Making new friends, learning a language and experiencing a different culture, studying abroad has many advantages, but to choose the right place you should take several factors into account. The prestige of the university and the quality of teaching, of course, the quality of life must not be overlooked, such as the cost of rents, job opportunities and… university life! Here is a selection of the 10 cities in the world with the best student life.
This ranking takes into account six fundamental criteria, including Student mix (tolerance and inclusion), Desirability (quality of life), Employer Activity (job opportunities), Student View (Student point of view) and Affordability (economic convenience).
#10 Seoul
South Korea is renowned for its universities. The three largest globally recognized universities are Seoul National University, Korea University and Yonsei University. All of them have high post-graduate employment rates and an excellent reputation.
The cost of living in Seoul is quite affordable. As a student, we know how difficult it is to cope with a tight budget every month but, fortunately, in Korea you can find food, accommodation and opportunities to explore cultural life affordably.
As an international student, you will meet people from all over the world and attending a Korean university will also offer you the opportunity to meet Korean boys and girls and to learn the language in a multicultural environment.
Korean university students are open-minded and are often willing to share their habits with international students. If you sign up for one of the many activities organized by the university, it will be easier to make friends with local people.
Finally, the city boasts a vibrant student life, making Seoul the ideal place to have an unforgettable experience.
#9 Sydney
Australia is one of the top destinations for many international students and Sydney is considered by many to be the funniest city in the world and the best in student life.In Sydney you can visit many world-famous attractions: the Opera House, Bondi Beach, The Rocks, Sydney Harbor Bridge, Sydney Harbor, Paddy’s Markets, Darling Harbor, the Blue Mountains and much more.
Australian Universities offer English courses and programs designed specifically for students with an international background and certainly one of the advantages of being an international student in Australia is that the student visa automatically gives you permission to work up to 40 hours every two weeks during the academic year, or full-time during the holidays. This means you can enjoy everything the city can offer and earn some money while you study.
For university students, Sydney is a rather expensive place to live, but the upside is that university campuses are mostly in inner city areas, with access to lots of culture and entertainment without having to travel too far.
Finally, Sydney enjoys a dynamic economy and students have great opportunities to stay in the city even after graduation. In fact, for many careers, the opportunities in Sydney are greater than anywhere else in Australia.
#8 Zurich
The Swiss brand is internationally recognized. Think Swiss chocolate, cheese, watches, and the Swiss army knife. However, what is less well known is the prestigious place the Swiss university system holds in the world.With several top-tier universities, the Swiss higher education system offers students the opportunity to advance their education and future careers!
Zurich is a favorite among students for various reasons.It is the largest city in Switzerland, which means that it is the city that has the most to offer: more job opportunities and more study programs to choose from.Furthermore, Zurich is located in the heart of Europe and this is a fantastic advantage if you want to get to know other cities and travel to discover the Old Continent.If you love skiing, the Alps are what surround you, so here you can ski in your free time or if you have never done it before, it could be the perfect opportunity to try.
What makes the city of Zurich one of the best cities to study is certainly its quality of life, high salaries and excellent organization. The only drawback is that it is also the most expensive city in Switzerland. So without a scholarship or a part-time job it is very difficult to support yourself.
Last but not least, Zurich is home to excellent universities, and if you study there, you will likely find a job right after graduation.
#7 Berlin
The city of Berlin embodies all the advantages of a large metropolis but, at the same time, it is one of the ideal destinations for any international student.
Firstly, thanks to its prestigious, cheap and quality universities. Secondly, for its huge amount of monuments, extraordinary attractions and cultural activities.
If there is a city in Europe that has been the central stage of many historical events, it is surely Berlin. Every street corner tells a story, from Checkpoint Charlie to the Berlin Wall. And there are museums and art galleries in abundance. Even street art will blow your mind. There is so much to see!
Berlin is also known as the capital of nightlife and student life and is a paradise for techno fans – Berlin’s clubs and bars will surely not disappoint you!
Also, if you think living in Berlin is super expensive, you are wrong. Not only are the beers cheap, but the rent is also much cheaper than that in other European cities.
#6 Munich
If you think of studying in Munich, you will probably think of Oktoberfest, rivers of beer and sausages… But did you know that Munich is also known for its quality of life, education, leisure activities and student life?
Munich is a strong economic center and well-known high-tech, electronics, communication and automotive companies such as BMW, Siemens, Infineon, Telefonica (O2), Allianz and Munich are based here, as well as global consulting firms such as PWC , BCG, Deloitte, Accenture and many more.
This economic power generates excellent employment opportunities for students and graduates working in any field.Universities are excellent and learning German is sure to be a trump card for your future!Furthermore, Munich is an open-minded and multicultural city. Therefore, it is common to find Italian markets, Asian shops, Persian restaurants and Mexican food stands on the same street. Making friends will be child’s play!
