30. Madrid (Spain)

Overall score: 4.04 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Madrid is great:

"Madrid is an amazing city with a very diverse population and it is pretty famous for its nightlife. Here you can meet people from all over the world and the locals usually are very friendly and enthusiastic, personally I had a great time living in Madird."

"Madrid is a very fun place to live and I would really recommend the city for students. The city holds a diverse population with good options for eating out. There are also many interesting attractions such as museums, parks etc. There are many universities here with students from all over the world. There are also a great selection of fun bars and clubs in Madrid. All in all, the city is very student friendly with a great nightlife and amenities."

29. San Diego (United States)

Overall score: 4.05 out of 5

Why these reviewers think San Diego is great:

"Is sunny San Diego! You can hike, go to the mountains, the beach within two hours of San Diego. This city has a lot to offer. Big bear, Coronado beach, Los Angeles, Malibu. Food is amazing from street tacos to sushi, from ramen to seafood, you will fall in love with San Diego"

"San Diego is an amazing place to live, especially in young adulthood. There is something here for everyone, from the gorgeous outdoors to the night life in PB. It depends a lot on which area you live in, but UTC is a great place for students to live. Cost of living is very high though."

28. Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Overall score: 4.07 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Amsterdam is great:

"Overall, Amsterdam is a very attractive and accessible city. Weekends can be filled with activities such as boat tours, museum visits, site seeing, clubbing, cheese tasting, and so much more. The city feels safe to explore and due to the quality of the public transport system, you will find it easy to get around and venture out to other cities."

"Amsterdam is an amazing city! The best thing about this city is that there is something for everyone. Whether you are really into all kinds of different sports, you love art, you want to try different kinds of cuisines or you love to explore different architectual places, there is something for you!"

27. Sydney (Australia)

Overall score: 4.11 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Sydney is great:

"Sydney is a great place to live for any students who enjoy the hustle and bustle. There is always a variety of bars and restaurants to visit and seek out. There are also great coffee shops available in Sydney, the closer to CBD the more variety available. As there are many people living in Sydney, there are also a lot more job opportunities after graduation."

"Sydney is the best city I have been to ever! If you are the kind of person who wants some fun but not too overwhelmed, Syndey is a good option for both studying and living. Also, the beach is highly recommended (not just Bondi beach, there are heaps to explore)."

26. Nottingham (United Kingdom)

Overall score: 4.12 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Nottingham is great:

"Nottingham is such a lively and fun city to be in, a great student presence aswell due to there being two universities there. Coming from a smaller town, I really enjoyed the atmosphere of being in a city, but one which didn't feel as hectic as somewhere like London. Tons of great places to eat out, shop and go for a drink or night out, had a blast here! My favourite thing about the city is all the events they host in the Market Square, like food festivals, a summer beach event and of course the huge Christmas market!"

"Nottingham is always busy and is full of students from a variety of backgrounds. There is a multitude of bars/pubs some of which provide student days. Always seems to be jobs going in Nottingham with a high demand for students."

25. Toronto (Canada)

Overall score: 4.12 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Toronto is great:

"Toronto is great, it's my hometown so I have always lived here. The rents are quite expensive so if you are going to attend as someone from a different area, definitely save up in advance to live comfortably! Overall, Toronto is a diverse, interesting city with lots of history and cultural experiences. The public transit is accessible, affordable and efficient. Like any big city, it's important to be cautious and careful when travelling alone and/or at night. However most areas are fairly safe."

"The city is the most multicultural city I have ever visited. You have a great opportunity to meet with people from all around the world. The only negative is that the cost of living is pretty high in Downtown, but you can find a better priceced accomodation out of Downtown."

24. Galway (Ireland)

Overall score: 4.14 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Galway is great:

"Great city to live in; it is diverse, cultural and just overall good vibes! Plenty of bars, nightclubs and just things in general for students to do. The cost of living is quite high in Galway so this would be one of the only but definitely a major downfall. There is a scarcity of houses also but if you can find a good location for a reasonable price then it is definitely worth attending college here."

"Galway is one of the friendlies citys in the world. The people are lovely. The nightlife is not as busy as dublin but during student weeks the town is so busy. There's a great variety of pubs. The cultural environment is absolutely fantastic and there's also lots of art facilitates around the city. The public transport is sufficient."

23. Boston (United States)

Overall score: 4.18 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Boston is great:

"I really love Boston because its a young energetic city, without the anonymity and chaos of bigger cities like New York. Each different area of Boston has a different feel to it: The North End, Fenway, Brighton, and downtown are all unique areas with different experiences to offer. Its small enough that its easy to get from one place to another, but I'm still discovering new restaurants, fun shopping areas, and cool sites and museums."

