Student as Consumer – Benefits of Being Academic City

Universities strongly influence development of cities. The quality of the university is the main criterion for young people which decides about attractiveness of the place of study. Many try to realize their development by attracting young people to study there. Even smaller cities located near the border of the European Union can pursue this strategy. But for some of them the only benefit of being an academic city is the benefit of having students as consumers during their studies. Students have different motivations when choosing a place of study, not always the most important thing is the quality of education. Purchasing power of students affects the local market of goods and services, allows local entrepreneurs to develop. The greatest degree of purchasing power of students is revealed in the housing market. During studies a part of young people declares their willingness to change the city/university. Most often because they assess better their chances of finding a job or the level of education in a bigger city.