Top Ten Most Romantic Cities to Find Love While Studying Abroad

Lena Heckmann & John Roman, U-Multirank

February 13, 2020 09:01 (CET)

While many couples are celebrating Valentine’s Day today, some are still waiting for Cupid’s arrow to strike. For many Erasmus/ exchange students, Cupid finds them while studying abroad. According to a survey conducted by the Erasmus Student Network, a partner of U-Multirank, ‘Erasmus not only widens horizons but it also brings people from different countries closer together.’ For example, ‘…every fourth Erasmus student has also found love in their semester abroad, whereas in general only every eighth partnership is bi-national.’

So in honour of Valentine’s Day, we present a list of ten romantic cities to find love while studying abroad:

10) Bologna, Italy

Starting off our list at number ten, is Bologna, Italy. Bologna is home to the University of Bologna – one of the oldest universities in Europe. The University holds a rich history and culture, as well as impressive architectural heritage. One of the university’s most attractive buildings is the Collegio di Spagna. Its mixed styles of Gothic and Renaissance offer breath-taking views. Also important to see are the sandstone portal and arched courtyard which are remains of the 14th century. You can see beautiful sunrises with your special someone high above the hills outside Bologna or take a walk through all the small romantic streets.

With top scores in student mobility, the University is home to many international students and is a sure place to find your special someone.

(c) Photo by Davide Cantelli on Unsplash

9) Michigan, United States

Michigan State University - Michigan City Life (c) Photo by Christoph Krichenbauer on Unsplash

Number nine on our list, is a must do for hopeless romantics studying in the US – a kiss high above the Beaumont Tower at Michigan State University. The tower was constructed in 1928 and was the first building to be completed at MSU. Located in East Lansing, Michigan it was the first building in America to be used for scientific agriculture. Among many traditions surrounding the tower, the most popular one is kissing in the tower’s shadow during midnight in the Beaumont courtyard, to prove that you are a ‘true Spartan’. It is thought that a Spartan is fated to marry their sweetheart if they kiss here. If you want your love to last forever, this is the place to go.

8) Coimbra, Portugal

Joining in at number eight on our list, is the city of Coimbra in Portugal. The city is home to the University of Coimbra; located on a hilltop, this beautiful campus offers a magnificent view across the city. Make sure to grab your smartphone for a quick selfie, because this place has all the makings for the perfect #FirstKiss

Another must-see on campus is the Joanine Library, which is stunning both inside and out. The Baroque-style stone and timber façade and the eye-catching trompe-l’oeil paintings decorating its ceilings make it an unforgettable place.

university of coimbra-coimbra city life (c) Photo by Matthew Foulds on Unsplash

7) Stanford, United States

stanford university-stanford city life (c) Photo by Ye Linn Wai on Unsplash

College is also the time for exploring new things, such as campus traditions like that of Stanford University in Stanford, Connecticut, USA – our number seven on the list. Since the 1800s, senior male students would present freshmen women on the ‘Quad’ with a red rose and a peck on the cheek during a full moon. After some time, the tradition died out, but was brought back in 1980. So if you’re looking for love, then check out Stanford University… unless you’re a werewolf of course.

6) Heidelberg, Germany

Although known for its beers, sausages and cars, Germany is home to some of the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world. Coming in at number six is Heidelberg! With its beautiful old town and picturesque landscape and scenery, you’re sure to meet your special someone. Particularly, the city is known for its university, Heidelberg University, which impresses every visitor.

Heidelberg University owns a magnificent campus, which was built between 1901 and 1905. With eye-catching design-elements out of the Renaissance, the university gives a nod to Heidelberg’s historic castle.

Heidelberg University - Heidelberg City Life (c) Photo by Ridwan Meah on Unsplash

5) Las Vegas, United States

University of Nevada - Las Vegas City Life (c) Photo by John Such on Unsplash

‘It’s a beautiful night, we’re looking for something dumb to do, hey baby, I think I wanna marry you.’ – are the popular lyrics to Bruno Mars’ song, ‘Marry You’. Coming in at number five, is America’s ‘Sin City’, Las Vegas, Nevada. Located just minutes from the Las Vegas strip, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas offers studies in higher education, engineering, business studies and more. And most conveniently – just around the corner you can say, ‘I do!’ to love.

Although you can win big in Vegas, studying in the USA in general is typically more expensive than in other countries. The average annual tuition costs of higher education institutions in America is 8,500 US Dollars.

4) Saint Petersburg, Russia

Our number four spot goes to one of the most beautiful and also very romantic places in the world – the Saint Petersburg State University Campus in Russia. The origins go back to 1724, when the University was founded by Russian Tsar Peter the Great. Of course there were some modernisations over the years, but it still retains its charm and some links to the past.

Maybe find love at the stunning Twelve Colleges building, which is part of the Vasilievsky Island Campus. This monumental edifice, with its more than 1,300-foot-long facade, was in fact first comprised of a dozen buildings and originally meant to be home to the departments that made up the Russian government of the day. Since 1835 it belongs to the university. Its red- and white-coloured Baroque exterior is a sight to see.

saint petersburg state university-saint petersburg city life (c) Photo by Alina G on Unsplash

3) Vienna, Austria

University of Vienna - Vienna City Life (c) Photo by Jonathan Pielmayer on Unsplash

Number three on our list is Vienna, Austria where Empress Elisabeth still steals all hearts! Vienna is beautiful, and full of things to see and do. While perfect for skiing and history buffs, Vienna is also a great city for students to find love. Tuition fees are also on the low side, making Vienna not only one of the region’s most romantic cities, but also one of the most affordable places to study in Europe.

The University of Vienna is one of the most beautiful places in Austria. Because it was already founded in 1365, the old architecture gives it a romantic charm.

2) Rome, Italy

Study in Rome - Rome City Life (c) Photo by Willian West on Unsplash

The number two city to make the list? Rome.

Rome lies in the middle of Italy, the country of love, art, food and history, right at the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. Why not meet your beloved under the sun of Rome?

If you’re waiting for Cupid’s arrow to strike, why not wait during a semester or two abroad in one of Italy’s most romantic cities? Check out Roma Tre University, a very large public university located in Rome. The University is young, being only founded in 1992. The comprehensive institution offers its best scores in post-doc positions and regional joint publications.

The second university is the University of Rome Tor Vergata, which was founded in 1982. It shows excellent scores in Income from continuous professional development and Strategic research partnerships in the region.

When all else fails, fall in love with Italy’s ice cream, pizza and pasta!

1) Paris, France

Number one on our list is of course Paris, France. Ever thought about studying in the shadow of the Eiffel tower? Undoubtedly Paris is one of the most amorous places to study in Europe and is known for fashion, style, the arts… and LOVE. With endless amounts of beautifully breath-taking places to explore, Cupid might just strike.

Why not study abroad, at Sorbonne University? Located in the middle of Paris, Sorbonné University has a high percentage of international students in France. With so many international students there, maybe you’ll meet your Valentine at one of the events organised by the faculty’s Cultural Department. Events include: concerts, plays, debates, exhibitions and film screenings.

Sorbonne University - Paris City Life (c) Photo by Stephen Leonardi on Unsplash
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