"Boston, in my opinion, is one of the best cities in the country to attend college. There is always something different to do every weekend, and most of the population is students so you tend to see many people your age. The city and campus is overall safe as long as you use common sense."

22. Cork (Ireland)

Overall score: 4.19 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Cork is great:

"Cork is a wonderful student city with a number of spots for students to eat, drink and enjoy. UCC is really close to the town centre, about a ten minute walk so it opens up a hole host of options for recreation. The Mardyke Gym is free to students and it has got state of the art facilities. It's very easy to pick up a part time job here (that was before lockdown). It can be expensive to get student accommodation as rents have gone very high in recent years. Other than that it's all good!"

"Cork is a small city but it's diverse and there are so many different nationalities here. It's a popular choice with International students. The city is good fun for students mostly. There are pubs close to UCC and plenty of nightclubs in the city which is pretty close and in walking distance for most students. I think it's a good place to live for extroverted people"

21. Groningen (Netherlands)

Overall score: 4.20 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Groningen is great:

"This is one of the most popular student cities, not without a reason. The society is laid back, includes people from all over the place. Generally speaking, it is a safe environment, it does not have a bad name when we are talking about fights, robberies or discrimination. It has many bars, places to eat and everything is close by."

"Groningen is a perfect student town, around 20 percent of the population are students. There is a night life area in the city center which was always super busy especially after exam period. It is kind of dead now because of Covid 19, but before that it was pretty amazing. The living cost is ok, renting price is slightly lower than big Dutch cities such as Amsterdam or Rotterdam. People here are also very friendly, also pretty diverse. I have a good time living here and will recommend for sure."

20. Austin (United States)

Overall score: 4.21 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Austin is great:

"Austin is the best. It's one of the main reasons I wanted to attend the University of Texas at Austin. From nightlife to outdoor activities like water skiing, hiking, paddle boarding, etc. there is so much to do. The food is incredible as well, and they have a ton of startups and tech companies moving in as well."

"The city of Austin is amazing. The cost of living can be a bit high in some areas, and it is definitely on the rise, but there are many great opportunities to work once you graduate. Especially if you're interested in tech, Austin is the place to be. I haven't even mentioned the nightlife and music scene yet, which may have been the best part of my experience - 6th street and ACL can't be beat!"

19. Gainesville (United States)

Overall score: 4.22 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Gainesville is great:

"Gainesville is a classic college town. You cannot really go wrong with it. There are bars everywhere. There are less 18+ bars and more 21+ bars now from when I was a freshman if that concerns you but still nightlife is good. The sports teams are fun to watch. The cost of living can be really cheap if you are willing to put in the work to search. I would make this decision every time to come here."

"Gainesville is a very small city, completely based around the college which can sometimes be hard since you cannot find an escape from school, but there were a lot of things to do for the students and you would run into friends somewhat often. Gainesville has some great spots if you look for them, and nice weather (lots of rain)."

18. Utrecht (Netherlands)

Overall score: 4.24 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Utrecht is great:

"The city of Utrecht is amazing and probably one of my favorite cities in The Netherlands. The city is big enough to be able to discover new stuff every day but small enough to make it feel like home. It has a variety of neighborhoods where each one of them has their unique spots and types of housing."

"Utrecht is a great city to live in as an international student. It has a huge international community and you have very good chances of getting employment even if you don't speak Dutch. The transportation is top quality and since it is a big city there is a great variety of restaurants, pubs and clubs to choose from not to mention how beautiful the city centre is."

17. Lund (Sweden)

Overall score: 4.26 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Lund is great:

"Lund is a nice city with more greenary than I expected. I come from a small town (50 people) so this was a big change for me. But the people here are quite nice and not as many as I first expected. The public transport here is very nice and the city is not that big so you can walk or take a bike to most places. They even have electric scooters that you can rent scattered almost everywhere in the city!"

"Lund is quaint, but lovely. Normally you have a lot of choice regarding bars, events, clubs and parties as the numerous student nations organise a lot. You can also engage yourself in these things which makes socialising even easier. It's also a safe place for students to live"

16. Edinburgh (United Kingdom)

Overall score: 4.27 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Edinburgh is great:

"Edinburgh is a good city, not too crowded and not too small either. It has really good public transport with frequent buses to and from the university. Great nightlife, lots of places to eat and hang out in, a massive student population because Edinburgh has 6 different universities in the city and even more colleges. The cost of living is high though, just like any other city."

