🌴 Which part of Bali is right for your semester abroad?
Compare the most popular areas for students to live in and find out where you’ll feel most at home in Bali.
🎯 Which region suits you best?
Most students opt for Canggu, Jimbaran or Uluwatu. Which area suits you best depends on your university, your budget and your preferred lifestyle.
👉 Do you want to meet lots of other students and love cafés, co-working spaces and the surfing lifestyle? → Canggu
👉 Want to live close to the university, have everything within easy reach and still be able to get to the beach in no time? → Jimbaran
👉 Do you love beaches, nature and surfing? → Uluwatu
👉 Want to experience Bali at a more relaxed pace, but still stay close to Canggu? → Pererenan / Seseh
👉 Looking for restaurants, beach clubs and nightlife? → Seminyak
👉 Are you looking for a good mix of location, price and that authentic Bali vibe? → Kerobokan
👉 Want to live somewhere affordable and experience as much action as possible? → Kuta
The most popular areas for students are in the south of Bali or near Canggu.
⭐ Popular destinations for students
🌊 Canggu – University ★★☆☆☆ | Beach ★★★★☆ | Community ★★★★★ | Nightlife ★★★☆☆ | €€€
🌾 Pererenan – University ★☆☆☆☆ | Beach ★★★★☆ | Community ★★★★☆ | Nightlife ★★☆☆☆ | €€€
🍹 Seminyak – University ★★★☆☆ | Beach ★★★☆☆ | Community ★★★☆☆ | Nightlife ★★★★☆ | €€€€
🏡 Kerobokan – University ★★★☆☆ | Beach ★★☆☆☆ | Community ★★★☆☆ | Nightlife ★★★☆☆ | €€
🌴 Jimbaran – University ★★★★★ | Beach ★★★★☆ | Community ★★★☆☆ | Nightlife ★★☆☆☆ | €€
🏄 Uluwatu – University ★★★★☆ | Beach ★★★★★ | Community ★★★☆☆ | Nightlife ★★★☆☆ | €€€
🎉 Kuta – University ★★★☆☆ | Beach ★★★☆☆ | Community ★☆☆☆☆ | Nightlife ★★★★☆ | €€
⭐ Popular destinations for students
🌊 Canggu
Perfect for: Community, Cafés & Surf Lifestyle
Lots of international students, trendy cafés, gyms and a large community make Canggu the most popular place in Bali for a semester abroad.
✅ Large international community
✅ Cafés, co-working spaces & gyms
✅ Beach and surfing right on your doorstep
⚠️ Higher prices and more traffic
In short:
Perfect if you want to make friends quickly and experience modern Bali.
🌴 Jimbaran
Perfect for: Close to uni, the beach & relaxed living
Particularly popular with students at Udayana University. Its proximity to the university, beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere make Jimbaran one of the most convenient areas for students.
✅ Just a short walk to the university
✅ Beautiful beaches right on your doorstep
✅ Good value for money
⚠️ Less nightlife than in Canggu or Seminyak
In short:
The best choice for anyone who wants to combine their studies, the beach and everyday life without any fuss.
🏄 Uluwatu
Perfect for: Beaches, nature & surfing
Uluwatu boasts some of Bali’s most beautiful beaches, spectacular cliffs and a laid-back lifestyle.
✅ Stunning beaches
✅ Surfing & Nature
✅ Relaxed atmosphere
⚠️ Scooters are almost indispensable in everyday life
In short:
Ideal for anyone who wants to experience Bali primarily for its natural beauty and beaches.
📍 Other regions
🌾 Pererenan / Seseh
Perfect for: A peaceful life in Bali near Canggu
A bit more laid-back than Canggu, but still close enough to cafés, restaurants and the international community.
✅ A more relaxed atmosphere
✅ Beautiful nature & beaches
✅ Close to Canggu
⚠️ Not much going on in the evenings
In short:
Perfect if you love the Bali lifestyle but want a slightly more laid-back place to live.
🍹 Seminyak
Perfect for: Lifestyle, Restaurants & Nightlife
Seminyak offers modern restaurants, beach clubs and a more urban Bali experience.
✅ Lots of restaurants & beach clubs
✅ Central location
✅ Modern setting
⚠️ More upmarket and touristy
In short:
For anyone who wants a lifestyle and variety right on their doorstep.
🏠 Kerobokan
Perfect for: Value for money & an authentic Balinese vibe
Kerobokan is situated between Canggu and Seminyak and often offers more affordable accommodation in a good location. At the same time, everyday life here feels a bit more authentic and less touristy.
✅ Good value for money
✅ Conveniently located between Canggu and Seminyak
✅ A more relaxed and authentic atmosphere
⚠️ Less of an international community feel
In short:
The practical middle ground between budget, location and local Balinese flair.
🎉 Kuta
Perfect for: Activities & Nightlife
Kuta is lively, affordable and well-known for its nightlife and its central location near the airport.
✅ Lots of bars and clubs
✅ More affordable accommodation
✅ Good accessibility
⚠️ More lively and touristy
In short:
For anyone who wants to live right in the thick of things.