Going to Antwerp soon? An important choice is in which neighborhood you want to live. Find all student neighborhoods in Antwerp here!
Contents
- All student districts in Antwerp
- The Little Island
- The North
- The Skippers’ Quarter
- The University Neighborhood
- The Theater Neighborhood
- The South
- The Middelheim
All student districts in Antwerp
The Little Island
Het Eilandje is located between the Port of Antwerp-Bruges Port House and the MAS. Het Eilandje was once a port area in the heart of Antwerp. Thanks to its remaining docks, you get a maritime atmosphere. With its rich history and modern development, the Eilandje offers a unique blend of old and new.
For whom.
The Island is perfect:
- If you love museums: the Museum Aan de Stroom (MAS) holds several exhibits that change regularly. You’ll always discover something new there.
- If you have an active lifestyle: Bike or hike on the great trails along the waterfront at The Isle.
- If you love to eat: Eat something new every day at affordable eateries or at a high-end culinary restaurant.
- If you like living by the water: Living by the water feels extra luxurious thanks to the beautiful and distant views. It gives you a sense of tranquility and space in the city.
- If you like living in the green: A lot of greenery is provided in the infrastructure of the Island. In addition, you will enjoy the green Park Spoor Noord. Ideal for barbecues!
- If you like to go for a drink: Go out in one of the cozy bars and cafes on the Eilandje. Or have a cozy coffee. There is always something to do in this neighborhood.
- If you like modern digs: The student digs on Het Eilandje are often modern and/or recent (renovated). So you have all the conveniences for you – as a student – at your fingertips (internet connection, sports rooms, …).
The North
Het Noord is an emerging neighborhood in Antwerp and is located between Park Spoor Noord and the Sportpaleis. This neighborhood is also called De Damwijk. Here you will find historic and modern architecture. This area used to be home to mostly dock workers. Many new student dock projects have been started and this is turning the industrial neighborhood into a lively and diverse one.
For whom.
The North is perfect:
- If you are looking for affordable digs: Het Noord is on average relatively cheaper than other, more popular student neighborhoods in Antwerp.
- If you enjoy participating in local events: In Het Noord, the local community organizes many events such as neighborhood parties, markets and festivals.
- If you like living in an up-and-coming neighborhood: In Het Noord, new cafes, stores and other initiatives are constantly popping up, so you’re always discovering new things.
The Skippers’ Quarter
Antwerp’s Schipperskwartier is located between the MAS and Klapdorp street. The Schipperskwartier has a rich history as an old shipping district known for its unique blend of culture, history and vibrancy.
For whom.
The Skippers’ Quarter is perfect:
- If you love culture and history: You will see beautiful architecture and historic buildings in the Skippers’ Quarter. There are also cultural events and exhibitions in the area.
- If you have an active lifestyle: Walk or bike through the narrow streets and along the Scheldt River.
- If you love to eat: The Skippers’ Quarter has a diverse culinary offering with many international cuisines to choose from.
- If you like living in a lively neighborhood: The Skippers’ Quarter has a vibrant nightlife with plenty of bars, cafes and clubs.
- If you like living in a historic environment: Living in the Schipperskwartier means living in a neighborhood with character and charm.
The University Neighborhood
The Antwerp University neighborhood is located between the Sint-Carolus Borromeus Church and the Begijnhof. The neighborhood surrounds the University of Antwerp campuses and revolves around study life. The drinking and dining establishments have adapted opening hours to accommodate this.
For whom.
The University neighborhood is perfect:
- If you like an academic atmosphere: The neighborhood has cafes with a stimulating study environment.
- If you love food: There is no shortage of food in the University neighborhood. Fast food chains, sandwich bars and cafes.
- If you like living centrally: The University neighborhood is close to Central Station, the Meir shopping street and many supermarkets.
- If you’re social: In this neighborhood, networking and making friends is easy. Thanks to the many bars, cafes and meeting places this a vibrant, social neighborhood.
The Theater Neighborhood
The Theaterbuurt is basically located between the Begijnenstraat and the Stadspark, but usually “Theaterbuurt” refers to the whole area between the ModeMuseum and the Stadspark. It is a lively and artistic neighborhood in Antwerp. Here you will find the city’s iconic theaters and theaters.
For whom.
The Theater neighborhood is perfect:
- If you love arts and culture: The Theater District has a lot to see in terms of exhibitions to theatrical performances.
- If you love shopping: Your student dorm is within walking distance of the Meir and Wilde Zee. Ideal for quick shopping during your study break.
- If you like living centrally: In the Theaterbuurt, your kot is always close to where you need to be. Thanks to the (premetro) streetcar, you can get to every corner of Antwerp quickly and efficiently.
- If you like eating and drinking: The Theater neighborhood is close to the Groenplaats and the historic city center, where you will find a very large concentration of restaurants and cafes. Often, fortunately, at affordable prices too!
The South
Het Zuid is a trendy and hip neighborhood in Antwerp known for its art galleries, museums and vibrant nightlife. People officially call the neighborhood “Zuid-Museum.” The district is located between the Zuidersluis and the Amerikalei. This neighborhood combines a rich history with modern developments, making it a popular place for young people and students. With its charming streets, stylish cafes and vibrant cultural scene, South offers an appealing mix of old charm and modern flair.
For whom.
The South is perfect:
- If you like living in a trendy environment: The South attracts many young professionals and has a lot of coffee bars where you can come and study in a productive atmosphere.
- If you like modern: The South is a relatively new neighborhood with many updated student lots. Think private walk-in shower, kitchen, large ceilings, etc.
- If you love to eat: The South has many places to eat, but note that this neighborhood can be more expensive than other student neighborhoods.
The Middelheim
Middelheim is located between Sportcentrum Wilrijkse Plein and Campus Groenenborger of the University of Antwerp. The neighborhood is green and quiet and is located in the southwest of Antwerp. This neighborhood offers a quiet and natural atmosphere, ideal for students looking for a serene and inspiring place to live.
For whom.
The Middelheim is perfect:
- If you love greenery: Middelheim Park is right in the middle of the Middelheim neighborhood.
- If you have an active lifestyle: Go biking or hiking in Middelheim Park or visit one of the many gyms nearby.
- If you study better at quiet: Middelheim is a quiet environment and is relatively far away from the busy, Antwerp city center.
- If you attend school at the University of Antwerp (Groenenborger Campus, Middelheim Campus, Drie Eiken Campus).
Voilà, these were all the student neighborhoods in Antwerp! In the end, Antwerp is relatively small and you can get from neighborhood to neighborhood quickly by public transportation or even on foot. Don’t worry too much about where you’ll end up. You can also find many student rooms for rent outside these neighborhoods. Often these student rooms have a cheaper rent, because they are not located within a popular neighborhood.
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