Starting university often means becoming independent for the first time, and choosing the right city to study in is key. Yes, we know these big changes can bring nerves, preparations, and many doubts. That’s why, at Unihabit, we want to help you make the best possible decision for you.
Choosing a city to study in: a key decision for your academic future
When you start thinking about and shaping your future, there are several important decisions that will define the next four (or more) years. One of them is the university degree or vocational program you want to study, and right after that, the city where you will study.
This city will become your new home during this exciting stage. Your decision will shape your plans, your circle of friends, the kind of life you’ll have outside of classes, how you move around, and the opportunities you’ll find. In short, it will define your university experience – one you’ll remember forever.
Key factors to consider when choosing a city to study in
At this point, you probably still have many questions. So let’s answer the big one: what should you consider when choosing a city to study in?
Here are the main factors you should evaluate and weigh up in order to make an informed decision.
Educational offer and academic prestige
The first factor that usually makes a difference when making a decision is the prestige of the university. In Barcelona and across Catalonia, there are many of the best universities in Spain according to university rankings, making it one of the regions with the most active student life in the country.
In addition, Catalonia offers a wide variety of educational options. This allows you to find any type of training you are looking for, from university degrees to vocational programs or language courses. This diversity will help you compare different options and adapt your choice to your interests.
It’s not just about choosing a city, but making sure you can study exactly what you like and build an academic path aligned with your future professional goals.
Cost of living and monthly budget
Whether your family helps you cover your studies or not, your budget is a key factor that can limit your options. The cost of accommodation, groceries, public transport, or how much going out will cost you are all aspects that will shape your daily life.
That’s why it’s important to carefully analyze how much it will cost you to live in each city and whether it fits your monthly budget. Cities like Barcelona, with a wide range of activities, services, and student life, and others like Girona or Manresa, with a more relaxed and close-knit environment, offer different experiences and costs but can be equally attractive depending on what you’re looking for. The key is to find the option that best fits you and the lifestyle you want during this stage.
Quality of life and environment
When we talk about quality of life, we usually think of the climate, sunshine, green spaces to connect with nature, the sea… because these are essential factors not only when choosing where to study, but also where to live.
But we’re also talking about the city’s cultural and leisure offer: theatres, concerts, bars, festivals, or activities that allow you to disconnect and socialize. If you want to maintain an active lifestyle, it’s also worth checking what sports facilities the city offers. All cities have gyms, but you should also look into university clubs and teams for sports like volleyball, football, rugby, or running clubs.
Joining sports activities will help you build a routine, meet people, and become part of a community beyond the classroom. Because yes, studying is important, but your day-to-day life goes far beyond classes.
Student environment and university life
Wherever there is a university, there will be student life, although depending on the city where you study, it may be more or less visible. It will depend on your preferences when deciding what to consider when choosing a city to study in: whether you prefer a more fast-paced student life or a more relaxed one.
But let’s be honest, being able to enjoy nightlife probably matters to you: having places to dance, go out, attend concerts, and enjoy a night with your friends. In this sense, each city offers a different type of leisure. Some stand out for their wide variety of venues and events throughout the week, while others have a more concentrated offer on weekends but are still attractive for students.
The important thing is to find a balance that fits you.
Job opportunities and internships
Let’s go back to your future career. The city where you study can also influence the opportunities you’ll have to start gaining experience while you train.
Some cities have a stronger business ecosystem, which makes it easier to access internships, scholarships, or first jobs related to your studies. It’s also important to consider whether there are partnerships between universities and companies, internship programs, or job fairs.
That said, not everything depends on the city. Your attitude, your willingness to learn, and your level of commitment will also be key to making the most of the opportunities that come your way. Choosing a city with opportunities is important, but knowing how to take advantage of them is even more important.
Distance from your place of origin
We all like leaving home and enjoying more independence, but being able to return is what keeps us balanced. The distance between the city where you study and your place of origin will make it easier or harder for you to go back.
By distance, we don’t just mean kilometers, but also travel time, transport frequency, and the cost of trips. Being able to return on some weekends or at specific moments can give you peace of mind and help you manage the change better.
It’s also important to consider how you feel about that distance. Some people prefer to stay close to their family environment, while others see moving to a new city as an opportunity to start fresh and gain more independence.
Accommodation options for students
All university cities are prepared to welcome hundreds or thousands of students each academic year. The most common accommodation options are:
- Student residences: The most convenient option to start with. They include services such as security, cleaning, utilities, and common areas, making adaptation easier. You’ll be able to meet other students from day one and focus on your studies without worrying about managing a flat.
- Shared flats: One of the most common alternatives to gain independence while sharing expenses. It allows you to live with other young people, but also requires more organization and household management.
- Private rental: For those looking for total privacy and peace. However, it usually involves higher costs and you’ll need to take on all expenses and responsibilities yourself.
- Living with a host family: A less common option, but ideal if you’re looking for a more familiar and supported environment.
Each option has its advantages, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your lifestyle.
How to choose a city to study in based on your student profile
To understand what to consider when choosing a city to study in, you need to know yourself well and picture how you want to live your university years.
If you’re looking for a big city with an international environment
Some students look for a dynamic university experience, with constant movement and an open, diverse environment. If this is your case, you should know that large cities usually offer a wide cultural, social, and academic life, as well as an international atmosphere that enriches the experience.
Here, you’ll find:
- A wide range of cultural activities, events, and leisure options
- International students
- A broad academic offer and multiple universities
- Networking and professional development opportunities
This type of city allows you to enjoy a more intense university experience, with many options both inside and outside the classroom.
