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  6. Preparing your stay

Summer schools - Preparing your stay

Get ready for your stay in Brussels! The information below will help you with queries on accommodation, travel and other tips to prepare for your summer school.

 

Accommodation

Brussels offers many accommodation options from youth hostels to hotels. Check visit.brussels for more information. Detailed information can be provided upon request.

Housing on campus may also be arranged. For more information, please check the page of your preferred summer school. 

Getting to Brussels 

As the capital of the European Union and the capital city of Belgium, Brussels is pretty well served by public transport. Please make sure you wait for the confirmation that your application has been accepted before you make travel arrangements.

By plane
Two major airports feed the city: Brussels National Airport (BRU) and Charleroi Airport also known as Brussels South Airport (CRL).

From Brussels Airport
Brussels’ main airport located in Zaventem is very well connected to the city centre, allowing you to easily travel by train, bus or taxi. The train into the city centre only takes 17 minutes, the bus to the European quarter in town is a little longer (30 minutes) but is also a little cheaper. A taxi ride is around €45 to the centre.

From Charleroi Airport
The Brussels City Shuttle is the easiest way to travel to Brussels from the airport from Charleroi airport. The bus starts running at 3.30am. There is a bus every 30 minutes. To get the best price, you can buy your ticket online in advance.

By train
Travelling from any of the major neighbouring cities - like Amsterdam or Paris - is easy, as there are trains running to/from these countries up to 16 times a day. Eurostar and Thalys services will also take you from selected parts of France and from London, while of course there are national train services to take you from any other part of Belgium right into the centre. Find more information on b-europe.com.

By bus
International bus lines connect Brussels to major European cities. You will most likely arrive at Brussels' main railway stations (Bruxelles-Midi and Bruxelles-Nord).

By car
Brussels is centrally located in Belgium and can be easily reached from the major European neighbouring cities like Amsterdam, Cologne or Paris.

How to reach ULB campuses once in Brussels
Find more information about directions to ULB campuses.
 

Good to know

Currency & costs
The currency used in Belgium is the euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are prevalent. Find more information about costs in Belgium

Embassies and consulates
Find the list of Belgian consulates and embassies abroad and the list of foreign consulates and embassies in Belgium on diplomatie.belgium.be

Time zone
Brussels is located in the Central Europe Time zone (GMT+2).

Voltage
In Belgium, the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Power plugs and sockets are of type E. Please be aware that you might need an adaptor depending on the country you are coming from.  

Weather
Summer in Brussels can be described as mild with temperatures ranging between 14°C (57°F) and 24°C (75°F). Summer rain is not rare, consider bringing an umbrella or a light raincoat. 

Insurance

Participants are responsible for and must ensure they have appropriate travel and medical insurance whilst participating in a summer school. 

Visa

Depending on your nationality and the length of your stay, you might need a visa to enter Belgium. Visa procedures may take several weeks, ensure that sufficient time is allowed to apply. For more information, visit the website of the Foreigners Department of the FPS Home Affairs

Updated on March 30, 2023