Temporary accomodation for VUB Staff
We recommend first securing temporary accommodation for your initial weeks in Brussels as it can take a while to find suitable housing.
Be aware! If you have to register at the town hall of the local municipality, they frequently ask to provide a temporary address (but it needs to be possible to register your address at this location). A hotel or boarding house is not an option, because they do not offer a “postbox”.
U-residence
Mid stay (min one month max 12 months, hotel service) is exclusively reserved for PhD students or invited guest researchers of VUB, ULB, EhB or Vesalius College (Proof of registration at one of these schools is required): seven studios equipped with desk, sanitary facilities, kitchenette.
Short Stay (max. three months, hotel service) exclusively reserved for students, PhD students, invited guests of VUB, ULB, EhB or Vesalius College: 31 rooms for stays from one night with hotel service.
For more information: visit their website.
Housing anywhere
HousingAnywhere is a website where they believe that renting a home should be as easy and carefree as booking a hotel room. That's why we're here: to simplify accommodation renting for everyone. Whether it's to book a place online or pay rental fees after moving in.
How does it work for tenants? One you’ve paid the first month’s rent the place is yours. This way, you can secure housing from anywhere.
Hotels and hostels
Not for adress regsitration purposes. The best options for finding a hotel include booking, Trivago, and TripAdvisor. If you’re seeking a hostel consider using platforms like Hostel World or Jeugd Herbergen, Airbnb.
Long term accomodation for VUB Staff
While it’s possible to begin your search before arriving in Belgium, it’s often challenging to secure long-term accommodation without seeing the property in person. We recommend exploring your options in person after you arrive in Brussels. This allows you to visit properties, compare different offers, and find the one that suits your needs and expectations best. However, you can use the time before arrival to familiarize yourself with the neighborhoods, average rental prices, and available options.
Private market options
If you prefer securing accommodation from abroad, and you cannot come to Belgium to check it beforehand, it is advisable to take into account the following aspects: 
- Many landlords prefer tenants they have met in person, so finding what you want might be more challenging. 
- Make sure to have all information you need before signing a contract since this contract is as valid as if you would sign a contract with a landlord in person. A signed contract cannot be terminated before its end date. Pictures can (even unintentionally) be misleading. It is advisable to ask the landlord for as much information as possible about the size, facilities, etc. 
- If you sign a contract from abroad, we advise you to keep all communication (e.g. emails) between you and the landlord regarding the rent of your accommodation. 
- Be wary of internet fraud. Do not transfer any money before receiving your signed contract. 
Found a property?
Read the document below to learn all about renting, signing contracts, and insurance.