Student Train Travel in Europe

"I don't know if the trains there are like planes here where you should buy a ticket in advance." For some long distance trips, you can sometimes get a discount by buying in advanced, but for the most part, there is little advantage.

"Does anyone know if when he flies into Brussels airport and needs to get to Maastricht, Netherlands if that ticket needs to be purchased in advance?" No, just buy it from the ticket counter at the airport. There are no direct trains, but the cheapest route involves changes in Leuven and Liege (Luik in Dutch).

I wouldn't bother with the train pass until he arrives. I studied in France, and when I got there I found out I could get a discount pass worth 50% off any train in and originating or ending in France, which was much more economical than a rail pass.

His school in the netherlands may offer a similar type of discount. Also, 75% of the time, we flew discount airlines instead of trains since it was (usually) cheaper and faster

thanks for the info! Guess I'll let him wing it and wait until he's there and ready to travel.