You’ve decided that you’d love to study at a university in Europe. We can see why - the history, world-class universities, breathtaking architecture and vibrant cities make Europe an attractive place for international students. The next step is to choose a country, city and university that suits you.
So, we’ve picked out five important things to look out for when looking for a city and university to study in.
Choosing where to study in Europe
- pick a culturally diverse city
- find the best nightlife
- look for the top universities
- enjoy Europe’s finest food and drink
- choose a country with plenty to see and do
Pick a culturally diverse city
University is an opportunity to embrace different cultures, backgrounds and religions. It’s a chance to experience the sights, smells and sounds of other worlds so look for a city that embraces and celebrates different cultures.
When making your choice, look to see if the city has a vibrant and multicultural mix of people. Check the city’s universities and take note of how many international students are enrolled there, the support system they have and any fun societies that you can join. From extra English language courses to dodgeball and kabaddi societies, they’ll have everything you need to have fun.
The UK is the second most popular study destination for international students - not just in Europe but all over the world. Those students come from China, India, the US, Hong Kong, Malaysia and many more destinations.
This means that UK cities and universities always have an exciting and diverse mix of cultures that you get to experience. International students are sometimes surprised when they arrive by the diversity and openness of British society.
Find the best nightlife
After a long week of fascinating lectures and entertaining assignments, you deserve to relax. When you’re deciding on a European country to study in, think about the nightlife there. Choose a city and there’ll be lots to do but pick a smaller, more rural university and the nights might be a little quieter. It depends on what you like.
Study in Spain and you’ll be able to enjoy tapas with friends at night or choose the UK for its renowned social scene. There’s so many interesting things to do in the evening here, especially if you pick a city like Manchester, Edinburgh or Newcastle. Whether you want to dance the night away at a concert, try quality food from all around the globe or enjoy an evening at the theatre, UK nightlife has something for everyone.
Look for the top universities
The nightlife, accommodation and costs are important things to consider when deciding where you want to study in Europe. But the university itself should have the biggest impact on your choice.
There are around 4,000 higher education establishments in Europe, so there are plenty of different universities to choose from. To narrow down your choices, consider league table rankings, a university’s commitment to research and the career prospects for graduates.
Enjoy Europe’s finest food and drink
European food is as diverse as its people. Try kroppkaka in Sweden, taramasalata in Greece, fish and chips in England or the best pizza you’ve ever had in Italy. It’s the perfect opportunity to broaden your palate and discover a new favourite meal.
Choose a multicultural city to study in and you’ll be able to sample dishes from all over the world. Maybe even better than your mum makes back at home (but don’t worry, we won’t tell her you said that).
Choose a country with plenty to see and do
Weekends and semester breaks give you the perfect opportunity to explore the amazing country you’re studying in. Head to the beach in Greece, see the breathtaking views of the Alps or visit a city, the countryside and the beautiful coast all in the same day in the UK.
Think about what there is to do in the countries you’re considering, how much those activities will cost and how easy it is to travel. Europe is a big place but there are plenty of cheap travel options available for students.
In the UK, for example, there are student railcards to allow you to move around without having to pay too much. Plus, the transport links here connect all of the major cities together. For example, you can board a train in Newcastle and be in the centre of London in less than three hours. So you’ll be able to see sights like the Angel of the North just outside Newcastle, Edinburgh Castle and London’s Big Ben after a few short train journeys.
Hopefully, the points we’ve mentioned help make your decision a lot easier. But that’s just the start - there are still so many more exciting thing to know about studying in Europe in a place like the UK.
Everything you need to know about studying in the UK
The UK is a popular choice with international students thanks to the world-class universities, excellent career prospects and welcoming social community. There’s plenty to see and do, including amazing experiences with friends that you’ll never forget.
There’s a lot to think about before you can start your exciting journey at a UK university, like visa applications, accommodation and budgeting. To make everything a little easier, we’ve put together a helpful guide that’s packed with tips and information.
Download your free copy now using the link below to learn everything there is to know about studying in the UK. That way, you’ll be able to apply knowing you’ve made the right choice.
