Category: Student Life

THE ESSENTIALS

The rental guarantee in Brussels is a sum of money your landlord can ask for at the start of your lease. It’s there to protect them if you don’t pay your rent or if you cause damage. Since November 1, 2024, it can’t exceed two months’ rent (excluding charges), and you have several ways to block it. You normally get it back at the end of your lease, if everything is in order.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

In Brussels, the rules for rental guarantees are clear and valid in 2026.

• How much? For leases signed or renewed from November 1, 2024, the rental guarantee cannot exceed the equivalent of two months’ rent, not including charges. This amount is based on the basic rent in your contract and doesn’t change if your rent is indexed annually.
• Where to block it? You choose how to block your guarantee from five possible options for recent leases (since November 1, 2024):
  • A blocked bank account in your name, where the money earns interest for you.
  • A bank guarantee via a special contract between a CPAS and a bank.
  • A bank guarantee that allows you to repay the sum in constant monthly installments over a maximum of three years.
  • A real security (a pledge or a mortgage) with a financial institution.
  • A personal guarantee, where someone acts as a guarantor for you.

  The guarantee can no longer be paid in cash; it must be deposited into a bank account.

HOW TO DO IT

• To block your guarantee:
  1. Choose one of the five forms of rental guarantee that suits you best.
  2. If you opt for a blocked account or a bank guarantee, contact your bank. Most banks have standard forms for you and your landlord to sign.
  3. If you have financial difficulties, you can inquire with the Fonds du Logement de la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale. They can help you with an interest-free loan or via the BRU-GAL fund, under certain income conditions, in 2026.
  4. Make sure the guarantee is properly blocked in your name and that your landlord cannot access it without your agreement or a court decision.
• To recover your guarantee:
  1. At the end of your lease, conduct a detailed exit inventory with your landlord. This is super important to prove the condition of the dwelling.
  2. Make sure you have paid all your rent and charges until the very end.
  3. If everything is in order, you and your landlord must sign a written agreement to release the guarantee. Often, this is a form your bank provides.
  4. The bank will return the guarantee and interest within two months after your departure and the return of the keys, if the agreement is signed.
  5. If your landlord refuses to sign or doesn’t respond, you can
     

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     Verified sources

     • be.brussels
     • etat-des-lieux-bruxelles.be
     • bruxelles-j.be
     • ijbxl.be
     • victoire.be
     • immobiliervision.be

     Information verified on 10/08/2026. Amounts and rules may change: always check with the official body.

THE FACTS

Are you going on Erasmus soon and the housing search is stressing you out? That’s normal! Every year, thousands of students face tempting offers that sometimes hide well-orchestrated scams. Fake landlords, misleading photos, requests for transfers before visits… The traps are numerous, especially when you’re searching remotely.

Scammers take advantage of urgency and distance to extort money from you. They often ask for a deposit or security via bank transfer or unsecured money transfer services (Western Union, MoneyGram) even before you’ve seen the apartment or signed a contract. Once the money is sent, they disappear. It’s a classic, and it happens more often than you think, even in Europe. Platforms like Agence Erasmus+ France have also warned about fraudulent practices affecting the Erasmus+ program, particularly concerning requests for transfers under the pretext of pre-financing.

WHY IT CONCERNS YOU

Because your Erasmus budget isn’t unlimited, and losing 500 or 1000 euros due to a scam can ruin your stay before it even begins. As a young Bruxellois, you might have already struggled to find a kot here, but abroad, it’s even more complex. You don’t know the local market prices, administrative procedures, or the good addresses. That’s where scammers strike. Don’t let yourself be fooled! Your Erasmus experience should be a positive adventure, not a source of financial stress. Avoid finding yourself homeless upon arrival or having to fight to get a never-returned deposit back. A good housing plan is the foundation of a successful Erasmus. We’ll give you the tips to avoid traps and start your adventure with peace of mind.

THE BELGIAN CONTEXT

Even if you’re going abroad, the Belgian context is important. In Belgium, student lease legislation is quite protective, but it’s regionalized, meaning the rules vary between Wallonia, Brussels, and Flanders. Since March 2024 in Brussels, the maximum rental guarantee is two months’ rent (excluding charges). In Wallonia, it’s two months (in a blocked account) or three months (progressive bank guarantee) since June 1, 2023.

