Details

• United States of America
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

Tips for the application process at WU for future outgoing students When applying for an exchange semester through WU, it is highly advisable to start the application process early and to reflect carefully on one’s preferred partner universities. Rather than selecting universities solely based on location, students should critically assess their motivation and consider how a specific institution aligns with their academic interests and long-term career plans. This is particularly important for the application interview, where a well-reasoned and coherent motivation is expected. In addition, it is essential to be aware of and strictly adhere to all application deadlines. Attending the official Study Abroad information sessions organized by WU and reading experience reports from former exchange students can provide valuable insights into both the application process and the realities of studying abroad. If possible, reaching out to current or former exchange students at the desired host university can be especially helpful in gaining first-hand information and setting realistic expectations. Tips for preparing your semester abroad For a semester abroad in the United States, obtaining a student visa is a crucial preparatory step. The visa application process should be initiated well in advance, as it requires an official confirmation from the partner university, which must be presented at the U.S. consulate. Furthermore, the host institution may require specific vaccinations. In the case of Tulane University, certain immunizations were mandatory, making early planning particularly important. Health insurance is another key aspect of preparation. Tulane University requires all exchange students to enroll in its mandatory health insurance plan, which should be taken into account when planning the overall budget. Additionally, it is strongly recommended to arrange an appropriate means of payment before departure. Having a credit card is essential in the U.S.; I personally used a Mastercard, while many other students relied on services such as Revolut, which also proved to be convenient.

2. Accommodation

Accommodation type (student residence / private) For my exchange semester at Tulane University, I chose to live in private off-campus housing rather than in a student residence. Early on, exchange students were invited to join a WhatsApp group, which proved to be extremely helpful for connecting with other incoming students. Many used this platform either to search for accommodation together or to find additional roommates once they had already secured an apartment. Together with two other students from WU, I primarily searched for housing via Tulane’s official housing platform. While it usually requires sending out several inquiries, the process generally works well and offers a relatively reliable way of finding accommodation. In our case, we sublet an apartment from three American students and shared the apartment with one additional American roommate. Regarding payments, we were required to pay the first and last month’s rent as well as a security deposit in advance. This seemed to be a common practice, as I heard similar arrangements from many other students. Location, safety, and proximity to the university Our apartment was located approximately a three-minute walk west of the campus, in an area predominantly inhabited by students. Living so close to the university was a significant advantage, as most academic and social activities take place in and around the campus. The neighborhood surrounding Tulane University felt very safe, and I never experienced any security-related issues. In general, I would strongly recommend living as close to campus as possible, as this not only minimizes commuting time but also enhances the overall exchange experience by allowing students to fully participate in campus life. Tips I wish I’d known beforehand One important tip is to actively use the exchange students’ WhatsApp group, as it greatly facilitates finding accommodation and roommates. Even when using Tulane’s official housing platform, it is essential to remain cautious and be aware of potential scams, as off-campus housing in the U.S. always carries some risk. Another recommendation is to carefully consider whether to live on campus or off campus. While on-campus dormitories are an option, they are generally small and quite expensive. Additionally, students living in dorms are required to purchase a meal plan, which further increases costs. That said, the quality of food offered through the meal plans is very high, and depending on individual habits, it may even be more cost-effective than cooking or ordering food independently. Lastly, for students interested in the social aspect of university life, living close to a fraternity can be advantageous, as this often provides easier access to social events and parties. Overall, choosing accommodation near campus significantly contributes to both convenience and safety during the exchange semester.

