EDUopinions Student Reviews Guide 2025: Hidden Gem Student Cities in Europe | Student Reviews & University Rankings EDUopinions

EDUopinions Student Reviews Guide 2025: Hidden Gem Student Cities in Europe

29/01/2025
5-second summary
  • EDUopinions analysed 3,918 student reviews to identify hidden gem cities for studying abroad in Europe and the UK.
  • Top-rated cities like Zürich, Kraków, and Coventry offer unique experiences and high student life ratings.
  • Students value affordability, internationality, and strong career prospects in lesser-known cities like Leeuwarden and Antwerp.
  • Liverpool emerged as the best hidden gem city, praised for its vibrant community and proximity to major attractions.

Thinking of heading abroad for your university degree? You might find it hard to choose a destination, when there are so many top student cities: Paris, London, Barcelona… But what about something a bit different? These are the hidden gem student cities that should be on your radar.

We’ve analysed ratings from student reviews posted on EDUopinions to explore which underrated destinations students consider the best places for student life. From underrated capital cities to off-the-beaten-path destinations, these student cities will guarantee you a unique study abroad experience.

So, ready to find out which are the top ten hidden gem student cities in Europe and the UK? Read on!

This blog is part of the EDUopinions Student Reviews Guide 2025. Read more of the articles in this series.

Top 10 Hidden Gem Student Cities in Europe

EDUopinions Reviews Guide 2025 Top 10 Hidden Gem Student Cities

Summary and methodology

To create this ranking, we analysed reviews posted on EDUopinions between January 1st 2024 and December 31st 2024. Then, we filtered by country of university, selecting only countries in Europe with at least 10 reviews. This gave us a total of 3,918 reviews to analyse.

For our hidden gems ranking, we chose cities with between 20 and 75 reviews. There was an important reason for this distinction: it removed most capital cities from the ranking, which would inevitably attract more reviews because of their size and greater number of universities. By limiting student reviews, we could better see those cities that are rated highly by students, but may be overshadowed by more well-known destinations.

Our list was then ranked by the ‘student life’ rating given by EDUopinions reviewers, which is the individual rating most likely to be linked to student lifestyle, city life, and extracurricular experiences.

10. Zürich, Switzerland (3.97/5 Student Life Rating)

Zurich

Zürich is the only Swiss city to make it to either of our student city rankings, and although it’s not the country’s capital, it is Switzerland’s largest city. It’s home to the University of Zürich, which has a student population of almost 30,000, and the renowned Swiss Federal Institute of Technology – ETH Zürich, which has around 8,000 students.

But students aren’t just attracted to Zürich’s academic reputation. It’s also a picturesque city with a stunning lake, historic old town, and plenty of cultural sights. Though living costs are high, and tuition fees can be significant for non-EU students, EDUopinions students rate it very well for career prospects – so living here might be worth the money.

Student Review – ETH Zurich

Computer Science
avatar
Anonymous student
CH
Great Degree but Tough Work

ETHZ is a world class university with a highly respected degree. However, getting it requires a lot of work and you cannot enjoy life as much as at other universities.
A unique thing to ETH’s student life is the big and very active student associations that organise many events to all sorts of topics.
Overall, if you are ready for the high workload, go for ETH.

Programme: Computer Science
Degree: Master's
Graduation: Prefer not to say
Campus: Zürich
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Internationality
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Student Review – ETH ZUrich

Masters in ...
Mechanical Engineering
avatar
Anonymous student
CH
Not perfect, but really good.

Grew up in Zurich and attended ETH in mechanical engineering.

Going abroad for an exchange made me realize how good ETH is. Low assignment workload and pure focus on theory in the first years means the theoretical depth and thoroughness with which it is tested makes this a great education. The student engineering projects that we were able to participate in were world-class. ETH also has a great low-bureacracy culture. The amount of lectures held on cutting edge topics by world-class professors is amazing. And: In their last few years, students have the opportunity to participate in internationally competitive research.

