Imagine this. You have one year of her life to live your life however you want, and you want to go to a place that is vibrant, lively, and full of opportunities to make memories. Where are you going? Perhaps it's Paris, Rome or Barcelona, all cities in the heart of Europe. Forbes magazine claims that foreigners rank Malaga, Spain as the most desirable city to live in Europe, while CN Traveler magazine ranks Helsinki, Finland as number one. Everywhere I looked, from Forbes to he CN Traveler and even Visitworld rankings, it seemed like the UK wasn't ranked that high on the leaderboard. So what makes Central Europe so appealing?
After visiting Chamonix this December, I was immediately reminded of that answer. The UK is full of opportunities to grow your career, build connections and progress towards your dreams. Think Edinburgh, Manchester and London. There are exciting vistas around every corner and a vibrant lifestyle in major cities. Having said that, while the UK may lean more toward living to work, much of the rest of Europe seems to prioritize working to live.
Although average net incomes for Spaniards tend to be much lower than UK residents, the cost of living in Spain (according to Health Plan magazine) is much lower, with rents a staggering 41.7% cheaper than in the UK. So while wages may be low, compared to the current cost of living crisis in the UK, the Spanish way of life looks as easy to maintain as in many other Central European countries. As Europe Language Jobs points out, this contributes to 90% satisfaction with quality of life in Northern and Western Europe, where healthcare is more accessible, education is higher and social Life is generally charming.
It reminds me of when I lived in Spain. Most of my daily routine consisted of spending time outdoors, meeting friends on weekends, and participating in a wide range of cultural activities and events. I had a similar experience in Chamonix. I woke up in the morning, had coffee on the balcony, and headed out for a morning ski trip. If I lived there, I would probably go home, make lunch, and spend the afternoon working. On my vacation, I was able to spend this time exploring the town and trying out some of the local cafes. The quality of the food was excellent, not a single meal disappointed and everything was freshly prepared. The general vibe among the locals was that people were doing what they liked. Whenever I entered the bakery in the morning, I was greeted by the same kind woman who tried to understand my poor grammar in French. The overall atmosphere at all hotspots was very sociable. Start a conversation with anyone and make new friends.
Most of Europe has a rich history and diverse culture. It's exciting and romantic. Admittedly, I may be romanticizing the Chamonix lifestyle from the perspective of a tourist on vacation, but the general approach is to spend your working hours working in areas you truly enjoy, and spending the rest of your time working in areas you truly enjoy. You can truly feel that you are spending your time there. Live your daily life in the way that makes you feel most alive. For me, it came from cross-country skiing. It's about endlessly exploring snowy fields surrounded by snow-capped mountains, pine forests, and clear streams. I have never felt truly happy.
But enough for my dream of vacationing in France. How can I bring this life to Manchester, especially as a university student on a tight budget? Having been lucky enough to visit a number of different countries in Europe, I'm looking forward to living the European life here in the north of England. I've created something like a guide for sending them.
One of my first pieces of advice for immersing yourself in the European lifestyle is to become a member of your university's international society. In talking with many of my fellow students, I realized the misconception that in order to be a member of the international community, you need to be from a country or speak the language fluently. This couldn't be further from the truth. Many of those attending the event are first-timers and come from different countries, but everyone is equally welcome. Therefore, especially if you have been discussing this issue for a while, register with one or more of these associations and attend dinner parties, cultural activities, and my personal favorite reggaeton night out We recommend that you do so (this is your only chance). If so, please catch me on a night out).
Try getting more involved in extracurricular activities to feel connected to a particular culture. Padel is so popular in Spain that courts are starting to open across the UK. You can join a culinary or baking association to make your French cooking dreams come true, or even take up skiing in Chill His Factor, Manchester's answer to the Swiss Alps. Although the Student'Union website lists several options, it is important to note that this is not the only option.
There are many events taking place in Manchester every day. Catch the Broadway show Hamilton at the Palace Theater (until February 2024) or grab tickets to see Nervashenko's Nutcracker Ballet (January 20)th) From just £13 per person. The Whitworth Museum and Manchester Museum may not be Paris's Louvre, but both have a wide range of culturally rich and beautiful works, and often host engaging events to learn more about the pieces on display. It is being held. If you're looking for the excitement of an adventure in Europe, try thrilling entertainment like Chaos Karts (a real-life Mario Kart) and Paradise Skate World (an immersive intergalactic roller skating experience). Or maybe you want something a little slower paced, like pottery making in the pottery corner. No matter which activity makes you feel most connected to a particular culture, Manchester has plenty of options.
On top of all this, if you want to do something a little more cozy, why not host a world cuisine night with a few friends? It was one of my favorite nights. I prepared a Russian salad, others made cheesy Greek pastries, prepared paella, made vegetable-filled pancakes, and prepared various French dishes. It was a beautiful night. Hosting an event like this won't require you to spend a lot of money, but it will give you the opportunity to learn about your friend's background and immerse yourself in the diverse cultural experiences associated with much of central Europe.
It is also common for many Europeans to enjoy their morning coffee and baked goods before starting the day. Some of my personal favorite cafes include Bold Street Coffee, Pret, and Federal, but if you're looking for something a little more affordable, try Corridor Coffee in the Student's Union. There they serve a variety of pastries, breakfast items and hot items. Enjoy drinks at very affordable prices.
European architecture is also very attractive. As a student, why not immerse yourself in an exciting and romantic environment to complete your tasks? Manchester Central Library's Reading Room has stunning interiors and a quiet environment perfect for working. . The John Rylands Library, on the other hand, boasts an interior design straight out of a Harry Potter movie.
You can also visit the local food market, which is part of the weekly routine for many Europeans. Take a 30-minute tram ride from Piccadilly Gardens on the Purple Line to Altrincham and visit Altrincham's Market. This market is famous for its variety of food and clothing stalls, all made with locally sourced ingredients, and for its unique events.
Other ideas include decorating your university room in a way that reminds you of your favorite places in Europe, putting posters on the walls, or incorporating design features that are specific to a particular place. I play background music that reminds me of traveling abroad and read books by authors from around the world.
So whether it's taking up skiing or grabbing a fresh croissant before heading to your morning lectures, there are many ways to live the 'European lifestyle' while based in Manchester as a university student. Many take place in Manchester. very affordable cost. The only problem is choosing where to start.
