Studying in Europe is a dream for many international students because of its world-class universities, diverse cultures, rich history, and wide range of affordable study options. However, while some European countries offer tuition-free or low-cost education, the cost of living can vary significantly depending on the country, city, and lifestyle choices. Understanding these differences is crucial for students planning their academic journey, as living expenses can sometimes surpass tuition fees and directly impact a student’s quality of life.
اسلام آباد(نیوز ڈیسک) لاہور سے تعلق رکھنے والے ایک ہی خاندان کے تین افراد ایک ماں اور دو بیٹے بونیر کے علاقہ مارتونگ میں ایک حکیم کے پاس علاج کے سلسلے میں آئے تھے۔ بدقسمتی سے تحصیل چغرزئی کے مقام بٹارہ میں ان کی گاڑی ایک کھائی میں جا گری۔
حادثہ اتنا شدید تھا کہ تینوں افراد موقع پر ہی جاں بحق ہو گئے۔ یہ دلخراش واقعہ پورے علاقے کو غمگین کر گیا اور ہر آنکھ اشکبار ہو گئی۔اللہ تعالیٰ مرحومین کو جنت الفردوس میں اعلیٰ مقام عطا فرمائے اور لواحقین کو صبر جمیل دے۔ آمین۔
ٹیکسلا کے علاقے ماڈل ٹاؤن میں تیز رفتاری کے باعث ریت سے بھرا ڈمپر موٹرسائیکل پر الٹ گیا، جس سے 2 افراد موقع پر ہی دم توڑ گئے۔
افسوسناک حادثہ تیز رفتاری کے باعث پیش آیا جبکہ ڈمپر کے نیچے سے دونوں افراد کی لاشیں نکالی گئیں، جن کی شناخت 41 سالہ تنویر اور 44 سالہ سجاد کے نام سے ہوئی ہے۔
دونوں کنٹونمنٹ بورڈ واہ کینٹ کے ملازم تھے جو ڈیوٹی کرنے کے بعد واپس گھر جا رہے تھے۔
عارف والا میں بہاولنگر روڈ پر شدید دھند کے باعث بس اور ٹریکٹر ٹرالی میں تصادم کے نتیجے 2 افراد زخمی ہوگئے جبکہ بس ڈرائیور موقع سے فرار ہوگیا۔
سرگودھا میں دریائے جہلم پل پر مرغیوں سے لدی گاڑی ٹرک سے ٹکرا گئی، جس کے نتیجے میں گاڑی کا ڈرائیور ریحان جاں بحق اور ساتھی عدیل احمد شدید زخمی ہوگیا۔
حادثے کی اطلاع ملتے ہی ریسکیو اور پولیس موقع پر پہنچ گئی، جنہوں نے زخمی کو طبی امداد دے کر اسپتال منتقل کر دیا جبکہ پولیس نے ٹرک کو پل سے ہٹا کر ٹریفک بحال کردی۔
خیرپور میں ٹھیڑھی کے قریب مسافر وین الٹ گئی، جس کے نتیجے میں 18 مسافر زخمی ہوگئے، جن میں سے 2 افراد کی حالت تشویشناک ہے۔
پولیس کا کہنا ہے کہ مسافر وین سکھر سے ٹھری میرواہ جارہی تھی کہ حادثہ پیش آگیا، زخمیوں کو مقامی اسپتال منتقل کیا گیا ہے، حادثہ تیز رفتاری کے باعث ٹائر پھٹنے کی وجہ سے پیش آیا۔
گھوٹکی میں بھی افسوسناک حادثے پیش آیا جہاں خان پور مہر میں گریڈ اسٹیشن روڈ پر تیز رفتاری کے باعث رکشہ الٹ گیا، حادثے میں ڈرائیور جاں بحق ہوگیا جبکہ لاش کو اسپتال منتقل کر دیا گیا۔
دوسری جانب مردان میں ساڑوشاہ روڈ پر کار کی موٹرسائیکل کو ٹکر کے نتیجے میں خاتون جاں بحق اور 3 افراد شدید زخمی ہوگئے جبکہ لاش اور زخمیوں کو تخت بھائی اسپتال منتقل کردیا گیا۔
پشین میں بٹے زئی کے قریب گاڑی کھائی میں جاگری، جس کے نتیجے میں ایک بچہ جاں بحق اور خاتون سمیت 4 افراد زخمی ہوگئے جبکہ لاش اور زخمیوں کو سول ہسپتال منتقل کردیا گیا
In general, northern and western European countries like Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom tend to have the highest living costs. Rent, food, transportation, and entertainment are expensive, often requiring students to budget carefully. For example, living in Oslo or Stockholm can cost between €1,200 to €1,800 per month, with accommodation taking up the largest share. Shared housing or university dormitories can help reduce expenses, but even these can be pricey in big cities. The cost of public transport, health insurance, and basic groceries should also be factored in, as well as occasional travel, study materials, and personal spending.