With some exceptions, the students I took classes with during my exchange in North America did not seem nearly as consistenly competent as my peers at ETH.

However, ETH has a few areas where there is definitely room for improvement:

– Male-dominated in many fields, both in the student body and among professors. This definitely must be improved.
– Generally, ETH is not nearly as diverse as other unis (e.g. MIT), which means there’s less diversity of thought and a less creative culture.
– Ethics and scientist’s/engineer’s role in society are almost never discussed at ETH.

Programme: Masters in Mechanical Engineering
Degree: Master's
Graduation: Prefer not to say
Campus: Zürich
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9. Kraków, Poland (4.07/5 Rating)

Krakow

Kraków is a historical gem and a hotspot for students, who are mainly drawn to Poland’s oldest and most prestigious university, Jagiellonian University, and the Cracow Institute of Technology. The city boasts an attractive medieval old town as well as a lively nightlife, so whether you’re more interested in culture or entertainment, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Although living costs have risen in the city in recent years, it’s still a more affordable destination for your university studies than other comparable European cities. EDUopinions reviewers praise Kraków’s universities, giving the city’s institutions a higher rating for internationality than popular student cities like Milan and Munich.

Student Review – Jagiellonian University

Medicine
avatar
Anonymous student
US
Academic excellence

I chose Jagiellonian University for its rich history, academic excellence, and affordability. The Medicine program is rigorous, but the professors are always willing to help. The university’s location in Krakow provides a unique cultural experience. I’m grateful for the chance to study alongside talented students from diverse backgrounds.

Programme: Medicine
Degree: Bachelor's
Graduation: Prefer not to say
Campus: Kraków
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Student Review – Jagiellonian University

Chemistry
Julia
Julia
PH
Everywhere is so conducive

The Jagiellonian College was a mind blowing experience for me, scholastically, yet socially also. Individuals I met there were probably the most shrewd, driven, and fascinating people I have at any point experienced. From my schoolmates to my teachers, everybody was energetic about their field of review and carried a remarkable point of view to the study hall. I made companions from everywhere the world, growing my social information and building associations that will endure forever. The air at Jagiellonian was one of coordinated effort and development, and I’m thankful to have been a piece of such an astounding local area.

Programme: Chemistry
Degree: Bachelor's
Graduation: Prefer not to say
Campus: Kraków
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8. Coventry, United Kingdom (4.15/5 Rating)

Coventry

Coventry is often overlooked in favour of nearby cities like Birmingham, but in reality it’s a hidden gem of a small student city. There are over around 50,000 students in this central England city, concentrated in the area’s two main universities: Coventry University and the University of Warwick. 

Just over 70% of 20-year-olds in Coventry are students, so if you’re looking to study somewhere with a strong community around you, this is the place. With two large universities in the area, the city has a hugely diverse community – student reviewers rank the city’s universities the second-highest on this list for their internationality. Plus, cost of living in this small city is far less than at comparable large universities.

Student Review – University of Warwick

Philosophy, Politics ...
and Economics (PPE)
Nazrana
Nazrana
KE
Warwick- ideal for international students

Warwick is a wonderful place to be for any student. While it may not be in the centre of a busy city, the community at Warwick is so big that you cannot tell you’re not in a city. There are countless societies to be a part of; something for everyone. Learning is very effective with each module having small seminar groups allowing for active discussion and a clear understanding of content. There is lots to do socially, both sober and drinking activities with Student Union nights being one of many unforgettable experiences.

Programme: Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
Degree: Bachelor's
Graduation: Prefer not to say
Campus: Coventry
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Student Review – Coventry University

Business Management
Clinton
Clinton
Study at Cov Uni

Great university in a great location especially for international students- which there are a decent amount. Loads of student activities to keep busy. Located in the heart of the midlands so you can pop over to Birmingham or Wolverhampton on the weekends. The professors, curriculum, staff, amenities are great and available to you.

