50 Best Student Cities in the World 2023
[21-11-2023] - The Campus Advisor is delighted to announce the much-anticipated release of the "Top 50 Student Cities in the World for 2023". Based on an extensive analysis of ratings and reviews gathered on thecampusadvisor.com, this definitive list considers key factors such as student friendliness, cost of living, nightlife, public transport, amenities, safety, and the invaluable opinions of current students.
In a world where education transcends borders, this ranking serves as a compass for students seeking not just academic excellence but also an exceptional living experience. From vibrant cultural scenes to cutting-edge learning environments, these cities have proven to be the epitome of a holistic student lifestyle.
Join us as we unveil the 50 best student cities for 2023—a testament to the insights and experiences shared by students around the globe.
For media inquiries and further details, please contact pressoffice@thecampusadvisor.com
50. Milan (Italy)
Overall score: 3.81 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 3.84 | Cost of Living: 3.21 | Nightlife: 4.05 |
Public Transport: 4.00 | Amenities: 3.90 | Safety: 3.81 |
Why these reviewers think Milan is great:
"Milan is the perfect student town! There are tons of students from all over Italy and the world, and there is always something fun to do. The food is delicious, and there is everything from traditional trattoria italiane to all-you-can-eat sushi! Milan is the perfect blend of Italian culture and globalization."
"Milan is an amazing city to live in. There is a wide variety of bars, restaurants and clubs for all possible tastes. Public transport is good within the city and Milan has lots of fast and cheap connections to the surrounding areas which allows for nice day trips. Cultural life in Milan has many facets from fashion, art and opera to football. Cost of living is not cheap though especially compared to other places in Italy. Milan is overall very safe."
49. Auckland (New Zealand)
Overall score: 3.82 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.12 | Cost of Living: 3.75 | Nightlife: 3.81 |
Public Transport: 3.70 | Amenities: 3.71 | Safety: 3.85 |
Why these reviewers think Auckland is great:
"Auckland is an expensive, but I wouldn't live anywhere else in NZ, as the convenience of Auckland is worth the living costs. It's a place to admire the most beautiful harbourside vistas, some epic volcanic cones and loads of parks, gardens and greenery. Also, Ponsonby is the place to go for nightlife if you're over 20."
"The best thing about living in Auckland CBD is the acccesibility of places. It's easy enough to get around without needing a car. There is a wide range of food options and lots of outdoor spaces to go for a stroll. The weather is awesome - four seasons but never too cold nor too hot."
48. Nottingham (United Kingdom)
Overall score: 3.84 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.14 | Cost of Living: 3.45 | Nightlife: 4.03 |
Public Transport: 3.91 | Amenities: 3.83 | Safety: 3.70 |
Why these reviewers think Nottingham is great:
"Nottingham is a captivating city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and education. Its stunning architecture, including the iconic Nottingham Castle, stands as a testament to its rich heritage. The vibrant atmosphere is fueled by a thriving arts and music scene, bustling markets, and a plethora of dining options. Home to renowned universities, Nottingham provides a fertile ground for intellectual growth and innovation. From the historic Lace Market to the picturesque parks and green spaces, the city offers a delightful experience for residents and visitors, promising a perfect blend of tradition and modernity."
"Nottingham is one of the best student cities its basically built for students, great night life, great people, great food its a great location. Crime has definitely risen in recent years but still a great place to live."
47. Paris (France)
Overall score: 3.86 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 3.68 | Cost of Living: 3.15 | Nightlife: 4.17 |
Public Transport: 4.28 | Amenities: 4.42 | Safety: 3.48 |
Why these reviewers think Paris is great:
"Paris in an exciting city with lots of things to do, bars and restaurants to go, cultural attractions such as museums, art galleries. There is bound to be something to your taste. Young city with a lot of students and young workers, great work opportunities. One negative thing is that rents in paris are really high."
"I love Paris, I would definitely recommend it for international students even though the language might be a bit of a barrier but other than that, students will enjoy they student life there. There are lots of touristic places, you'll also get to meet many people, especially as an international student. There are many things to do for every type of activities, for every costs as well"
46. Pécs (Hungary)
Overall score: 3.87 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.20 | Cost of Living: 4.11 | Nightlife: 3.95 |
Public Transport: 3.51 | Amenities: 3.54 | Safety: 3.93 |
Why these reviewers think Pécs is great:
"There are many parties even during the weekdays, international parties and cultural nights. There are many restaurants which can do delivery as well, delicious food and affordable prices. There are many bars but still during nights all of them are filled. Pécs is a city filled with traditional stuff and culture such as art, architecture."
