If you are looking for a metropolitan, vibrant city with a unique flair, look no further than the heart of Catalonia in Spain. World-famous for its football team and architecture, Barcelona, home to more than 5 million people, is one of the most popular cities in Spain for study abroad students and has been rated the second best student city in Europe.

More and more international students are flocking to Barcelona for their Erasmus studies every year. With almost 200,000 students, Barcelona is one of the biggest university cities in Europe and the city’s universities appear at the top of some of the most recognised European rankings.

But there are several other things to attract thousands of international students to the Catalan capital every year. The city is stylish, cosmopolitan, and eccentric!

Regarded as one of Europe’s coolest cities with an avant-garde vibe, Barcelona is a city where students can enjoy green parks, exciting nightlife, impressive shopping, and tasty food. Students deciding to study in Barcelona can soak up the all-around vibrant energy all under the warm Catalonian sun.

We’ve listed some of the reasons why Barcelona is one of Europe’s top student cities. And, why so many students love this vivid pulsating city located right next to the sea.

Barcelona’s Beaches

Barcelona’s universities have a clear advantage over other Spanish universities, as they are just a few minutes away from the city’s beach. Imagine finishing classes and going straight to the beach for a swim and sunbathing. There are plenty of restaurants and bars along the promenade with a great student atmosphere and a relaxed vibe. Some of the most popular beaches are Barceloneta Beach, Mar Bella Beach and Bogatell Beach. Enjoy beach volleyball or relax on a sun lounger under an umbrella.

The Weather in Barcelona

When it comes to picture-perfect weather, you can’t get much better than Barcelona. The Mediterranean climate the sunny Catalan city enjoys means good weather almost 9 months a year which makes Barcelona a popular student city. From March to November, you can do your sports activities on the beach without fear of rain or cold. And from March, the first terraces open so you can taste tapas outdoors. When it’s 28 degrees in July and August, the beach becomes your permanent go-to place.

The Spanish Food is amazing

Barcelona is a perfect city for people who are in love with Mediterranean cuisine. Although it’s not one of the cheapest cities in Spain, there are still restaurants where students can eat healthy with menus between 12 and 15 euros. Chose from a large number of restaurants serving up a mix of Catalan and Spanish cuisine and try some of the best dishes from the Mediterranean cuisine, like patatas, anchors, and croquetas. Street food is also popular in Barcelona and a lot of the food is made of fish and vegetables.

The International Vibe

Despite being a very large and highly populated city, Barcelona has a very relaxed and laidback feel. The multicultural city is a melting pot of many different nationalities, 179 to be exact, and has a big international community and offers warm welcomes to everyone from students to expats, who are all looking to call this place ‘home’. For those struggling with the Spanish language, English is widely spoken in Barcelona, so there’s no doubt you’ll be able to make new friends and get around with ease.
Barcelona is considered the Spanish Silicon Valley
Barcelona has over the past few years made a name for itself in the world of entrepreneurs. This year alone, more than 1,300 startups have already been created here. The city is ranked as the sixth top startup hub in Europe. Expect a vibrant entrepreneurial scene that also generates work opportunities for students such as internships and part-time jobs.

The Ramblas

Las Ramblas is one of the longest and most famous main streets in Europe and is vibrant and full of life. This world-famous boulevard is bordered by trees, stylish shops, and cool coffee shops. Among the restaurants, there are also flower stalls, souvenirs shops and several places to get ice cream. The Ramblas is hosting La Boquería, the most famous traditional market in the city where authentic local food is served up.

The Sports

People in Barcelona are obsessed with sports. Handball, hockey, basketball, golf, tennis, gymnastics, they can’t seem to get enough of it. However, there’s one sport that beats them all in popularity which is, not surprisingly – football.
After all, Barcelona has one of the five best teams of all time, FC Barcelona. Students in Barcelona have the opportunity to go and watch a live match which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Enjoy the feel of the adrenaline and shout the FC Barcelona anthem with the rest of the fans. Afterward enjoy a local beer and celebrate.

It’s Cheap in Barcelona

You don’t want to be living in an expensive city when you’re a student and life in Barcelona is not nearly as expensive as in other big European cities like London or Copenhagen. Food, transportation, and entertainment are cheaper compared to many other Western European cities. In Barcelona, students can enjoy a good quality of life without breaking the bank.

Student Accommodation Barcelona

The option of student accommodation Barcelona is great. Compared to other major European cities, the cost of living in the Catalan capital is 18.2% lower than in London. The city offers plenty of Barcelona Erasmus accommodation options. At studentroomrentals.com we help students find their student accommodation Barcelona whether it’s student housing Barcelona, student rooms Barcelona, or luxury student accommodation Barcelona. From cosy lofts to private rooms or entire studios and apartments there are plenty of Erasmus student housing Barcelona to choose from.
Take a look at our student accommodation Barcelona to make it easy for you to find the accommodation of choice. Our booking process is easy and our friendly customer support team is always on hand if you need assistance or have any questions.