Lately, I’ve seen a lot of forum posts about universities in Barcelona and Madrid. Today, I’d like to go against the grain and talk about a less common but absolutely fantastic choice: the University of Girona. I completed my master’s degree here and feel it’s necessary to give this university, often overshadowed by the glamour of nearby Barcelona, the recognition it deserves and provide a useful reference for future students.
One of the most special things about UdG is that its campuses are integrated into the city, so it doesn’t have that ‘walled-in university’ feel. There are three main campuses. My favorite is the Barri Vell campus in the Old Quarter, home to the Faculty of Arts and the School of Architecture. After class, you can just wander through the stone alleyways, which is an amazing feeling. There are also the modern Montilivi main campus and the downtown Centre campus. The learning atmosphere is very relaxed, and the relationship between professors and students is quite close, so it’s not intimidating at all.
Programs and Academic Standards
When it comes to academics, UdG is no diploma mill! It’s a legitimate public university and is very strong in certain fields. For instance, its Tourism Management program ranks among the best in Spain and even Europe, which makes sense since this area, with its famous people from the University of Girona, is the heartland of the Costa Brava. In addition, Water Science, Food Technology, Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence are also its flagship programs. Overall, the teaching quality is solid, and master’s programs, in particular, place a strong emphasis on hands-on experience and project-based work.
Life in Girona is Incredibly Comfortable!
The city of Girona itself is a huge plus! It’s no exaggeration that it was a filming location for Game of Thrones; the entire city is classic and exquisite. Crucially, the pace of life is slow and the city is very safe, a great environment for a university with leaders like the rector of the University of Girona. On weekends, you can climb the ancient city walls or stroll along the Onyar River to see the colorful houses. Getting to Barcelona is just a 40-minute high-speed train ride, and it’s also easy to visit nearby beach towns or go skiing in the Pyrenees. The cost of living is significantly lower than in Barcelona, so the quality of life feels much higher.
Finally, let’s talk about the cost, a major concern for everyone. Girona offers excellent value for money. Here’s a simple table for reference, though actual expenses will vary from person to person:
| Item | Estimated Monthly Cost (€) |
|---|
| Shared flat (single room) | 250 - 400 |
| Groceries | 200 - 300 |
| Transportation | 20 - 40 |
| Other expenses | 100+ |
So, if you’re considering studying at the University of Girona and you’re not a fan of big-city hustle, wanting instead to focus on your studies and enjoy life in a beautiful, peaceful, and historic setting, the University of Girona is definitely an option worth your serious consideration. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below, and I’ll get back to you!