"After living in Edinburgh for university, it is now my favourite city. Lots of shops and places to eats. Definitely feel safe to be out on a night out. Student accommodation is quite pricey though. Lots of bus stops and a nigh bus which is convenient for going out. Easily accessible train station which is also accessible by bus."

15. Singapore (Singapore)

Overall score: 4.29 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Singapore is great:

"Singapore is a small country and a big city with lots of greenery and scener., Amenities are quite limited due to the country being small but being a small country means that you could travel from one end to the other fairly quickly with the transport, with buses where you only need to wait a maximum of 15 mins for your bus to arrive and the train takes at most 5 mins to arrive."

"Travelling anywhere is very convenient due to the accessibility of public transport, and that Singapore is a small island. There are many cafes and libraries around to study around the island too. You can also leave your important belongings at the table when you go to the toilet, and be assured that it'll still be there when you're back."

14. Budapest (Hungary)

Overall score: 4.31 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Budapest is great:

"Budapest is the perfect city for students. It has an amazing nightlife (pre COVID), relatively cheap, compared to other big cities, it is safe compared to other capital cities. It is good to make a few Hungarian friends at the beginning of your studies, so they can help you out with administrative stuff, but besides that, it is great for an international student, very friendly and lively city."

"Budapest is a fantastic city, I love living here. Especially for students it is a paradise of opportunities, both for work and leisure time. Public transportation is available everywhere, making all places easily accessible, you can find a bar or a street food restaurant everywhere, even in the most remote places."

13. Ann Arbor (United States)

Overall score: 4.31 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Ann Arbor is great:

"Ann Arbor is certainly a busy and lively town throughout the year. As a college town, there are always places to see and explore with friends and family, so that means there is always something to do. I can appreciate the energy that the city has, especially on important days, such as game days, and seeing everyone come together to show school spirit."

"Ann Arbor is a wonderful college town. There is a cute downtown and also a more student-centered living area near campus. There are tons of restaurants and a lot of great nightlife for students. Some apartments (the high rises) can be pricey but there are also a lot of affordable options like smaller buildings or houses."

12. Lisbon (Portugal)

Overall score: 4.32 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Lisbon is great:

"One of the best cities to live in as a student - safe, cheap and crazy nightlife. Everyone speaks at least some English, there is a huge international population, great sightseeing and beaches only helps with the overall satisfaction. Really happy with my choice and I'd highly recommend Lisbon to everyone."

"Although not the most affordable city in terms of accomodation, everything else is pretty cheap when compared to other european cities - weather, nightlife and overall quality of life are some of the best things about Lisbon. Public transport can be greatly improved but there is at least an option to get you anywhere."

11. Munich (Germany)

Overall score: 4.33 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Munich is great:

"Munich is one of the most liveable cities in the world. Its bit expensive though for the students. Its a beautiful city with a good covering of green spaces around. A lots of opportunities exist to take part in outdoor sports and activities. The public transport is highly accessible and safe. However, winters are bit harsh and depressing. Overall, a great place to live in."

"Munich is the most beautiful city in Europe, not only Germany! You will have a variety of options for your free time, to spend it in the nature, lake or at bars and restaurants, the food is amazing and the night life is a whole other experience that you need to see and experience for yourself!"

10. London (United Kingdom)

Overall score: 4.35 out of 5

Why these reviewers think London is great:

"London is one of the best cities in the world. You have pretty much everything around you and Londoners are awesome. There are a lot of things you can do no matter what your likes are. If you can make it up all 500+ stairs in St. Paul's Cathedral, do it. The view of the city is breathtaking and the thrill of completing the challenge is exhilarating."

"Living in London as an international student is an experience I will never forget. The general amount of activities, events and places to visit are just innumerable. There is something for everyone here, especially for foodies, those who love going out and lovers of culture. It is expensive, but I found it to be worth the cost."

9. Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

Overall score: 4.36 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Kuala Lumpur is great:

"A great city to know the culture of Malaysia. As it is the capital city of Malaysia, the cost of living will be apparently higher if compared to the other cities in Malaysia. However, the existence of public transportation here brings a lot of benefits to the residents here."

"KL is cool. People are friendly. Things are a lot cheaper than western countries. But the safety is like that of western countries. As in its pretty safe. The food is great. The population is really diverse. It's a good place to meet your new friends whether it's local students or even international students. A cool place to explore and experience various cultures and just to have fun in general."

8. Chicago (United States)

Overall score: 4.37 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Chicago is great:

"I love Chicago, it's a great city. Much to see, eat, do, experience. Public transport is nifty. There are always new places to explore which is a lot of fun as late teens/early 20s person. However things can get expensive, but that's the price you pay for such a cool and interesting area!"

