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The total monthly occupancy cost for a student in Ghent combines several components. According to Ghent University's Housing Office (2023 data), the all-in rent for a shared room on the private market averages approximately 518 EUR/month (including water, electricity, heating, and internet), while a studio with a private kitchenette and bathroom averages approximately 721 EUR/month. HoGent (2024 data) reports a single room at around 533 EUR/month all-in (with ~88 EUR/month for utilities) and a studio at around 718 EUR/month all-in (with ~112 EUR/month for utilities).
Under Flemish rental law, the security deposit (huurwaarborg) is capped at 3 months' rent, placed in a blocked bank account in the tenant's name (source: Rentumo.be, Belgian housing regulations). The deposit must be returned within two months after the tenant returns the keys.
Since January 2019, tenants in Flanders are legally required to hold tenant liability insurance (huurdersverzekering / fire insurance), covering damage to the rented property (source: Avov Insurance, November 2024). This typically costs between 5 EUR and 20 EUR/month depending on the insurer and coverage level.
A local accommodation tax (belasting op studentenkoten) is levied by the City of Ghent on student rooms. From January 2027 onwards, this tax will be charged separately on top of the rent for Ghent University residences; on the private market, it is generally passed on by landlords and should be mentioned in the tenancy agreement (source: Ghent University Housing, stad.gent).
Agency or intermediary fees on the private market are not standardised; many student rooms are rented directly by landlords or via platforms such as Kotatgent (a free public tool run by the City of Ghent and local universities), which charges no fee to students.
Ghent in brief for international students: a major Belgian university city with over 50,000 students at UGent alone, plus HoGent, Artevelde, LUCA, and Odisee. Average all-in rents range from ~375 EUR/month (shared room, outer neighbourhoods) to ~900 EUR/month (studio, central areas). Security deposit capped at 3 months' rent under Flemish law. Tenant liability insurance is legally mandatory. Use Kotatgent to find certified rooms. Start your search in May–July for a September move-in.
Finding long-term student accommodation in Ghent requires planning ahead and understanding the local rental market. As a city with over 50,000 students at Ghent University alone (source: UGent Fact Sheet 2025/26), plus tens of thousands more at HoGent, Artevelde, LUCA, and Odisee, demand for student rooms and studios is consistently high. The private rental market — accessible via platforms such as Kotatgent, the official city-university room finder — offers a wide range of options from shared rooms in student houses (koten) to self-contained studios, with monthly all-in rents ranging from approximately 375 EUR/month to 900 EUR/month depending on the type of accommodation and neighbourhood. Understanding the key steps — from building your rental dossier to signing a Flemish-compliant lease and registering with the City of Ghent — is essential for a smooth arrival as an international student.
Ghent is one of Belgium's largest and most dynamic student cities, home to major institutions including Ghent University (UGent), HoGent, Artevelde University of Applied Sciences, LUCA School of Arts, and Odisee. The private rental market for students is competitive, with average all-in monthly costs of approximately 533 EUR/month for a shared room and 718 EUR/month for a studio (source: HoGent, 2024). Under Flemish law, the security deposit is capped at 3 months' rent and must be held in a blocked bank account, while tenant liability insurance has been mandatory in Flanders since January 2019. The free Kotatgent platform, run jointly by the City of Ghent and local universities, is the primary tool for finding certified student rooms on the private market. Students are strongly advised to begin their housing search between May and July for a September start, as demand significantly outpaces supply at the start of each academic year.
Finding long-term student accommodation in Ghent requires planning ahead and understanding the local rental market. As a city with over 50,000 students at Ghent University alone (source: UGent Fact Sheet 2025/26), plus tens of thousands more at HoGent, Artevelde, LUCA, and Odisee, demand for student rooms and studios is consistently high. The private rental market — accessible via platforms such as Kotatgent, the official city-university room finder — offers a wide range of options from shared rooms in student houses (koten) to self-contained studios, with monthly all-in rents ranging from approximately 375 EUR/month to 900 EUR/month depending on the type of accommodation and neighbourhood. Understanding the key steps — from building your rental dossier to signing a Flemish-compliant lease and registering with the City of Ghent — is essential for a smooth arrival as an international student.
Ghent is considered a relatively affordable student city by Belgian standards. According to educations.com, private student accommodation in Ghent ranges from approximately 450 EUR to 670 EUR/month, compared to around 680 EUR/month for a single person in Brussels. The overall Belgian average for student accommodation is cited at 575 EUR/month.
Most rental contracts on the Ghent private market run for 12 months, even for student rooms (source: HoGent). It is important to budget not only for monthly rent and utilities, but also for the upfront security deposit (up to 3 months' rent) and the cost of mandatory tenant liability insurance. Students are advised to use the Kotatgent platform, which lists rooms with a conformity certificate and uses the Flemish model rental agreement, ensuring transparency on all charges.
One of the most common mistakes made by international students searching for housing in Ghent is starting the search too late. The Ghent student rental market is highly competitive: most rooms and studios are reserved between May and July for the September academic year start (source: Feather Insurance rental guide for Belgium). Students who begin searching in August often find very limited availability.
A second frequent error is signing a lease without checking for a conformity certificate (conformiteitsattest). In Ghent, the Kotatgent platform clearly indicates whether a listed room holds this certificate, which guarantees minimum quality and fire safety standards. Renting a room without this certificate can expose tenants to unsafe conditions with limited legal recourse.
Finally, many students underestimate the total upfront cost: in addition to the first month's rent, a security deposit of up to 3 months' rent (placed in a blocked bank account under Flemish law) is typically required before moving in, along with proof of mandatory tenant liability insurance.
Fantastic, nothing to add. Mathilde managed to find us an apartment that met all our criteria. Thank you so much for your help and professionalism.
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Start with Kotatgent, a free platform run by the City of Ghent and the universities, which lists rooms holding a conformity certificate. Ledeberg, 5 minutes from the centre by public transport, and Rabot or Brugse Poort are cheaper than the city centre.
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In Ghent, the key financial point is the rental deposit, capped at 3 months' rent and paid into a blocked bank account in your name, then returned within two months of handing back the keys.
Also prepare an ID document, proof of enrolment and proof of resources, and take out the tenant liability insurance that is compulsory in Flanders. A Home Finder helps you put the application together.
Start between May and July: most rooms and studios in Ghent are booked then for the September start. Waiting until August leaves very few options.
Demand far exceeds supply at the beginning of the academic year, with more than 50,000 students at UGent alone. Prepare your application and your insurance before writing to landlords.
Allow from about 375 EUR/month for a shared room on the outskirts to about 900 EUR/month for a studio in a central area, bills included. HoGent reports 533 EUR/month for a single room and 718 EUR/month for a studio.
Add the rental deposit, up to 3 months' rent, and tenant liability insurance, between 5 and 20 EUR/month depending on the insurer.
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