Zurich has been named one of the best cities in Europe for students, according to the latest report from The Campus Advisor. The Swiss metropolis was also rated as the best on the continent for safety, and one of the high flyers thanks to the quality of universities on offer.

What makes a European city ideal for students?

By analysing 17.000 ratings, reviews and surveys submitted by students, The Campus Advisor can rank which cities in Europe are best-suited for students at university.

What sets the best student cities apart? The study valued the proportion of students in the population, quality of the academic environment, student friendliness, cost of living, cultural diversity, nightlife, public transport, amenities and safety among other factors.

Prague Europe's best student city for 2024

This year, Prague was ranked as the best student city in Europe. The capital of Czechia was in a class of its own thanks to the friendliness of the city, and the quality of local nature, culture and public transport. Prague’s iconic nightlife was also a source of praise.

Heidelberg took second place, with the German city rated as the best in Europe for the facilities provided to students. Situated on the stunning western coast of Ireland, Galway rounded out the podium thanks in large part to its top rating for student friendliness.

Zurich among the top cities in Europe for students

For 2024, Zurich was named as one of the 50 best student cities in Europe, placing 25th on the list. The largest city in Switzerland was also rated as the safest student city on the continent and placed second best for academic environment and eighth best for public transport.

However, as it is not home to infamous nightclubs and bars like those in Newcastle, Budapest and Berlin, Zurich was rated as the sixth worst in Europe for nightlife. In news that will likely not surprise residents, the city was also rated second worst for the cost of living. Only Paris was given a worse score in the category.

Though the cost of student housing, nights out and basic necessities is already high in Zurich, many international students in the city will have to pay even more in future. From the autumn of 2025, newly enrolled international students at ETH Zurich will see their tuition fees tripled.

10 best cities in Europe for students

In all, here are the 10 best student cities in Europe in 2024:

1. Prague, Czechia
2. Heidelberg, Germany
3. Galway, Ireland
4. Budapest, Hungary
5. Granada, Spain
6. Aarhus, Denmark
7. Warsaw, Poland
8. Newcastle, United Kingdom
9. Berlin, Germany
10. Bologna, Italy

For more information, visit The Campus Advisor website.

Thumb image credit: InnaFelker / Shutterstock.com