Programme: Business Management
Degree: Bachelor's
Graduation: Prefer not to say
Campus: Coventry
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7. Dublin, Ireland (4.16/5 Rating)

Dublin

Dublin, the capital city of Ireland, hosts over one million students at its five largest universities, but despite attracting students in high numbers, the city finds itself among our list of hidden gems. QS ranked Dublin just outside the top 10 best student cities in Europe this year, and Dublin universities didn’t quite gather enough student reviews to warrant a spot in our main ranking of student cities. However, it has a worthy position on our hidden gems list.

In addition to scoring highly for student life (it’s a well-known literary capital and a hotspot for nightlife), students also rate Dublin highly for the quality of professors at its universities. Institutions like Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin are among the best 300 universities globally, and the city is home to global companies like Google, Airbnb and Microsoft, meaning there are plenty of job opportunities for graduates.

Student Review – University College Dublin (UCD)

Sociology Social ...
Justice Stream
avatar
Mila
IE
The experience will be what you make it

Overall, I have grown to love UCD, but in all honesty, it was not always like that. UCD is a school that isn’t known for it’s school spirit or friendliness of its student. This is definitely in part due to the commuter culture at the school, where most kids hav to go home to their families on weekends and during the week because of the lack of available student housing. The school also advertises it’s international sudent percentage and then does little to support international students once they arrive. The courses are honestly grand. The professors know what is going on and the irish system where you specialise in one thing allows you t focus on what you are passionate about. Of course, this can be complicated if you’re unsure what you want to be studying. Getting involved in societies and sorts clubs and making friends in your course will make your UCD experience. Not living on campus, but in the city centre, also can make your experience change, as you will feel like a person first and a human second. That is one thing I love about UCD. I enjoy school and hsve made friends in my course, but my life revolves more so around dublin than UCD, though the student bar is an appreciated spot for a pint or two after 4 hours of lectures, and some cheap chips.

Programme: Sociology Social Justice Stream
Degree: Bachelor's
Graduation: Prefer not to say
Campus: Dublin
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Student Review – University College Dublin (UCD)

Psychology
Laura
Laura
IE
Wordclass Education

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in UCD. The campus is a bustling and vibrant area- nearly like a small town as opposed to a univeristy which gives it a community feel and enhances the student experience. The facilities on campus are amazing, catering for all social activities and hobbies. Not to mention, the educational facilities which are continously improving to allow for an education which is recognised world wide.

Programme: Psychology
Degree: Bachelor's
Graduation: Prefer not to say
Campus: Dublin
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6. Lille, France (4.16/5 Rating)

Lille

Lille is considered one of the best student cities in France, home to top French institutions including Université de Lille and, not one, but three global business schools: EDHEC Business School, SKEMA Business School and IÉSEG School of Management. So, it’s no surprise that students rate Lille high for its internationality.

The city boasts cobblestone streets, vibrant markets, and a rich arts scene, complemented by excellent transport links to Paris, Brussels, and London, making it easy to get away for the weekend. Plus, the city is more affordable than other French destinations, so if you’re looking to experience French academic excellence (and great food), Lille is a great choice.

Student Review – IÉSEG School of Management

Business Management
avatar
Anonymous student
An extraordinary experience in Lille

My experience at IÉSEG was great! The buildings are modern and bright, perfect for studying and meeting people. The most amazing thing about the university is the international mix: I met students from all over the world. The professors are very knowledgeable and available to provide individual support. In addition, IÉSEG has a great reputation for international management, and the courses are up to date with the latest trends in the field. Studying in Lille was a perfect choice: a welcoming city, with affordable living costs and lots of cultural events.