"I really like the city, it's not as big as the capital, but also not as expensive. It's mostly filled with students, so it's culturally diverse and quite welcoming. The rent is cheaper compared to larger cities and the town is not that expensive in particular. The center of Pecs s very lovely and pretty unique!"
45. Leuven (Belgium)
Overall score: 3.88 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 3.88 | Cost of Living: 3.99 | Nightlife: 3.75 |
Public Transport: 3.98 | Amenities: 3.66 | Safety: 3.89 |
Why these reviewers think Leuven is great:
"Leuven is a quiet town with most of its population being students. It is safe and there are many bars to attend.There are many international students here. There are many businesses who are looking for student to hire. You can reach everything by bike."
"Very safe and quiet town. The bus system is not the most reliable, but with a bike, you can go anywhere. Very populous especially by students. Had a good experience living here for 3 years. Everyone speaks English as well, so no difficulty getting by with a language barrier."
44. Lille (France)
Overall score: 3.90 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.00 | Cost of Living: 3.82 | Nightlife: 4.02 |
Public Transport: 3.92 | Amenities: 3.85 | Safety: 3.81 |
Why these reviewers think Lille is great:
"Lille is one of the best city for students, they can be seen everywhere and there are a lot of different activites, from bars to parcs, cinema, restaurant, fast food... Everything is really suited to live your best student years, especially with all the different activities implemented by the students of EDHEC Business School."
"As a student, you'll fall in love with the city in the very first few days if nightlife is your thing. Moreover, the city I very well centered around its great student population so everything is pretty much tailored for students. Also, when it comes to transportation the city has an excellent metro system and bus routes that pretty much cover the entirety of the metropolitan region of Lille."
43. Aalborg (Denmark)
Overall score: 3.91 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.14 | Cost of Living: 3.85 | Nightlife: 3.72 |
Public Transport: 3.71 | Amenities: 3.81 | Safety: 4.24 |
Why these reviewers think Aalborg is great:
"Aalborg is a great city. It is not a big city, and there live a lot of students. There is many options for student jobs, and great transport to come around. Aalborg has a lot of green areas for football, basketball and other outdoor facilities. The best thing about Aalborg is the harbor, which gives a beautiful view during the summer, where there are green areas for picknic of hanging out"
"Aalborg is a lovely little town in north of Denmark. The main advantage is that it is way cheaper than Copenhagen while at the same time has many things to offer to a student with its high student population and many activities to do. Aalborg has nice pedestrian streets, there are good cafes, and the city also has a nice nightlife and rich opportunities for cultural experiences."
42. Tokyo (Japan)
Overall score: 3.92 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 3.85 | Cost of Living: 3.01 | Nightlife: 3.94 |
Public Transport: 4.56 | Amenities: 4.05 | Safety: 4.12 |
Why these reviewers think Tokyo is great:
"Tokyo is a great place to live in, I've been living her for my education for 3 years, and I can always find good part time job which is well paid, and I can gat a lot of experience from those part time job, and to develop my Japanese very fast. People in Tokyo are nice and kind."
"Tokyo is safe, there are a lot of students, and the most convenient city in japan. I feel too much population and too high cost to rent. About student-friendly, there is a lot of community for international students. Also, many colleges have nice language education for international students."
41. Austin (United States)
Overall score: 3.92 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.05 | Cost of Living: 3.10 | Nightlife: 4.31 |
Public Transport: 4.17 | Amenities: 4.29 | Safety: 3.72 |
Why these reviewers think Austin is great:
"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!"
"Austin is an amazing city that everyone will enjoy! The diverse community is very welcoming and there are plenty of opportunities for student to take advantage of. Austin is becoming more and more urban leading to higher living cost"
40. Utrecht (Netherlands)
Overall score: 3.94 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.51 | Cost of Living: 2.98 | Nightlife: 4.11 |
Public Transport: 4.01 | Amenities: 3.85 | Safety: 4.20 |
Why these reviewers think Utrecht is great:
"Really nice city. One of my favorites from the Netherlands. Especially for students. Many places to eat and have fun, but also many places to visit. Great parks with a lot of green too. It is easy to find a job as the dutch people speak English fluently. I suggest you have a bike in order to be able to experience the most that you can from this beautiful city. I highly recommend this city."
"Such a beautiful city. Less busy than cities in the Netherlands like Amsterdam, but busier than most cities. The environment is lovely, well kept and super green. Everywhere is accessible via bike. But be prepared to pay a lot to live here"
39. Ann Arbor (United States)
Overall score: 3.95 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.48 | Cost of Living: 3.12 | Nightlife: 4.01 |
Public Transport: 3.89 | Amenities: 3.91 | Safety: 4.30 |
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 big college town in Michigan. There are a ton of different bars and restaurants and things to do! I really enjoy it and everyone is really chill. It is overall a very progressive city. I would highly recommend living in Ann Arbor. I have taken many of my old high school friends to visit U of M and they have mentioned how diverse the community is."
