STARTING GUIDE
FOR NEW STUDENTS
Welcome!
Dear new student of VUB,
As the rector of Vrije Universiteit Brussel, I would like to share my most important message with you: welcome!
Welcome to our green campuses in the vibrant, metropolitan Brussels Region. Brussels is the largest student city in Belgium — a place that will never bore you, with something new to discover every single day.
I understand that you probably have more questions than answers right now: What will university life be like? Will I be able to handle it? Did I make the right choice?
Let me reassure you: choosing to study at VUB is certainly a good decision.
VUB is a top university where you can study almost anything — and most importantly, a place where you, the student, are at the centre of everything we do.
Our professors don’t operate from ivory towers — they are approachable, engaged, and here for you.
And that goes for everyone who works at VUB, including its rector.
At VUB, we live by a motto that we take to heart: The world needs you.
Our world — your world — is in transition. Everything is changing. Think about the climate. Think about the international conflicts and wars so close to home. Think about what AI is suddenly capable of.
So many challenges demanding answers. And for that, we need you. The world needs you. This means we share a mission — together. Yes, a university programme is hard work. But don’t forget to enjoy this extraordinary time in your life — your student years will undoubtedly be unforgettable.
At Vrije Universiteit Brussel, above all, you should feel free: Free to think critically.
Free to change your mind.
Free to be entirely yourself.
Good luck!
Jan Danckaert Rector
of VUB
Checklist 4
Yay, you’ve been accepted to VUB! Time to finish your enrolment. Use this checklist to get your administration in order before the start of the academic year. Have you completed them all? Then you’re ready to dive in!
1. SIGN YOUR STUDY CONTRACT
First things first: sign your study contract in the online application tool. In the overview, your contract is ready for your digital signature. Signed? Congratulations, you are now officially a VUB student!
2. ACTIVATE YOUR VUB ACCOUNT
Within an hour of signing your online contract, you will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to activate your VUB account. This is the account you use to access the VUB portals and wifi on campus. You will also receive your enrolment certificate via e-mail.
3. REGISTER YOUR COURSES
First, check whether your courses are automatically registered for you or not. Do you have to register them yourself? Make sure to do this before the deadline. A step-bystep manual will show you how!
4. PAY YOUR TUITION FEE
The invoice will be sent to your VUB e-mail account. Didn’t get anything before the start of the academic year? No worries, you can still attend classes. The first invoices are sent out in September.
When and where do you have classes? Online or on campus? You can find all the details in your online class schedule. Tip: Last-minute changes are always possible, so check your schedule on a regular basis to avoid surprises!
6. BUY YOUR BOOKS
Studying without course material is simply impossible. Compile your book list based on the course outlines, but wait to buy everything until after the first class. The teacher usually indicates which books are required and which are optional.
5. CHECK YOUR CLASS SCHEDULE
Student services
Our student services are committed to making your experience at VUB a success. Meet some of the key players!
STUDENT INFORMATION
As a new student you have a lot of options, and probably also a lot of questions. No idea where to start? At Student Information, we will show you the way! Don’t hesitate to e-mail, call or drop by our desk.
STUDENT ADMINISTRATION
The Student Administration manages the administration of all VUB students, from enrolment to graduation. For general questions and first-line information, please contact Student Information first.
ICT SERVICE DESK
An issue with your VUB account, wifi or any other technical question? No stress, the Helpdesk is there for support!
STUDENT HOUSING
Our Student Housing department handles all practical questions regarding the VUB dorms and manages the application and allocation of available rooms.
Kotcoach
Cohabitating with other students might be a new experience for you. Kotcoach Justine supports life in our VUB dorms with fun activities. In addition, she offers a listening ear to any dorm student who needs one.
YOUR FACULTY
The faculty secretariat can help you with questions about the practical organisation of your programme, such as class schedules, exam regulations, exemptions and what to do if you are absent.
SOCIAL, LEGAL AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Studying has a price tag. In addition to an extensive support offer, this department also provides financial advice, information on your status as a student and student jobs.
Study Guidance
Getting good grades while feeling good about yourself: Study Guidance helps you increase your study efficiency and enhance your student well-being.
SUPPORT OFFER:
Study skills Study path Student well-being Getting or becoming a tutor Changing your studies Combining work and studying Career Coaching
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Foreign students
WELCOME INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
More than 25% of our student population is foreign. Our International Relations Office provides support and advice about your stay in Belgium. Not only before your arrival but also during your stay, and when you leave.
GOING ABROAD DURING YOUR STUDIES?
VUB has close ties with many international higher education institutions and companies. You can benefit from that! Go study abroad for a few months or a year and get international experience!
Get started on your own with the provided infographics, a Canvas course and numerous other tools. Register for an info session, training or Q&A session in group. Get individual guidance.
1 2 3
REFLEX STATUS
Do you have a disability, learning disorder, chronic illness or do you find yourself in a situation that makes studying more challenging? Then you might be eligible for the ReFlex status, which gives students extra support to complete their studies from an equal starting position.
Tips from a senior student
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR STUDENT CARD WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES. IT GRANTS YOU ACCESS TO THE VUB BUILDINGS AND GIVES YOU A DISCOUNT IN THE STUDENT RESTAURANT .
E-tools
and portals
We use different tools and platforms to communicate with our students. But where can you find what exactly?
Wifi on campus is available free of charge to anyone with an active VUB account.
TAKE PART IN AS MANY EVENTS AS POSSIBLE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR. THAT’S WHEN YOU MEET YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS. BE SURE TO KEEP AN EYE ON THE ACTIVITY CALENDAR IN THE WEAREVUB STUDENT APP. SEE YOU AT THE FIRST STUDENT PARTY?
THE VUB RESTAURANT’S WEEKLY MENU IS THE MOST VISITED PAGE ON THE VUB WEBSITE . CHECK IN ADVANCE WHEN YOUR FAVOURITE DISH WILL BE SERVED OR GO FOR THE SPAGHETTI OPTION (ALSO VEGAN) , WHICH IS AVAILABLE EVERY DAY. ALWAYS A GOOD CHOICE!
HAVE YOU VISITED THE BRAND NEW LIC BUILDING YET? BETWEEN THE VUB AND ULB CAMPUS YOU’LL FIND THIS OASIS , FULL OF BEAUTIFUL STUDY SPACES AND MEETING ROOMS, WITH EXTENDED OPENING HOURS .
WANT TO EARN SOME EXTRA MONEY ? THERE ARE A LOT OF STUDENT JOBS AVAILABLE, EVEN ON CAMPUS! A FEW HOURS A WEEK OR MAYBE YOU PREFER SOMETHING MORE INTENSE? CHECK OUR STUDENT JOB DATABASE !
Canvas is our digital learning platform, which you will visit regularly. It holds your online study materials and teacher announcements for each course.
Microsoft 365 gives you access to all Office software and your VUB e-mail account. Check your mailbox regularly because all official VUB communication, including your tuition fee invoice and other important documents, will be sent to your VUB e-mail address.
FUN FACT THE SELFSERVICE IS ALSO CALLED CALI BY VUB MEMBERS, BECAUSE OF THE URL.
Student SelfService is used for your personal student administration. This is where you can register your courses, download different certificates and check your exam results.
Student life
People often claim that your student years are the best of your life. Joining a fun student organisation and going to events can certainly help set the tone!
If you want to immerse yourself in student life at VUB, you can join a student organisation: You’ll make friends for life, grow as a person and have an unforgettable time! Join an organisation based on your study programme, interest or where you’re from!
The hats, baptisms, St V, Het Lied van Geen Taal, cantusses and the Vrijzinnig Zangfeest. All these may sound weird right now, but these traditions are part of VUB student life.
St V
The annual highlight of VUB student life? That’s the Saint-Verhaegen commemoration, also called St V! Together with ULB, we celebrate the founders of our universities with a big party at the Sablon in Brussels. Mark 20 November in your calendar!
