When deciding where to study, there are a myriad of things to consider: the quality of the education, the language and the weather are three good examples. But sometimes it can be far simpler than all of that.
The love you have for a place, the inspiration it could impart, the potential for happiness. You won’t find guides or lists for these considerations in most places- they’re just too personal. But there are certainly cities that hold a certain aura, a greater romanticism than others.
Whether you are looking for love, inspiration, happiness or all three, these cities make a great starting point for your consideration.
1. Paris
How could we not include this most esteemed and lovely of cities? The so-called ‘City of Love’ is famed for its architecture, its food and its sights. A capital not only of France, but of sophistication, style and fashion, Paris is also home to some of the most affordable and best universities in Europe.
2. London
London is a city of great history and presence making it a charming and ultimately romantic locale for any prospective and hopeful student. Tourists may be attracted to Buckingham Palace, Westminster and St. Paul’s, but the underbelly of London is replete with cobbled streets, warm, inviting pubs and curious, unique cafes, each with its own story to tell.
Perhaps the most multi-cultural city in the world, there are endless ways to find and interact with people from all walks of life in London, a joy for any international student looking to connect with someone from back home.
3. Venice
Venice is regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities as well as a major international centre for higher education. It is known for St. Mark’s Basilica and the Piazza San Marco, gothic architecture, renaissance masterpieces and the pinnacle of Romantic transport: the gondola. The Floating City is a city of mystery, awe and surprises around one of its many twists and turns.
4. Los Angeles
With near guaranteed sun, LA is likely home to some of your favourite movies, making your stay there a romantic tour in itself. ‘La La Land’, ‘Grease’, ‘Pretty Woman’ and ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ were all set in the City of Angels, and it is of course also home to the movie capital of the world, Hollywood. It is also the setting for some of the world’s greatest universities- what more is there to ask for?
5. New York
The birthplace of hip-hop, punk rock and stand-up comedy. New York is a city that people from all over the world visit for its contributions to each and every one of the arts. It has been the background of countless loves and losses, a city of enviable beauty and grit throughout the year. And of course, the strength of the universities there are fitting for a place of such history- NYU, Columbia, Juilliard and countless others. Honestly what is there to say about NYC that hasn’t already been said?
6. Montreal
Without doubt one of the greatest cities in in the world for international students, Montreal is also Canada’s cultural capital, with a succession of top-notch universities and excellent ratings in terms of friendliness, affordability, diversity and culture. A bi-lingual country of both French and English, it’s laidback lifestyle and multicultural fabric supports a wonderful range of romantic adventures and friendships to develop.
7. Boston
As I’m sure we all know, Boston is perhaps the best academic hub of them all, with some of the best-known universities in the world, like MIT and Harvard. But Boston is a phenomenal city at supporting both a bustling metropolis as well as spaces of quiet peace and beauty. The famed reds, golds and yellows of autumn in New England contrast with an emotional strength the Red Sox, Faneuil Hall and the Samuel Adams Brewery.
A city with an abundance of open green space and intellectual formidability, how can you not fall in love with a city of such beauty and intelligence?
8. Melbourne
You may have noticed a trend between our understanding of romance and culture. There’s definitely a link in our opinion. Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia, one of the most popular destinations for international students and the city is filled with warm beaches, music events, sport and comedy. With such a high standard of living and extensive range of students, there is a lot of joy and happiness to be found in such a stunning venue.
Romance is a term drenched in historical meaning and significance- it really means something different to each person. In terms of place, it can be so difficult to put your finger on it, but the mood, the people, the architecture and pastimes of a place can all dovetail into a feeling you have when you are there. It’s not necessarily a romantic love (although that can certainly be a part of it), more an idyllic, fairy-tale quality to the place.
Each person will have their favourite. Each will have different inspirations and pleasures. Consider this a springboard then- where would be your most romantic place to study?
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