38. Dublin (Ireland)
Overall score: 3.96 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.20 | Cost of Living: 3.18 | Nightlife: 4.27 |
Public Transport: 3.95 | Amenities: 4.17 | Safety: 3.96 |
Why these reviewers think Dublin is great:
"Dublin is wonderful city for any student! Lot of opportunities to meet people from other countries as there are many international students. The pubs are a really nice place to go for a drink after classes and you'll meet lovely people there. Lots of options for eating out."
"The city is very popular for English students and those ones which want to get a higher diploma on the traditional universities as TCD, UCD and many others. The bookshops in this city are quite stunning, such as Chapters and the secret bookstore, which also sells secondhand records. Perfect for students to explore. The city is full of life during the summer time, and you can get good moments hanging out with your friends."
37. Poznan (Poland)
Overall score: 3.98 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.07 | Cost of Living: 4.01 | Nightlife: 4.17 |
Public Transport: 3.81 | Amenities: 3.84 | Safety: 4.00 |
Why these reviewers think Poznan is great:
"Poznan is one of the best city in Poland. Surely would recommend. Has a great atmosphere of a student town and is pretty inexpensive for international students. Also the living standard is good, academic rooms are good quality, cheap and reachable everywhere by bus, tram and taxi. Public transport usually works really good."
"Poznan is a great city for students - it's not the biggest out there, but that's a huge advantage from my perspective. Neatly located, there are many possibilities to travel to and from the city. The city center offers a lot."
36. Munich (Germany)
Overall score: 3.99 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.21 | Cost of Living: 2.70 | Nightlife: 4.31 |
Public Transport: 4.28 | Amenities: 4.16 | Safety: 4.30 |
Why these reviewers think Munich is great:
"I simply love this city. It is inclusive and you can get everything that you need, whether cultural, entertainment or workwise. The people are nice and the international community is very wide and welcoming."
"Munich offers an unparalleled student experience. The city blends rich culture, stunning architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Countless opportunities for personal growth and exploration make Munich a top choice for students."
35. Vilnius (Lithuania)
Overall score: 4.01 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.37 | Cost of Living: 4.46 | Nightlife: 4.25 |
Public Transport: 3.08 | Amenities: 3.87 | Safety: 4.03 |
Why these reviewers think Vilnius is great:
"Vilnius is a good city for students - lots of options to study, or see the old town, go to clubs or bars, meet new people. The cost of living is good, especially compared to Western European countries, and most universities offer low-price campus accommodation for their students."
"I love Vilnius, especially the city center because of its architecture. I have met a lot of international students here. Also, In my opinion, there's a lot of cultural attractions, clubs, bars and other places to visit. Vilnius offers great benefits for students, who may not have a big budget to spend."
34. Manchester (United Kingdom)
Overall score: 4.03 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.26 | Cost of Living: 3.71 | Nightlife: 4.18 |
Public Transport: 4.00 | Amenities: 4.02 | Safety: 4.03 |
Why these reviewers think Manchester is great:
"I moved from the east of London and all I can say is the quality of life here is so much better. International Students everywhere, incredible nightlife and shisha lounges aswell as restaurants. Trafford Shopping Centre is amazing and very popular and well known. I have thoroughly enjoyed living in Manchester and will continue to reside here even after my graduation."
"The city of Manchester is brilliant for opportunity of lots of things. For example, work, nightlife and day time shopping activities. Manchester is a high student populated diverse area and thus there are lots of student activity happening."
33. Pittsburgh (United States)
Overall score: 4.04 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.23 | Cost of Living: 3.80 | Nightlife: 4.04 |
Public Transport: 3.99 | Amenities: 4.07 | Safety: 4.13 |
Why these reviewers think Pittsburgh is great:
"Pittsburgh is a small city but it is still a city. There is a casino, several museums, several art institutes, and a lot of other really fun attractions. The best part is that Pitt students often get free admission to many of these organizations. The one drawback is that since it's in Pennsylvania, the alcohol laws are very strict. I would say there are plenty of bars and clubs to go to and there are often house parties as well, so the social scene is bustling."
"Pittsburgh is an amazing city filled with green spaces, incredible cultural outlets, like botanical gardens, museums from natural history to installation art, professional sports, great schools/universities and world class hospital systems."
32. Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
Overall score: 4.05 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.21 | Cost of Living: 3.66 | Nightlife: 4.05 |
Public Transport: 4.17 | Amenities: 4.11 | Safety: 4.12 |
Why these reviewers think Kuala Lumpur is great:
"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."
"Kuala Lumpur is quite diverse in terms of culture, foods and entertainment. A cool place to explore and experience various cultures and just to have fun in general. It's safe and it's easy access to public transportation."
31. Athens GA (United States)
Overall score: 4.07 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.09 | Cost of Living: 3.80 | Nightlife: 4.24 |
Public Transport: 4.04 | Amenities: 3.99 | Safety: 4.23 |
Why these reviewers think Athens is great:
"Athens is a great town for college and has one of the best night life scenes in the country. The music scene is especially great. There are also bike lanes everywhere and a plethora of Athens Transit and UGA Transit bus routes to get you all around town if you don't have a car."
"Athens is the best! There are so many bars and restaurants, and downtown is right next to campus. There is always something going on, and the vibe is just wonderful. I wouldn't walk home alone at night though. It's not super dangerous but as a young female just something I would not recommend."
30. Liverpool (United Kingdom)
Overall score: 4.11 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.32 | Cost of Living: 3.75 | Nightlife: 4.24 |
Public Transport: 4.11 | Amenities: 4.21 | Safety: 4.05 |
Why these reviewers think Liverpool is great:
"Liverpool is an amazing city that doesnt get the credit it deserves, its absolutely gorgeous and has many different attractions such as music, food, culture, etc. Scousers are absolutely lovely as well :) The entire city is so diverse and friendly. It's impossible to be bored here as there are always new things to do. Being so close to the water means that you can take walks that are extremely enjoyable."
"A welcome and diverse city for international students. It has a huge student population. Loads of job availability for students. There is a wide range of cafes and restaurants to suit everyone taste and the the nightlife is unmatched"
29. Toronto (Canada)
Overall score: 4.12 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.45 | Cost of Living: 2.69 | Nightlife: 4.58 |
Public Transport: 4.37 | Amenities: 4.45 | Safety: 4.15 |
Why these reviewers think Toronto is great:
"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."
"Toronto is a beautiful city that boasts a highly diverse population. Along with these characteristics come the availability of different cuisines in the area. Public transit is also highly accessible, making the city (especially downtown Toronto) relatively easy to travel in. That said, please note that once you start reaching the outskirts of Toronto, public transit will be more scarce and less reliable."
28. Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Overall score: 4.14 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.56 | Cost of Living: 2.83 | Nightlife: 4.66 |
Public Transport: 4.28 | Amenities: 4.19 | Safety: 4.29 |
Why these reviewers think Amsterdam is great:
"One of the first things that struck me about Amsterdam is its picturesque canals and stunning architecture. The city's iconic canal belt, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a testament to its rich history and adds to the city's charm. Exploring the city on foot or by bike is a delight, as there are countless hidden gems to discover around every corner. Amsterdam is also known for its diverse and inclusive atmosphere. It embraces a liberal and open-minded culture"
"Perfect city for international students, always something to do whether you are up for a cultural activity, going out for dinner or drinks, just walking around the canals, especially nice specialty cafes. It is easy to find a job not speaking Dutch, you just need English."
27. Copenhagen (Denmark)
Overall score: 4.18 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.58 | Cost of Living: 3.51 | Nightlife: 4.32 |
Public Transport: 4.09 | Amenities: 4.16 | Safety: 4.40 |
Why these reviewers think Copenhagen is great:
"Copenhagen is a beautiful and clean city. It is a very safe place and the cultural atmosphere is amazing. A lot of young people, activities and nice restaurants and cafes. Cool European vibe. Public trransport is great. Cost of living a little bit high if you don't get a Danish salary"
"Copenhagen is a cool place to live in! Everyone is super chill and minding their own business, yet always there for you to help with info or any issue you might have! Lovely people and cozy vibe everywhere you go!"
26. Lund (Sweden)
Overall score: 4.20 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.51 | Cost of Living: 3.46 | Nightlife: 4.25 |
Public Transport: 4.00 | Amenities: 4.41 | Safety: 4.55 |
Why these reviewers think Lund is great:
"Lund is the perfect size for any student. It's small enough that it is easy to navigate and explore but also large enough that there a many things to do. The robust public transportation system also made it easy for me to visit friends in Denmark. Moreover, there is a train from Lund that goes direct to Copenhagen airport which makes travel to other countries very easy. I feel right at home in Lund."
"The city of Lund is my favorite city I have been to so far. I sometimes describe it as someone just went and gave students certain piece of land and told them 'make it as you wish!'. This is, of course, done with a lot of support from authorities."