Student Council
Student voices are important at VUB! You will find students in many councils, but the central body for student representation is our Student Council.
The Student Council...
Ρ is involved in making VUB policy
Ρ represents the voices of all VUB students
Ρ defends the interests of VUB students within the university and beyond
Ρ provides concrete solutions to students’ wishes and needs
Members change every academic year and are chosen during annual elections. So, you get to decide who will represent your interests!
TIP CURIOUS ABOUT OTHER COUNCILS THAT STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN?
Fun and events
VUB is much more than just studying. On our campuses, you’ll find something fun to experience every week. Lectures, parties or a debate, there’s something for everyone! In our calendar you can find an overview of some popular events!
Curious to see what’s on the schedule?
Download the WeAreVUB Student app and don’t miss a single event!
Do you or your student organisation feel like organising something yourself?
Let us help you! Submit a request and get help with things like promotion, budget, material or venue for your event!
Food and drink
Our campuses are a great place to spend some free time in between classes. Besides cosy study areas, you will also find lots of sports and leisure facilities and various places to grab a drink or bite to eat.
VUB RESTAURANT IN ETTERBEEK & JETTE
Every weekday you can choose between different menus with a sustainable approach for your lunch in the VUB restaurant. Besides meat and fish menus, we also offer a vegetarian and vegan dish every day. In the cafeteria you will find sandwiches, coffee and other snacks.
Etterbeek
’T COMPLEX
Above the entrance hall of the VUB Sports Complex, you can grab a bite to eat or just hang out. The menu includes snacks, hearty dishes and daily suggestions.
BAR PILAR
In the culture building Pilar, you will find a cosy campus cafe (with a sunny terrace) where you can enjoy a drink or a bite to eat. “A place for musical discovery, a melting pot, where everybody is welcome”.
BAR BUNA
A brand-new coffee bar with breakfast formulas, homemade pastries and takeaway snacks on the Esplanade next to building D.
Jette
JAVA COFFEE CORNER
At the entrance of building A, you can get hot drinks, iced coffee, homemade iced tea, pastries, muffins, doughnuts, etc.
THE LINK
The Link is located right next to the student dorms. It serves snacks, cold dishes and sandwiches.
CANTEEN UZ BRUSSEL
In the back of the entrance hall of our university hospital (UZ Brussel), you will find the canteen. Patients and visitors can enjoy drinks and snacks in a quiet setting.
LOCAL GEESE
The most famous residents of our Etterbeek campus are without a doubt our Egyptian geese. They even have their own Facebook page, where they express their opinions about life on campus in their own quirky way.
Sports
Regular exercise is not only fun, it also contributes to better fitness and overall health. What’s holding you back? Discover our wide range of options and get started!
SPORTSMIX
Sportsmix is a package of different sports and classes which take place weekly during the academic year, in and around our campuses in Jette, Etterbeek and the centre of Brussels. With the sports card, including a ‘punch’, you can participate in as many classes as you like for a bargain!
SWIMMING POOL (ETTERBEEK)
Want to do some laps in the VUB swimming pool? Book your session in advance at student rates or take a sports class in the water!
ATHLETICS TRACK (ETTERBEEK)
Come and unleash your legs on our athletics track (400m), accessible at student rates.
FITNESS - BASIC FIT
In both Etterbeek and Jette, you can work out at Basic Fit - our partner on campus, at a very advantageous student rate!
WANT MORE?
Discover the full range of sports on offer and the infrastructure you can rent and use on campus!
Study spaces
Looking for a quiet place to study, work on a project with fellow students, or need a computer to finish a task? You are always welcome on our VUB campuses!
UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
Both the Central Library & the LIC (Etterbeek) and the Medical Library (Jette) welcome you to study or work in quiet surroundings. You can also find an extensive range of books, newspapers, magazines and databases, both digital and on paper.
GROUP STUDY
During the exam periods, the number of study spaces and their opening hours are extended. Ideal for studying alongside fellow students!