Programme: Business Management
Degree: Bachelor's
Graduation: Prefer not to say
Campus: Lille
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Student Review – SKEMA Business School

Global Business
Aldric
Aldric
ES
Lovely experience

The bachelor at Skema is very accessible and can potentially appeal to anyone because it’s not very difficult.
The advantage of this program is also the language, because I’m an international student, and I’m not able to study in French, so fortunately it offers a course in English as well.
Even if the program is the same, the experience is very different from one Skema campus to another, I know, because I have friends who are on other campuses and who don’t have the same feedback as me.
I’m on the Lille campus. I think it’s great because, firstly, Lille is a student city full of universities and schools. This means that the general atmosphere is great for making new friends, and for having fun so as not to be overburdened by classes.
And the last point I’d like to make about this program and Skema is that integration is very simple and fluid, thanks to the students around us, but also thanks to the teachers and the school’s general system.

Programme: Global Business
Degree: Bachelor's
Graduation: Prefer not to say
Campus: Lille
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Student Review – EDHEC Business SChool

Business Administration ...
in Management
Jean-baptiste
Jean-baptiste
FR
Great satisfaction about the program

As a first-year BBA student at EDHEC Lille, here’s what I think.
First of all it was great to find a french great business school with an english track.
Integration went really smoothly thanks to the welcoming atmosphere on campus. The teachers are passionate and approachable, which makes the classes exciting and interactive. I particularly appreciate the group projects, which allow us to put into practice what we’re learning.
Knowing that the BBA program in Lille is the best in France is very reassuring for the future.
And I’m convinced by the Lille campus because I didn’t want to live in a metropolis for my studies.
Very satisfied.

Programme: Business Administration in Management
Degree: Bachelor's
Graduation: Prefer not to say
Campus: Lille
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5. Antwerp, Belgium (4.17/5 Rating)

Antwerp

Antwerp may not have as many students as other European cultural hotspots (around 50,000), but that’s only because people haven’t discovered the city yet. It has a lively arts scene, historic architecture, and vibrant nightlife, all wrapped up in picture-perfect cobbled streets. Student reviewers give the city high scores across the board, but particularly for internationality, career prospects and value for money.

Indeed, if you’re looking to study somewhere affordable but stay in close proximity to European capitals, Antwerp is ideal. It’s easy to head to Brussels or into the Netherlands for the weekend, and it’s just two hours to Paris on the train. Students can also choose from a few different institutions, including the University of Antwerp, which has a top-rated law department, and KdG University of Applied Sciences and Arts, which prioritises practical, hands-on learning.

Student Review – KdG University of Applied Sciences and Arts – KdG 

Applied Computer ...
Science
avatar
Anonymous student
BE
Studying in the cozy Antwerp

The main campus of the university is positioned right in front of the beautiful cathedral. Easily accessible with metro and trams. The newest campus in Zuid is very beautiful and very spacious. The four-story library is very cozy place to study and spend time overall. The remote campuses like Hoboken and Pothoek are not very looking pleasing. But they are planning on opening a new campus on Meir, one of the most visited streets in Belgium. My degree, Applied Computer Science, is well thought out. I focus on different fields – Data

Programme: Applied Computer Science
Degree: Bachelor's
Graduation: Prefer not to say
Campus: Antwerp
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Student Review – University of Antwerp

Business Economics
avatar
Anonymous student
Well-structured curriculum

What stands out about the University of Antwerp is its scenic campus, the vibrant city atmosphere, and the strong sense of community. The university boasts top-notch faculty and a well-structured curriculum. With numerous opportunities for involvement in university activities, students can form connections and broaden their social circles. Overall, the University of Antwerp offers a welcoming and inclusive environment, guaranteeing students a rewarding educational journey.

Programme: Business Economics
Degree: Bachelor's
Graduation: Prefer not to say
Campus: Antwerp
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4. Leeuwarden, The Netherlands (4.22/5 Rating)

Leeuwarden

Leeuwarden is an underrated student hotspot with approximately 28,000 students, primarily studying NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences. With its UNESCO City of Literature status and cosy cafes and canal-lined streets, t’s the perfect destination for students seeking culture and a close-knit community. Plus, with strong transport links around the Netherlands, you can spend your weekends visiting larger cities like Groningen and even the Netherlands’ capital, Amsterdam.

