Student neighbourhoods

How do you like your field of study?

If you start at the university, you have the image of gigantic auditoriums filled with a thousand people. You have the feeling that you won’t know anyone, and you’ll only be able to speak with the people next to you. That’s totally not the case. Of course, I have a field of study with very few people. It was a continuation of the ‘secondary-school feeling’; you’re always sitting with the same twenty people in the class, and you all know each other. You simply can’t learn a language if there are too many people in the class. It’s unique to the field of study and I like it.

Has your perception of Brussels changed?

I never went to Brussels with my parents. They have the wrong idea of the city; that it’s dangerous, for example. My time studying here has proven the opposite. There are run-down neighbourhoods, but you have those in Antwerp and other cities too.

In Brussels, everyone is very open-minded, which is lovely if you come from a little country town like Meise. I’ve become more extroverted since I’ve been studying in Brussels. Thanks to my time studying here and the people I’ve met, but also because I’ve learned to take care of myself in Brussels.

What advice would you give yourself as a new student?

I needed to be much less worried. I had to repeat my three Spanish subjects in the first year. You can keep stressing about that, or just keep going. And, as well as studying, enjoy your time as a student. In the end, the years after my first year ran flawlessly. So, my advice is: study hard, but make the most of your time as a student!

1. Kunstberg

Imagine you’re in the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris.

2. Kiosk Radio

Come to listen to music and drink a pint at this hip radio station in a small kiosk in the Warandepark. Daily, from 14:00 to 22:00.

3. La crêperie de Marrakech

Moroccan crêpes at student prices. Delicious!

4. GRUUN

Decorate your room with plants from this store. Don’t have a green thumb? Join one of the workshops: ‘How I don’t make my plants die any more’. Or something of the sort.

5. Melting Pot Kilo

Need a new outfit? Shop here for the most original vintage pieces. You don’t pay per piece of clothing, but per kilo.

6. NONA Pizza

Authentic Neapolitan pizzas, deliciously made in the wood-fire oven. Not interested in pizza? Try their pastas. You won’t regret it!

7. Archipel

You’ll always find Arnaud here. A brown café/bar with live music, right in the heart of Brussels. The ideal combination!

8. Wolf

The largest food market in the city. A culinary world tour via seventeen different stands.

9. Tonton Garby

Feel like something other than a smoske or a broodje préparé? Drop by and spoil yourself in Sandwich Heaven.

How would you describe Brussels?

Brussels evokes independence. I come from a little farmer’s village in the province of Antwerp. In Brussels, you learn so much. If it’s nice weather, Brussels is one of the nicest places to be. So, independence and comfort sum it up for me. What might appear to be frightening for some people is the anonymity of Brussels. If you want, you’ll disappear into the crowd. But that’s exactly what I like about it.

Do you have favourite areas?

I hang around a lot in the centre, around school. I spend a lot of time in Café de Markten and Café Roskam. The RITCS Café, I practically live there. Something not so many people know is that external students are also welcome. It’s one of the cheapest cafés.

At the beginning of the academic year, the school organised an ‘Inbrusselingsweek’ where you went to specific neighbourhoods in small groups. For me, that was Molenbeek. It’s much nicer than I originally expected. It might not be my favourite place yet, but it’s nice to discover different neighbourhoods.

Do you have an ultimate Brussels hack?

Museums cost 2 euro on Wednesdays. You really need to make the most of that. It may seem that there’s nothing special in the Bozar, but there’s always something to do and the exhibitions are really good. One of the nicest museums that I’ve visited this year is Train World in Schaarbeek. You might think ‘Ridiculous! A whole day spent looking at trains!’, but actually, that museum is really interesting and impressive.

1. Recyclart

Crazy parties, interesting workshops and 100% vegan food—it’s all possible at this art centre. Highly recommended!

2. BelMundo

Delicious lunches at small prices. This social restaurant gets its vegetables from its own urban garden. Afterwards, go shopping for organic food next door in The Food Hub.

3. Park Ninoofsepoort

A park that gives oxygen to the neighbourhood. Breathe in, breathe out. Is it starting to rain? Then definitely step into the Mima. There is always something beautiful to spot there

4. Barbeton

In the middle of the Dansaertstraat, perfect for a coffee in the morning or a cocktail at sunset. You can spend the whole day in this cosy café.

5. Jardin Hospice

A former retirement home, transformed into an open-air bar where you won’t be bored. Games of ping-pong and pétanque, markets and exhibitions swap in and out with live music.

6. Think Twice

You’ll find a new second-hand outfit for next to nothing in this store. It has much more original clothing than you’ll find in the Nieuwstraat.

7. Chez Anastasia

Sandwiches for 2 euro, made with love by the friendly owners. The cordon bleu sandwich is their trademark.

8. Café Lava

Interested in arranging a party? In Café Lava, it’s free to do this, and you’re allowed to provide your own DJ.

9. Rioolmuseum

A surprising tour of underground Brussels. You have to put up with the smell.

How did you end up studying in Brussels?