The brand-new Learning and Innovation Center (LIC) in Etterbeek not only offers a collection of sciences and engineering books, but also a modern study landscape with hundreds of study spaces and extended opening hours.
Want to study here? Reserve your spot!
Medical care
Need medical care? No worries! You can get the care you need on and around our campuses.
GENERAL PRACTITIONER
There is a medical practice on both the Etterbeek and Jette campus. Give them a call or make an online appointment with one of our doctors.
DENTIST
A dentist is available at the general practice in Etterbeek and at the University’s Dental Centre in Jette. There is also an on-call service in case of emergencies beyond office hours.
Safety
We want you to feel safe on our campuses. Don’t hesitate to contact our staff for any reason whatsoever.
SECURITY
Our security ensures 24/7 safety on our campuses in Etterbeek and Jette. They‘re happy to help you with first aid, in case of nuisances, aggression or theft, walk with you across campus if you feel unsafe, and much more!
REPORT IT HELPLINE
Here you can report unwanted or transgressive behaviour discreetly. A VUB staff member bound by professional secrecy and with a mandate as an independent counsellor supports and informs you about possible further steps.
DILEMMA
The VUB Dilemma team is there for you if you have any questions or doubts about unwanted pregnancy and abortion. You can contact them to get information, have a chat or for a medical consultation.
TIP!
Add the campus security phone number to your contacts immediately, so you don’t waste any time: 02 629 21 76
URGENT CARE
If you need urgent care, contact the Brussels on-call service or go to the emergency department of a nearby hospital.
Complaints and suggestions
Would you like to suggest an improvement or address something? You can do so via feedback@vub.be.
No idea where room D.201 is? It seems like a riddle, but the naming of our classrooms is logical. The letter indicates the building, followed by the room number. So, D.201 is on the 2nd floor of building D.
Is there another number before the letter, such as 4B203? Then the room is on the 4th floor of building B.
Contact
Here is an overview of the most important VUB student services and how to reach them. More details and opening hours can be found on www.vub.be!
NOT SURE?
Student Information can show you the way! info@vub.be 02 629 20 10
Faculty of Social Sciences and Solvay Business School (ES) faces@vub.be 02 614 83 83
Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences (WE) facwe@vub.be 02 629 12 95
Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy (LK) faclk@vub.be 02 629 27 28
Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (PE) facpe@vub.be 02 629 25 36
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy (GF) secretariaat.gf@vub.be 02 477 41 10
Faculty of Languages and Humanities (LW) faclw@vub.be 02 629 39 05
Multidisciplinary Institute for Teacher Education (MILO) lerarenopleiding@vub.be 02 614 87 87
Faculty of Law and Criminology (RC) facrc@vub.be 02 629 15 77
Faculty of Engineering (IR) facultyofengineering@vub.be 02 629 27 58 or 02 629 15 72
Student Housing huisvesting.housing@vub.be 02 629 28 31
Social, legal and financial support social.financial.support@vub.be 02 629 23 15
Study Guidance guidance@vub.be 02 629 23 06
Sports sport@vub.be 02 629 23 11
Student Administration studentadministration@vub.be Only via e-mail
International Relations Office international.relations@vub.be 02 614 81 01
UGP Doctor Etterbeek ugpcorona@gmail.com 02 897 19 50
Security bewaking@vub.be 02 629 21 76 (Etterbeek) & 02 477 41 41 (Jette)
Emergency number 02 629 11 11
Directions and access
All our campuses are easily accessible by bicycle, public transport and car. You can put your bike in one of our stalls and park your car above- or underground on campus (register your license plate first).
Public transport
Using public transport to get to campus? Great idea! You can reach our campuses by train, bus, metro and tram. Check out the different options for getting around Brussels, and find out which formula is most advantageous for you.
MAIN CAMPUS IN ETTERBEEK HEALTH CAMPUS IN JETTE
Photonics campus Gooik Anderlecht Coovi Usquare
Generaal
Etterbeek:
Jette:
