Campus Reviews at a Glance
Hasselt University holds a QS World University ranking of 597 and a Google rating of 4.5 stars from 87 reviews. The feedback from students paints a consistent picture of a modern, well-equipped university with friendly staff — though not without occasional complaints about individual administrative encounters.
“One of very good universities in Belgium. It is in Hasselt,” writes reviewer S Felix (5 stars). Sreida Feb adds: “Modern and well equipped university in the center of the city of Hasselt. The staff is always friendly and eager to help you in Dutch, French or English. There are a lot of nice places for studying and the classrooms are light and well equipped. The prices in the cafeteria are student-friendly…” This aligns with Johnny Ζ’s observation: “Really helpful staff, making your studies enjoyable and with comfort. Beautiful buildings used by the uni.”
One critical review from Future Travel (1 star) points to specific staff members by name, calling them “rude, uneducated persons,” which suggests that while many students have positive experiences, interpersonal interactions at the administrative level may vary. Overall, the university is seen as a welcoming, centrally located institution that invests in modern study spaces and affordable campus amenities.
Hasselt: A Student City with a Local Vibe
Hasselt is the capital of Belgian Limburg province, with a population of roughly 77,000. It is known for its fashion academy (part of the university), a compact historic centre, and a strong cycling culture. The university’s main campus sits at Martelarenlaan 42, right next to Hasselt railway station, making it extremely accessible for commuters from elsewhere in Belgium (such as Leuven, about 40 minutes by train, or Brussels, about 1 hour).
The city itself offers a mix of student life and local charm. You will find supermarkets, cafés, and budget-friendly eateries within a short walk of the campus. The city centre (Grote Markt) is about 10 minutes on foot. For outdoor activities, the nearby Domein Kiewit park and the cycle routes along the Albert Canal give students options to de-stress. Because Hasselt is smaller than Leuven or Ghent, housing prices tend to be more moderate, though demand can spike at the start of each academic year.
Understanding Your Budget for 2026/2027
Belgian student housing costs vary by city and type. In Hasselt, based on typical rental listings in the region, you can expect the following indicative monthly rents — always confirm with the operator before committing.
- Private room in a shared apartment (in the city centre): €350 – €550 per month (utilities often separate)
- Studio or separate apartment (near campus): €500 – €700 per month
- Student residence single room (with shared kitchen/bathroom): €300 – €450 per month
- Homestay or short-term rental (e.g., 1–3 months): €400 – €600 per month
These bands are indicative — confirm with the operator. Many student rooms are rented on a 12-month contract, but some offer the possibility of signing for only the academic year (10 months). Be aware that deposits (usually 2–3 months’ rent) and possible registration fees (water, electricity, internet) are additional. The cost of living in Hasselt is generally lower than in larger Belgian cities, but still plan for €800–€1,000 total monthly expenses (including rent, food, transport, and personal items).
Walking vs. Public Transport: Where to Base Yourself
The university’s location next to Hasselt railway station gives students a clear advantage if they choose to live further away. However, the city centre is compact enough that most students can walk or cycle to campus in under 15 minutes.
Walking distance (0–15 minutes from campus):
- City centre neighbourhoods (e.g., around the Grote Markt, Kapelstraat, or Runkst) – lively, close to shops and nightlife, but can be noisier. Average rent is slightly higher.
- Around the station – immediate convenience; many apartments are in purpose-built blocks, often aimed at international students or young professionals.
Cycling distance (10–20 minutes by bike):
- Residential areas such as Kermt, Stevoort, or the outskirts near the Hasselt University campus (Diepenbeek campus is about 6 km away, but the main city campus is our focus). Cycling is the most common mode of transport for Belgian students; Hasselt has excellent bike lanes and free city bike schemes.
- Villages surrounding Hasselt (e.g., Kuringen, Stokrooie) – quieter, greener, and cheaper, but you will rely on a car or bus for groceries and social life. A monthly bus pass costs about €30 (De Lijn) and connects these suburbs to the station.