25. London (United Kingdom)
Overall score: 4.21 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.44 | Cost of Living: 2.74 | Nightlife: 4.77 |
Public Transport: 4.85 | Amenities: 4.71 | Safety: 3.77 |
Why these reviewers think London is great:
"Studying in London is a unique experience in itself. The city is a hub of culture, history, and opportunity. The university's location in London allowed me to explore museums, theaters, and landmarks, providing a rich cultural experience alongside my academic pursuits. It's also a global financial center, making it an excellent place for networking and job prospects."
"London is the best city in the world to be a student. There is always something to do and places to see! As a international student I didn't know anyone in the city and was met with so many nice people. Public transport is also great, you can get pretty much everywhere by tube or bus."
24. Lisbon (Portugal)
Overall score: 4.22 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.60 | Cost of Living: 3.85 | Nightlife: 4.45 |
Public Transport: 3.86 | Amenities: 4.20 | Safety: 4.35 |
Why these reviewers think Lisbon is great:
"Lisbon is the perfect city for a student life full of experiences of all kinds. It has a great amount of bars, restaurants, co-working spaces, attractions and creative spaces. Therefore, you will definitely find something that you are interested in. Overall, there is a very high number of young people, especially students, that live in the city which makes it easy to meet new people."
"I think Lisbon is really the perfect city for a student, very large international community and opportunities to have fun and explore Portugal. Also the prices for food, drinks and activities are quite low if compared to other European capitals."
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23. Groningen (Netherlands)
Overall score: 4.22 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.68 | Cost of Living: 3.63 | Nightlife: 4.42 |
Public Transport: 4.13 | Amenities: 4.16 | Safety: 4.30 |
Why these reviewers think Groningen is great:
"Groningen is known to be a student city because of this the environment is also student friendly. The nightlife is what students mostly look up to because all pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants are located close to each other. The main attraction is the city centre where all of these are situated. The city is small but it feels like home to every student living there."
"Groningen is the perfect city for university students. Everywhere you look, you mostly see university students you can make friends really quickly because of this. I found some really good friends on the first week and we stuck together since then."
22. Cork (Ireland)
Overall score: 4.24 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.69 | Cost of Living: 3.36 | Nightlife: 4.65 |
Public Transport: 3.85 | Amenities: 4.32 | Safety: 4.54 |
Why these reviewers think Cork is great:
"Studying in Cork has been an incredible experience. The city's welcoming atmosphere, vibrant cultural scene, and friendly locals have made it easy to adapt. From the charm of the English Market to the lively energy of its pubs, Cork has become a second home for me!"
"Cork is a very nice city. The people are friendly and kind. There are many restaurants, supermarkets and pubs, you could always get your fun in here. Also there is much scenery around Cork, which are beautiful."
21. Zurich (Switzerland)
Overall score: 4.27 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.70 | Cost of Living: 3.29 | Nightlife: 4.31 |
Public Transport: 4.35 | Amenities: 4.23 | Safety: 4.72 |
Why these reviewers think Zurich is great:
"Zurich is really nice to live and in your free time you can just chill on the lake or in one of the parks or at the Limmat. Sunsets on Zurichberg are just stunning! You can go for a hike on Uetliberg in your freetime. It's a historical city with a lively cultural life. Zurich people are often not very outgoing and open at first, but will warm up to you after a while :-)"
"The city of Zurich is really nice and good to live in. Cost of life might be a downside but student accomodation can also be found at an affordable budget. Overall, great experience in this city where you can do plenty of things"
20. Turin (Italy)
Overall score: 4.28 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.18 | Cost of Living: 3.51 | Nightlife: 4.66 |
Public Transport: 4.41 | Amenities: 4.61 | Safety: 4.33 |
Why these reviewers think Turin is great:
"Turin is a very open and student friendly city. You can find students from all over the world who are doing their studies here and who are always open to meet new people and to have experiences together. The city is very safe, overall quite well organized and most importantly, offers a huge choice of incredible Italian restaurants and bars at a very cheap price, which is perfect for students."
"Turin is a beautiful city for living especially if you are a student because you will find many students around and also pubs, cafes, gyms... with a lot of discounts! So if you have some doubts about which city you want to live in, you should definitely go to Turin!"
19. Krakow (Poland)
Overall score: 4.29 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.55 | Cost of Living: 4.15 | Nightlife: 4.67 |
Public Transport: 4.15 | Amenities: 3.98 | Safety: 4.21 |
Why these reviewers think Krakow is great:
"Krakow is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, with marvellous Main Square and unique Jewish district Kazimierz. It is full of surprises around every corner, and what's the most important - it is fantastic place for your Erasmus adventure! Public Transport is cheap and it has good connections."
