Details

• United States of America
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

I would highly recommend to get familiar with your partner university in terms of organization, application deadlines, course selection etc. The Fordham website is not the most user-friendly and administration processes can be quite slow. Additionally, I would suggest to decide which Campus you want your dorms to be in based on your course choices and activity preferences. Both of them have their advantages and downsides but they are quite far apart and you will spend the majority of your time there unless you have no issues with constantly commuting.

2. Accommodation

I would suggest to apply for the dorms since they are the most cost effective and you get the chance to meet other students from the start. I stayed on Campus in the Bronx: The area is not particularly safe but the Campus itself is guarded. Classes are on Campus as well which is why I would recommend to match your choice of accommodation (Bronx or Manhattan) to your classes. If you are looking for the typical American college experience, Rosehill (Bronx) is the best option since it is really spacious, students spend a lot of their free-time on Campus and college-style party-culture is huge. If you prefer proximity to the downtown area and fancy bars/restaurants, Lincoln Center (Manhattan) is the better choice.

3. Academic life at host university

I can only speak for the Rosehill experience in that category: The academic culture is very different compared to WU. Class size is quite small (around 15-20 people) and teaching style is more interactive. You can expect to get homework and tests instead having one big exam. I would compare it to a FH rather than a typical European university. In terms of courses, I can highly recommend "Money and Banking" as a more challenging option and "Marketing" in case you have not taken it yet at WU.

5. Every day life in the host country

The public transport system in NYC is amazing as it takes you everywhere (mostly subways) but in such a big city, expect to spend a lot of time commuting. Fordham offers a shuttle to get from one campus to another. I can highly recommend it, just be aware of NY-traffic. In terms of safety, I would be more cautious, especially in the Bronx. Opportunities for events and social activities could not be better, Fordham itself and the city have an amazing offering.

6. Testimonial

In short: It was one of the best experiences I have ever made. NYC is the most vibrant and welcoming city and I believe everyone should visit it at some point. Be open for connections and friendships: The people, mostly fellow exchange students, I met during this experience are the most amazing human beings.