How do you start your search?
Let's find you a KOT!
Explore Antwerp: STAN is your starting point
Antwerp is a student city with many different neighbourhoods and so it has something for everyone. Explore the neighbourhoods and find out where you feel the most at home. The free Antwerp Student Guide with street maps is waiting for you at STAN. Want a well mapped out, student sized walking tour through six Antwerp districts? We have those ready for you too at STAN. Just ask for the Student Walkabouts or download our free Student Guide app with walking routes (for IPhone & Android)!
Determine your budget
Determine your budget before you go hunting for student accommodation. Also consider any additional charges. Is the price of your student accommodation an all-in price or do you need to pay advances for utilities? Check out the average prices here.
What type of accommodation do you want?
An average student room in Belgium is called a kot. It is a private room with space to sleep and study. There are shared facilities, such as a bathroom, kitchen and living room.
If you are looking for something a bit more private, you might want a studio with your own bathroom and/or kitchen. Do you want full privacy, are you looking for something to share with a friend or partner and do you have a bigger budget? There are also apartments or even houses available as student accommodation on Kotweb.
A new type of accommodation is the homestay, where you can take a room in a family house. If you want to feel at home while living abroad, this might be the thing for you. Find more information about homestays here.
Search this Kotweb site!
Now that you've determined your budget and know your preferences in terms of the type of building/room and area, your search will be more focused. Enter your criteria in Kotweb and start your search! We advise you to look at the rooms with a green label and owners who work with a model lease first - this way you can be certain of the quality and transparency of your contract! You can put all the properties you selected side-by-side on the site and compare them.
When should you start your search?
We strongly advise you to start your search as early as possible, as this will enhance your chances of finding suitable accommodation. If you have found a room to your liking, you can contact the landlord directly and introduce yourself. You can always ask the landlord for a video call, so they can show you around the accommodation virtually. If you both agree on the price etc, the landlord will send you a contract to sign. Never pay anything before you have both signed the contract!
Still need some advice? Your International Student Service department is always ready to help and advise you!
