Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

VUB is a not very big but cosy university, we genuinely think and hope VUB would become one of the Top uni of the world.
VUB has many worthy study majors, which are quite mature in advanced professor teaching method and supplement from school, and some major is upgrading and needs change to a level of good one.

The VUB has no regulation against professors dating their current students, and it shows. Professors (aged 40+) regularly hang out in student dorms and crash parties, trying to mack on students. Some of course find success because of the vast amount of power they have over us. Professors make placement decisions for internships and specialisations that can affect the entire course of your career and students know this.

Professors regularly make comments to students regarding their appearance or their supposed value. For example, one of my professors made the joke that another researcher was only talking to me because he didn't know I had a boyfriend. Imho, the researcher was speaking to me because I am in charge of some very interesting research material. But this professor made this joke repeatedly in several meetings to another 6 professors in total, who all also thought it was hilarious. This left me with the feeling that no matter what my achievements or interests are, they will assume any interest or success in my work is mainly due to my looks. This is untrue, but unsurprising given the culture at the VUB.

This is not even to touch on the sorority culture within the university, which has become increasingly toxic over the past 20 years, unchecked. Alumni are allowed to attend initiation rituals, and so as 17 year old initiates complete tasks half or fully naked, there is no age limit to the audience. This is not a case of a bunch of teenagers/young adults having fun. This is adults aged 25+ creating and watching scenarios in which teenagers have to be in various states of undress or even perform sexual acts in order to win games. And this is seen as very normal here. In fact, most people are VERY defensive of this "tradition" that was only introduced in the early 2000s. If you don't attend sorority parties people think you're weird and will explicitly tell you that you will lose career opportunities as a consequence.

It has been an amazing experience being a student of the VUB. Coming from South Africa, it's been interesting seeing how things are so different than back home. It's not the simplest adaptation but study guidance centre offers help in transitioning into the system and the school environment.

VUB Campus Etterbeek is a small but well-rounded campus with the most important facilities such as a library, cafetaria and career center. The relationship between professors, assistants and students is personal, rather than being a number. The courses are overall well-thought, with some professors more engaged than others. VUB is a good choice for students who are up for an educational challenge in a more laid back atmosphere.