Europe - The Essentials
The European Union
The European Union is a unique economic and political partnership between 28 European countries that together cover much of the European continent. The EU member states are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.
Language
Across Europe, you will hear many different languages. Within the European Union, for example, there are 24 officially recognised languages.
Most Europeans are multilingual. Over half of Europeans (54%) are able to hold a conversation in at least one additional language, a quarter (25%) are able to speak at least two additional languages and one in ten (10%) are conversant in at least three.
Most countries in Europe offer a choice of higher education study programmes in their local language as well as in English and other leading global languages. On the Country profile pages, you can see the study programme language options for each country.
Weather and seasons
Most of Europe has a relatively mild, temperate climate. The coldest places are in the far north and in the high mountains. The warmest places are in the far south and south-east. The weather is warmest and driest in summer (roughly June to September) and coldest in winter (roughly December to March).
Currency
19 of the 28 European Union countries use the Euro
currency. These countries are: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. Other countries in Europe have their own individual currencies. Visit the Country profiles to find out more.
Religion
The biggest religion in Europe is Christianity, but you will find many other religions across Europe - in particular Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Sikhism and Buddhism. As well as these religious communities, many Europeans are atheist, agnostic or humanist. On campus, most universities have prayer and social groups representing the major religions, to help you make friends and stay connected to your faith.
Food and drink
Spanish paella, Italian pasta, French cuisine, Greek moussaka… Europe is known for its delicious specialities, but if you are missing food from home, don’t worry!
Most restaurants serve local food alongside dishes from all over the world. Big supermarkets tend to sell popular ingredients from around the world, plus in larger towns you may find stores dedicated to food from different world regions.
Many countries in Europe have large vegetarian communities – for example 12% of the UK and 10% of Sweden are vegetarian. Wherever you go, you can usually find at least one vegetarian or vegan option on the menu. If not, just ask the restaurant staff – they are usually happy to cater for you.
With large Muslim and Jewish communities across Europe, many shops and restaurants in Europe’s more cosmopolitan towns serve halal and kosher options. University restaurants usually cater for halal, kosher and vegetarian too.
Driving
Planning to drive a car in Europe? You can find out about buying and renting cars, getting insurance and checking your licence is valid on the Europa website
Wi-Fi and internet
Wireless internet access is common across Europe – especially in hotels, libraries and cafes. Most university campuses have computer facilities and many offer Wi-Fi zones too.
8 reasons to Study in Europe
What does studying in Europe offer you?
Did you know that over 1.4 million students from around the world came to Europe in 2012 for their higher education... and the numbers are growing every year. With 1000s of world-class universities, research centres and higher education institutions, Europe is the place to be.
Here are 8 good reasons to choose Europe for your higher education:
1. Careers: Shape your future
Want to get ahead in your career?
In the QS 2011 Global Employer Survey, over 60% of employers worldwide said they actively seek or value an international study experience when recruiting. By studying here, you will gain the skills, knowledge and experience that employers value. With strong international business, creative and research sectors, Europe is a great place to build your career.
2. World-class education: Reach your full potential
World-leading universities, top facilities, inspirational teaching... in Europe, you’re at the centre of an international community with a passion for learning. What makes European universities so strong is the emphasis on creativity, innovation and support - helping you to reach your true potential.
3. Pioneering research: Be the best
Are you an ambitious researcher looking to boost your career? Europe offers you great opportunities. There were 1.58 million full time equivalent researchers in the EU-27 in 2009. Over the next decade, the European Union is actively looking to attract an additional 1 million researchers! Find out more about research jobs, funding and opportunities in Europe.
4. Support and friendship: Feel at home
Europe is a welcoming, friendly place for students from all around the world. Europe’s universities and colleges offer support and social activities to help you feel at home and happy. Europe is also a great place to live... 7 of the world's 10 happiest countries are here!
5. Cultural experience: Have a unique adventure
Studying in Europe is not just about lectures and libraries, it is also a once-in-a-lifetime chance to discover new countries… and to discover yourself too! From the snowy north to the sun-soaked south, across Europe you will find breath-takingly beautiful landscapes, buzzing cities and vibrant cultures waiting for you.
6. Scholarships and costs: Get value for money
European countries invest in their higher education systems to help make education affordable for students, whilst maintaining high quality standards. Across Europe, tuition fees and living costs compare very well to other study destinations… in fact, in some European countries, study programmes are free of charge! There are lots of scholarships and financial support options available too.