In Munich you will live in a big metropolitan city but you will feel like you are in a cozy little city. In addition, the infrastructure is exceptional: all you need are your feet and a bicycle… and you’re good to go!
#5 Paris
There is no doubt that Paris is truly amazing: the food is delicious, the art and culture are of inestimable value and the city itself is a work of art to be discovered.
Paris universities are among the best higher education institutions in the world according to the QS World University Rankings. The École Normale Supérieure, the École Polytechnique and the Université Pierre et Marie Curie offer high-quality programs in the arts, sciences, technology and medicine. These and other schools are excellent options for all students who want to study abroad.
Thanks to globalization, the ability to speak multiple languagesis an important advantage for most professional careers and French is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Therefore, the best way to learn it is by completely immersing yourself in the local language and culture through a study program abroad.
In addition, Paris is a city full of monuments, cultural activities and a vibrant artistic life, which will help you test your creativity and find the right inspiration to decide your future. In short, the reasons why Paris is among the best cities to study abroad are truly endless!
#4 Montreal
As the metropolis of Québec and the second French-speaking city in the world after Paris, Montreal stands out for being multicultural and cosmopolitan.With over 180,000 university students, Montreal has one of the highest concentrations of college students of any city in North America.The city’s universities enjoy an excellent reputation and welcome over 200,000 students, of which over 35,000 are international students.
Furthermore, Montreal stands out for its low cost of living. In fact, housing is twice as affordable as in many large cities in North America and Europe.It’s not easy to get bored in Montreal. Whether you love music, art, sport, or nature, Montreal stands out for being a true cultural center.
With its favorable job market, international students with a study license can gain experience in cutting-edge industries such as aerospace, visual effects, video games, big data, virtual reality, life sciences and health technologies, or even fintech.
In addition, the student visa allows international students to work up to 20 hours per week during courses and full-time during holidays.
#3 Melbourne
Melbourne is considered one of the most liveable cities in the world and one of the best cities to study abroad.This title is awarded to the city with the highest score for stability, health care, culture and the environment, education and infrastructure.
By studying in Melbourne, you will live in a safe and vibrant city, with a quality of teaching recognized around the world.Whether your studies involve research, technical training, English or business, Melbourne’s educational institutions offer a rich and rewarding student experience.
Often referred to as the cultural capital of Australia, the city is home to Australia’s best attractions. Victoria’s diverse landscape encompasses snow-capped mountains, vast stretches of sea, deserted regions and charming historic cities.
Both large and small cities are modern, well served and welcoming. Here the lifestyle is relaxed, accommodation costs are not excessive and there is easy access to natural attractions thanks to multiple transport options from Melbourne to other parts of Victoria and Australia.
#2 Tokyo
Tokyo is said to be one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the world. As the capital of Japan, it is home not only to government offices but also to the imperial family.Tokyo has been described as a dominant force in the world economy, so students studying here will find themselves in the heart of a truly internationally influential city.
The capital of Japan enjoys cutting-edge technologies, exclusive and refined restaurants and really beautiful parks and gardens. Fortunately, it won’t take you long to get from one place to another: the city has an easy-to-use metro system that boasts incredible efficiency.From sushi to temples, Tokyo preserves the traditions of the old world without sacrificing modernity and a hectic atmosphere.
In Japan there are many universities where you can receive world-class education in various fields.In addition, there are many language schools and colleges available, so you can choose from a wide variety of institutions to train in the sector that interests you most.Finally, by studying in Japan, you will have permission to take a part-time job, so you don’t have to suffer to pay for tuition and living expenses.
#1 London
London conquers the podium of the best cities to study abroad.Over 100,000 international students, from over 200 different nations, study here every year, making it a global, vibrant and diverse city.
Many of the best universities in the world are located right in London, including four of the top 40 universities according to the Times Higher Education ranking.
In short, London is a center for academic excellence and it is no coincidence that 70 Nobel laureates have studied or worked right here.London’s cultural offer is ideal for students looking for a culturally enriching study experience.
It is impossible to say that London cannot offer a complete multicultural experience, with over 5000 museums and galleries, including some of the oldest and most famous buildings in the world, such as the British Museum, the Tate Modern and musical temples such as the Royal Opera House, the London Philharmonic and the Symphony Orchestra.
Foodies will also find their homeland here, as London’s vast collection of cafes, restaurants, open markets and food festivals make it easy to sample dishes and flavors from all corners of the world.
Finally, although the cost of living is not the cheapest, students make up a large part of its population, so the city goes out of its way to meet their needs. There are student discounts on everything from goods and services, to bars and nightclubs, tours and events, galleries and museums.
It is therefore easy to understand why London took first place in this ranking of the 10 cities in the world with the best student life!
