for €15 or pay €5 per day to study in its large, quiet reading rooms at Mont des Arts. Open Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Reservation required to guarantee a seat.
• Muntpunt: You can study for free at the Place de la Monnaie library from 10 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and from 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturdays. Book your spot here to ensure you get a seat.

Additionally, free study rooms are available through the CPAS and the Youth Service of the City of Brussels.

For students in Evere, the Espace-Études (Cohésion Sociale d’Evere) provides study spaces exclusively for local students.

Still haven’t found the perfect study spot? The BRIK website lists various "study spaces" in Brussels during exam periods.

Online Study Libraries

If you prefer studying with others, asking questions, or getting help from students in your field or university, join the “Etudiants de Belgique” Discord server.

There, you’ll find study rooms, break rooms, subject-specific discussions, channels for thesis and coursework help, and much more!

Good luck with your exams! 💪📚