I got this, albeit a bit biased.
So I've worked in higher ed/ international higher ed for almost 10 years, have studied abroad myself and am happy to help.
A few options worth considering:
- NUI Galway (Ireland) - I studied abroad here. GREAT people in a large town/small city right on the west coast of Ireland. You won't get warmth BUT the surf club is robust and are constantly hosting excursions all over Ireland. The damn Aran Islands block off all swell into Galway Bay but you're about 35 minutes away from surf in Fanore and driving a little bit further gets you into outstanding surf spots. A 4/3 booties, glove, hood is needed in winter. You want uncrowded, consistent waves? Cause you're going to get that. Do you like beer? Cause you're going to get a lot of that as well, if you want it. Some serious water-heads there so just join the surf club, make some friends that have a car and you'll be able to surf whenever you want.
- NUI Cork or UCC (Ireland) - Same school, two different names. Slightly larger city but still manageable. You're on the south coast so it's a bit less consistent slightly barely warmer than Galway but you'll still get waves. Strong surfer presence so join the surf club and befriend someone with a car. The school is about 30 minutes inland so there's a bit of a ride to surf but, like Galway, it's through the Irish countryside so it's not like it's much trouble.
- St. Andrew's (Scotland) - Has a really strong academic reputation in the states. There is a beach in town, so yes, you can walk to waves. It's located in the North Sea so waves are a bit more fickle compared to the Atlantic but you'll get some. The school itself has a reputation for being posh but I'm sure you'd find all types as well. And yes, if you golf, you'll be right next to arguably the msot famous course in the world. (You could also look at unis in Aberdeen as well)
- University of Plymouth (England) - in Devon on the SW of England. You're about 25 minutes from waves. Good surf culture and surfing. Academic reputation isnt as strong as St Andrew's but its still good. Plus I remember hearing they have some classes that have to do with surfing, could be wrong about that though.
- Whatever uni is in Lisbon - I forget the name but Lisbon is my favorite European city. It's like a European San Francisco with outstanding surf a quick drive away (and warmer water than the former universities listed). I can't recall if they have any English language led courses but a lot of them tend to do. If I could live in one city and do nothing but walk around all day (especially if I could speak the language) it'd be Lisbon. Plus thing's are considerably cheaper.
- Whatever the uni in San Sebastian/ Donostia is called - Again, not sure if they have classes in English but worth looking into. San Sebastian is very expensive for Spain, and relatively expensive for the whole of Europe. It's a beautiful city and you have waves directly in the city (plus the corniche is one of the prettiest beaches in any city). Oh and if you like lefts, there's a little place called Mundaka not too far away (and the town of Mundaka is just as cool).
Feel free to PM me if you've any questions.
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