7. Diversity: Study the way you want
The beauty of Europe is that it offers so much choice. With world-class universities, higher education institutions and research institutes, offering 100,000s of Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and PhD/Doctoral programmes, plus short-term exchange programmes, you can choose the experience that suits you.
8. Languages: Learn in English or another leading global business language
There are 24 official languages in the European Union… but did you know that most countries across Europe offer study programmes in English too? You’ll also find programmes taught in other leading global business languages such as Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic and more.
Student Experiences
Want to know what life is like for international students who are studying in Europe?
From discovering delicious cuisines to tips on how to make new friends while studying abroad, have a read through these articles to find quotes and advice from international students:
Food across Europe
There are many amazing reasons to come and study in Europe, and one of the biggest attractions has to be the wonderful array of food on offer.
European countries are a melting pot of cultures and cuisines from all over the globe, and some are particularly famous for their signature dish.
You’ll find food from all over the world in Europe. Big supermarkets tend to sell popular ingredients from all around the world, plus in larger towns you may find stores and restaurants dedicated to food from different world regions.
Many countries in Europe have large vegetarian communities – for example 12% of people in the UK and 10% of people in Sweden are vegetarian. Wherever you go, you can often find a vegetarian or vegan option on the menu. If not, just ask the restaurant staff – they are usually happy to cater for you.
With large Muslim and Jewish communities across Europe, many shops and restaurants in Europe’s more cosmopolitan towns serve halal and kosher options. Many university restaurants cater for halal, kosher and vegetarian too.
Weather across Europe
One of the best things about being a student in Europe is being able to enjoy the diverse variety of landscapes in all weathers.From basking on the beach in the sunshine, to snowball fights in deepest winter, here are our top tips for making the most of Europe’s weather.
Bask on the beach - Europe is arguably at its most beautiful during the sunny summer months of June to August. You’ll find fantastic beaches throughout the continent, from the sun-drenched Balearic Islands to the beach party hotspots of Lithuania.
Enjoy the rain Europe doesn’t have one rainy season like some other parts of the world. It tends to be drier throughout the summer months but there can be rainfall all year round, it totally depends on where you are. Just make sure you don’t let any wet weather stop you from enjoying the great outdoors. With an umbrella – or even better, a waterproof jacket and some rubber boots - you can explore Europe’s great outdoors in comfort and style!
Have a snowball fight Snowfall in Europe is more common in the winter months of December to February – particularly in northern and eastern regions, and in mountainous areas. Snowball fights are great fun… and best of all they are free! Wrap up in warm clothes, grab a few friends and let the battle commence.
Hit the water Fancy trying sailing, kayaking or surfing? Across Europe, you will find thousands of water sport centres and coastal areas where you can try all these exciting sports and more, with supervision from experienced guides to keep you safe.
Go skiing You may be surprised by just how many places in Europe are great for skiing. It can be expensive, but if you shop around you can find loads of cheap deals for the perfect skiing and après-ski experience.
Making friends when you study abroad
Studying abroad in Europe is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make friends with people from different countries and cultures. Being a new-comer can be nerve-wracking… but don’t worry! On campus, you’ll find lots of students who feel the same as you – local students moving away from their family for the first time, as well as international students who are new to the country too.
Here are our 5 essential tips on making friends.
1. Join student social groups Most campuses have lively Student Unions too offering parties, film nights, excursions and more throughout the year.
Taking part is a great way to make friends with students from all around the world.
2. Start a new hobby!Want to try drama, mountaineering or sculpture? How about volley ball, photography or chess?
Getting involved in a new hobby is a fantastic way to make friends who share your interests.
Most campuses have lively Student Unions too offering parties, film nights, excursions and more throughout the year.
Taking part is a great way to make friends with students from all around the world. Living together, you will get to know each other well – but to help break the ice, why not suggest having coffee or cooking a meal together?
Get to know people in the local community As well as meeting your fellow students, it’s great to get to know people in your local community. You may also find social clubs linked to various interests – for example a vegetarian club, an LGBT social club, or faith-based groups linked to churches, mosques, temples and synagogues.
Smile and be proactive! The best way to make friends is simply to smile and get chatting!In your campus cafe, why not ask other students for advice about the local area?
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