I wanted to study Film and had to choose between Brussels, Ghent and Genk. Brussels quickly stood out, even though I hadn’t been there very much. The image I first had of Brussels has changed a lot. There are so many different vibes and neighbourhoods. You choose what to immerse yourself in. In my first year, I did what I was used to, and in the years since then, I’ve discovered much more.

What do you like about Campus Narafi?

It’s chill that the campus is in a park. As a result, there’s a good balance between school and recreation. You can have lunch or hang around in the park during your break. Narafi is also a very small campus, so everyone knows each other and that gives it a wonderful atmosphere.

There’s one student association for the whole school. That was a blessing for me; you’re instantly taken into the group. If I was to give myself any advice, it would be to commit to something at the very start. This is how you get to know people. For me, the friends I made at the start of my student career are the friends I still hang out with.

How do you like life in your student house?

I lived with four people and that was perfect for me. When I came here, I really had a feeling of freedom. I took care of myself and did everything at my own pace. In this way, I could develop and find out what I liked to do. I’ve been lucky enough to never need to worry about money because I can count on my parents. I’ve always been given food, so that means a little cash lasts even longer. Plus, the cheap pints at the RITCS Café mean you can always make ends meet (laughs).

1. Bar du Matin

Hip art-deco bar near the Park van Vorst. In the evenings there are often DJ sets or concerts. So definitely keep your ears open!

2. Van Meenenplein

On Monday afternoons, it’s pleasantly busy here with the organic market and a lot of food and drink stalls. Cheers!

3. Café La Pompe

A former fuel station with a large terrace and original hotdogs. Let the sunny days come and treat yourself to something tasty!

4. L’Altitude

In this bar/café, you’ll find monthly listening sessions, live music, and delicious food and wine, all in a beautiful art-deco setting.

5. Park van Vorst

With volleyball and pétanque fields and a number of drinking fountains, you’re set for a sport-filled afternoon.

6. Club House Union Saint-Gilloise

A unique location for throwing a party. Or you can just come to play football of course.

7. Brasserie des Alliés

A no-nonsense brasserie with occasional live music performances.

8. Cosi com’e

Genuine pizza and pasta. Good and affordable. Ideal for resting after the uphill climb.

9. Dynamo

Belgian beer culture at its best. A café/pub/bar with an extensive selection of beers and a cosy interior.

How did you get to know Brussels so well?

By wandering around a lot. I grew up in Brussels, but as a child, you just follow your parents and don’t think about anything. If you’re going out yourself, you discover the connections between the various areas in Brussels. Brussels is a big city, but it also feels small and cosy. A tip: go into the smaller streets in particular. They’re what make Brussels so interesting. And something I do that’s maybe a little unusual, but still very cool to do: in every city I visit, I go to all the churches. There are quite a lot in Brussels, and so in that way, I’ve become familiar with a lot of places by wandering around.

What’s your experience of student life on and around the campus?

The campus has a lot of sport facilities. There’s a swimming pool, three large sport halls, a tennis court, an athletics and running track, and for 25 euro, you can use it all. As well as this, there’s also a Basic-Fit gym where you pay student rates to exercise.

You don’t need to go far to eat either. On campus, there’s a place with the best sandwiches. My tradition on a Friday afternoon: a sandwich with Andalusian chicken. The bread is still warm and crusty … Delicious!

Near the Elsene Cemetery, you have a roundabout surrounded by different bars. You also have the café Bastoche there. There’s a happy hour and at 23:00, the café/bar turns into a disco. You get to know other students there too, because as well as the Dutch-speaking students, you have students from the ULB dropping by.

La Parenthese

Take a seat at the brown bar or relax in the garden of this fantastic student café.

2.Pavarotti

This cheap pizzeria will probably become your best friend.

3.Luigi’s Café

Once from the VUB and the classic among students. Parties, student-friendly prices, flexible study space and perfect for working on group work.

4.Le Waff

Go to the roof-top terrace to look out over this peaceful, green area in Elsene. It’s also a great destination for fancy cocktails or a fresh pint.

5.Café Belga (Boondaalsesteenweg)

A well-known and beloved café/bar. Easy to recognise from a distance with its bright red terrace.

6.Le Tavernier

Café/bar with an extensive selection of beers and a large, sunny terrace.

7.Café Bastoche

One of Séphora’s favourites, near the Elsene Cemetery.

8.Elsene Cemetary

Perfect place for a peaceful walk or a drink in one of the many cafés.

9.ULB

Go for a stroll in the green areas at your sister school.

Did you immediately know what you wanted to study?

I considered a number of different courses. Then I went to two open days to be completely sure of my choice. What I immediately knew is that I wanted to study in Brussels. I think it’s a beautiful city with so many different cultures and nationalities. It’s also a city that does a lot for students. You get student discounts everywhere, and there’s something for everyone: cafés and bars, nature, sport and so on. It’s easy to reach Brussels by train and it has very good public transport—which only costs 12 euro for a whole year!

What do you think of studying in Jette?

I think it’s really nice that the campus is completely surrounded by nature. The Koning Boudewijnpark is a ten-minute walk from the campus. I really like going there. Jette seems to be a long way from everything, but it’s not in reality. For example, I often go to the Basic-Fit Ladies Only gym in Molenbeek. You’re there in twenty minutes by public transport.

