Europe is a popular destination for students looking to travel during their gap year or through study abroad opportunities. Hundreds of students travel to Europe’s top cities every year, including London, Paris and Rome. Travelling as a student has many perks, some of which include having fewer financial responsibilities and support from either a university, family or friends during your travels. However, the biggest drawback of travelling as a student is the restricted time period you can travel for. Particularly in study abroad schemes and international volunteering, you will often have a fixed period in the year that you can travel. Even for students who decide to take a gap year, 12 months pass significantly quickly when it’s your first time travelling, and by the end of it, your focus quickly shifts from travel to preparing for employment. That’s why we’ve put together the complete guide to making the most of your time in Europe as a student.
Take Planning Seriously
Although spontaneous, last-minute trips can be fun, they often cost you more time and money than you realise – especially when time is of the essence. The best way to make the most of your time in Europe is to plan your trip as much as you can. This doesn’t mean you have to book your accommodation for the entire time you’re there, nor does it mean pre-purchasing tickets to every activity you have in mind. But clearly knowing which countries and regions you’d like to visit – and in which order – is crucial to savouring every second of your trip. Although it can be tempting to cram in as many different regions and activities as possible, it’s important to factor in plenty of downtime and rest days so that you have enough energy during busier days with lots to see. If you’re travelling with other students, compile a list of the top destinations you’d like to tick off, and what specifically you’d like to see in each area. That way, you can plan what type of travel route you will have to take. Interrail tickets allow you to buy a pass to travel all over a single country or explore several countries one after the next. Interrail passes are specifically for students who are residents of European countries, and those who are non-EU members too. If you’re travelling as part of an exchange or work abroad programme, you should consider which European destinations are best suited to your university course and studies. Here are a couple of examples of locations and what subjects they’re best to travel for:
- Performing Arts – London
- Foreign Languages – Madrid, Paris & Berlin
- History – Rome, Prague & Berlin
- Science – Paris, Munich, Geneva & London
Planning your travel doesn’t just involve choosing the destinations you’d like to visit. It also includes making a rough budget for how much you’d like to spend each week or month of your travels. The earlier you start to save up for your trip, the more financially flexible you will be able to have while you’re away.
Check For Student Discounts
As a student, as long as you can present a valid student ID, you could be eligible for hundreds of discounts across travel, leisure and accommodation. In fact, both students and anyone travelling in Europe under the age of 31 can apply for a European Youth Card. An EYC card can be physical or digital through their dedicated app and is typically valid for up to two years. Travellers can receive discounts on thousands of services – in nearly 40 different countries! The youth card can even reduce prices for language courses, which are popular among students as they travel abroad.
Consider Applying For A Working Visa
Working while you’re travelling Europe might sound terrible now, but it’s actually become a popular choice for students looking to embrace the different European cultures and have more financial independence as they travel. Generally, as a student, you can choose between 3 main working visa options. These options cover part-time work, temporary post-study employment and long-term employment permits. It’s vital that you explore the different requirements and restrictions that each European country sets for work visas, as they will all look slightly different. If you’re a UK resident, you can seek support from an immigration lawyer in London who is qualified to assist you with how to apply and all the information you are required to submit.
As an alternative to applying for a legal working visa, many students opt for more temporary and easily accessible employment, such as work exchanges. Many hostels regularly need workers for cleaning roles and running local events too. There are also a number of official organisations that support students with a structured employment plan during their gap year. World Wide Opportunities On Organic Farms (WWOOF) provides a reliable platform that can connect you with local farmers who will offer you a place to stay and sometimes even board, in exchange for work on their farm.
