From the 2025-2026 academic year onwards, all UAntwerp campuses will become completely smoke-free. Together, we're creating a healthy, fresh and inspiring learning and working environment, today and in the future. Curious about what this means exactly, and how you can contribute? Discover it in our updated smoking policy.
Smoking Policy
Because we believe in a healthy and pleasant environment for learning and working, our smoking policy goes a step further than what is legally required. In doing so, we aim to foster a smoke-free atmosphere where everyone can feel comfortable.
That’s why smoking and vaping are prohibited:
- inside all university buildings,
- outdoors on all campus grounds,
in the parking areas of the University of Antwerp.
In addition, since 31 December 2024, it is no longer permitted to smoke or vape:
within 10 metres of the entrances and exits (including emergency exits) of all university buildings that face public roads,
within 10 metres of entrances and exits of sports facilities.
These guidelines follow the law of 22 December 2009 on smoke-free areas and on protecting the public from tobacco smoke.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which products are covered by the smoking ban?
The ban applies to all tobacco-based and similar smoking products, including electronic cigarettes (with or without nicotine) and herbal smoking products.
Can I smoke in my office or in a service vehicle?
All enclosed workspaces and staff facilities in Belgium are smoke-free. That includes your office and university vehicles.
Am I still allowed to smoke on public roads?
Yes, you may smoke on public roads, as long as you stay outside the 10-meter perimeter of the entrances and exits of the University of Antwerp buildings.
Because we aim to maintain a clean and safe environment together, we kindly ask you to be considerate and not to throw cigarette butts on the ground. Did you know that cigarette butts make up 30–40% of litter worldwide? They contain thousands of chemical substances, some of which are harmful or even carcinogenic. To prevent these substances from entering the soil or water, we ask you to always dispose of your cigarette butts properly.
Tip: Use a portable pocket ashtray or dispose of your cigarette in a street ashtray outside the campus. You can get a free portable pocket ashtray from the Environmental Office.
Do not throw your cigarette butt in a regular trash bin. They can smoulder longer than you think and have caused fires in the past. Again, we recommend using a portable pocket ashtray.
Thank you for being mindful of each other and of our shared environment.
Can I still smoke on walking and cycling paths?
If these paths are public roads, smoking is allowed. However, if they run through the campus grounds or through a sports facility, smoking is prohibited.
We ask everyone to take shared responsibility for this. Together, we can keep our environment healthy, pleasant, and smoke-free.
Can I smoke in the university’s parking areas?
Smoking is not allowed in the university’s parking areas. This applies to both outdoor car parks and underground parking garages.
As these parking areas are part of our campuses, we kindly ask you not to smoke there.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Am I allowed to smoke on the terrace of catering establishments such as komida or Agora Caffee?
No. Both Komida and Agora Caffee have consciously chosen to be part of our smoke-free university. This way, everyone can enjoy a healthy and pleasant environment in peace and comfort.
Am I allowed to smoke during events?
No. The university’s smoking ban also applies during events on our campuses. This helps us create a healthy, safe, and pleasant atmosphere and experience for all participants.
Does the smoking ban also apply to the university student residences?
The smoking policy for the student residences is determined by the owner (Xior).
However, the square between the student residences and the sports hall on Campus Drie Eiken is smoke-free.
Does the smoking ban also apply to the Fort VI event venue?
No. Fort VI is not part of the campus, so the university’s smoking ban does not apply there.
If you do smoke in this area, we ask you to be considerate and not to throw your cigarette butt on the ground. We recommend using a portable pocket ashtray, which you can get for free from the Environmental Office. This helps keep the surroundings clean and pleasant for everyone.
What happens if I don’t comply with the smoking ban?
Inspectors from the Federal Public Service for Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment are responsible for detecting violations. The police also enforce the law of 22 December 2009.
Violations are punishable under article 13 of the law of 24 January 1977. Both the smoker and the university may face fines ranging from €208 to €8,000.
Looking for help to quit smoking?
The changes in UAntwerp’s smoking policy might be the ideal opportunity for a fresh start. Several support options are available:
- Start on your own using resources from Tabakstop.
- Seek help from a certified tobacco expert.
- Your GP or pharmacist can also support you.
- Health insurance providers reimburse (part of) the cost of smoking cessation aids.
Want to know more?
More information about the updated legislation on smoking can be found on the website of the FPS Public Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment.