One of the most common places for students to go on exchange is Europe. Considering all the amazing possibilities, choose a country, much alone a location, to live in and attend school in can be a daunting task. The variety is staggering, what with each country offering its own distinct culture and allure.
It’s easy to feel completely overwhelmed by it all. We have produced a list of the top ten European cities to study in during 2023 to help with your decision-making. This is a collection of Europe‘s most visited and highly regarded tourist destinations. Not all fantastic cities in Europe are included here, but this is a good starting point for finding the ideal location for your study abroad experience.
Where did we choose?
Vagvadini is committed to providing its users with the information they require to select the ideal vacation spot. Factors including cost of living/average income, quantity of attractions, and number of available courses were considered when choosing the places for this post.
Last but not least, we relied on our own expertise in the field to verify that the places we’re recommending have been thoroughly checked out by both community members and specialists alike.
Excellent for a better quality of life: It's in Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal is one of the smaller European countries, but its capital, Lisbon, is the finest site to discover the country’s bursting with character. With only 500,000 people calling it home, Lisbon is manageable on foot but offers a wealth of attractions for visitors of all interests.
Lisbon is a terrific city to study abroad and make friends from all over the world because it attracts many foreign students from all over Europe because of its lovely weather and laid-back atmosphere. In addition, the cheap cost of living is not accompanied by a correspondingly poor standard of living. Lisbon offers excellent value for money, with a wide variety of high-quality restaurants, hotels, and public transportation options.
Lisbon’s tree-lined avenues and cobbled alleyways will take you back in time to Portugal’s illustrious past. Art is everywhere in this riverside metropolis, from the brilliant street murals to the candy-colored tiled facades of the city’s historic buildings.
The fragrant aroma of freshly baked pastéis de nata (custard tarts) and the resonant sound of traditional Portuguese Fado music fill the air. The cost of living in Lisbon is far lower than in many other European capital cities, making it an attractive alternative for students on a tighter budget.
Perfect for a community of global students: Specifically: Berlin
Berlin is a major European city because Germany is Europe’s largest economy. The city has a rich history, and there are numerous museums and other historical sites to visit if you want to learn more about Germany and Europe.
Berlin is the epitome of hipster cool without compromising on authenticity because to its rich history, which has made it into a city unlike any other. Berlin’s rich cultural variety and plenty of exciting tourist attractions make it an excellent choice for students from all over the world.
The metropolis, which is home to more than 3.5 million people, is too big to explore on foot. However, the city’s excellent public transit infrastructure makes it easy to go around and see everything that it has to offer. Many of Germany’s best universities, which rank among the best in Europe and the world, are located in Berlin, the country’s capital. Even better, the German educational system is widely praised for being among the world’s most cost-effective.
Berlin is a bit more expensive than other European capitals on a daily basis, but there are still lots of options to see the sights without breaking the bank. The currywurst is a popular low-priced snack that combines German sausage with creamy South Asian curry sauce.
It’s impossible to get bored in Berlin, whether your interests lie in the city’s vibrant nightlife, fascinating museums, or cozy cafes.
Don’t limit yourself to just studying in Berlin; there are many other fantastic cities in Germany.
Florence, Italy, is a city that has a strong art culture.
Students may visualize the ancient glory of Rome or the modern glitz of Milan when they think about studying in Italy. But if you want to study in Italy, there is no better city than Florence. While only slightly over 382,000 people call Florence home, the city’s beauty, charm, and history more than make up for its diminutive size.
You may expect to witness some truly magnificent works of art in Italy’s cultural epicenter. Florence’s prominent landmarks like the Duomo and the Basilica di San Lorenzo will leave you in awe. Florence is not only a cultural center, but also a center for higher education. The city has a big student population, so it’s a great place to connect with people who share your interests and learn more about the culture.
Located in Tuscany, Florence offers easy access to other major Italian cities such as Bologna, Milan, Rome, and Naples via train. Italy’s extensive rail network and compact size make it ideal for day trips and weekend excursions from Florence.
Excellent for those who enjoy urban life: Paris, France
Despite the best efforts of thousands of authors, it is nearly impossible to capture the spirit of Paris in a few concise sentences. Paris may appear like a place beset by expectations and false realities, but it is truly as captivating as they say; though, I will admit, it took me a few visits to the place of Lights to fully appreciate its allure.
There’s no doubting that a city the size of Paris can be both intimidating and exciting. The picturesque streets attract visitors and students from all over the world. Paris attracts people from all over the world because of its status as a major European and global financial center. It’s a great place to study abroad because you’ll have no trouble making friends.
Paris is overflowing with magical treasures, delicious treats, historical significance, and rare artworks. You will never be at a loss for extracurricular activities because there are so many options.
Paris is a beautiful and academically enriching place to study, which is why it is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations in Europe. Many reputable institutions and organizations offer courses to international students in Paris.
Excellent in terms of low cost of living: Czech Republic; Prague
You will be enchanted by the city of a hundred spires and orange-tiled roofs. During the snowy winter months, Prague truly does like a scene from a Disney film. Studying, working, and living in Prague is all exciting opportunities.
Univerzita Karlova in Prague is both the oldest and one of the top universities in all of Central Europe. Many institutions and courses in the nation’s capital cater to international students by providing instruction in a wide variety of disciplines due to the widespread use of English.
Aside from its excellent universities, Prague also boasts a thriving music and nightlife scene. Many of the best locations to go out and enjoy Czech culture are tucked away, either underground or in more remote areas of the city, such as ikov. The low cost of living in Prague is a major draw for students. Any student on a tight budget may find affordable options for food, lodging, and entertainment.
Some of the most breathtaking examples of central European architecture may be seen in Prague. The food is surprisingly tasty, and the beer is legendary (after all, the Czech Republic is where pilsner was first brewed).
Excellent for getting around: The Hague, Netherlands
Just about everyone can be won over by a brief stroll along the shady canals of Amsterdam. There’s a lot more to this city than just the nightlife and the infamous red light district, despite what you may have heard. Amsterdam, like the rest of the Netherlands, is known for its laid-back culture. Walking or riding a bike around town is a great way to see the sights and get a feel for local life. The rest of Europe is conveniently close by thanks to the airport’s status as a major international hub.
As an international student, you will love going out in this city because of the rich musical culture. If partying isn’t your thing, there are plenty of quiet cafes, excellent museums, and scenic parks like the verdant Vondelpark to keep you occupied. Walking around the canals is a terrific way to take in the city’s rich history and beautiful buildings.
Many students from all around Europe and the world come to the welcoming Netherlands, making Amsterdam a truly global metropolis. Even though Dutch is the official language, you won’t have any trouble communicating because almost everyone here speaks English. This is especially advantageous if you choose to study in English, as the curriculum at the best schools will cover a wide variety of topics that can be applied to practically any major.
Galway, Ireland, has a wonderful small-town atmosphere.
The essence of Ireland can be captured in mental images of rolling green hills, rocky cliffs, and kind people. Galway is a popular destination for both Irish people and international students, despite being overshadowed by Dublin. It’s known as a bohemian city thanks to its diverse art and music culture. Galway, which is approximately 2 hours away from Dublin, is a great option for anyone hoping to study abroad.
With a population of just around 80,000, it’s a manageable size to explore on two wheels. Galway is the ideal size, being neither too small nor too big to cause boredom. Galway is a great spot to go out and have fun because there are so many different establishments to choose from. Becoming a regular at a local bar or cafe is a breeze here.
Galway puts you in close proximity to the stunning Irish countryside, perfect for nature lovers. You’ll have easy access to the Aran Islands, Connemara National Park, Croagh Patrick, and the rest of the attractions along the Wild Atlantic Way. After a long week of studying, nothing beats going for a trek in the hills to clear your head.
If you want to study English while also having an outstanding experience abroad, Ireland is the best destination in the world to do so. In addition, if English is your first language, you can choose from any major offered by NUI Galway.
Perfect for the most prestigious scholars: The City of London, England
In fact, half of all international students from the United States choose to study in the United Kingdom. In addition to being home to 13% of the UK’s population, London also attracts a considerable number of international students from across Europe.
London is the largest and most culturally diverse city in Europe. In this enormous city, you can do or eat anything your heart desires. There is simply too much to see and do in London for any one person to be able to visit every borough.
Universities in the country are consistently ranked among the best in the world, and they provide a wide variety of degree programs taught entirely in English.
London’s big multinational community makes it a fantastic place for students from all over the world to come together. London is never going to tire you because to its amazing array of restaurants, bars, clubs, and pubs, as well as its beautiful parks and world-renowned museums.
Barcelona, Spain, is a fantastic destination for anyone seeking a cultural experience.
It’s easy to appreciate the allure of Barcelona’s laid-back and effortlessly stylish lifestyle if you’re the type of person who believes in “good vibes,” of which there are many.
This city on the coast is the seat of government for the autonomous Catalan region, making it unique among the Spanish regions. You might be surprised to learn that the people of Spain don’t all speak Spanish and follow the same cultural norms. The fusion of Spanish and Catalan styles here creates a unique cultural environment.
Numerous museums, art galleries, and breezy cafes may be found along the tree-lined avenidas of Barcelona. When it comes to Spanish cuisine, Barcelona is a mecca, and when it comes to international students, it’s a mecca, too.
In your free time, you can take in the sights of Las Ramblas, the Mediterranean Sea, or Parque Güell, a masterpiece by the renowned architect Antoni Gaud.
It’s true that Barcelona has become a popular study abroad location because of how exciting it is to spend time there.
Fantastic for picking up a new tongue: Spanish capital Madrid
When it comes to studying in Europe, many American students choose Spain. The majority of visitors flock to Madrid, the country’s enormous and lively capital. Because of this, there is a very active foreign community there, so you won’t be lonely.
You may expect to find a diverse population and a wide range of entertainment options in any major metropolis. Madrid’s diverse population makes it an ideal location for language exchanges between students, teachers, au pairs, and professionals from all over the world. These meetings, known as intercambios, take place at bars and cafes and are typically hosted free of charge. Since Madrid is less English-fluent than the rest of Spain, you’ll have lots of chances to use your newfound language skills.
Madrid is a vast city with countless attractions and activities to partake in while you aren’t studying. Madrid is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Spanish culture, whether you want to relax with a siesta in the city’s largest park, Parque del Retiro, explore the city’s many museums, or indulge in some of the world’s finest cuisine.
Madrid is home to some of the best schools in the country and has been a popular destination for international students for decades. Don’t be intimidated by your lack of Spanish proficiency; courses are available for learners at all skill levels.