Students gave Leeuwarden high ratings for university facilties, internationality and value for money. This last factor is important, and separates Leeuwarden from other popular Dutch student cities like Rotterdam and Amsterdam. So, if you want to study somewhere affordable with a strong student community and a relaxed atmosphere, Leeuwarden is a great choice.

Student Review – NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences

Marketing and ...
Management
Catarina
Catarina
PT
Study (Marketing Management) at NHL Stenden

To you who is currently reading this review,

Hi, I am Catarina, a 20-year-old Portuguese girl currently in my first year of Marketing Management in NHL Stenden in Leeuwarden. I hope this review helps clarify any questions you might have and guide you in making the best decision for your future.

I moved to the Netherlands in late August 2024 to start this new adventure. So far, my experience has been extremely positive. The university campus is modern and meets all the students´ need (and wants) by offering technologically equipped classes, different study areas, a large library, several cafeterias with a variety of snacks, and free-access coffee machines to help wake you up during early morning classes.

My program is a perfect balance between theory and practical learning. During classes, we cover all the basics of marketing, which later helps us work with real-life companies by developing product innovations and creating marketing communication strategies for them in the form of a report. This experience has helped us prepare for the corporative professional life, as teamwork is always required. However, a downside of working in teams is the fact that you have to spend a lot of time with the same group to ensure progress on the highly detailed research work. For the first semester, we are working with the same group and company for five months, which sometimes make us feel less motivated over time. Recently, a new company was introduced in our Online Marketing class, which made us having back the excitement we initially felt when we first started working with our current company.

Personally, NHL Stenden reminds me a lot of my experience living in Canada, where teachers build connections with students, making us feel more than just a number on a list. These connections make student more willing to attend classes and engage with the topics. While not all teachers adopt this approach, the majority tries to do so. Additionally, the university’s diversity is notable, with student from many different countries. This diversity is more noticeable in our daily classes, which creates a richer learning environment with different perspectives.

There are only a few downfalls I’ve noticed. While the library sometimes provides the course books needed, they can only be borrowed for a short period, less than a month. Additionally, some of the food in the cafeterias and vending machines seems overpriced. However, other than these minor “issues”, I have no complains.

In conclusion, I recommend my course, the university, or both to anyone with a creative mind who is also passionate about business, like me. NHL Stenden is a great place to grow and learn while enjoying life in the Netherlands. Leeuwarden is a lovely city, though it is more suitable for studying than touristing. Therefor, I recommend you to take advantage of the excellent Dutch public transport system to explore other parts of the country. I hope I’ve helped you in some way 🙂

Programme: Marketing and Management
Degree: Bachelor's
Graduation: Prefer not to say
Campus: Leeuwarden
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Student Review – NHL Stenden

European Studies
avatar
Anonymous student
DE
BA European Studies Review

I have been studying at NHL Stenden for a year now and I am very happy with my choice.
I really like the student city that makes you feel connected to everyone and that never feels to overwhelming.
Moreover, the university looks and feels very modern and has a lot of spaces designated to the students and offers a lot of services to support the students in their studies and personal development.
The only downside is that my BA European Studies is a rather small study and is still rather new for international students and therefore feels like it is being overlooked sometimes.
In general, most of the lecturers are very friendly and helpful when approached with questions. Naturally, you will always find your favorits when compared and I did unfortunately have a bad experience with one which we were able to bring up to our other lecturers.
Something I like best about my study though, is the offered language courses so that I can learn Spanish and Dutch during my stay at in Leeuwarden which has been very helpful and motivating for me.
I still plan to finish my BA at NHL Stenden and I am really looking forward to my semester abroad and the possible internships in year 3 and 4.

