Details

• United States of America
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

If you are planning to apply to Babson, my main advice is to clearly communicate why you are interested in both the university and studying in the United States. Demonstrating genuine motivation and enthusiasm can make a real difference during the application process. Having a few extracurricular activities on your CV is also beneficial, as I felt that involvement beyond academics was highly valued. When preparing for your trip to the US, make sure to bring all the necessary documents with you, especially your DS-2019 form, as it will be checked when you enter the country. I flew with Lufthansa from Frankfurt to Boston. Since I am originally from Düsseldorf, this was the most convenient option for me. I arrived the day before orientation began, which gave me enough time to settle in before the program started. When packing, it is important to keep Boston’s weather in mind. The city experiences both very cold winters and warm spring days. During my stay from January to May, temperatures ranged from around -25°C in the winter to much milder conditions later in the semester. As a result, I would recommend bringing both very warm winter clothing and lighter outfits for spring. The weather can change quite quickly, so it is best to be prepared for a variety of conditions. Finally, try not to stress too much before your arrival. Many things can easily be organized once you are there, whether it is buying essentials for your dorm room or getting familiar with the campus. Most importantly, remember that all exchange students are in a very similar situation. Everyone is new, looking to make friends, and adjusting to a different environment, so it is easy to connect with others during the first few weeks.

2. Accommodation

All exchange students were guaranteed on-campus housing and I would highly recommend taking advantage of it. Most Babson students live on campus with only some seniors choosing to live off campus. In my exchange cohort, every exchange student lived on campus as well, which made it much easier to get to know people and become part of campus life. Housing assignments are made by Babson, but you can indicate preferences, such as your preferred residence hall and whether you would like to live in a double, triple or quad room. Regardless of where you are assigned, the campus is relatively compact and even the most distant residence halls are only about a 15 to 20 minute walk from the main academic buildings and dining facilities. The dorm rooms come furnished with a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, and storage space. However, you will need to bring or purchase your own bedding, pillows, blankets, and towels. Free laundry facilities are available in all residence halls. Many exchange students stayed in Woodside, where I also lived. It is one of the newer residence halls, offering private bathrooms and modern facilities, and I can definitely recommend it. Another popular option is Woodland, which provides a more apartment-style living experience, including private bathrooms and small kitchens. Although Babson is located in Wellesley rather than directly in Boston, the city is very easy to reach. Boston is about 30 minutes away by car or Uber. Students can also take the commuter rail or the green line into the city and Babson provides free Uber vouchers for rides between campus and the train station. In addition, shuttle buses run between campus and downtown Boston on weekends. My friends and I usually took Ubers, as we often traveled in larger groups and could split the cost, making it both convenient and affordable.

3. Academic life at host university

Compared to WU, classes at Babson are structured quite differently. Rather than having a single final exam, most courses include assignments, projects, presentations, and group work throughout the semester. While this requires consistent effort, I found the workload very manageable. The teaching style is highly interactive, and the close connection between professors, students, and real-world business practice made classes especially engaging. One challenge is the attendance policy. Students are expected to attend at least 80% of their classes, and the rules are enforced quite strictly. Missing too many classes can directly impact your final grade. The campus itself is relatively small, which I personally saw as a major advantage since everything is within walking distance. Popular spots include the Horn Library and Babson Commons, where students meet to study and socialize. Although the library is smaller than WU's, it offers excellent resources, including Bloomberg terminals and a student-managed finance center. Another central location is the Reynolds Campus Center, which features study areas, food options, a post office, a gaming room, and other student services. What truly makes Babson unique is its entrepreneurial culture. Many students run their own businesses and courses are highly practical and discussion-based. Students are ambitious, motivated and eager to contribute, which creates a dynamic learning environment. At the same time, the community is incredibly supportive and both professors and staff genuinely care about helping students make the most of their Babson experience.

5. Every day life in the host country

Boston has one of the best public transportation systems in the United States. From Babson, students can easily reach the city via the Green Line or the commuter rail. The college also provides Uber vouchers to nearby stations and operates a weekend shuttle to downtown Boston, making transportation very convenient. Boston itself is highly walkable and, in my experience, felt very safe. As a female student, I never felt uncomfortable, even when returning home at night. Student life at Babson is extremely active, with events taking place almost every day. From pitch competitions and cultural celebrations to sports games, bingo nights, and seasonal activities, there is always something happening on campus. The community is very engaged, making it easy to meet people and build friendships. Babson also offers a wide range of clubs and organizations, so attending the club fair at the beginning of the semester is definitely worthwhile. Although I did not join a club myself, many students from my exchange cohort did and had very positive experiences. Several friends joined a business fraternity, which helped them expand their network and meet many new people. While Babson is not considered a traditional party school, there are still plenty of social events and fraternity parties throughout the semester. During senior graduation season, the campus hosts the well-known "SODAS", a series of parties that take place almost every day in the weeks leading up to graduation. In general, it is easier for female students to attend fraternity parties, while male students often need to know a fraternity member to gain entry. Many students also spend their weekends exploring Boston's nightlife and restaurants. One important thing to keep in mind is that the legal drinking age in the U.S. is 21 and this rule is strictly enforced. A passport is usually required as identification. My friends and I spent time in Boston at least three times a week and enjoyed making the most of everything the city had to offer. Sports are an important part of campus life at Babson. The college offers excellent facilities, including a modern fitness center, swimming pool, tennis courts, golf facilities, ice-skating opportunities, and numerous indoor and outdoor sports fields. There are also many sports clubs, which are a great way to meet people and become part of the community. I personally used the gym frequently and really enjoyed it, although it could get quite crowded during peak hours.

6. Testimonial

My semester at Babson was without a doubt one of the best experiences of my life. If I had the chance, I would do it all over again without hesitation. I met incredible people from all over the world, many of whom I am still in close contact with today. One of my biggest pieces of advice is to step out of your comfort zone and go on exchange, even if it means going alone. I arrived without knowing anyone, which pushed me to be open, meet new people, and make connections from day one. Looking back, I would not have wanted it any other way. Beyond campus life, I had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the United States. I explored both the East and West Coast, visited Miami and Puerto Rico during Spring Break and made several trips to New York City. Spring Break was definitely one of the highlights of the entire semester and an experience I will never forget. I also completely fell in love with Boston. The city has so much character, history and energy, and there is always something to do. In my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. I would return anytime and can highly recommend taking full advantage of everything Boston has to offer while studying at Babson. Overall, my exchange semester exceeded all my expectations. It was an unforgettable experience that helped me grow personally, academically, and professionally and I would encourage anyone considering it to take the opportunity. You will make memories and friendships that last far beyond the semester itself.