"Krakow is a city that never sleeps, full of students and tourist from countries around the world. You can't be bored in there. If you are looking for a city that has wonderful nightlife you couldn't find a better one! You will also find many attractions there and most importantly very good universities."
18. Budapest (Hungary)
Overall score: 4.31 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.52 | Cost of Living: 3.66 | Nightlife: 4.76 |
Public Transport: 4.50 | Amenities: 4.43 | Safety: 4.01 |
Why these reviewers think Budapest is great:
"As a student who has had the privilege of studying in Budapest, I can confidently say that it is one of the best cities in Europe for young people. It has something for everyone, from dramatic history and flamboyant architecture to healing thermal waters and a nightlife that is unrivaled in Eastern and Central Europe. Budapest is a very beautiful city and very affordable for students. Nightlife is diverse with a lot of clubs and bars."
"Budapest is a great student city. There is plenty of activities, international students, and job opportunities. In comparison to other European capitals, Budapest is much more affordable as well. Also, there are great scholarship programs for international students."
17. Sydney (Australia)
Overall score: 4.32 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.67 | Cost of Living: 3.19 | Nightlife: 4.61 |
Public Transport: 4.39 | Amenities: 4.54 | Safety: 4.49 |
Why these reviewers think Sydney is great:
"At the moment Sydney has incredibly large and diverse student population including a large number of international students such as myself. It is quite convenient to be a student in this city and there is always something to do, many options to find like-minded people and find a community where you belong. There is a variety of student-targeted accomodations. Food options are abundant and multi-cultural as well."
"Living in Sydney has been my favourite place to live due to the variety of things you can do here. The beaches in Sydney are beautiful, there are so many costal walks you can do here that connects them all! I find the city safe even during the night, lot's of trains an buses (not always on time but at least they exist)."
16. Chicago (United States)
Overall score: 4.32 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.69 | Cost of Living: 3.38 | Nightlife: 4.67 |
Public Transport: 4.75 | Amenities: 4.77 | Safety: 3.64 |
Why these reviewers think Chicago is great:
"Chicago is a wonderful place to live for students. The city is huge with many opportunities. This includes both cultural activities such as going to museums as well as job opportunities because many companies are hiring students and recent graduates."
"I love Chicago, it's a great city. Much to see, eat, do, experience. The public transit is good. You should be able to get around pretty easily. There is plenty to do in the city, especially during the warmer months. Plus the architecture downtown is an amazing site to see!"
15. Uppsala (Sweden)
Overall score: 4.33 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.43 | Cost of Living: 3.96 | Nightlife: 4.50 |
Public Transport: 4.12 | Amenities: 4.34 | Safety: 4.61 |
Why these reviewers think Uppsala is great:
"Uppsala is a lively city with a thriving student community. The university attracts students from all over the world, creating a diverse and inclusive environment. The city itself has a youthful and energetic vibe, with many cultural events and activities catering to students. In terms of practical considerations, Uppsala is a very convenient city for students. It has excellent public transportation, including buses and trains that connect the city to other parts of Sweden."
"Uppsala is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in Sweden, making it an attractive option for students on a budget. It is a beautiful city with plenty of green spaces and parks. The city is situated on the Fyris River and is surrounded by forests and lakes, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and canoeing."
14. Madrid (Spain)
Overall score: 4.36 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.48 | Cost of Living: 3.60 | Nightlife: 4.74 |
Public Transport: 4.49 | Amenities: 4.46 | Safety: 4.37 |
Why these reviewers think Madrid is great:
"A great place to be an student. One of the strengths of Madrid is the public transport: it conects all the city through bus or subway. A must-see place is The Retiro Park, which is very relaxing. Plenty of options of everything: food, people, bars, museums, concerts, activities. You can even go to the mountains or skiing."
"Madrid is one of the best cities to study, have fun, get some culture and overall enjoy yourself. People are friendly, there are international people everywhere and even though it isn't the cheapest regarding accommodation, you can always share a flat and live a little bit further from the heart of the city and get a better deal. If you study in Madrid, you won't regret it!"
13. Prague (Czechia)
Overall score: 4.37 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.72 | Cost of Living: 3.81 | Nightlife: 4.61 |
Public Transport: 4.47 | Amenities: 4.22 | Safety: 4.40 |
Why these reviewers think Prague is great:
"Prague is a very beautiful city and it is quite student friendly. There are a lot of international students who come to Prague to get their education. You can find a significant number of student social groups if you need to. Also, Czech food is very delicious."