If you prefer a calm environment to focus
Some students perform better in smaller or medium-sized cities, where the pace of life is calmer and daily life is easier to manage.
You fit this profile if you value:
- Shorter daily commutes
- A quieter environment for studying
- Fewer distractions and a lower cost of living
- A close-knit university community
These cities allow you to focus more on your studies without giving up an active university life.
If you value a more affordable cost of living
Budget is a key factor for many students. Choosing a city with a lower cost of living can make a big difference during your university years.
In this case, you should prioritize:
- Cities with more affordable accommodation prices
- Transport and services at a reasonable cost
- Good quality of life without high expenses
This type of choice allows you to enjoy your university experience with greater financial stability.
If you want to combine studies and quality of life
Some students look for a balance between academic training and personal well-being. If you belong to this group, factors such as climate, the urban environment, and activities available outside the classroom are especially important.
In this case, you’ll fit better in cities that offer:
- Good weather and outdoor spaces
- A varied cultural and sports offer
- A balanced pace of life
Choosing a city aligned with your lifestyle makes it easier to stay motivated and maintain well-being throughout your studies.
The best cities for students based on your profile
If you’ve made it this far, you already know how to approach your decision and what to consider when choosing a city to study in.
Barcelona, an international city with a wide academic offer
Barcelona is one of the best cities to study in Spain thanks to its international character, wide academic offer, and constant dynamism. Here, you’ll find leading universities such as the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya or the Universitat de Barcelona, with a great diversity of programs and a multicultural environment that enriches the university experience.
In addition, the city offers a very active cultural and social life, with leisure options, events, and activities throughout the year. Within this context, neighborhoods like Gràcia or Ciutat Vella stand out as some of the best areas for students to live. You can explore our university residence in Barcelona, Gràcia or our university residence in Barcelona, Ciutat Vella depending on the type of environment you prefer.
Sant Cugat del Vallès, tranquility and proximity to the ETSAV campus
Sant Cugat del Vallès is an excellent option if you’re looking for a quieter environment without giving up proximity to Barcelona. It is located very close to the ETSAV campus (Escola Tècnica Superior d’Arquitectura del Vallès), making it a very practical location for architecture students.
It usually fits well with students who are looking for:
- A residential and quiet environment
- Good connection to universities
- Quality of life and an easy daily routine
In this well-connected residential setting, having a university residence in Sant Cugat helps create a more calm and organized academic experience.
Girona, a compact and comfortable university city
Girona is a manageable city, with short distances and a close-knit university atmosphere. It is ideal for those who prefer to avoid long commutes and value a more relaxed pace of life.
Its advantages include:
- Good quality of life
- An accessible university community
- Easy mobility on foot or by bike
- A pleasant environment for studying
In a city with short distances like Girona, living in a university residence in Girona allows you to make better use of your time and focus on your studies.
Manresa, a practical and well-connected environment
Manresa offers a functional and well-organized university experience. Its size allows for a simple and comfortable daily life, with good transport connections to other cities.
It is a suitable option for students looking for:
- A practical and accessible environment
- A lower cost of living
- Good connection to university campuses
- A balance between studies and personal life
For those seeking a functional and well-organized university experience, a student residence in Manresa is a highly valued option among students.
Other university cities to consider
If you are exploring other areas to study, there are several cities in Spain that also stand out for their university environment, quality of life, and academic offer:
- Valencia: A balanced city in terms of size, climate, and quality of life. It has several universities, a good student atmosphere, and a wide cultural and leisure offer.
- Granada: One of the most well-known cities for student life. It stands out for its large student community, young atmosphere, and generally more affordable cost of living.
- Salamanca: A historic reference in university education in Spain. Its academic tradition, manageable size, and student atmosphere make it a very attractive option for many students.
Common mistakes when choosing a city to study in
Choosing a city to study in is not always easy, and it’s common to make mistakes due to nerves, doubts, and rushing the decision without properly analyzing all the factors.
Choosing based only on the cost of living
Choosing a city based only on budget can be a mistake. The ideal approach is to find a balance between cost and experience, making sure the city fits both your financial situation and your personal and academic needs.
Also, some aspects that may seem more expensive at first can actually be more cost-effective in the long run if they help you save on transport or improve your daily routine.
Not considering the student environment
If you’re going to live in the same city where you study, you should think about how you’ll spend your time after classes. Not taking this into account can make it harder to adapt or lead to a more limited experience than you expected.
In the end, it’s not just about studying, but about living this stage fully, surrounded by an environment that helps you grow both academically and personally.
Thinking only about the university and not the city
Many students choose based on the university without analyzing what the city itself is like. However, you’ll spend more time outside the classroom than inside it, so the environment you live in plays a key role in your overall experience.
Not researching properly before making a decision
In most cases, you’ll be living in the same city for a long period (usually at least four years). Choosing a city without gathering enough information can lead to poor decisions. Often, choices are based on other people’s opinions or first impressions, without fully analyzing key aspects such as accommodation, cost of living, transport, or the university environment.
We recommend comparing several cities and asking for real experiences from other students before making a final decision. Taking the time to gather information will help you anticipate and avoid unexpected issues.
Choosing the right city also shapes your experience as a student
Carefully analyzing what to consider when choosing a city to study in will help you make a more conscious decision aligned with your needs. Factors such as academic offer, cost of living, student environment, and quality of life should be evaluated together, taking into account your profile and personal priorities.
There is no perfect city for everyone, but there is a right city for each student. Reflecting on the type of experience you’re looking for will help you make the most of this stage and build a more satisfying academic and personal path.
If you are considering different cities to study in and want guidance about our student residences, you can contact Unihabit to resolve your doubts and receive personalized advice.
