Did you know this about student organisations?
Student organisations are at the heart of campus life at VUB. They offer a vibrant community, unique opportunities for personal growth, and unforgettable experiences beyond the classroom. Watch the video and learn all about student organisations at VUB!
Student organisations
Looking for more than just lectures? At VUB, student life revolves around student organisations. They’re the perfect place to meet new people, discover your talents, and spend your free time in meaningful (or just plain fun) ways. From debates to student parties, from museum visits to job fairs – our associations do it all! And the best part? They’re entirely run by students. A dedicated team of volunteers makes sure the campus is buzzing with energy.
In short: student organisations turn your time at VUB into a mix of fun, personal growth, and adventure. Discover them below!
* Organisations marked with an asterisk are also open to international students.
Regional student organisations
Recognised student organisations per region
For anyone who is proud of his roots, who does not want to lose the feeling of his/her hometown or who is in Brussels but would like to speak his/her local dialect.
Antwerp: Antverpia Haspengouw and Hageland: Hesbania
Brussels and Brabant: Kring der Brussels en Brabantse Studenten - KBS
Geraardsbergen and Oost-Vlaanderen: Kinneke Baba
Limburg: Limburgia Mechelen: Vrijzinnige Studentenkring Mechelen - VSKM
Student organisations per faculty
Recognised student organisations per study programme
Under this section, you can find both student-focused faculty organisations and more student-oriented student organisations. Faculty organisations can easily be reached by clicking on the links below. Although most of them are in Dutch, they still welcome English speaking students!
Economic and Social Sciences and Solvay Business School
Brussels Association of Business Economics - BABE*
Brussels Association of Social Sciences - BASS*
Initiatiefgroep Solvay - Inisol
Kring der Economische, Politieke en Sociale Wetenschappen - KEPS
Medicine and Pharmacy
Belgian Medical Students Association - BEMSA
Engineering
Bru:tecture Polytechnische Kring - PK
International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience - IAESTE*
Physical Education and Physiotherapy
Languages and Humanities
Letteren en Wijsbegeerte Kring - LWK
Psychology and Educational Sciences
Psycho-Ped'Agogische Kring - PPK
Law and Criminology
Vlaams Rechtsgenootschap Brussel - VRG
European Law Students' Association Brussels - ELSA Brussels
Brussels Law School Consultancy - BLSC
Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences
Student organisations based on interest
Recognised student organisations per interest
All these student organisations originate from a particular hobby, interest or thought.
Politics & activism
Comac VUB Liberaal Vlaams Studenten Verbond Brussel
Jong N-VA VUB VONK: Marxistische jongeren
Music, game & leisure
SWAMP VUB Musical* KLAD* VUB Gaming*
Student folklore
Bierkultuur Boves Luci Bruxellensis
Internationalisation and diversity
ESN VUB EhB Brussels Imara Auxilio! Spectrum VUB*
VUB Model United Nations - VUBMUN Students of the Arab World Association - SAWA
Sui Generis student organisations
VUB student life has it's own traditions. There are 4 organisations safeguarding those, independantly from eachother, with subsidies from the school. That's why these organisations are called 'sui generis' in our Student Life Codex.
Brussels Studentengenootschap – ‘geen taal, geen vrijheid’-
Want to join?
Excited about student life but not sure how to become a member of a student organisation? No worries! Some organisations welcome new members at the start of the academic year, while others are happy to have you join anytime. Just sign up through a form on the organisation’s website or drop by one of their events and let the board know you’d like to join.
Good to know: you can absolutely join a student organisation without going through an initiation – in fact, most organisations don’t have one – and nearly all activities are open to non-members as well. So if you just want to check it out, you’re more than welcome!
FAQ
What are the benefits of joining a student organisation?
Becoming a member of a student organisation comes with plenty of benefits. You meet new people, build lifelong friendships, and gradually learn more about yourself. On top of that, you develop valuable skills like teamwork, organisation, and communication – all of which are important for your personal growth and future career. Student organisations also provide a great way to relax and often offer support with your studies or help you find your way around university life.
Do you have to live in student housing in Brussels to join a student organisation?
Many students think you have to live in a student room to join a student organisation, but that’s not true. Even as a commuter student, you can fully take part in student life. Student organisations are for everyone, whether you live on campus or commute. Worried about getting home after a late event? Don’t be – within student organisations, it’s completely normal for members to help each other out. Often, you can crash at someone’s place or find a practical solution together.
Start your own student organisation? You can!
At VUB, student organisations are truly by students, for students. That means every VUB student has the opportunity to start their own organisation. Interested in launching your own and receiving support? Then you’ll need to have your organisation officially recognized by the Student Council. You can find the full procedure in the Codex Student Life – the regulations of student life at VUB.
Still have questions? Feel free to email our Student Life Coordinator at: studentenwerking@vub.be