Welcome to Antwerp!
Accommodation
On this page, you will find the following information:
Housing
Prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning, fire and theft
Utilities
Antwerp has a population of about 557,000. The city offers a wide range of student accommodation, including rooms, studios, and apartments. ITM itself provides 111 rooms and studios located very close to the Institute. For more information, please consult the brochure ITM Student Residences.
Contact
Student Support
Prevention
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly toxic gas produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels. It is colourless, odourless, and non-irritating, making it difficult to detect without special equipment. CO can cause severe illness and may be fatal. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning vary and can include nausea, headache, and dizziness, which makes diagnosis difficult.
The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in ITM residences is very low. However, if you rent accommodation elsewhere, remain vigilant when using devices that may emit CO, such as gas or oil heaters, water boilers, or appliances powered by coal, gas, or diesel. Always air out your room regularly. Only electric heating devices are completely safe from this risk (though they may be more expensive to operate).
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, immediately open all windows and doors to ventilate the space and switch off the suspected appliance.
Fire
A few simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of fire.
Tips to prevent fire:
Always watch cooking pots and pans. Never leave them unattended.
Report any electrical issues immediately to your landlord or concierge.
Ensure your laptop has proper ventilation.
Smoking and lighting candles are strictly prohibited in the student houses!
If cooking oil catches fire:
Turn off the heat immediately.
Cover the pot with a metal lid or a damp cloth.
In case of fire, never do the following:
Do not use water.
Do not move the pot or try to carry it outside.
Do not throw flour, sugar, or other products onto the fire.
If the fire alarm sounds:
Evacuate immediately using the emergency exits and escape routes.
Do not take belongings with you. Leave bags, coats, and other items behind.
Never use the elevators.
Theft
Student rooms can be an easy target for opportunistic thieves. The following tips can help you protect your belongings:
Always lock your door, even when you are at home.
Keep windows closed when you are out.
Do not open the door to strangers.
Store valuables such as laptops, phones, and cameras safely out of sight.
Utilities
The Belgian fares for electricity, gas, and water are among the highest in Europe. In addition, high energy consumption is harmful to the environment. Please try to reduce your personal usage as much as possible—every small effort counts!
Turn off lights and electrical appliances when leaving the house.
Dress in layers and keep your hands, feet, and head covered to stay warm instead of turning up the heating.
Internet use
Please note that internet connections often come with limited download volume (typically 4–5 GB) and restricted bandwidth. If the monthly limit or the per-minute limit (when too many devices are downloading simultaneously) is exceeded, the connection may slow down or even stop. Streaming films and using video calls consume large amounts of data, so please use them wisely.
Garbage collection
In Antwerp, recycling is mandatory. Everyone must sort their waste into five categories:
Paper and cardboard
Glass
Plastic, metal and drink cartons (PMD)
Organic/green waste
Small hazardous waste
Garbage bags are available in different sizes. You can buy them individually at night shops, or in packs of ten at supermarkets. Prices range from €0.55 to €1.10 per bag.
How to sort?
Glass must be taken to public glass containers: green containers for coloured glass and white containers for clear glass. These are located throughout the city.
PMD (plastic, cans, metal containers, and drink cartons) must go in the blue PMD bags.
Organic waste (vegetables, fruit, and garden clippings) belongs in the green GFT bags.
Paper and cardboard should be placed in a cardboard box or tied together with non-plastic string, then left outside on the designated collection day.
Collection days
Each neighbourhood has a different collection day. Ask your landlord for details, or check the Recycle! app. It is strictly forbidden to place garbage on the street outside the designated day. Fines can be as high as €350.
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