In the digital age, big decisions are no longer made with just our heads, but also with our scrolls. Studying abroad, something traditionally planned around academic, financial, or immigration factors, is now heavily influenced (and increasingly so) by the content we consume on social media.

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TikTok, Instagram and YouTube have transformed how students discover and evaluate potential international destinations. So, are we choosing the best country to study in… or the one that looks best in photos?

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From the university brochure to the viral reel

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Until just a few years ago, choosing an academic destination was based on rankings, exchange agreements, language of instruction, or cost of living. Today, those factors are still relevant, but they’re being displaced (or at least strongly accompanied) by much more visual and emotional criteria.  

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A quick TikTok search using hashtags like #studyabroad, #erasmuslife, or #studentlife brings up thousands of videos where young people share their daily routines in cities like Lisbon, Berlin, Milan, or Seoul. We see their apartments, favorite cafés, winter outfits, bike routes, sunsets from campus… content that doesn’t just inspire: it influences.

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But is this a bad thing? Not necessarily.

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Social media has democratized access to non-official yet very valuable information: the day-to-day experience. Knowing what a neighborhood is like, how living with other students feels, or which paperwork causes the most stress are all insights that used to be absent from institutional websites.  

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The problem arises when that information becomes idealized or the sole decision-making factor.  

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What are students really valuing?

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A 2024 study by Educations.com revealed that over 60% of international students consider lifestyle and the visual appeal of a destination before academic prestige. At the same time, most viral videos about studying abroad don’t mention visa requirements, available scholarships, or academic workload.  

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Questions that often go unasked in the decision process:

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• Is the language of instruction one I speak?

• Is it easy to get a visa and renew it?

• Can I work while I study?

• What is the evaluation system like? Is it demanding?

• What happens if I need medical or psychological assistance?

• Does the cost of living shown on social media match reality?

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Choosing a country goes beyond the “feed”

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It’s not about demonizing social media, but about understanding its limits. A destination might look perfect visually, but have complex administrative barriers, a high cost of living, or limited offerings in your academic field.

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Countries like Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, or South Korea have become hugely popular among students, in part due to their social media presence. But at the same time, these countries come with real challenges: housing shortages, language barriers or difficulty getting visa appointments at certain times of year.

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Aesthetics vs. reality

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Aesthetics are a legitimate part of the decision-making process: after all, we all want to live this experience in a city that inspires us. But making choices based solely on what we see on social media can lead to frustration, misinformation, or even dropping out of the program.

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This is where institutions, platforms, and specialized companies (like Lodgerin) must take an active role in educating, guiding and supporting students with real data and practical tools.

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So, how can we use social media without getting swept away?

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• Compare what you see online with official sources. Is that influencer’s advice about scholarships or visas up to date?

• Talk to real students, not just content creators. Forums like Reddit, Facebook groups, or LinkedIn contacts can offer another perspective.

• Run real cost simulations: rent, transport, insurance, tuition. Often, the most “Instagrammable” city is also the most expensive.

• Think about your well-being and compatibility: Do you prefer warm or cold weather? A quiet city or a bustling metropolis? A country with high academic demands or a more practical focus?

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Conclusion: be inspired, but don’t idealize

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Social media is a powerful source of inspiration: it motivates us, gives us ideas and makes us dream of new cities. But it should never replace personal analysis or real research.  

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Choosing a country to study abroad is a decision that can change your life. It’s worth making that choice with both your head and your heart… not just with your algorithm.  

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At Lodgerin, we help you bring your decision down to earth

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From finding housing to practical services like insurance, legal advice, or activities to connect with other students, our goal is to make your international experience as real and enriching as you imagined.

And yes, it can still be beautiful. But above all: livable.

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