So you made the (best ever) decision and are planning to spend a semester or more abroad as an Erasmus student. How great! Studying abroad and living in another country is a unique experience that will change you forever. This is a little guide to help you decide where to go and why. Keep reading to discover the best destinations for Erasmus students!
London
London attracts thousands of international students from all over the world every year. Many London universities are among the top-100 best higher-education institutions in the world but this surely isn’t the only reasons why people move there. There are tons of reasons to fall in love with this city that never sleeps like its markets, parks, architecture, bars and amazing lifestyle. If you end up moving to London, we’ve got you sorted with our Quiet Places to Study guide.
Turin
This is not only our latest city, but Turin is also one of the most charming cities in Italy. Often overlooked for Rome, Milan, Florence or Venice, Turin is a not-so-hidden gem of Italy. There are tons of things to do there and the student life is blessed with endless, all-you-can-eat apericena (that is a great money-saver if you are on a budget!), incredible museums and sights including the Royal Palace. Here's what to do on your first days in the city.
Berlin
We all know that studying in Germany will ruin your life forever. BUT. But. There is a but. Berlin is magical, truly, impressively, incredibly mesmerising, it’s a capital city with 50 shades of colours, tons of things to see and do and as Jean Paul wrote “Berlin is meh sin Weltteil all eine Stadt” (Berlin is rather a part of the world than a city). Berlin has the incredible power to attract people from all over the world and not only for the great beers, but for its multicultural vibe, international club scene and edgy neighbourhoods. Our Ultimate Guide covers the history, culture and nightlife.
Madrid
Madrid tops most lists of the best Erasmus destinations (guess why Spotahome chose Madrid as its base?). It’s impossible not to fall in love with the capital’s all-night party scene and the Spanish vibe. Madrid is perfect if you are into art since there are top-notch museums; into sports (you can do anything outdoor most of the year); into fashion since Madrid’s shopping scene is one of the best in Europe. Oh! And did we mentioned sangria yet? And then there is the vermouth to discover... Find out which Madrid neighbourhood suits you best.
Bologna
The University of Bologna is one of the best higher education institutions in the world and that’s one of the reasons why students from all over Europe come here in flocks for a semester or more. Bologna features an incredible student life, delicious Italian food, fun nightlife and cultural activities on top of being strategically located in the most beautiful country of the world, Italy. In fact, Bologna is only 1-hour train journey to Florence, you can reach Milan in 1 hour and 14 minutes while you’d be living on Venice's doorstep (1 hr and 28 minutes by train). Bologna tops our list of universities in Italy.
Paris
The city of light is not only the city of “l’amour”, it’s also an incredibly interesting city for exchange students. The universities in Paris are very famous for the high standard of their education, but the French capital also offers a lot of free-time activities, a bustling nightlife and a mouth-watering cuisine. And we are pretty sure you are going to have a romance while there, too. Everybody does. Are you more for Montmarte or Latin Quarter?
Seville
Spain is surely a hot destination for Erasmus students, but the choice can be hard between Madrid, Seville and Granada. Seville is often chosen because of its low living costs and high quality of life. It’s almost always hot there, so you can do outdoor activities all year round! You also have lots of choice for nightlife which is spread around the areas of Alameda, Alfalfa, Nervión and Calle Betis. Seville is filled with stunning sites and Moorish architecture to explore.
Granada
But what about Granada? Well, the University of Granada is one of the best in the world, the Alhambra is one of the most stunning architectural miracles and you are assured that you will become tapas-addicted there. Granada is lively, fun and beautiful. It lies in between European and African history and it’s rich in cultural traditions and social activity. Need more convincing?
Have we missed any great Erasmus city? Leave us a comment below and let us know!
Find your accommodation in any of these and more cities on Spotahome.