Studying abroad provides you with a unique opportunity to relocate temporarily. The student visa is the easiest visa to apply for and a year abroad is a great addition to your CV. It’s also just a really good time. Now you’ve just got the small task of choosing where to go. Look no further than this comprehensive guide to the best places to study abroad in Europe.
10. Rouen, France
Okay, maybe I’m biased. I studied abroad at the Université de Rouen Normandie in my third year and it was the best choice I made. If you’re a French student, picking somewhere outside of Paris generally forces you to speak the language, as fewer people speak English. It’s a relatively small city, with beautiful architecture, lots of good bars, and excellent transport links. The rent was cheap, as were the buses, but you could get in and out of Paris really easily. I would frequently go and spend the day in the capital. The main train station in Rouen has excellent links to cities all across France, so if you fancy seeing more of the country, it’s a good option.
9. Zagreb, Croatia
The capital of Croatia is stunning. If you’re seeking that continental European vibe, look no further than Zagreb. It’s a student friendly city, with vibrant nightlife, good public transport, and cheap rent. The cost of living in Zagreb is significantly cheaper than other European capitals. If you’re looking to study in English, the University of Zagreb has numerous programs taught in English.
8. Madrid, Spain
Sometimes the most obvious choices are the best ones. Madrid is a lively city, with a few universities to choose from. If you’re looking for Spanish-language immersion, Madrid should be at the top of your list. It’s a unique blend of traditional European life and modern student life that you might be looking for. The metro is fairly cheap, making it easy to get around the city. The only downside is that the cost of living is slightly higher compared to Zagreb and Rouen. Definitely check out the living expenses before you apply. But overall, it has high-quality education and also that fun European study abroad vibe.
7. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a short 4 hour train ride away from London. This city is considered the hub of Europe. If one of your main reasons for studying abroad is to travel around the continent, Amsterdam makes a great base. It’s also a fun place to live. Amsterdam is a super impressive city. There’s plenty to do and it feels quintessentially European. Much like Madrid, it is on the more expensive end of the spectrum. I recommend researching average costs of rent, groceries, and nights out, to ensure you can make it work before applying.
6. Bologna, Italy
If you’re looking for that authentic Italian experience on a budget, Bologna might be the city for you. Rome and Venice are gorgeous cities, but the cost of living is significantly higher than Bologna. It’s also home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. Bologna is a really quaint city but it’s also really lively. There’s plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, so you’ll never get bored. It’s also the birthplace of tortellini, fun fact.
5. Lille, France
This French city is right on the border with Belgium. A short Eurostar from London, Lille is a great place to study abroad. The cost of living is significantly lower compared to Paris, but you can easily get a train in and out of the capital. It’s a gorgeous city, with historic buildings and a highly regarded university.
4. Hamburg, Germany
If you’re studying German, I’d recommend checking out Hamburg as a study abroad option. There are some programs delivered entirely in English, if you’re not a German student. Whilst Hamburg is slightly more expensive than Berlin, it’s also a bit less touristy than the capital, which is perfect for practising your German. Hamburg is a pretty port city with so much to do and the universities are generally held in high esteem.
3. Oslo, Norway
One of the most popular study abroad destinations is Oslo. Named “Europe’s Green Capital”, Oslo is powered primarily by renewable energy. It’s the perfect balance of beautiful greenery and vibrant city life. The universities are highly-regarded as well. However, it is one of the more expensive cities in Europe. Rent is quite high and so are the general costs of groceries and drinks. However, Oslo ranks consistently highly on various happiness and well-being indices. There’s a strong sense of community, high levels of social trust, and a good quality of life.
2. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is becoming one of the most popular study abroad destinations in Europe. The cost of living is relatively low compared to other European cities, but it’s also a really lively multicultural environment. At the University of Ljubljana, you can find many programs delivered in English in a range of subject areas. A night out isn’t too expensive here and students enjoy the rich culture and the beautiful scenery.
1. Copenhagen, Denmark
In first place, we have Copenhagen! This city is considered a good study abroad location due to its vibrancy, high-quality education, and safe environment. The University of Copenhagen is a very prestigious institution, so it will be a great addition to your CV. The city is known for its many cultural events, vibrant social scene, and efficient public transport. It’s a beautiful city and has a very good quality of life. However, it is quite an expensive city. Definitely consider the cost of rent and groceries before you move there. But it’s a great study abroad destination with lots to do.
If you are planning to go on a year abroad, check out our tips on how to settle in and make the most of your time in your host city!