Details

• United States of America
• BaWiSo-19
• Undergraduate
• WS 2024
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

Preparing early makes the exchange experience much smoother. I would recommend starting the visa application, housing search, and course selection as soon as possible, as deadlines come quickly and some processes take longer than expected. It is also helpful to create a realistic budget, considering not only tuition-related expenses but also travel, groceries, health insurance, and leisure activities. If you are going to Boston College, join the incoming exchange students' WhatsApp or Facebook groups before departure. They are very useful for finding roommates, asking questions, and meeting people before arriving. For packing, keep in mind that Boston experiences all four seasons. Bring light clothing for August and September, but also warm clothes and a winter jacket if you are staying through December. Travel: I flew directly from Vienna to Boston Logan International Airport, which was the most convenient option. From the airport, I took an Uber to my accommodation near campus, as it was the easiest way to travel with luggage. If you are looking to save money, Boston's MBTA ("the T") also provides a connection from the airport to the city. Finally, don't stress too much about having everything perfectly planned before departure. Many practical things, such as opening a bank account (if needed), buying household items, or getting familiar with the campus, can easily be arranged during your first week.

2. Accommodation

Accommodation Search Experience I booked my accommodation through June Homes, which was a popular option among many exchange students. The booking process was straightforward and reliable, making it a convenient choice for international students who want to secure housing before arriving in Boston. While it was definitely more expensive than some other options, everything worked smoothly, and I had no major issues during my stay. Accommodation Type (Private Housing) I stayed in a private apartment rented through June Homes. It offered a furnished room and made moving in very easy, which was especially helpful as an international exchange student. Although the rent was relatively high, the convenience and security of having accommodation arranged before arrival made it worthwhile for me. Location, Safety, and Proximity to the University My accommodation was well connected to Boston College by public transportation, making it easy to get to campus, most of the time i walked to campus. I always felt safe in the area, both during the day and in the evening. Having cafés, and public transport nearby made everyday life convenient. There was a CVS closeby, the nearest bigger supermarket needed public transport or an uber to get there but there were smalle shops were you could get essentials if needed Tips I Wish I'd Known Beforehand If you are looking for the most convenient option, June Homes is a reliable choice and was used by many exchange students. However, it is generally more expensive than other housing options. If you want to save money, start looking 8–9 months before the semester begins. Some of my friends found significantly cheaper accommodation by subletting rooms from Boston College juniors who were living off campus during the semester. Join exchange student WhatsApp, Facebook, or GroupMe groups early, as students often share housing opportunities and helpful advice. Be sure to factor in additional costs such as application fees, deposits, and utilities when comparing accommodation options. Living reasonably close to campus or near a good public transport connection makes daily life much easier and allows you to participate more actively in campus events.

3. Academic life at host university

Boston College has a beautiful campus with excellent facilities, including modern classrooms, well-equipped libraries, sports facilities, study spaces, and numerous cafés and dining halls. The campus creates a strong sense of community, as many students spend most of their day there, studying, attending events, or meeting friends. Compared to WU Vienna, I found the teaching style to be much more hands-on and interactive. Classes were shorter but met more frequently, which helped students stay engaged with the material throughout the semester. Participation played a much bigger role than I was used to at WU, and students were expected to actively contribute to discussions, presentations, and group work. One aspect I particularly appreciated was how approachable the professors were. They had a very close relationship with their students and were always available to answer questions, whether during office hours or after class. This created a supportive learning environment where students felt comfortable asking for help. The student culture was also very welcoming. Both local and international students were open, friendly, and interested in getting to know new people, making it easy to build friendships and feel part of the Boston College community from the very beginning. Regarding courses, I would especially recommend classes that emphasize discussions, case studies, and practical applications, as these showcase one of Boston College's greatest strengths. They provide a different learning experience from WU Vienna and encourage critical thinking, teamwork, and active participation.

5. Every day life in the host country

Boston has a well-developed public transportation system, making it easy to get around without a car. I mainly used the MBTA buses to travel to and from campus, while the Green Line ("the T") was the most convenient way to get into downtown Boston and explore different neighborhoods. Public transport was reliable and affordable for everyday use. Overall, I felt very safe during my exchange. The campus and the surrounding areas were well maintained and had a strong security presence. Even though I generally felt comfortable walking around, I usually took an Uber when returning home late at night, especially after social events, simply because it was more convenient and gave me extra peace of mind. Boston College offers excellent opportunities to stay active and get involved outside the classroom. The on-campus gym is modern, well equipped, and available to students at a very affordable price. In addition, there are countless student clubs and organizations covering sports, volunteering, cultural interests, professional development, and many other activities. Joining a club is a great way to meet people and become part of the campus community. Throughout the semester, Boston College also hosts a wide range of social events, and attending sporting events—especially football, basketball, and ice hockey games—is an important part of campus life. I would highly recommend taking advantage of these opportunities, as they are a great way to experience the unique college atmosphere in the United States.

6. Testimonial

My semester at Boston College was without a doubt the best experience of my university life. I enjoyed every single day and would go back immediately if I could. Boston College offers an inspiring academic environment, outstanding teaching, and a welcoming community, while Boston itself is an incredible city with endless opportunities to explore. I can wholeheartedly recommend Boston College to anyone considering an exchange.