More than education: the advantages of living and studying away from home

More and more young people in Spain are packing their bags and moving to another city to study. And that’s no small thing: according to official data from the Spanish University System, 31.4% of university students change provinces to pursue their studies. This move not only transforms their daily lives but also sets them on a path toward a new version of themselves from the very beginning.

Living away from home means learning to cook your favourite meals, organising your schedule, taking on responsibilities and, at the same time, opening yourself up to classmates from different backgrounds or even new languages. But this adventure goes beyond the personal. Studying elsewhere opens academic doors that aren’t available in your hometown: unique specialisations, professors with diverse experience, internship opportunities at local companies and networks of contacts that would never exist if you hadn’t taken that step.

At Planeta Formación y Universidades, we accompany you on this journey. Our mission is to offer students the opportunity to develop, grow and find their own path both inside and outside the classroom.

What does “studying away from home” really mean?

Moving to another city to study means taking on responsibilities that might previously have gone unnoticed. You’ll need to familiarise yourself with local services — transport, banking, permits, shopping, repairs — and that requires time, curiosity and patience. It also means rebuilding your habits: your route to campus, your study breaks, your moments of rest — everything takes on a new rhythm.

Not everyone experiences this process in the same way, and that’s perfectly fine. Studying away from home isn’t an obligation or a universal formula for growth. Some prefer to stay in their familiar surroundings and make the most of local opportunities — and that, too, can be a valuable path.

Why more and more students are choosing to study away

Every year, more young people decide to cross academic borders as education becomes increasingly mobile. Exchange programmes such as Erasmus+ allow you to spend semesters at other European universities while having your studies officially recognised. In addition, many degrees include subjects or specialisations available only at certain institutions, which means relocating if you want to explore those fields.

There’s also a professional factor: companies value candidates who have already lived in another city or country, as they are seen as more adaptable and experienced in diverse environments.

Personal advantages of studying away from home

Develop independence and personal autonomy

When you’re on your own, you have no choice but to make your own decisions — what to eat, when to go to bed, what to prioritise. There are no constant reminders to study or go out. You become the manager of your daily life, and this ongoing practice strengthens your confidence in your own judgement.

Learn to manage your time, money, and home

Small expenses add up — groceries, rent, transport, small repairs. Paying bills, deciding when to save or whether it’s worth living a bit farther away for a lower rent… every financial choice teaches you something practical that rarely gets explained in class.

Meet new people and different ways of thinking

You share space with people from other places. You learn about their customs, their ideas, the way they talk around the table. You encounter perspectives and ways of expressing yourself that you’d never heard before — ways of understanding everyday life that broaden your own view of the world.

Face challenges that strengthen your character and resilience

There will be tough days: misunderstandings, moments of homesickness, times when mistakes are simply part of the process. But each challenge tests your ability to bounce back. You adapt, find solutions and try again. And each time you overcome a setback, your confidence in yourself and in your problem-solving skills grows stronger.

Academic and professional benefits of studying away

Access to more prestigious universities and training centers

In another city, you can access institutions with resources your hometown may lack — faculties with rare specialisations, better-equipped libraries, modern laboratories. This choice allows you to work with leading professors and benefit from facilities that truly enhance your education.

Networking and internship opportunities in other regions

Being in a new environment brings you closer to companies, studios and institutions seeking student collaborators. Doing an internship in the same city where you study gives you real experience in the job market. Attending events, talks or workshops also helps you meet professionals, students and professors — building a network of contacts that can later open doors to jobs, projects or collaborations.

Improved employability by stepping out of your comfort zone

When you move, you learn to adapt quickly, handle unexpected situations and make decisions independently — all valuable professional skills. Employers appreciate candidates who have experienced different realities, who can navigate change confidently and who aren’t afraid of new challenges. Highlighting that you studied or interned in another city or country can make your résumé stand out.

Conclusion

Choosing where and what to study isn’t just an academic decision — it’s the start of a journey that can transform the way you learn, live and envision your future. Studying away from home, facing new challenges and discovering different environments teaches you far more than what appears in a syllabus: it shapes you as a person, connects you with new realities and prepares you for an ever-changing professional world.

Every year, thousands of young people in Spain and international students —especially from Latin America— choose our universities and training centres to continue their education and take the next step in their personal and professional journey.

At Planeta Formación y Universidades, we support that process so that every student —whether they are choosing their first vocational or university degree, seeking further specialisation, or considering a career change— can find the path that best fits their interests, skills, and goals. Our recommendation test helps you discover which future professions match your profile and which Vocational Training, Bachelor’s or Master’s programme will bring you closer to them.