Dance, drink, and have endless fun in these cities with the best nightlife for students

Your university days are going to be the best days of your life.

It’s a time to grow independently, learn about life, and make some of the best memories you’ll ever have during these short but fruitful years abroad.

Many students choose their universities based on many factors — rankings, fees, cost of living, language barriers and cultural differences — but there’s one thing that can make or break your experience, and that’s the student experience that the city can offer you. 

Aside from shops, restaurants, recreational activities, and facilities, some students might even carefully consider picking cities with the best nightlife. 

Research shows that socialising and leisure activities — most of what nightlife is about — can reduce stress and improve your mental health. Students who partake in social activities tend to have lower levels of stress and higher levels of satisfaction.

Choosing these cities is also an excellent way to immerse yourself in the culture and make friends with locals. Whether through nightclubs and bars or cultural events and festivals, having the opportunity to join in opens the doors to many experiences that you won’t get otherwise. 

Having good entertainment options is a great way to reduce the stress of university life. Source: AFP

Least student-friendly countries

While there are many student-friendly countries, some students may avoid others. This is due to a number of factors. 

• Extreme weather conditions: Those from tropical countries might struggle during their first experience with the severe cold. The freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall can make commuting and daily activities hard, affecting your ability to attend classes regularly or participate in outdoor activities.
• High crime rates: Some countries, such as Mexico, have areas with higher levels of violence and crime. While they still boast good universities and a great culture, safety concerns might limit your freedom to explore the country and fully immerse yourself.
• Restrictive government policies: Countries like Afghanistan or Saudi Arabia have tight regulations and restrictions that might stop you from expressing yourself freely or engaging in activities. This can impact your university experience.
• Language barriers: While some countries, like China and Japan, have prestigious universities with amazing programmes, it may be difficult to adapt if you’re not proficient in the local language. Difficulty in communication can lead to misunderstandings and loneliness.

10 cities with the best nightlife for students 

1. Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza, Spain, is undoubtedly one of the top cities with the best nightlife for students. The city has a reputation as the known party capital of the world. This Spanish island in the Balearic Sea has been a top destination for party-goers since the 1960s, and it remains one of the world’s top clubbing spots. 

Here, the party scene carries on during the day. Imagine lounging at beach clubs like Nassau or Blue Marlin, where you can sip on cocktails while sunbathing under the Mediterranean sun. 

However, Ibiza isn’t just about partying — the city is rich in history and natural beauty. Explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where cobbled streets lead to cafes, or visit markets and enjoy the delicious local cuisine.

Bangkok is one of the cities with the best nightlife, filled with night markets and delicious local food to try. Source: AFP

2. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand, is known for its vibrant nightlife in districts like Khao San Road and Sukhumvit.

Khao San Road has many bars, clubs, and street food stalls, making it the perfect place to try Thai street food while sipping on drinks without breaking the bank. Sukhumvit, on the other hand, has trendy nightclubs and rooftop bars like Vertigo and Sky Bar. Here, you will find delicious and unique cocktails while enjoying views of the city skyline. 

While Thailand is not a common study-abroad choice, the country does boast some top universities, which include Chulalongkorn University, Mahidol University, and Chiang Mai University. 

3. Amsterdam, Netherlands 

The party capital of the Netherlands is also home to the highest-ranked Dutch university in the QS World University Rankings, the University of Amsterdam. 

Exhausted after a long day of lectures? Here you can enjoy live performances ranging from indie bands to electronic DJs and dance your stress away in the top five safest cities in the world. 

And if you are looking for something more laid-back, Amsterdam is known for its excellent coffee shops, where students can enjoy a cup of joe while mingling with friends. End the night with an adventure by Amsterdam’s stunning canals. 

4. Seoul, South Korea

Thanks to its many entertainment options, Seoul, South Korea, has earned its spot as one of the top cities with the best nightlife for students. 

One of the best spots for nightlife in Seoul is Hongdae, which is famous for its underground music scene. Imagine mingling and dancing to tunes by indie bands at one of the city’s top bars. If you prefer more of a party scene, Hongdae has a number of clubs where DJs spin electronic dance music till the early hours of the morning. 