"Prague is the most amazing city in Europe - seriously. For students its perfect. A lot of food options, nightlife is booming, alcohol is cheap. There are also many beautiful sights to see and a lot of history to learn. The public transport is awesome, you can easily get to any part of the city. Also, you can easily get out of the city very easily and the surroundings of Prague also has a lot to offer!"
12. Edinburgh (United Kingdom)
Overall score: 4.39 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.84 | Cost of Living: 3.29 | Nightlife: 4.47 |
Public Transport: 4.49 | Amenities: 4.57 | Safety: 4.65 |
Why these reviewers think Edinburgh is great:
"I started studying in Edinburgh for my undergrad 6 years ago and haven't left since. It is the perfect size of city for someone living away from home for the first time - easy to become familiar with, safe and full of exciting attractions/nightlife."
"Edinburgh is a great student city with a long history of culture and entertainment (the Edinburgh Fringe is the largest performing arts festival in the world). The city is friendly and welcoming, and with three major universities students are recognised as an integral part of Edinburgh and catered for (lots of student discounts near all the universities!)"
11. Boston (United States)
Overall score: 4.41 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.86 | Cost of Living: 3.27 | Nightlife: 4.73 |
Public Transport: 4.66 | Amenities: 4.63 | Safety: 4.29 |
Why these reviewers think Boston is great:
"Definitely lots of attractions in Boston. Whether you enjoy going to museums, exploring restaurants, or hanging at a club, the city has it all! I think it's also pretty safe in Boston, so I rarely feel nervous to stay out late. Given that, since there are lots of colleges around, it is common to find parties late on the weekends."
"I love boston because of the diversity. It is also a very manageable city because it is not too big but also not too small. The public transportation is also very good and usually reliable. This city also has many great companies so it is good place to stay even post college. However, the winters are cold!"
10. Singapore (Singapore)
Overall score: 4.42 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.62 | Cost of Living: 3.42 | Nightlife: 4.18 |
Public Transport: 4.61 | Amenities: 4.75 | Safety: 4.93 |
Why these reviewers think Singapore is great:
"The student life in Singapore is very diverse and attractive. The community is very international and easy going with different parks, nightlife and places to socialise and study across studies. Would highly recommend Singapore as a city for students"
"Singapore is an amazing place to live. It's extremely safe so you can go out for a midnight jog, or even leave your laptop in a cafe while you go to the toilet and nothing will happen. Especially for students, it is really safe. The diversity makes it a really great environment for international students to make friends from different background"
9. Montreal (Canada)
Overall score: 4.45 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.79 | Cost of Living: 3.90 | Nightlife: 4.81 |
Public Transport: 4.56 | Amenities: 4.34 | Safety: 4.28 |
Why these reviewers think Montreal is great:
"It's possible that this is one of the greatest cities in the world for students. There is always something to do; the nightlife is active every day, and there are many universities, so you can meet new people. 10/10 fantastic city"
"The city is super student friendly and I feel very safe living in it. It is a city with a lot of diversity as people from all around the world come to study/work. The public transport is clean and organized but I feel like it still needs work to make the city more connected to other places. Old Montreal and Old Port are the prettiest parts of the city in the my opinion with so many amazing views and restaurants. There are also cool markets such as Atwater which holds a Christmas market in the winter."
8. Warsaw (Poland)
Overall score: 4.46 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.55 | Cost of Living: 4.27 | Nightlife: 4.61 |
Public Transport: 4.49 | Amenities: 4.43 | Safety: 4.41 |
Why these reviewers think Warsaw is great:
"Warsaw is an ideal location for students, especially international students. There are a variety of choices for eating out, grabbing drinks, or simply enjoying the nightlife. It is friendly and very easy to get around as the public transportation is excellent. Many places speak english as well as polish which is helpful for international students. The cost of living is a bit pricey and the shops can be expensive as well. Overall, warsaw is a great place to be for students."
"Warsaw is an amazing city - very clean with a lot of options for activities. Many concerts, parks, restaurants and bars where students can spend time together. Warsaw is a place where the history meets with the modernity - among many skyscrapers, you will find most charming Hidden gems"
7. Galway (Ireland)
Overall score: 4.47 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.94 | Cost of Living: 3.67 | Nightlife: 4.82 |
Public Transport: 3.87 | Amenities: 4.70 | Safety: 4.79 |
Why these reviewers think Galway is great:
"Galway holds a special place in my heart as one of the friendliest cities I've ever encountered. The locals exude a genuine warmth that makes the entire experience unforgettable. What I love most about Galway is the rich variety of pubs, each with its own character and charm. The cultural scene is nothing short of fantastic, and the city is dotted with art facilities that make every corner a feast for the eyes."