The inventory of fixtures is mandatory and must be registered, and the entry inventory must be carried out no later than one month after you move in. Regarding notice, a student lease generally has a duration of 12 months, but can be shorter, often 10 months to match the academic year. In Brussels, you can generally terminate the lease early with two months’ notice, but compensation (up to three months’ rent) may be due, with exceptions (refusal of registration, abandonment of studies, or if you find a replacement with the landlord’s agreement). Never pay anything before you’ve visited the accommodation and signed an official lease. Belgian universities, like ULB or VUB, have dedicated services for Erasmus students (incoming and outgoing) who can give you advice or reliable contacts in your host country.

WHAT’S DEBATED

The main debate concerning student housing, especially for stays abroad, revolves around students’ vulnerability to scams. The difficulty in finding accommodation, urgency, unfamiliarity with local laws, and geographical distance are all factors that place young people in a delicate position, exploited by fraudsters. The issue of protecting foreign students is also raised, notably by organizations like the FEF, which has warned about scam practices related to fake guarantors for non-EU students in Belgium, following the increase in income requirements for guarantors in 2022-2023.

TO GO FURTHER

To avoid traps, prioritize recognized housing search platforms and the housing services of your host university or Belgian institution. Don’t hesitate to verify the landlord’s identity and the existence of the property using tools like Google Maps and “Search by image.” Never transfer money (deposit, security, first rent) before you’ve visited the accommodation, signed a contract, and ensured the legitimacy of the landlord. If the offer seems too good to be true, be wary. If in doubt, contact youth information services like Infor Jeunes or the Federal Police, who offer advice and practical guides on student housing scams.

Verified sources

• police.be
• bruxelles-j.be
• youtube.com
• valma-study.com
• reddit.com
• erasmusplus.fr

THE FACTS

Sundays in Brussels are often pretty quiet when it comes to transport. STIB bus, tram, and metro frequencies are reduced compared to weekdays, and even compared to Saturdays. For example, where a tram might pass every 6 minutes during peak hours on a weekday, you could wait between 15 and 20 minutes on a Sunday for certain lines or time slots. Shops open later, some are even closed, which also affects crowds and therefore transport availability. In short, if you have plans on a Sunday, it’s better to plan ahead.

The Brussels Intercommunal Transport Company (STIB) is the main urban public transport operator in Brussels. However, you also have De Lijn (Flemish) and TEC (Walloon) buses that cross the Brussels-Capital Region for peripheral and regional journeys. They also generally apply reduced schedules on Sundays. Ride-sharing platforms like Uber are active, but prices can surge during high demand. And shared scooter/bike services like Dott, Lime, or Velo are always there, too!

WHY IT MATTERS TO YOU

Whether you want to go for brunch in Saint-Gilles, hunt for bargains in Les Marolles, meet up with friends in Flagey, or enjoy an event at Tour & Taxis, you need to be able to get around without a headache. If you don’t check the schedules, you risk wasting a lot of time waiting or having to blow your savings on a taxi. A well-organized Sunday is a successful Sunday, and that starts with knowing how to get around. Imagine: you need to be at a concert at Ancienne Belgique at 2 PM. If you’re counting on a tram that passes every 20 minutes and you just miss it, it’s guaranteed hassle. Knowing your options allows you to be independent and fully enjoy your weekend without transport-related stress. Especially since Brussels is great to explore, but it requires a bit of preparation.

THE BELGIAN CONTEXT

Reduced frequencies on Sundays are not unique to Brussels; it’s a general trend in Belgium and even in many European cities. Public transport companies adapt their services to demand, which is statistically lower on Sundays. In Flanders, De Lijn also applies reduced schedules. The same goes for TEC in Wallonia. The observation is the same for SNCB: fewer trains, sometimes longer journeys because there are fewer direct routes.

However, efforts are being made to improve this. Initiatives like “car-free Sundays,” including the one on September 21, 2025, for Mobility Week, show a desire to promote soft mobility. During these days, the STIB network is generally free and reinforced, even running at Saturday frequencies on some lines. STIB itself regularly communicates about its special schedules during major events to encourage the use of public transport and often offers line reinforcements or dedicated shuttles.

WHAT’S DEBATED

The debate around public transport on Sundays is a delicate balance between supply and demand. On one hand, operators like STIB reduce frequencies because the number of passengers is objectively lower on Sundays than on other days of the week. Maintaining a full service would incur significant costs for a low occupancy rate.

On the other hand, this reduced service directly impacts the quality of life for those who work on weekends, who want to enjoy cultural or leisure activities, or simply get around without a car. A less frequent service can make Brussels less accessible and discourage the use of public transport for Sunday activities. Initiatives like “Car-Free Sunday,” where the network is reinforced, show that there is demand for a denser service, even if it’s only occasional. The question remains how to reconcile the economic viability of the network with users’ expectations for a quality service seven days a week.

