Erasmus students cancel semester in Belgium due to lack of affordable accommodation

Many Erasmus students who would follow part of their education in Belgium are cancelling their stay because they cannot find affordable accommodation. The University of Antwerp has announced that almost 25 students have already dropped out for this reason.

”Of the 360 Erasmus students, between 30 and 60 students are still looking for a room”, according to the university. “Over the past month, our mailbox has been flooded with questions to help with the search for accommodation, while a few years ago it was advised to only look for something once the students were here.”

Peter De Meyer, a spokesperson for the university, also indicated that foreign PhD students – who stay for a full year – are not included in the figures.

“It is especially difficult for students from abroad. Now all possible ways are being sought to find a room: even via Airbnb. Anything but ideal.”

Other educational institutions have also reported that it is becoming increasingly difficult for foreign students, or even foreign professors, who need accommodation for a short period of time. Students who can rent for a full school year are often preferred by landlords. 

(VIV)

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© BELGA PHOTO (SISKA GREMMELPREZ)