Student Life in Bruges

The Local Committee for the College of Europe brings together representatives of the City of Bruges and representatives of the College in an effort to promote the integration of the students of the College into the community of Bruges through events of a social and cultural nature such as the yearly “European Concert” on May 9th.

Cultural activities

Students enjoy privileged access to museums, classical and modern music concerts as well as numerous theatre performances in Bruges with special discounts for students.

Amongst others, open air winter and summer concerts, music festivals, the yearly Christmas market and Ice Sculpture Festival are organised by the City of Bruges.

Cinema facilities are also available.

Sports activities

Students enjoy privileged access to sports facilities in the Bruges.

Each year, a race takes place in the town of Bruges “Dwars door Brugge” (“through Bruges”). The yearly "Running Tour" gathers high-level participants of the Belgian town races in which students can participate.

Additionally, students have access to a variety of sports clubs in Bruges, such as tennis, rugby, hockey, fencing, kickboxing and dancing clubs.

Various sports venues, fitness club centres with solarium as well as swimming pool complexes are easily accessible.

Leisure activities

Around the historical centre of Bruges, students can enjoy a great social life. Ample cafés, restaurants with traditional and international cuisine, wine bars and pubs offer students the opportunity to discover the city's multifaceted night life.

Transport

Bruges is conveniently located allowing students easy access to rail and air transport. Brussels is one hour away by train.

From Bruges railway station trains to Brussels generally depart twice an hour, from the early morning to the late evening. See www.b-rail.be for the detailed schedule.
A GoPass (ticket valid for ten trips throughout Belgium) is available for 45 euros for students under 26 years old. For older students, a RailPass costs around 70 euros and is also valid for ten trips.

There is one Thalys train a day from Bruges to Paris, while high-speed trains from Brussels leave frequently for London, Paris, Amsterdam, Cologne and Frankfurt.

Taxi and bicycle facilities are also available in the City. For students, used bikes are sold at the police station every first Saturday of the month at an average starting price of 15 to 20 Euros.

Student Discounts

The College and the Local Committee for the College work with local merchants each year to offer student discounts in a variety of means of transport, retail outlets, hotels, restaurants, museums, cultural events and tourist activities in Bruges.

In order to receive the discount, students must show their College ID card.

Cost of Living

The table below gives a sample budget, per semester, for a postgraduate student at the College of Europe, Bruges campus.