TO GO FURTHER

To avoid being caught off guard and to best organize your Sunday trips in Brussels, the reflex is always to consult real-time information!

* Websites and apps: STIB provides its official website (stib-mivb.be) and its mobile app to check live schedules and itineraries. Route planning apps like Moovit or Google Maps also integrate data from STIB, De Lijn, and TEC.
* Special events: During festivals, concerts, or major events (like “Car-Free Sunday” or “Couleur Café”), STIB often offers line reinforcements or specific shuttles, sometimes even free or included with the entry ticket (Event Pass). Check the event’s website or STIB’s.
* Noctis: If your Sunday plans extend late into the night (more like Saturday to Sunday), don’t forget STIB’s Noctis bus network, which operates on Friday and Saturday nights from midnight to 3 AM on 11 lines to get you home safely.

Verified sources

• prezly.com
• moovitapp.com
• transitapp.com
• bruxelles.be

THE FACTS

We know, Brussels is cool but it can be a bit of a mess if you don’t know the good spots. Whether you’re here for your studies, an internship, or just to explore, your smartphone can become your best friend. We’ve listed the apps that will save your life daily, from your STIB commutes to your nights out with friends. No more bus hassles, full restaurants, or missed events. With the right apps, you save time, money, and fully enjoy everything the capital has to offer. We’re talking about mobility, food, culture, and even a little help for your budget.

WHY IT CONCERNS YOU

Imagine: you have to go to an interview on the other side of the city. With Flow (STIB), you know exactly which tram to take, how long it will take, and where to buy your ticket if you don’t have your MoBIB card. Or are you a little hungry after classes at ULB? Too Good To Go allows you to pick up super good unsold items at low prices from shops near you. This saves you a few euros, and we know that’s important when you’re a student or young professional in Brussels. The cost of living is generally higher than in Liège, especially for housing. And if you’re looking for a student job or a first job, platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn are essential. Knowing the rules for student jobs is crucial for managing your budget and maximizing your income. Don’t underestimate the impact of apps like CityMapper for complex journeys, or even social media to find good event deals in the FWB.

THE BELGIAN CONTEXT

In Belgium, and particularly in Brussels, digital technology is highly developed. STIB, for example, has gone all out with its apps to make your life easier. Most public services (CPAS, communes) also have mobile versions of their sites, even if they are not always dedicated apps. Mobile payment is also very widespread with Payconiq by Bancontact, used by millions of Belgians to pay for their groceries or reimburse a friend. The meal delivery sector is also booming. Deliveroo and Uber Eats share a large part of the market, with hundreds of partner restaurants in Brussels alone. It’s convenient for lazy evenings, but watch your wallet!

Regarding student jobs in Belgium for 2025-2026, you can work up to 650 hours per calendar year while benefiting from reduced social security contributions. These solidarity contributions amount to 2.71% of your gross salary for the student, and 5.42% for the employer. If you exceed these 650 hours, you can continue to work, but ordinary social security contributions will apply from the 651st hour.

In Brussels, an important particularity concerns your family allowances: to keep them, you must not work more than 240 hours per quarter during the school year (excluding summer holidays). If you exceed this limit, your allowances will be suspended for the quarter in question.

For salary, it is generally set by the joint committee of the company where you work. If you are 21 or older and no specific scale is defined, you are entitled to the Guaranteed Average Minimum Monthly Income (RMMMG), which was €2,189.81 gross per month (approximately €13.29 gross per hour for a full-time 38h/week) as of April 1, 2026. For those under 21, a percentage of this RMMMG applies, with decreasing amounts depending on age. On average, a student worker earned €14.21 gross per hour in 2026. To remain fiscally dependent on your parents in 2025 (2026 declaration), your net income must not exceed a certain ceiling, which varies according to their family situation (for example, approximately €12,298 gross if you are dependent on a couple taxed jointly).

You can start working as a student from the age of 15 if you have completed the first two years of secondary education, or from the age of 16 in all cases. Since May 2026, young people aged 15 who are still in full-time compulsory education can also do light work. Don’t forget to always sign a written contract before starting your job. To track your hours and check your quota, the Student@work application is your best ally.

WHAT’S DEBATABLE

While these apps are super practical, they also raise questions. The protection of your personal data, for example. When you use Google Maps or CityMapper, you share your location. Do you really read the terms and conditions? Another debate

TO GO FURTHER

To stay up to date on student job legislation in Belgium and Brussels for the years 2025-2026, don’t hesitate to regularly consult official platforms like Student@work or youth information sites like Infor Jeunes.

Verified sources

• ulb.be
• bruxelles-j.be
• ijbxl.be
• cessoc.be