Lately, forums are flooded with posts about universities in Madrid and Barcelona, and it feels like the information is saturated. Today, I’m here to offer a change of pace and talk about a personal favorite of mine—a lesser-known but absolute hidden gem for studying abroad: the University of Girona in Catalonia.
Girona: More Than Just a “Game of Thrones” Filming Location
Many people might know Girona as one of the filming locations for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. But the city’s charm extends far beyond that. It’s a well-preserved medieval old town with colorful hanging houses, winding stone streets, and a magnificent cathedral. The city isn’t large, and life here is slow-paced and very peaceful. Plus, its location is fantastic—it’s just over an hour by train to Barcelona and only a 30-minute drive to the stunning beaches of the Costa Brava.
Doesn’t this atmosphere look perfect for balancing study and life?
Academic Strengths and Program Choices at UdG
Let’s get back to the university itself. The University of Girona is a young public university, but it’s growing rapidly and has made significant achievements in several fields. Its Tourism Management program is ranked among the best in Spain and even Europe, which makes sense given its proximity to the Costa Brava tourist destination. Additionally, Water Science, Chemistry, Food Science, and Robotics are some of its flagship programs. For students looking to avoid the crowded business fields and pursue technical or specialized programs, UdG offers many great options.
I’ve put together a simple table of some of its distinctive faculties for your reference:
| Faculty | Key Areas |
|---|
| Faculty of Tourism | Tourism Planning, Hotel Management |
| Faculty of Sciences | Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology |
| Polytechnic School | Computer Science, Industrial Electronics, Robotics |
Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. You can explore all the specific programs on the official website.
The Learning Experience and Language Environment
UdG’s campus is not massive; it’s uniquely spread across several locations in the old town. Because the total number of students isn’t as large as at universities like Complutense in Madrid or the University of Barcelona, class sizes are generally smaller. This fosters a closer student-teacher relationship, where professors can often call most students by name—an experience that’s rare in big-city universities.
Regarding language, this is the region of Catalonia, so Catalan is one of the official languages of instruction. However, you don’t need to worry too much. Most undergraduate programs, especially in the upper years, and master’s programs offer Spanish-taught options at the University of Girona or English-taught options. But if you can learn a bit of Catalan, you’ll undoubtedly integrate into local life much faster, and both teachers and classmates will be impressed! ¡Bon dia
!
Cost of Living and Daily Life
This is definitely one of Girona’s biggest advantages! Compared to Barcelona and Madrid, rent and living expenses here are significantly lower. A room in a shared apartment can cost around €300-€400 per month, a price for which you’d struggle to find a decent place in downtown Barcelona. Daily expenses for food and transportation are also more affordable. With the money you save, isn’t it great to travel around Europe or sign up for extra tutoring join more extracurricular activities?
If you aren’t set on a major city and instead value a higher quality of life, a unique cultural atmosphere, and great value for money, the University of Girona is definitely a school worth adding to your shortlist. It lacks the hustle and bustle of a big city but offers a tranquility and charm that is hard to match. Are there any students currently applying or already studying here? Feel free to join the discussion below!