"Chicago is very diverse. Over 5 colleges are sprinkled all over the city and all have their strong points. Every college will give you passes that allow you to use public transportation all across Chicago. There are so many cool little neighborhoods and attractions that it never gets old. As a bonus for some, living in Chicago doesn't require a car. The city is very bike-friendly"

7. Prague (Czech Republic)

Overall score: 4.40 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Prague is great:

"Prague is a great place, I love it here. We would very much welcome you to this big and beautiful city. We have great monuments, best pubs, the best beer in the world and we have a lots of fun for the newcomers. Also the city is great for people who just love to walk nowhere."

"Super safe beautiful city, great bars and cafes, many cultural options such as museums and operas. Prague always has something fun to do and it is such a welcoming city! Also the international community here is grande! Many people from all over the world. Plus a great LGBTQ community!"

6. Berlin (Germany)

Overall score: 4.42 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Berlin is great:

"Berlin is just one of a kind! It has some of the best nightlife in the world. It's extremely safe and has some of the best public transportation the world has to offer on top of that all! Berlin is one of my favorite cities and I think it is one of the best places to study in the world."

"Berlin is a great place, Berlin Mitte in particular is very student-friendly in a sense that there's so many bars and restaurants of different cultures and with their own aesthetics / perks. It may be costly to live close to the center, so I'd recommend either searching for apartments to share (and split the rent with someone) or to seek apartments outside of the center like Lichtenberg. The public transport is good and allows you to get literally anywhere."

5. Montreal (Canada)

Overall score: 4.44 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Montreal is great:

"Montreal is a huge student town. We have like 5-6 major quebec/canadian universities on the island. We have one of the largest proportion of students to population in North America. There are a lot of food options and I would say public transport is way better than other North American cities (a low bar ik but still important)."

"Montreal is a great city for both locals and internationals alike. There are tons of great restaurants, bars, concerts and events to suit everyone. The French component introduces an interesting cultural experience close the the US but is not overwhelming and very accommodating for English speakers."

4. Vienna (Austria)

Overall score: 4.46 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Vienna is great:

"No question, Vienna is the best city I've ever lived in. Comparably cheap, good international exposure and very vibrant and distinctive culture. It has a small but amazingly active nightlife with great music coming from the city. There's a good reason why it has ranked the world's most liveable city multiple times."

"Vienna is a beautiful city and it is very student friendly. Almost everywhere you get a student discount, people are very open to new friendships and architecture is beautiful. Especially in summer when you can sit at the danube you really enjoy your time."

3. Seoul (South Korea)

Overall score: 4.52 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Seoul is great:

"Seoul is a very safe, lively, and fun city. Transportation facilities are very good, and there are many things to do around Hongdae even at night, so many students enjoy life. It is also a good city for International students to live in because a lot of people speak English."

"I attended Konkuk University and that area of Seoul has many activities for student such bars, restaurants, game centers, karaoke rooms, clubs etc. Because Seoul has many Universities, you can find similar students around your living radius.The only expensive part is lodging."

2. Newcastle (United Kingdom)

Overall score: 4.53 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Newcastle is great:

"Newcastle is a fantastic, culturally rich city with lots to do and lots to explore. It is ideal for students. There is plenty of public transport that make it easy to navigate the city, and there is plenty of shopping and eating out that can be done within the city. Newcastle also offers some great outdoor areas, such as Jesmond Dene and other parks."

"Newcastle as a city is extremely student-friendly. I think the most important aspect for myself, has always been safety and not once over the course of my 4 years here have I felt unsafe. Eating out and night-life is also fantastic in Newcastle, and does not cost you an arm and a leg. New restaurant/bars are consistently opening up, so there is a wide variety of cuisines and tastes available to try"

1. Melbourne (Australia)

Overall score: 4.69 out of 5

Why these reviewers think Melbourne is great:

"I lived in Melbourne my whole life, it is a great city. There are plenty of things to do whatever your hobbies are. Also if you want more "outdoor" activities the regional areas surrounding Melbourne also provide some excellent adventurous opportunities. The only downside is Melbourne is an expensive place to live. Renting is not cheap. But it has great opportunities to find work and support while studying"

"Melbourne is well-known for its numerous cafes, where people can meet and converse while sipping excellent coffee. Rooftop cafes are very popular in the city, so give one a try and you might end up being a regular while studying. If you're a student in Melbourne, you should look for student discounts on things like transportation and books. Trams, trains, buses, and bicycles are available for students to utilise to get around."

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