"Galway really is the ideal destination for international students seeking both an excellent academic expericence and a lively social environment. It's great for going out and making interesting friends. Everyone here is so nice! And I cannot speak highly enough about the restaurant scene in Galway. It really is the perfect place for a foodie!"
6. Vienna (Austria)
Overall score: 4.52 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.81 | Cost of Living: 3.75 | Nightlife: 4.32 |
Public Transport: 4.78 | Amenities: 4.64 | Safety: 4.79 |
Why these reviewers think Vienna is great:
"Vienna is a great city with so many opportunities! There is something to do everyday. It is a very safe city even if it is quite big. People here are diverse and everybody is welcome. There are amazing restaurants, bars, clubs, museums, parks and much more. Vienna is also a very green city, having a variety of parks. In Summer, swimming is possible at various lakes and the Danube."
"Best city to live and study. Housing and living is affordable and a lot of international students so its easy to make contact. Publoc transportation is a bit expensive in my experience but really good. Nice cafes, bars and parks and it is a really safe city"
5. Seoul (South Korea)
Overall score: 4.53 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.81 | Cost of Living: 3.35 | Nightlife: 4.78 |
Public Transport: 4.86 | Amenities: 4.58 | Safety: 4.77 |
Why these reviewers think Seoul is great:
"Seoul is a bustling city with lots to do. Basically caters to every taste and preference for hobbies. Depending on where you're from, Seoul can be more affordable than most of Europe. In general, Seoul is very safe, entertaining and has an amazing network of public transport."
"This city has variety of options for international students including foods, transportation, cafes to study. It has many cultural attractions where students can visit. It is safe place so I recommend this city to the other students."
4. Brno (Czechia)
Overall score: 4.55 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.69 | Cost of Living: 4.18 | Nightlife: 4.79 |
Public Transport: 4.73 | Amenities: 4.43 | Safety: 4.45 |
Why these reviewers think Brno is great:
"Brno is awsome city for students. There are three universities. You can easily find a job here. Public transport is good. In spring there is Majales, a very popular event for students. You can find there quite cheap apartments for a living. It is also very safe city."
"Brno is a great student city with many pubs, bars, clubs and other places to meet up with friends and other students. The student communities such as ESN are one of the best in the world with many different activities and events they regularly plan for exchange and local students. Public transportation is very well managed with buses going even through the night every hour."
3. Newcastle (United Kingdom)
Overall score: 4.58 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.85 | Cost of Living: 4.25 | Nightlife: 4.91 |
Public Transport: 4.46 | Amenities: 4.45 | Safety: 4.58 |
Why these reviewers think Newcastle is great:
"Newcastle is a great city for students. The city isn't huge but it's big enough to always have things to do and see. The nightlife is great, you have the main clubs in town but also areas like Jesmond for more low-key drinks. There's places like Jesmond dean - a park where you can get some nature time and also the beaches are not far away either."
"The cost of living on the city is one of the cheapest in the UK. The majority of student areas for housing are very nice and safe places to live. The nightlife and clubbing scene in Newcastle is very well known to be one of the best nights out in the country. There are also other activities too, from cinimas and bowling allies to hiking in Northumberland."
2. Berlin (Germany)
Overall score: 4.63 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.87 | Cost of Living: 3.73 | Nightlife: 4.90 |
Public Transport: 4.89 | Amenities: 4.78 | Safety: 4.58 |
Why these reviewers think Berlin is great:
"Berlin is a very diversified city with people coming from all over the world. As an international city, it can offer anything you are looking for. Food, public transportation, attraction, social event and so on. It checks all boxes and it will not be boring. Also there are many libraries throughout the city."
"Berlin is so cool with diverse culture and activities. It has one of the best clubbing scenes in the world. You can do a lot of things here and never get bored. Building connection is also easier here in the capital."
1. Melbourne (Australia)
Overall score: 4.68 out of 5
Student Friendliness: 4.93 | Cost of Living: 3.91 | Nightlife: 4.90 |
Public Transport: 4.78 | Amenities: 4.89 | Safety: 4.64 |
Why these reviewers think Melbourne is great:
"Melbourne is amazing and its honestly the best city in the world, best food best bars best night clubs Melbourne is one of the most cosmopolitan and multi-cultural cities in the world. We have outstanding arts, food and wine, Australia's best shopping, and diverse sporting and leisure opportunities."
"Amazing city. Multicultural environment and there are plenty of good restaurant. Perfectly balanced night life, from chill clubs to hard techno. There is always something to do every day of the week! Very easy to get around with train tram and bus options available. Melbourne is surrounded with art culture and fashion perfect place for a creative student."