The first two weeks of the program are devoted to orientation. During the first week, students are housed in the orientation hotel before moving to permanent housing in the second week. Cultural and social activities are held to acquaint students with each other and with Brussels. All aspects of the program are covered in detail during orientation, and particular emphasis is given to familiarizing students with the major European institutions. During orientation students also begin a non-credit intensive French language course designed to give survival French to those with little or no background and improve the skills of those who already have some experience in the language.
Most students live in shared apartments in Brussels, splitting the rent and associated costs.
Families will sometimes have rooms available for rental to students. The Brussels program staff helps students to locate and secure accommodation during the orientation period. Students living in Brussels enjoy having reasonably-priced lunches in the European Parliament canteen.