Christina helps break down the key differences between student life in the US and Europe. From campus living and club culture to sports, transportation, and teaching styles, discover which educational system and lifestyle fit your goals best as you plan your university studies abroad.
If you want to go to university outside of your home country, deciding where to go might be a challenge. You can choose a university because it’s in a country you really want to live in, or one that is well-known and prestigious, or one that offers the degree program you really want. But have you considered choosing where you want to study based on what the student life is like?
Students in America or those who pick a country in Europe will have some key differences in their student experience.
First of all, in the US, most universities have a campus which can be quite large and includes dorms, classrooms, dining halls, sports facilities, a library, and auditoriums. Each university has its own dormitory buildings on campus, and it’s often required for freshmen to live on campus. Older students can choose to live off campus, but many students will live in dorms throughout their time at university. American university campuses can almost feel like their own little world, with everything a student needs being close at hand. The university dining hall is a popular place to eat and hang out with friends, and there are usually even fast-food restaurants and coffee shops on campus.
In Europe, dorms are not usually on the university’s campus but somewhere else in the city and can be shared by several universities. Many students prefer to make their own housing arrangements and manage their meals. European universities are usually in urban settings, made up of several main buildings, which might be historical monuments, and are usually integrated into the city landscape. Students become part of the city life while going to and from classes.
A student at an American university can feel much more connected with everything happening on campus and has many opportunities to interact with other students. A student in Europe, however, will become more integrated with the local culture while learning how to live independently.
Clubs are a big part of student life in America – but I don’t mean the night kind. These are academic clubs, common interest clubs, Greek clubs, and sport clubs. And if there is a club you’d like to have that isn’t there, you can easily start one. Students join clubs for extracurricular activities, to network with other students or professors and professionals in their field, and to socialize and volunteer. Clubs often host events on campus which usually include free food, music, and games or fun activities.
Greek clubs, also known as fraternities and sororities, make up a more exclusive group of clubs which usually focus on charitable activities, besides hosting parties and forming a strong community among its members.
While there are university student clubs in Europe, there isn’t such a big focus on participation, and it usually isn’t an expected part of university life. There are student union organizations and other types of student-led clubs, but many are more academic in focus. European students usually find more activities outside of the university and enjoy the fun and entertainment that the city has to offer. Since most universities are in cities, there is usually plenty to do.
College sports are very popular in America, even for people who finished college. Whether it’s a basketball game between rival colleges or a major football game that is watched all over the US, sports draw students and locals together to cheer for their team. Many students who excel in a sport try to get sport scholarships and play on a school team, but there are also many opportunities for amateur sport players to take lessons as an elective class or join a sport club.
Sports are not a big part of university life in Europe; here, studying is the main focus. Many universities do not have their own sports teams, and those that do usually don’t compete at the same level as American ones. Students can join city sport clubs or teams, and those who want to watch it live can go to their local stadium for football games.
An American university campus has almost everything a student needs. Some large universities have campus shuttles to help students get from their dorms to class, although students can also walk or bike. Going off campus, however, usually requires a car. America is not known for good public transportation, and in many places it is almost non-existent or unsafe. While students can share rides with their colleagues, not having a car can make it difficult to get a job off-campus.
In Europe, students do not need cars because public transportation is everywhere and affordable. There are also trains and buses for going out of town. Students can easily explore their city, and they don’t need a car to get a job or go on holiday.
Students in Europe also have opportunities for getting around through Erasmus+. This program allows students to complete one or more semesters of their degree at universities in different European countries. While many American universities offer shorter study-abroad trips, students can’t go to a university in another state or country unless they transfer schools.
University in America can feel more personalized than in Europe. The liberal arts education system means that students take a variety of core classes besides their major of choice and still have a number of electives which they can choose from to fit their study interests, even if these are outside of their major. The teaching method focuses more on discussions, group projects, and continuous assessment, and universities often have smaller class sizes in which students can get to know their professors. Some professors even become close mentors.
In Europe, however, students only take subjects within their degree program. This means they don’t have to take a math class if they’re studying languages, and they can often complete a degree in three years. Classes are usually larger, and professors have a more distant and professional relationship with their students. Exams are also the main assessment. For those who prefer self-directed study and a more focused approach, the European method is the way to go.
Each university has its own personality, just like each city or country you might choose to study in. But keep in mind these different styles of approaching university life as you choose the experience you want as a university student abroad!
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