Studying in Beirut

Beirut is a city of extremes – it takes but people’s reaction to the claim “I’m going to study in Beirut” to know that. You either get a “MAN THAT’S AWESOME” high-five or an eyebrow lifting cautiously to insinuate that you’re an idiot for taking this risk.
Studying in this city might indeed have its downsides, but there is also a lot to gain from it. We did a nonprofessional survey and asked a bunch of LAU and AUB students that moved here what they thought the best part about studying here was.
Here are factors that most of them mentioned:

Chaos

(Image via Al Akhbar)

Whilst some students might recoil at the thought of chaos, others find absolute delight in the hustle and bustle of the city. One student claimed that the chaos in Beirut helped him find himself. Being surrounded by such disorder and malfunction can result in more than anger fests, it seems. There is always an element of surprise when you’re a student in Beirut – you never know what to expect next from this city (side note: this is not always a good thing).

Diversity

(Image via Women News Network)

There is insane diversity in Lebanon. Conservative, intellectual broke, rich, superficial, hipster, extremist, communist – you will find them all in Beirut. You can be anything and blend in.

The collective desire for change

(Image via Facebook)

Amongst Beiruti students, activism is an all too common feat. Volunteering opportunities, projects and peaceful protests take place. Of course, the fact that Lebanon is in a transitory stage (it has been in one for a long time, we might add) helps.

Food

(Image via Bristol Bites)

Oh God, the food. Everyone will attest to the deliciousness and quality of food in Lebanon. The list is endless – walk through the streets of Mar Mikhael and indulge in the delicious desserts in the quaint little cafés; munch on a hot, fresh cheese and zaatar man’ouche from the bustling Hamra; have organic kibbeh and kousa in the mountains; order a mezze in a Lebanese restaurant in Broumana. The list is truly endless – and so is the love we have for the food here.

Social life/ the people

(Image via Premium Seven)

This one is probably the best thing about studying in Beirut – the social life. There are always a lot of activities going on – from musical and cultural shows to interesting workshops and crazy parties. There is a pulsating spirit here – a desire in people to live and let live. Many students complain that the places they came from don’t have this energetic ambiance. Better yet, locals here are friendly. They love tourists, actually – it gives them a weird sense of self importance.
One thing is for sure – Lebanese people have a knack for enjoyment, and once you land your feet here you can’t help but become just like them.
This is one city that knows just how to have fun.

Freedom

(Image via MD Junction)

Although this was an answer that only students from neighboring Arab countries voiced, it’s quite true. To some extent, there is freedom of thought and speech in Beirut – at least in comparison to other cities in the Middle East. You can say what you want and be whoever you want to be – no one (really) cares.

Culture

(Image via Premium Seven)

For students coming from abroad, the culture of Beirut is thrilling. It is a city that has been through war, a city that fluctuates on a daily basis from the “Paris of the Middle East” and a center for terrorists to hide their weapons (ok that’s not funny), an intellectual and cultural hub, a fashion capital and a politically riveting place to be in.

It’s a beautiful country

(Image via Lebanon Hotels)

The fact that Lebanon is such a tiny country makes it really easy to move from one place to another – the mountains aren’t too far to drive to and the beaches are all really close. There is always going to be a beautiful mountain to hike, an old souk to stroll in and a new village to discover.

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