Great Western European University Cities
Large College Towns in Europe Perfect for Study Abroad
May 14, 2009
Scattered around Western Europe are some lesser-known cities with excellent universities and a perfect atmosphere for international students to spend a semester or a year. Which cities are they, and what makes them such fantastic college towns?
Why are these Cities Great University Towns?
In order for a city to be considered ideal for study abroad, there are a few criteria it has to meet:
- High percentage of the population is students
- A significant percentage of the student body is international
- The university is older and the city has been well-established as a college town for quite some time; in some cases, there is more than one post-secondary school in the town...
- ...AND/OR the relationship between the university and town is great and the university blends seamlessly into the city
The following five western European cities are just a few that are perfect for a semester or year abroad.
Århus, Denmark
Just over 110 miles (180 km) from Copenhagen, located on the east coast of Denmark's mainland, is the beautiful coastal city of Århus. Approximately twenty percent of the 300,000 residents are students. Though the university is relatively new, having been founded in 1928, it has established a significant presence in the town.
Siena, Italy
With 20,000 students among a total population of just over 56,000, this very small city in Tuscany is full of students. The University of Siena (UNISI) is home to slightly under 1000 international students. Siena's town center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and parts of the university are located within that area.
Salamanca, Spain
The University of Salamanca boasts about 36,000 students, among a city population of over 155,000. Approximately a tenth of the student population is international. The university was established in 1218 and has long been an integral part of the city. Like the University of Siena, some of the older buildings in the city are a part of the University of Salamanca.
Tübingen, Germany
The University of Tübingen, established 1477, is one of the oldest universities in Germany, and the school is an integral part of the town. Situated on the Neckar River in the southwestern state of Baden-Württemburg, Tübingen is a picturesque city with a population of 80,000, 20,000 of whom are students. Like in Salamanca, over ten percent of the student body is international.
Dijon, France
Dijon, a picturesque city in the eastern part of France with a population 150,000, is home to the University of Burgundy. 27,000 students attend the university, but there are other post-secondary schools in the town that contribute to the high percentage of students among the total population.
Additional Characteristics of Great University Towns
A high percentage of students among the total population, fantastic cultural attractions, and a well-established university are all essential in making a town great for studying abroad. But there are a few other characteristics these cities have in common, characteristics that might not be present if there were not a significant student presence in the city:
- decent night life
- events geared toward young people
- great money deals on public transportation, cultural attractions, etc.
To learn more about European and other international universities, check out a website like TopUniversities or Gulliver, take time to consult a study abroad advisor at your college or university, or talk to classmates, friends, and family who have studied abroad to learn about their experiences.
You may find your ideal study abroad experience in one of the above cities or discover another incredible university city that, like Århus, Siena, Salamanca, Tübingen, or Dijon, is the perfect place to live and study for a semester or year.
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