Even going to the centre is okay. I like to study in Muntpunt. There’s always a place to sit and it’s a very pleasant environment. While I’m there, I also love to grab a delicious ice cream from Gaston.

Do you have a student job?

I’ve already had a few different ones: working at the register in a shop, working at Expo Dino World in Paleis 2 in Brussels, and last summer, I had a student job at Brik.

I look for specific things myself, but signing up to interim offices helps too. They send you a message if there’s something available. Then it’s very handy and less time intensive.

1. Tempus en BOJ

Want to attend a TD (dance) or have a big night out as a student in Jette? You’re guaranteed to find something you like here. There’s something interesting happening every day.

2. Troc

Do you want something other than a room full of Swedish furniture? Definitely make your way down here. You’ll find second-hand gems that will make your room unique.

3. Atelier 34zero muzeum

You immediately have questions when you come here: is it a petting zoo? Is it a museum? It’s a gem of a café/bar in Jette. You won’t find anything else quite like it.

4. L’Excelsior

This pub has everything you need for an enjoyable evening: table football, a dart board and an interesting interior.

5. De Gele Poraa

Arrive at the station too early for your train? No problem. Take a seat in this little, authentic café where regular jam sessions take place.

6. Jeugdhuis De Branding

Got more time on your hands? Check the programme to find out what’s happening at this youth house. A pleasant evening is guaranteed.

7. Koningin Astridplein

Jette is at its best here, with a market every Sunday and a lot of lovely restaurants, cafés and bars.

8. La Fermette

When delicious sandwiches are made by genuinely friendly people, they taste even better.

9. Poelbos, Laarbeekbos, Koning Boudewijnpark

You don’t need to go far to escape into nature. Twittering birds and squirrels running about. Go jogging, study or enjoy a romantic picnic with your new flame.

Did you choose the city or the field of study?

I studied Product Development in Antwerp for one and a half years, but that had too much theory for me. I made the switch to Interior Design. And chose Brussels because the majority of my friends were already studying here. So, I chose both. And I’m happy with the choice because we’re given a lot of freedom at school. If you show you’re prepared to work hard, the teachers give you a hand. You’re not seen as a number. They address you by your first name and there’s a personal approach. I have really had a few golden teachers who have genuinely inspired me.

What do you do if you have a break?

Hang around the campus. The Liedtsplein is close and has a lot of small Middle Eastern restaurants. Tekince and Emirdağ Köftecisi for example. Emirdağ has a little staircase upstairs. From there you have a view over the whole square. It’s one of my favourite places to go for lunch.

L’Estaminet is the hidden gem of the area. A café/bar with a garden that’s hidden between the buildings. With the fountain in the garden, it really feels like a utopia in the busy North district. It’s really quiet there.

Around the Brabantstraat and the Liedtsplein, you have second-hand shops where you find designer items for very low prices. These clothing shops don’t stand out and aren’t particularly inspiring, but if you’re interested in looking around, you’ll find real treasures.

Do you have a student job?

Yes, at Le Phare du Kanaal. It’s a lunch and coffee bar, a great spot. I work there twice a week. I’m an unbelievable coffee snob and when I studied in the Study Spaces at JES and in the neighbourhood, I went searching for good coffee and came across this place. I asked whether they were looking for people and voilà.

What would you like to have known when you started in Brussels?

Brussels is blessed with its public transport system. You never need to wait more than five minutes for a tram, metro or bus. But the stops Simonis and Elisabeth are pretty confusing. It’s one station with Metro 2 and Metro 6 stops on different levels. You have Simonis on Level -1 and Elisabeth on Level -2. After jumping on the wrong metro train a few times, I eventually learned the difference.

1. Maximiliaanpark farm

Thousands of cars, the highest buildings and goats. Relax at this petting zoo in the heart of the North district. The ultimate study break.

2. Les Ecuries van de Tram

You’ll find this organic market in one of the oldest tram depots in Brussels every Friday and Saturday. As well as this, there are often concerts or exhibitions.

3. Boentje Café

Enjoy a delicious brunch with a view of the Brussels town hall. The waffles are spectacular!

4. Josaphatpark

Play frisbee, mini-golf, jog or just chill with the skyline of the Brussels North district in the background.

5. Autrique House

An architectural gem by Victor Horta that is well and truly worth a visit. It’s also one of the first designs he ever made.

6. Les Halles

It was one of the most important concert halls in Belgium. Nirvana, Arcade Fire and Manu Dibango have all performed here. Even the first four Couleur Café concerts took place here!

7. L’Estaminet

A hidden gem according to Maxime. In this café/bar with a garden and fountain, you’ll find complete peace and relaxation.

8. Lale pide

This is where it becomes clear that Turkish cuisine includes more than just kebabs. Make sure you try the pides—Turkish pizza—or the rich breakfast.

9. Botanique

What used to be gardens has been transformed into a cultural centre. You’ll find music and exhibitions here. Les Nuits Botanique takes place here every year too.