Best European Cities for International Students

Una guida di Spacest.com

When it comes to studying abroad, Europe offers an incredible variety of options for international students.

European universities not only have a long history of academic excellence, but many cities offer a lively and welcoming environment for students from all over the world.

This article explores some of the best European cities for international students, highlighting their universities, quality of life, and cultural and social opportunities.

Find out with Spacest.com the best rental listings in Europe.

Best European Cities for International Students: Bologna, Italy

Italy presents some of the most prestigious and ancient European universities and some cities are real open-air campuses.

Ideal for Italian and international students, Italian university cities are among the most popular and welcoming in the entire student panorama, as Bologna.

The University of Bologna

Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna is considered the oldest in the Western world. The city is a hub for international students, offering programs in English and encouraging cultural exchanges.

Student life

Bologna is famous for its lively nightlife, with countless bars, restaurants and cultural events that fit perfectly with the student lifestyle.

The city is relatively cheap compared to other Italian cities such as Milan and Rome, making it ideal for students on a budget: you discover at its best Bologna in our special guide Living in Bologna: the complete guide.

Student accommodation

Accommodation options vary from university residences to shared apartments.

Rents in Bologna may be high in the historic center, but all in all reasonable and allow you to live comfortably in the center or in the immediate vicinity.

Discover therefore the best listings for accommodation for rent in Bologna.

Best Europeans cities for international students: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Let’s move north, to the welcoming and avant-garde areas of the Netherlands, and more precisely in Amsterdam, the symbolic city of the country.

The Dutch city is known for its canals, its inclusive lifestyle, bicycles and University of Amsterdam, dating back to 1632.

The University of Amsterdam

Among the most prestigious universities in the Netherlands, the University of Amsterdam It is renowned for research and teaching in the sciences, arts and humanities.

It offers numerous courses in English to attract international students.

Student life

Amsterdam is a university city par excellence with a welcoming atmosphere and a rich cultural life.

The cultural and economic center of the Netherlands, despite its extensive size, Amsterdam is an excellent destination for international students: the English language is well spoken and the city is at the forefront in many sectors.

Student accommodation

Students can choose between university residences and private apartments.

Rental prices in central areas can be high, however it is possible to find solutions to suit all budgets.

Discover the listings for student rooms for rent in Amsterdam.

Best European Cities for International Students: Grenoble, France

Grenoble is one of the most popular destinations for those who want to settle in France in the heart of the French Alps.

Living in Grenoble means being surrounded by majestic mountains, where the city offers an enviable quality of life.

Discover Grenoble and France in our dedicated article The best cities to live in France.

The University of Grenoble Alpes

The University of Grenoble Alpes is known for its strong programs in physics, engineering, and computer science.

Grenoble is a center of scientific and technological research, with many opportunities for students interested in these areas.

Student life

Grenoble is surrounded by the Alps, offering students unique opportunities for hiking and winter sports.

The city itself is vibrant, with many festivals, music events and cultural activities, making it an inspiring place to live and study.

If you are interested in Grenoble or to France don’t miss our in-depth analysis The best cities to live in France.

The city offers a wide range of accommodation options, including university dormitories and shared apartments, with generally affordable prices.

Check out the best rental listings in Grenoble.

Best European Cities for International Students: Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a unique city of rare beauty: living in Scotland is an enchanting experience for the many who choose to settle in the United Kingdom.

Unlike other large capitals and metropolises such as London, it preserves the ancient Scottish traditions, so it will not be difficult for you to breathe an air of Scottish authenticity.

University of Edinburgh

With a strong emphasis on disciplines such as literature, medical and political sciences, the University of Edinburgh attracts students from all over the world. It offers a rigorous and supportive academic environment.

Student life

Edinburgh is a city that offers a perfect mix of history, culture and modernity.

With international festivals such as the Fringe Festival, New Year’s Hogmanay and the Edinburgh Festival, students are never short of things to do.

Discover Edinburgh and the United Kingdom in our in-depth analysis The best cities to live in the United Kingdom.

Student accommodation

The offer of rental accommodation includes both university residences as well as apartments and shared rooms, covering a wide spectrum of preferences and budgets.

Discover the best room and apartment listings for rent in Edinburgh.

Best European Cities for International Students: Hidden Gems

Coimbra, Portugal

Coimbra is a true university city with a strong student presence that dominates the social and cultural life of the city.

The city is smaller and more manageable than Lisbon or Porto, but there’s no shortage of activity, with frequent student festivals, cultural events and vibrant nightlife.

The University of Coimbra is one of the oldest in the world, founded in 1290. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful baroque library and strong academic traditions.

In our in-depth analysis Living in Coimbra: the complete guide you will be able to discover all the details about this city. And don’t forget to check out the best accommodation for rent in Coimbra.

Stuttgart, Germany

Stuttgart is a lively German city, known for its dynamic economy and the important presence of automotive industries such as Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.

The city offers a rich cultural and social scene, with many opportunities to participate in events, clubs and activities organized by the lively local community and the many universities present.

Stuttgart is also known for its contributions to the fields of engineering and applied sciences, with several higher education and research institutions collaborating with industry to promote innovation.

Learn more about Germany in our special guide The best cities to live in Germany.

Salamanca, Spain

Salamanca is renowned for its student atmosphere and beautiful old town, full of sandstone buildings.

Students here benefit from a stimulating academic environment and a city full of history and culture.

Founded in 1134, the University of Salamanca is the third oldest active university in Europe. It is renowned for its programs in languages, law, and history, and has a strong tradition in the humanities.

Students can find affordable rental options both in the historic center and in neighborhoods a little further away: discover the rental listings in Salamanca.

Graz, Austria

Graz offers a rich cultural experience with many cafes, restaurants and bars that cater to international tastes.

It is also famous for its student celebrations and festivities, which involve the whole city on several occasions throughout the year.

The University of Graz is one of Austria’s most prestigious universities, known for its research and education in science, engineering and law.

The city of Graz is small but well organized, and the university is at the center of city life.

In conclusion

These cities offer not only academic excellence but also deep immersion in local cultures, offering international students a wide range of experiences during their studies.

Each city has its own unique character and traditions, providing a stimulating environment to study and live.

Students can enjoy an enriching educational experience as they immerse themselves in new languages, traditions and social networks.