The United States belongs to the top study abroad destinations for international students looking for top-notch quality education in the most conducive environment. When choosing a location for your study abroad adventure, there are several factors to consider which makes it even harder to make a choice.
Every state is an ideal location for various types of students seeking a study abroad adventure. Each state has model cities which can provide you the second home you are looking for as you chase your dream of obtaining a degree from an American university.
Here are 10 of the best student cities in the United States to guide international students in selecting the most suitable location for their upcoming academic milestone.
1. Study in New York
2. Study in Boston
3. Study in Chicago
4. Study in San Francisco
5. Study in Los Angeles
6. Study in San Diego
7. Study in Washington DC
8. Study in Pittsburgh
9. Study in Michigan
10. Study in Atlanta
“The Big Apple” or “The City that Never Sleeps”, New York City (NYC) is considered as the most colorful and vibrant city in the United States. Its population is a mix of almost all nationality types that promote cultural relativism and acceptance. Studying in New York would mean an endless interaction with influential people, successful businesses, and busy streets.
Everyone is welcome in New York City. Everyone is free to do what he wants in this liberated and populated city. In here, you will find immigrant communities that will erase your nostalgia for your home country as it has cultural corners such as Chinatown, Little Italy, and Koreatown. In fact, about 20% of New York’s population is comprised of immigrants from more than 150 countries around the world. Hence, it will not be a surprise if you find a countryman strolling in the city.
New York is home to the world’s most significant political, economic, commercial, financial, and cultural hubs. If you are a student in this city, boundless opportunities for internship and employment await you. More to these, New York has universities that could get you the ideal education you are dreaming of. You can enroll in a degree program from one of the highly renowned universities in NYC such as the New York University, Cornell University, Columbia University, and the City University of New York.
You also have the chance to see and experience the most iconic symbols of the United States situated in NYC such as the bright Times Square, the idyllic Central Park and Brooklyn Bridge, the stunning Empire State Building, and of course the remarkable Rockefeller Centre.
“The Athens of America”, Boston is home to two of the world’s highly acclaimed universities – the Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). About 50,000 international students (or 23 percent of the whole Boston student population) are enrolled in one of Boston’s universities. Despite being one of the oldest cities in the US, Boston successfully persuades international students because of its student-friendly communities that provide opportunities for balanced learning and leisure. It is also a multicultural city with approximately 25 percent of its residents holding a different citizenship.
Boston is also considered as one of the world’s most powerful cities in terms of economy. Thus, it provides limitless opportunities for employment. You can never go wrong in choosing Boston as your place of study because this city has a safe and clean environment on top of its intellectual commitment.
“The Windy City”, Chicago is also one of the richest cities in the US. It houses large firms which can provide employment and internship opportunities for international students. There are about 12 Fortune Global 500 companies and 17 Financial Times 500 companies located in Chicago. Moreover, it has highly recognized institutions welcoming international student-enrollees. On top of the list will be the University of Chicago and the Roosevelt University International Study Centre.
Student life in Chicago is equivalent to an exploration of a world-famous theatre and entertainment scene. Chicago also boasts of a bustling gastronomical centre as well as an efficient transportation system. Finally, it will be great to know that this city has a considerably lower cost of living compared to other US cities.
The home of the world-renowned Stanford University, San Francisco in California is one of the best student cities for international students in the US. With its Californian vibe, San Francisco will easily become a home for you because of its friendly people and climate. This is a city that will welcome you with open arms as you adapt to their charming lifestyle.
San Francisco is also home to the University of California, Berkeley and the University of San Francisco School of Nursing and Health Professions. Moreover, it is where the popular Silicon Valley – a collection of large technological research firms – is located. In San Francisco, you are only a stone’s throw away from Google and Facebook main headquarters. Thus, looking for an internship, research opportunity, or employment in a multinational firm can be stress-free when you are based in this city.
