history

Since 2003, following an initiative of Robert Voorhamme, the alderman of youth at the time, the Antwerp city council has pursued a student policy. First talks between 27.000 students, the newly founded Antwerp University Association (AUA) and the Antwerp students’ facilities services formed a sturdy foundation for a unique student policy of which we’re very proud.
 
The start of the student council (late 2003), the First edition of Studay (2004, Theaterplein) and the culture vouchers were immediately became a roaring success. From the start, it was very clear that students needed specific attention from the city council. In view of that, the council continued to expand ‘Antwerpen Studentenstad’. Step by step, and always in consultation with the students. 2005 saw the founding of Fietshaven, a social employment programme that rents out bikes to students, companies and tourists for a small fee. A website and a monthly newsletter increased visibility and thanks to the ‘stadsdagen’, cheaper party areas became available to students’ fellowships. Two full-time employees put the student policy into practice.
 
After the 2006 election, the city of Antwerp drafted a new administrative agreement in which, for the first time, special attention was given to Antwerp as a college town. The essential points were the founding of the non-profit organisation Antwerpen Studentenstad and the establishment of the Huis van de Student, as an eye-catcher and the hot spot for all students in Antwerp.
One year later (28 May 208), the act of foundation of Antwerpen Studentenstad was signed. The non-profit association is a unique collaboration between the city council, the AUA and the students.
 
In June 2008 a coordinator was appointed to bolster the team. The 25th of September 2008 was a new bench mark when 20.000 people enjoyed the 5th birthday-edition of Studay, right out in the blazing sun on the Gedempte Zuiderdokken. December 2008 saw the long-awaited opening of the Huis van de Student on 16, Sint-Jacobsmarkt, at the heart of the student district.
 
At the moment, 34.000 people study in Antwerp in 7 institutions of higher education.
 
Antwerp, along with its partners has been, and continues to be a trendsetter in student policy!