In contrast, central and eastern European countries such as Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania offer a much more affordable student experience. In cities like Warsaw, Prague, or Budapest, students can often manage with €500 to €800 per month, covering rent, food, transport, and other essentials. University dormitories are often subsidized, and local transportation is relatively cheap, especially with student discounts. Groceries and meals at local restaurants are more affordable compared to Western Europe, making these countries attractive not just for their quality education but also for their cost-effectiveness.
Germany is a particularly interesting case. Many public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees for international students (except for a small administrative fee), but the cost of living varies depending on the city. Munich and Frankfurt are among the most expensive, where students might need €1,000 to €1,200 monthly, while smaller cities like Leipzig or Dresden may require closer to €700 to €900. Germany also has excellent student discounts on public transport and cultural activities, and students are allowed to work part-time, helping cover living costs.
France presents a mixed picture. While Paris is notoriously expensive, with average monthly costs easily reaching €1,200 to €1,600, other cities like Lyon, Toulouse, or Nantes offer a more affordable lifestyle, often ranging from €800 to €1,100 per month. France also provides housing assistance (CAF) to students, including internationals, which can significantly reduce rent. Meals in university cafeterias are subsidized, and student discounts on transportation, museums, and cultural events are widely available.
The Netherlands, Belgium, and Austria fall in the middle-to-high range. In Amsterdam or Utrecht, students should budget around €1,000 to €1,400 per month, largely because of high housing costs. Finding affordable student housing can be a challenge, and many students share apartments or live outside the city center. In Belgium, cities like Brussels or Leuven cost slightly less, with monthly expenses of €900 to €1,200. Austria, particularly Vienna, offers good value for its quality of life, with student expenses typically ranging between €900 and €1,200 per month.
Southern European countries like Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Italy are popular not only for their vibrant culture and weather but also for their relatively moderate living costs. In Madrid or Barcelona, monthly expenses usually fall between €800 and €1,200, though cheaper options can be found in smaller cities like Valencia or Granada. Portugal, especially Lisbon and Porto, has become slightly more expensive in recent years, but students can still manage on €700 to €1,000 per month. Greece offers one of the lowest costs in Europe, with students often needing €500 to €800 monthly in cities like Athens or Thessaloniki. Italy varies depending on location: Milan and Rome are on the higher end (€1,000–€1,400), while Bologna or Florence are slightly more affordable.
The Scandinavian countries deserve special mention. While Sweden, Denmark, and Norway offer high-quality education and beautiful environments, they are consistently ranked among the most expensive countries in Europe. Rent can be extremely high, often €700 to €1,200 per month for a small apartment, and daily expenses like food, transport, and entertainment add significantly to the budget. However, part-time work opportunities, generous social services, and free or low-cost tuition for EU/EEA students can offset some of these costs.
One of the key strategies for managing living expenses across Europe is applying for university housing, which is generally cheaper than private rentals and sometimes includes utilities and internet. Another helpful tip is taking advantage of student discounts, which are widespread in most European countries, covering everything from train tickets to cinema passes. Cooking at home rather than eating out, biking or walking instead of using public transport, and sharing housing can all help lower monthly costs.
It’s also important to consider health insurance requirements, which vary across Europe. In countries like Germany, students are required to have German health insurance, costing about €110 per month, while in France, students must register with the national health system, often paying only a small contribution. EU/EEA students can typically use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but non-EU students should research what’s required in their destination country.
When planning finances, students should not only look at average cost estimates but also consider their personal habits and lifestyle. Big cities offer more entertainment, shopping, and travel opportunities, which can tempt students into overspending. Smaller cities might provide a quieter and more affordable experience but could come with fewer part-time job options or less international exposure. Students are encouraged to balance cost considerations with academic opportunities, career prospects, and personal preferences when choosing their European study destination.
In summary, the cost of living in Europe for students ranges from moderate to high, depending largely on the country and city. With careful planning, informed budgeting, and smart use of student resources, international students can enjoy a fulfilling and affordable academic experience across the continent. Whether aiming for the prestigious universities of Western Europe or the affordable, high-quality options in Central and Eastern Europe, students can find a path that matches both their educational goals and their financial reality.