Another city in California, Los Angeles is the world’s “Creative Capital” and the “City of Angels”. This is largely due to the fact that Hollywood Studios – the most popular entertainment producer in the world – is located in this city. Most of its residents are employed in the creative industry as actors, dancers, choreographers, writers, artists, and musicians as well. Hence, student life in Los Angeles is expected to be filled with exposure to 841 museums, galleries, and entertainment centres. A quick escape to Disneyland or Beverly Hills can surely wipe your student stresses away.
You can choose from among the top universities in San Francisco that provide excellent education: the University of California (UCLA), University of South California, and the California State University Northridge . As a cultural melting pot, San Francisco is home to 140 different nationalities seeking education and employment in one of the city’s firms and education institutions.
“America’s Finest City”, San Diego is another California city that never fails to attract international students with its irresistible charm. The primary reason for choosing San Diego as your study abroad destination would be its identity as the safest city in the US. It also has a huge student population that gives out a cool and active vibe.
San Diego is the place-to-be for those students who love sunshine as it only receives rain less than three months every year. With this climate, a trip to the beach is easily accessible. After all, time for some leisure after a difficult examination or a thesis defense is always a welcome break for students. Notwithstanding, San Diego is home to top universities in the US (i.e. University of California, San Diego) where you would get excellent education amidst an amazing community.
Washington DC (District of Columbia) is one of the most livable cities in the US according to The Economist Intelligence Unit. It is famously known for being the home of political symbols such as the White House, the Capitol, and the Supreme Court. Hence, if you are a student of law or politics, Washington is the best fit for you since this city not just offers classroom-instruction but a real engagement with the American political and legal landscape.
Besides its political association, Washington DC also has globally ranked universities such as the Washington State University, Georgetown University, American University Washington DC, and the George Washington University. Upon completion of your studies, you can hunt for employment opportunities in any of the city’s many law, tourism, education, and finance organizations.
Away from the spotlight, Pittsburgh boasts of wide range of opportunities for international students. The “Steel City”, Pittsburgh is not only home to hundreds of steel-related firms but also over than 5,000 businesses including startup and world-renowned Fortune 500 companies.
Located in the north-east of Pennsylvania, the city of Pittsburgh offers a welcoming community for international students who aim for an affordable lifestyle in a first-rate city. In fact, 23 percent of the total international student population in the United States studies in one of the universities in Pittsburgh. On top of the list of their university choices are the Carnegie Mellon University and the Point Park University – both venues for academic and social activities.
Located in the north-east of Pennsylvania, the city of Pittsburgh offers a welcoming community for international students who aim for an affordable lifestyle in a first-rate city. In fact, 23 percent of the total international student population in the United States studies in one of the universities in Pittsburgh. On top of the list of their university choices are the Carnegie Mellon University and the Point Park University – both venues for academic and social activities.
“The Great Lake State” and the “Water Wonderland”, Michigan is another ideal place for international students to complete a degree program. Home to the University of Michigan, University of Detroit Mercy, Michigan State University, and 100 other colleges and universities, Michigan is a state where learning and leisure can work hand-in-hand. With its many lakes and streams, a weekend is never dull with a quick outdoor activity trip like biking, fishing, camping, kayaking, and golfing.
In Michigan, you can explore its best cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor. It has a low cost of living despite its urban cosmopolitan landscape. Thus, if you are a student who is fond of the suburban lifestyle, Michigan might be the best fit for you.
“The Big Peach”, Atlanta is the location of top-calibre institutions for higher learning. Some of these are the Emory University, Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and the Georgia Institute of Technology. As Georgia’s state capital in the southeast, Atlanta is a historic city which played a key role during the American Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. Hence, it is home to a variety of sights such as museums and music and arts centers. Studying in Atlanta will provide you with an interesting student life among its many notable wonders.
Choosing a city in the United States can be difficult as each city has its unique enticing features. However, you have to consider your lifestyle choices and financial capability in selecting a city you will live in for three years or so as you experience the US as a study abroad destination. When you have taken your pick, it’s high time to check out the list of universities in your chosen city, apply for admission, and have your US student visa approved. Good luck!
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