A growing number of graduates now choose to relocate abroad to start their careers. Instead of heading straight into UK employment after finishing university, young people are citing a higher quality of life and career advancements as the main motivators to move abroad, according to Move Hub research.

So, where are the best places to move to as a graduate? The writers at Property Guides share their top four destinations and things to consider when choosing where to relocate.

Munich
Although rental prices may not be as low as the other destinations on this list, Munich ticks many boxes for graduates and has the highest quality of life of all major cities in Germany. With good employment opportunities, decent wages and a brilliant public transport system, it’s a great city to live and work in as a young person. It’s also very cosmopolitan with an international crowd and a wealth of international companies are based here.

Munich also offers plenty to do and see. Green space can be found in abundance and a large public garden in the city centre, ‘Englischer Garten’, is great for a stroll in the evening. There are also many theatres, cinemas and cultural events.

Budapest
Affordable, vibrant, and beautiful, Budapest is a great place to relocate as a graduate. Its thriving bar and café culture, rich history and international feel will mean that it’s easy to meet people from many different walks of life and socialise with them regularly. Although wages here are lower than in other places, the cost of living is also very low, with everything from rent to food costing a fraction of the price compared to the UK.

Madrid
As the sunniest capital city in the world with a reasonable cost of living, Madrid continues to attract graduates from abroad. Although high unemployment means that a wide range of job opportunities aren’t necessarily on offer here, any expats should be able to find work as native teachers of English and IT professionals.

Popular areas of Madrid for young professionals include Sol, Chueca and Malasana. Sol is the ‘place to be’ if you want to live a vibrant city life in Madrid, with many shops, bars and restaurants, as well as a large number of English speakers.

Vienna
Vienna is a hub for companies looking to base themselves in central Europe, so boasts good employment opportunities for graduates. It is also extremely safe, a young city and a cultural hub, with concert halls, museums and libraries aplenty. There’s also lots to see and do for free, meaning you can make the most of the city on a budget!

Austria in general offers a very leisurely lifestyle with a focus on work-life balance, giving you plenty of time to explore all of the delights that this wonderful city has to offer.

Which destination would suit you?
There are many destinations across Europe and the world that could be ideal for graduates. However, everywhere offers something slightly different, so it’s worth considering what you want from your new destination before you move there.

A key thing to consider is what you can afford in terms of rent and living costs, as well as where would provide job opportunities that interest you. Equally, if you’re looking to build a vibrant social life, look into whether you can expect to meet other graduates or people your age, whether there are good cultural and entertainment opportunities and if the place caters to your hobbies and interests.

Taking the time to think about these aspects of moving abroad will make your transition smoother and will enable you to enjoy your new life to the full!