Public transport only (commute >20 minutes):
- If you choose to live in a nearby town like Genk (20 minutes by train) or Diepenbeek (10 minutes by bus), you will depend on a train or bus. The university is right at the station, so a train commute can be seamless. However, night buses are limited on weekends.
Trade-off summary: For first-year international students, living within a 15-minute walk or 10-minute bike ride of the campus gives you the flexibility to attend classes, use the library, and join social activities without a rigid commuting schedule. More affordable housing is often found by cycling 10–15 minutes into the residential zones.
How to Shortlist Accommodation Near Hasselt University
When starting your search for 2026/2027, follow a systematic approach to narrow down options. Since no official student residences are managed directly by the university (Hasselt University does not own large student halls unlike some other Belgian universities), you will mainly find private rental apartments, shared houses, and rooms offered by individual landlords. Here is a logical shortlisting process:
Step 1 – Define your maximum walking/cycling time
Decide whether you want to be on foot (≤15 min) or comfortable with a bike (≤10 min ride). Filter listings by distance from Martelarenlaan 42. Use Google Maps or OpenStreetMap to measure walking time.
Step 2 – Set a firm budget ceiling
Stick to the indicative bands above. If you are on a tight budget (under €400), look for shared apartments with multiple housemates. If you value privacy, a studio around €550–€650 is realistic.
Step 3 – Check contract length and deposit
Many student rentals in Belgium require a 12-month contract. If you only need 10 months, ask the landlord if an early termination clause is possible (often with a penalty of one month’s rent). The deposit must be placed in a blocked account (waarborg) – a standard Belgian procedure.
Step 4 – Visit or request a virtual tour
Fraudulent listings exist, so never pay anything before you see the property. If you are not yet in Hasselt, ask a current student or the university’s housing office (if available) to check the place. The university’s website may offer a list of approved landlords – though we cannot name it here, search for “U-Hasselt accommodation” to find official guidance.
Step 5 – Read recent tenant reviews
Before signing, search the address or landlord’s name on local forums (e.g., Facebook groups like “Studenten in Hasselt”) or the platform you are using. Be wary of listings that demand full payment upfront.
Example shortlist (indicative – confirm with operator)
To give you a concrete feel, here are three types of housing you might find near the university:
- A shared house on Maastrichterstraat (city centre, 6 min walk) – 3 bedrooms, shared bathroom, kitchen, €350 per person plus utilities. Suitable for a group of friends. Deposit €1,050.
- A studio apartment on Demerstraat (8 min walk) – private bathroom, kitchenette, €550 per month including heating. 12-month contract. Deposit €1,100.
- A room in a student house on Gouverneur Roppesingel (12 min walk) – 5 tenants, shared living room, large garden, €400 per month excluding electricity (approx. €40–€60). Deposit €800.
Always verify these prices with the operator. They are indicative and based on 2025 listings for Hasselt.
FAQ
1. How early should I start looking for housing for the 2026/2027 academic year?
For a September 2026 start, begin your search in May 2026. Many landlords list rooms between May and July. If you wait until August, the best affordable options near campus will already be taken. International students should consider arriving 2–3 weeks early to visit properties in person.
2. Can I use public transport to commute daily from a cheaper city like Genk?
Yes, Genk is 20 minutes by train to Hasselt station, and the university is a 2-minute walk from the station. A monthly train subscription (abonnement) costs around €60–€80. The trade-off is less flexibility for evening events. If you plan to stay late at the campus, check the last train schedule (usually around 11 p.m.).
3. What documents do I need to rent a room as an international student?
Landlords typically request:
- A copy of your passport or ID.
- Proof of enrolment (or acceptance letter from the university).
- Proof of income (e.g., student loan confirmation, parents’ bank statements, or a scholarship letter).
- A deposit payment once the contract is signed.
Make sure to have a Belgian bank account set up after you arrive (ING, KBC, or Belfius) for rent transfers.
Data referenced: March 2026. All prices are indicative — confirm with the operator.
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