In Belgium, the quest for suitable student housing can be a daunting challenge for international students. According to a survey by the Erasmus Student Network (ESN)1, a staggering 28% of exchange students experience fraud during their housing search. Unscrupulous landlords may demand excessive upfront payments, while others engage in fraudulent schemes, tricking unsuspecting students into paying for non-existent accommodations. This poses a significant risk for international students, who are often unfamiliar with local rental practices and find themselves searching for housing from abroad. Here, we offer some crucial tips to help students avoid housing issues in Belgium.
1. Start Early: Beat the Housing Shortage
Belgium grapples with a shortage of student accommodation, particularly in cities like Leuven and Ghent. To secure a place to live for the start of the academic year in September, it’s essential to commence your search well in advance. Ideally, you should begin your hunt around June to access a broader selection of housing options. If you require accommodation for just one semester, the challenge intensifies, as most landlords typically prefer renting on a 12-month basis. In such cases, consider discussing subletting with the property owner before signing a binding agreement.
According to a survey by the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), a staggering 28% of exchange students experience fraud during their housing search.
2. Do Your Research: Be Informed and Cautious
Before committing to any housing arrangement, diligent research is vital. Seek advice from friends who may have experience with local housing. Additionally, you can opt for the services of a trusted organization like Edutor Consulting to ensure the legitimacy of the housing options. We can help verify the authenticity of the accommodation, communicate with the property owner on your behalf, and assess whether the rental agreement adheres to Belgian laws. This is crucial because some landlords include illegal clauses in contracts or demand excessively high security deposits.
We can help verify the authenticity of the accommodation, communicate with the property owner on your behalf, and assess whether the rental agreement adheres to Belgian laws.
3. Overcome Biases
Despite legislation against racial discrimination in the housing market, some landlords may show favouritism towards local students. In this situation, having a Belgian representative can prove beneficial. We can serve as this intermediary, ensuring that you are fairly considered and receive equal opportunities in the housing search.
One of the significant benefits of using Edutor Consulting's services is the potential for substantial cost savings. Here's how:
- Avoiding Fraudulent Fees: we can help you navigate the housing market safely, minimizing the risk of falling victim to fraudulent schemes that could result in substantial financial losses.
- Optimizing Housing Costs: our expertise can assist you in finding accommodation that fits your budget and preferences. By avoiding overpriced housing and understanding the local rental market, you can make more cost-effective choices.
- Huge Time Savings: with our support, you can streamline your housing search, making the process more efficient and less time-consuming, freeing up time for other important matters in your international adventure.
In conclusion, international students should be vigilant and proactive when seeking housing in Belgium. By starting the search early, conducting thorough research, and accessing the services of trusted organizations like Edutor Consulting, you can protect yourself from housing fraud and discrimination. Your journey to studying abroad should be marked by exciting experiences, not housing-related hardships. With the right strategies and support, you can look forward to a safe and enriching stay in Belgium.
1 Buitenlandse studenten opgelicht met valse kotadvertenties: “Ik ben 1.000 euro kwijt”