When traveling, it is common to express our personal preferences and lifestyles very clearly: those who go to the beach are usually connected to nature or sports; those who like action choose a big city; those who go to the countryside prefer something quieter. However, this same logic should be used by those considering student cities as a destination.
Student cities: choosing where to live
It’s no use choosing a place well-known if it doesn’t match your style and preferences. Remember that, in addition to studying, an exchange is also an experience. You will spend months (or even years) living there; therefore, you should like your new “home”, albeit a temporary one.
When you feel at ease, even the performance in studies flows better. And it is also necessary to think about this when choosing a student city. Keep reading and find out the 5 factors to consider when choosing a place for your exchange!
1 — How far are you willing to go?
The first thing you should think about when choosing a student city is the distance you are willing to accept between your new and your old home. In other words, you need to think in terms of how often you will be able to visit your family or have visitors during the exchange period.
2 — What language do you speak, or want to speak?
Remember this is not just about the language of instruction, as universities around the world offer courses in English. Also consider which language you will use in your daily life and how interesting it is for you to learn it.
3 — What is your lifestyle?
Consider your personal preferences when choosing student cities. Don’t limit yourself to the reality you have today, but consider what would be your ideal lifestyle. It is like we said at the beginning of the post: do you like somewhere quieter or busier? Do you like living near the beach or do you prefer the countryside?
4 — What is your budget?
A tight budget should not be a limiting factor in your choice, as there are several alternative ways to finance your studies abroad. However, you cannot ignore the cost of living as a factor when choosing a student city – as this is also directly related to your lifestyle. For example, those who want to save money to travel across Europe will benefit more going to a city in England’s countryside than to London, one of the most expensive cities in the world.
5 — What will be the relevance of the exchange for your future?
Finally, do an extensive research on the best universities and student cities for your area of interest, and also seek information about the local ecosystem and how much it can enrich your experience. In addition, it is important to reflect on your future and your professional and personal aspirations. This will guarantee an exchange that, in addition to being unforgettable, is also an experience that takes you closer to your dream.
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