Karaoke, or “noraebang” as locals call it, is a huge part of Seoul’s nightlife. Enjoy a karaoke night with friends, belting out your favourite tunes over drinks and snacks. It’s a great way to unwind after a long week of classes and escape the stresses of university. 

5. Berlin, Germany 

Berlin isn’t just the capital city of Germany; it is also the party city in the country. 

The city is renowned for its iconic underground club scene. Whether it’s at Berghain, a place known for its great atmosphere and music, or bars and clubs like Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, and Mitte for hip-hop or jazz, Berlin has something for everyone. You might even witness acts like the first female Korean DJ to play in a Berlin club. 

The city’s nightlife isn’t confined to clubs alone. Here, you can bar-hop through pubs and cocktail bars, where you will meet artists, students, and locals. 

One of the top cities with the best nightlife is none other than Tokyo, where the streets remain as crowded and lively at night as the day. Source: AFP

6. Tokyo, Japan

There are many reasons to love Japan — rich culture, stunning scenery, and mouthwatering cuisines, just to name a few.

The country’s capital of Tokyo is home to many districts, each with its own charm and offerings. One of the most famous areas is Shibuya, renowned for its busy streets and crosswalks. Here, you can visit bars, nightclubs, and karaoke spots open late the next morning.

If you enjoy live music and bars, head to Shinjuku’s Golden Gai, where the alleys are packed with small bars. It’s a gem of a location to discover new friends, new favourite menus, and make plenty of new memories.

7. Mykonos, Greece

If you are looking for an unforgettable study abroad experience, then choose to study in Mykonos, Greece, one of the top cities with the best nightlife for students.

The city’s lively nightlife ranges from beach clubs to bars and nightclubs. You can start your evening at a beach club like Super Paradise, where you can enjoy music from world-famous DJs while dancing on the sand, and end it at Cabo Paradiso, dancing the night away and attending one of its famous sunrise parties. 

If you prefer something more laid-back, the city has many bars where you can quietly enjoy cocktails and mocktails.

Rio Carnival offers one of the best street parties in the world. Source: AFP

8. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 

Known for its lively streets and diverse entertainment options, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a city you don’t want to knock from your list. 

Between its famous samba clubs, like Rio Scenarium, where you can enjoy live samba music and experience Brazilian culture, to the city’s beachside bars, such as Bar Astor in Ipanema, where you can enjoy a refreshing caipirinha while enjoying the vire of the ocean, you’re in for a treat around every corner. 

Rio is also known for its street parties which are especially popular during Carnival season. The event is held every year before Lent and is considered the biggest carnival in the world, with two million people per day on the streets celebrating and having fun. 

9. Las Vegas, US

Known as the city that never sleeps, Las Vegas, US, is one of the best places to study if you are looking for great nightlife. 

Here you will find many world-renowned nightclubs, such as Omnia, Hakkasan, and XS. Being in the US also means that you’ll easily spot some of the world’s most famous DJs making an appearance at bars and clubs, even more so when there’s a special event or guest performance happening.

Beyond that, you can attend world-class shows featuring top entertainers, such as Cirque du Soleil performances or concerts by famous artists. Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas offers something more casual, with its variety of street performers, live entertainment, and casinos.

Goa beaches have parties that go on till the early hours of the morning. Source: AFP

10. Goa, India

Though not a common option, Goa, India, has one of the best nightlife scenes in the world. When you study here, you get to embrace India’s incomparable culture alongside its beach parties, nightclubs, and other events.

Goa’s many nightclubs cater to different music tastes. From electronic dance music (EDM) at clubs like Tito’s and Mambo’s in Baga Beach to live bands and retro tunes at places like Cavala in Baga, you’ll find a spot that suits your mood. 

During the festive seasons, such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve, there are many parties and events to attend. The Sunburn Festival, an annual EDM festival, attracts thousands of students and music lovers from all around the world.