Programme: European Studies
Degree: Bachelor's
Graduation: Prefer not to say
Campus: Leeuwarden
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3. Poznan, Poland (4.32/5 Rating)

Poznan

Third on our ranking of the best hidden gem student cities in Europe is Poland’s fifth-largest city, Poznań. There are around 130,000 students in the city, largely at renowned universities like Adam Mickiewicz University – one of the best universities in Poland – and Poznań University of Technology. In addition to its strong student life score, student reviewers on EDUopinions gave Poznań high ratings for university facilities, professors, and location.

Renowned for its affordable living, Poznań also offers picturesque cobbled streets, a lively calendar of traditional festivals, and a buzzing student nightlife. Consequently, Poznań is perfect for students seeking both academic excellence and rich cultural experiences.

Student Review – Adam Mickiewicz University in PoznaN – UAM

Law
Julia
Julia
PL
social scholarships

Studying at UAM is a real adventure! The university offers a wide range of courses, such as philology, biology, and law. The recruitment process is transparent, but you have to reckon with a lot of competition in popular courses. The costs of studying are relatively low, and the university offers numerous scholarships – from social to scientific. The campus in Poznań delights with its modernity, and Collegium Minus is a place full of academic life. Poznań is an ideal city for students – inexpensive and full of cultural attractions. The university has many scientific clubs, student organizations, and sports sections. When it comes to work, the university helps students through the Careers Office, and it is easy to find a part-time job in Poznań, especially in IT or customer service. Studying at UAM is a great balance between studying and an active student life!

Programme: Law
Degree: Bachelor's
Graduation: Prefer not to say
Campus: Poznan
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Student Review – Poznan University of Technology – PUT

Intelligent Robotics ...
Systems
Karalina
Karalina
PL
career development opportunities

Poznań University of Technology is a great place to develop your academic and professional career. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students from different countries, and the availability of classes in English is a big advantage. Poznań itself is a student-friendly city – full of clubs, cafes and places to spend your free time. The curricula are updated on an ongoing basis, which gives us access to the latest technologies and trends in the industry. Cooperation with companies and the possibility of doing internships are an additional plus, especially for those who are thinking about a career in Poland or Europe. For me, one of the most important aspects was the availability of modern laboratories and workshops, where you can develop your projects and pursue your passions.

Programme: Intelligent Robotics Systems
Degree: Bachelor's
Graduation: Prefer not to say
Campus: Poznan
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2. Vilnius, Lithuania (4.52/5 Rating)

Vilnius

According to our own methodology, Vilnius should have bee included in our ranking of the top large student cities in Europe. Universities in the city gathered 85 student reviews, on par with the number of reviews collected by universities in Milan and Prague. However, considering that Lithuania’s capital still isn’t as well known as other student hubs (it only ranks 119th in the QS Best Student Cities ranking), we’ve decided to include it on our hidden gems ranking.

The most regarded institutions in the city is undoubtedly Vilnius University, which is one of the oldest higher education institutions in Northern Europe. Today, there are 23,000 students at the university, while the city houses about 6,000 international students in total. Current students at Vilnius University cite the city’s international perspective, vibrant culture, and low costs as the main attractions.

Student Review – vilnius Tech

Business Management
Samo
Samo
VilniusTech

However, if you seem to be interested in Business Management at VilniusTech, you’re in for a lot of surprises! From the program, there is a perfect balance between classroom learning and real-life practice that makes it very perfect for today’s business environment. All the aspects, starting with marketing and ending with finances will be covered, which is great because there is a significant number of case studies, not only those based on textbooks.
The professors are great – it’s not just that they know what they are teaching, but they are friendly and open, and if you ever need clarification on something or just want to talk about something more in depth you can ask. Also the atmosphere in campuses is active, there are lots of clubs and celebrations to which you can go to make friends and expand your contacts list.
Having a residency in Vilnius is also a plus! It is a jovial city, always on the go and plenty to do with a good background history of the city. In conclusion I would like to state that if you are up for a great adventure in business sphere, then welcome to VilniusTech!

