Ghent University opens new student residences and seeks additional short-term housing on the private rental market

Ghent University will soon open new student residences. This investment is part of the Housing Master Plan, through which the university will continue to invest in additional student rooms in Ghent in the coming years. From the 2026–2027 academic year onwards, all university residences will be reserved for students.

For temporary international visitors with a short stay, such as visiting researchers, the university intends to compile an additional offer of rooms, studios and flats on the private rental market. These stays are of limited duration.

Call for private housing for international visitors with short stays

Ghent University is launching an open call to private landlords offering rooms, studios or flats in Ghent and Merelbeke-Melle that are suitable for short-term rentals.

Ghent University aims to compile a high-quality housing offer for temporary international visitors who stay at the university for a limited period. This offer will be shared through the university’s internal communication channels.

The call is addressed to providers of short-stay accommodation in Ghent (including its sub-municipalities) and Merelbeke-Melle, preferably within cycling distance of our campuses or easily accessible by public transport.

Ghent University does not act as a landlord and is not a party to the rental agreement. Management, operation, and contractual arrangements remain entirely the responsibility of the provider.

• Download terms and conditions (in Dutch)

Do you rent out a room, studio or flat in Ghent or Merelbeke-Melle on a short-term basis?
You can submit a proposal until 20 March 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
More information: accommodatie@ugent.be

Continuing to invest in additional student housing

Ghent University will continue to invest in additional student rooms in the coming years. Through its Student Housing Master Plan, Ghent University aims to realize approximately 1,700 additional student rooms in Ghent by 2028.

Ready in September 2026

In September 2026, two new student residences will open and Home Boudewijn will reopen after a thorough renovation. More new student residences will be built in the future.

Home Boudewijn

Home Boudewijn, located near Ghent University Hospital, is being fully renovated to once again offer students a comfortable and modern place to live from September 2026 onwards.

The rooms and common areas are being refurbished, the building is being made more accessible with new lifts and staircases, and there is a strong focus on energy efficiency and safety. The outdoor area is also being redesigned and a new bicycle storage facility will be added.

Fun fact: the old tiles from 172 bathrooms were recovered and repurposed. View on Instagram.

Home Henri Pirenne

This new residence on Nieuwewandeling will open with 148 rooms.
There will be two buildings with bicycle storage facilities and a private garden. This residence will be rented out to international PhD students.

Home Irène Van der Bracht

This new residence on Ijzerweglaan will provide no fewer than 340 brand-new student rooms.
This residence will be available to regular students.

More new student residences on the way

Several additional new student residences will be brought into use. Discussions with project developers are currently ongoing for these projects. The intended locations will be carefully selected and will be easily accessible by bicycle and public transport. Ghent University will purchase or rent the rooms and will be responsible for renting them out to students.

Attention is being given to different target groups. A new development is that international PhD students will be able to rent a room for the entire duration of their studies, instead of for a maximum of six months as is currently the case.

• Read more on housing facilities