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EEA Students: How to Prepare for Your Exchange to Belgium

Studying abroad is exciting, but it comes with its share of preparations. This page provides an overview of the essential steps to ensure a smooth transition for your exchange in Belgium. 

After you have been officially nominated by the international relations officer at your home institution, we will contact you with all the necessary details. Here, you'll find the most important steps to take before your departure and upon your arrival in Belgium.

We recommend saving this page for quick access whenever needed. 

On this website you can find a checklist: 

  • Before coming to Belgium 
  • Upon arrival in Belgium 

 

Studenten op campus Brussel
Before coming to Belgium

Coming to Odisee as an EEA student

Once you have been nominated by your home institution, you will receive an email with instructions to complete your registration at Odisee as an exchange student.

Before coming to Belgium as an EEA student, make sure you have all your preparations in order:

  • Compose Your Learning Agreement

    Coming to Odisee to study or do a traineeship? 

    You will need to create your study plan by selecting courses from the course catalogue of the programme of your exchange. The ECTS sheets can be consulted on the website or in the course catalogue.

    After your Learning Agreement is composed, it needs to be signed by yourself, and your coordinators at the home and host institution. 

  • Complete Your Online Application

    The final step in your application process is to upload all required documents such as your Learning Agreement, Transcript of Records, proof of health insurance, using our online tool. Please follow the instructions provided in the enclosed manual sent to you by email. 

    Remember, the deadline to complete your online application is November 15th for exchanges in the first semester and June 15th for exchanges in the second semester.

  • Well Insured With The European Health Insurance Card

    EEA and Swiss students studying in Belgium are covered by their home country's medical insurance. To get reimbursed for medical costs, ask your insurance company for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

    The EHIC is a free card that provides access to necessary state healthcare during temporary stays in any of the 27 EU countries, under the same conditions and costs as locals. Your national health insurance provider issues these cards.

    It's important to note that the EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. It doesn't cover private healthcare, return flights, lost or stolen property, or planned medical treatment. Additionally, healthcare costs can vary between countries, so services that are free at home might not be free elsewhere.

    More info

  • Look For Housing

    Start your search for accommodation early, ideally before arriving in Belgium. Avoid signing any contracts until you are physically in Belgium. Once you arrive, visit your chosen accommodation as soon as possible to finalize your move-in.

    Please note that Odisee has limited student rooms available on some campuses. For a detailed overview of your accommodation options per campus, consult our housing webpage.

    Studying at our campus in Brussels? Secure a room via our partner Brik.

     

  • Expenses and Finances

    It is advisable to budget approximately €1,000 per month to cover your basic costs. For more details, you can check and compare the cost of living in Belgium via this tool.

Upon Arrival in Belgium

Arriving on campus as an EEA student

Upon arrival in Belgium as an EEA student, make sure you have all your preparations in order:

  • Plan Your Trip To The Campus

    The following webpages give you clear instructions how to reach your Odisee campus:

    Campus Brussels - Campus Brussels-Terranova

    Technology Campus Ghent

    Campus Sint-Niklaas

    Campus Aalst

  • Register at The Municipality

    Staying for longer than 90 days in Belgium? 

    EEA nationals must register at the town hall within three months of arriving in Belgium. It is best to register as soon as possible by making an appointment at the town hall of your municipality.

     After your visit, the police will verify your address, so ensure your name is on the postbox and doorbell.

    More information for students staying in Ghent.

    More information for students staying in Brussels.

    Make sure you register at the commune where you will reside. Brussels has 19 different municipalities, each with its own town hall, so check where you need to go.

     

  • Transportation

    Staying in Brussels?

    Public transport in Brussels is managed by STIB/MIVB, offering an efficient network of trams, metros, and buses. Students under 24 can apply for a school pass, valid for the entire network, costing around €12 per academic year. Make sure to bring your Odisee registration certificate and a passport sized picture when applying for the card at one of the BOOTIKs.

    Staying in Ghent? 

    Cycling is a popular and eco-friendly way to get around Ghent. Bike rental options include:

    Public transport in Ghent is operated by De Lijn and includes buses and trams. You can either opt for:

  • Join the Welcome Day(s)!

    You'll get an email invitation just before the new semester starts. Make sure to RSVP in time so you don't miss out!