A good study spot can really make or break your revision session. But finding that perfect spot on a university campus is easier said than done – particularly if your university has a crowded city campus or limited student areas. However, we think we’ve found the best university campuses for scenic study spots.
Students at these universities regularly mention their attractive campuses as one of the best parts of their study experiences. From historic buildings to quiet parks and incredible architecture, at these universities, you’ll get to act out the university experience of your dreams.
To find the best university campuses in Europe, we analysed over 10,000 student reviews’ data on EDUopinions for 2023. These five universities had student reviews that contained frequent mentions of awe-inspiring campuses and scenic study spots.
So, if you’re looking for a university where you can receive a top-ranked degree and study in some beautiful spots, these are your best options!
Top 5 Best University Campuses for Scenic Study Spots
5. University of Toulouse-Jean JaurèS
There are over 100,000 students at the University of Toulouse, spread across dozens of university institutions across the city. One of those institutions is the University of Toulouse-Jean Jaurès, a specialist humanities university whose departments include languages, psychology, literature, and history.
UT2J, as it’s commonly known, has its campus in the Mirail area of Toulouse, a purpose-built community built in the 1960s. The area is known for its distinctive twentieth-century architecture, and the UT2J campus is at the heart of the historic suburb.
UT2J has an expansive campus surrounded by green space, with plenty of sun-soaked study spots to choose from. Not to mention, it’s just 20 minutes from the centre of the city, where you’ll find plenty of good study spots like cafes and libraries.
Student Review
Being an out-of-state student at University of Toulouse has been surprisingly easy. I was terrified at first, but as soon as I got there, I saw how warm and kind the professors and students were, along with the staff. Managing social life and schooling might be difficult because there is always something going on. Nevertheless, I’m doing fine. If you ever become bored with the food served on campus, there are excellent cafes and restaurants close by. The fact that the accommodations were bigger than I had anticipated added to the surprise. I truly feel at home at Toulouse University.
4. Universidad Complutense de Madrid
The Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) is one of the oldest universities in the world, and it’s clear from its huge city campus that it’s got history. UCM easily has one of the best university campuses in Europe, located in an area of the city that’s almost entirely occupied by students, giving Ciudad Universitaria a vibrant feel.
Surrounding historic buildings (like the Auditorium and the Rectorate building), the campus of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid has a huge number of green spaces, filled with benches. Here, students regularly gather for group study sessions or to complete class reading in the sunshine. Not to mention, the university library is a huge, light-filled space with rows of study spots between the bookshelves.
Considering the beautiful architecture and the vibrant greenery, it’s no surprise that the Universidad Complutense de Madrid is considered one of the best university campuses for study spots! Student reviewers point out that the attractive spaces are great for immersing yourself in your studies.
Student Review
The UCM is an educational treasure in the heart of Madrid. With its rich history and imposing architecture, the campus exudes an aura of wisdom. The professors are passionate scholars, and the academic offerings are as vast as the city that hosts them.
Madrid, a city that never sleeps, provides an incomparable cultural and social background. From the art in the Prado to the street markets in El Rastro, there is always something new to discover. Although the pace can be frenetic, it invites you to immerse yourself in the vibrant life of the capital.
The Complutense is not only a university, it is an experience that connects you with the cultural and academic pulse of Spain. If you are looking for an enriching environment and an education rooted in tradition, the Complutense is the ideal place to grow intellectually
3. American University in Bulgaria
The American University in Bulgaria is a private university in Blagoevgrad, a city attractively nestled in the shadow of the Pirin Mountains. Last year, Blagoevgrad ranked third on our list of the best hidden gem student cities in Europe, owing to its blend of historic architecture and contemporary attractions. This university is one of the biggest institutions in the city, and has its own green-filled campus (called Skaptopara) not far from the city centre.
The Skaptopara campus features residence halls for students, a library, the Academic Centre and a student centre, meaning it’s a real hub for study. Plus, you’ll have plenty of options for study spaces, from the Panitza library to the shady parks along the banks of the river.
Students at the American University in Bulgaria highly rate the blend of professional spaces and recreation, making this one of the best university campuses in Europe.
Student Review
My experience at the American University in Bulgaria has been a dynamic journey of academic rigor and cultural enrichment. The international faculty brings diverse perspectives, fostering a stimulating learning environment that extends beyond textbooks. Emphasizing critical thinking and experiential learning, AUBG equips students for success in a globalized world. Nestled in the picturesque Blagoevgrad, the campus provides a charming backdrop for both study and leisure. My recommendation? Dive into the vibrant student community and explore extracurricular activities to maximize your cultural experience. Overall, AUBG offers a transformative blend of academic excellence and cultural richness.
2. The University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh is regarded as one of the most picturesque cities in the UK, thanks to the looming presence of the hill Arthur’s Seat, the historic architecture, and proximity to the sea. And the University of Edinburgh takes advantage of its location in the centre of this Gothic city, offering students plenty of spots to study surrounded by grandeur.
The University of Edinburgh has been a seat of learning since the 16th century, and many of the university’s buildings date back almost as far. Areas of the campus such as Old College and New College feature dramatic architecture inside and out, but many students also take their studies into the city. Edinburgh’s atmospheric cafes and green space like the Meadows are popular spots for students seeking an attractive and inspirational study space.
When you get to study in spaces that look like “old castles”, and wander cobbled streets between classes that have been walked for hundreds of years, there’s no wonder that students regularly celebrate the University of Edinburgh campus.
Student Review
As one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Edinburgh has a lot of old buildings, so everyday it seems that I study in old castles with beautiful sceneries. Our school has a lot of resources, for example, library resources. In case we don’t make good use of it, our school set a course to help us with that, which is really nice. For my major, we have practical homework and readings. Tutors would explain some theories in seminars and we do our practice and have further discussions in out tutorials. I think it is a good place to study.
1. European School of Economics
The European School of Economics (ESE) has campuses across Europe, but it’s the Rome institution that showcases the most impressive campus. In fact, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’ve landed in a historic museum! In fact, ESE Rome occupies a historic mansion building right in the heart of the ancient city, in close proximity to sights such as the Piazza Navona.
Students at ESE Rome are part of a close-knit community of learners, which only enhances the study experience. Along with your peers, you’ll get to study inside the beautifully elaborate city building, as well as in cafes across the city.
If you’re looking for one of the best university campuses in Europe, where you can study in historic surroundings and within touching distance of history, then the European School of Economics in Rome is a great option!
Student Review
First of all since my campus was in the heart of Rome, the place and inside of the university was like a whole museum. I love how friendly and helpful the staff was, the professors were one in a million. I love how they did all their best to tell us about the subjects in detail and in a fun way with examples for us to get into it more. I liked how they make time and engage in it and actually help us to teach us, so it was all in one reading writing with our own brain and infos searching for the sources by ourselves listening but also being able to express our own way of knowledge on the topics!
Conclusion
Your university’s campus might not be a deciding factor in your study abroad decision, but it’s an incredibly important element of your university experience. The campus is where you’ll meet with professors, forge friendships with your classmates, and dedicate time to your studies. So, a beautiful campus can go a long way to mitigating some of the challenges and frustrations of student life!
These five universities undoubtedly have some of the best university campuses in all of Europe. EDUopinions student reviewers frequently mention the quality and beauty of study spaces at these universities, so if you’re looking for somewhere that’s both rigorous and inspiring, you might choose one of the universities on our ranking.
If you want to see more from our Student Reviews Guide 2024 – including the top universities for international students in Europe – simply head here.
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