Programme: Business Management
Degree: Bachelor's
Graduation: Prefer not to say
Campus: Vilnius
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Student Review – Vilnius University

Business Administration ...
in Management
Elnar
Elnar
Bussiness Management

Bachelor of Business Management course at Vilnius University is being tailored to provide a balanced mix of the theoretic and the technical knowledge needed to address practical problems in various fields, including finance, marketing, and management. Courses in this curriculum are taught by experienced faculty and help understand the actual business setting.
Above is briefly described Vilnius University as one of the leading universities and an attractive place for studying due to various opportunities for students and rich student’s life. The place is Vilnius with cheap living costs and rich history and cultural traditions make this university very attractive for students. In general, it is highly recommended for learners who want to get a strong business background within an inspiring environment.

Programme: Business Administration in Management
Degree: Bachelor's
Graduation: Prefer not to say
Campus: Vilnius
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1. Liverpool, United Kingdom (4.57/5 Rating)

Liverpool

When we published our best cities for student life rating in the summer of 2024, Liverpool ranked ninth in Europe.  Now, at the beginning of 2025, it’s managed to beat other lucrative destinations to become the best hidden gem student city!

Liverpool is home to approximately 70,000 students, and already has a reputation as one of the UK’s best student cities. It’s affordable, has a great nightlife, and is home to some of the UK’s top international universities, including the University of Liverpool – one of the largest unis in the UK – and Liverpool John Moores University.

Liverpool doesn’t just excel in student life ratings. Student reviewers gave universities in Liverpool the highest scores in this ranking for accommodation and location. This might be down to Liverpool’s proximity to another student hub, Manchester, as well as popular leisure regions like the Lake District and North Wales. So, don’t discount this north-west city from your UK university research.

Student Review – University of Liverpool

Business Analytics ...
and Big Data
avatar
Abhishek
GB
A Friendly City ~ Liverpool

The University of Liverpool is nestled in a city known for its friendly and welcoming nature. The people of Liverpool, often referred to as “Scousers,” are known for their warmth, humor, and helpfulness, making it easy for students and visitors to feel at home. The city’s roads are well-maintained, and public transport is easily accessible, with buses and trains connecting various parts of the city efficiently. Walking around Liverpool is enjoyable, with plenty of green spaces, parks, and historical sites to explore.

The environment is a mix of urban and scenic, with the River Mersey providing a beautiful backdrop and the city offering a blend of modern and historic architecture. The climate is typically mild, with cool winters and pleasant summers. Rain can be frequent, but it’s usually light, adding to the city’s lush greenery. Overall, Liverpool offers a comfortable and vibrant living environment with a friendly atmosphere, making it a great place for students and residents alike.

Programme: Business Analytics and Big Data
Degree: Master's
Graduation: Prefer not to say
Campus: Liverpool
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Student Review – University of Liverpool

BSc Psychology
avatar
Anonymous student
GB
Definitely Recommend

As someone who never went to a single open day or did any research about UoL before going here, I can say I am glad I choose to be here. With the fact the campus is based in the city, I found it a lot easier to keep myself occupied as I was able to explore the streets and docks with friends and flatmates. They offer a range of amazing societies and many events which lead to great opportunities to meet new people and make new friends, which definitely calmed my nerves once getting here.

Programme: BSc Psychology
Degree: Bachelor's
Graduation: Prefer not to say
Campus: Liverpool
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Conclusion

Have any of the destinations on this list piqued your interest?

Our hidden gems ranking aims to get students thinking more widely about their study options by reading reviews from students who went somewhere outside of the well-known capital cities for their studies.

Are you a current student or a recent graduate of any of the universities mentioned in this article? Submit a student review now and you could have your say in next year’s Student Reviews Guide.

Check out our sister article, also part of the EDUopinions Student Reviews Guide 2025: The Top 10 Student Cities in Europe! 

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Written by
Abigail
Abigail is a freelance writer specialising in higher education. She has lived in London and the Netherlands, and has a Masters degree in American Studies.

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