3. Academic life at host university

Campus infrastructure Tulane University’s Uptown Campus is very large and resembles a classic U.S. college campus. The business complex is centrally located and well integrated into campus life. Tulane offers several libraries, although I personally did not make extensive use of them. Within the business school, there are many dedicated rooms for group work. In addition, the Small Family Collaboration Hub provides a large number of seating areas and group rooms. This space also includes recreational facilities such as billiards, table football, and gaming rooms, which contribute to a relaxed and collaborative learning environment. The sports infrastructure at Tulane is exceptional. The university offers soccer fields, tennis courts located next to the gym, and an extensive recreation center. The Tulane Recreation Center is very large and includes modern weight training equipment, an indoor and outdoor pool, a running track, table tennis tables, multiple basketball courts, as well as badminton and squash facilities. Furthermore, the recreation center organizes numerous activities such as canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and surfing weekends. It is advisable to register early for these activities, as places are limited and in high demand. Regarding food options, there is the Commons and a main dining hall on campus. While I did not eat on campus frequently in order to save money, the food quality is high and the selection is extensive. In addition, there are two PJ’s Coffee locations and one Starbucks on campus. Campus safety is ensured by the university’s own police department, the Tulane University Police Department (TUPD), which contributes to a strong sense of security on campus. Tulane merchandise can be purchased at a large Barnes & Noble store on campus. Tulane also has its own football, baseball, and basketball stadiums. I would strongly recommend completing the exchange during the fall semester in order to experience the football season. Even for students who are not particularly interested in sports, football games are major social events that take place every second weekend and play an important role in campus life. Academic culture The academic culture at Tulane University differs noticeably from that at WU Vienna. The relationship between professors and students is significantly closer and more informal. Professors are generally very approachable, and many have extensive professional experience in their respective fields. While this reflects my personal experience, this perception was shared by many other exchange students. Attendance and class participation play a much more important role at Tulane than at WU Vienna and are often directly reflected in the final grade. With regard to academic difficulty, it is often stated that courses in the U.S. are generally easier than those at WU Vienna. I would partially agree with this assessment. The level of difficulty depends strongly on the chosen courses and professors. Platforms such as “Prof Check” are useful tools for reviewing course evaluations and selecting courses accordingly. Overall, most of my courses were less demanding than comparable courses at WU Vienna; however, in one course, the academic level was comparable to that of WU master’s courses. Regardless of the level of difficulty, it is important to note that continuous performance is expected throughout the semester. There are frequent assignments, quizzes, and tests, often on a weekly or even daily basis. While individual tasks may be less complex, the overall workload across the semester is significantly higher than at WU Vienna. Professors place strong emphasis on students’ personal development and provide continuous feedback. Students can easily contact professors via email or book appointments, and responses are usually received within a very short time. Extracurricular activities play a central role in the U.S. academic environment and are highly prioritized by many domestic students. I would strongly recommend that exchange students also engage in extracurricular activities related to their interests, as the range of options at Tulane is considerably broader than at WU Vienna. Teaching style and courses Teaching at Tulane University is highly interactive and discussion-based. Courses are small, typically consisting of 15 to a maximum of 30 students, which allows for active participation and personal interaction with professors. Internationality is highly valued, and professors often explicitly invite international students to share their perspectives, which enhances classroom discussions and learning outcomes. As previously mentioned, courses rely heavily on continuous assessment through assignments, group projects, presentations, participation grades, and quizzes. This structure differs significantly from WU Vienna, where courses often focus more strongly on final examinations. As a result, studying at Tulane requires consistent engagement throughout the semester rather than concentrated exam preparation at the end.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport Public transportation in New Orleans is available but cannot be compared to the efficiency and coverage of public transport systems in European cities such as Vienna. One notable feature is the historic streetcar, which we used frequently to travel from the Uptown area to downtown. A single ride costs USD 1.25 and offers a convenient and scenic way to get around. In everyday life, however, ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft were used just as frequently, if not more often. While buses do exist, they are generally less helpful for students due to limited routes and schedules. For students living downtown, Tulane University provides a university-operated shuttle service. During major breaks such as Fall Break and Thanksgiving Break, this shuttle was even extended to include free transportation to the airport, which was extremely convenient for exchange students. Safety situation The area surrounding the campus of Tulane University felt very safe at all times, and I personally never felt unsafe in this neighborhood. The campus itself and its immediate surroundings are well monitored and largely inhabited by students. That said, New Orleans also has areas that are considered unsafe, which we consciously avoided. Downtown can generally be described as reasonably safe, especially in busy areas; however, I would not classify the city as completely safe without restrictions. During one evening downtown, there was a shooting in the wider area. Fortunately, we were far away and not directly affected, but the incident reinforced the importance of remaining cautious and aware of one’s surroundings. Social life and leisure activities Both Tulane University and New Orleans are well known for their vibrant social and party culture, and this reputation is well deserved. Many fraternity houses are located on Broadway, where parties take place on a regular basis. Access can sometimes be challenging, particularly for male students, unless one knows someone, lives nearby, or is recognized as an exchange student. Beyond fraternity parties, there is always something to do. Directly next to campus is “The Boot,” often referred to as a freshman bar. It is a dance bar that is open every day and serves as both a casual daytime study spot with a cold drink and a lively nightlife location in the evenings. Since public drinking is legal in Louisiana, the atmosphere often extends outside the bar. Another popular spot is Snake & Jake’s Christmas Club Lounge, which is open daily and known for its large outdoor area and relaxed vibe. International students should note that a passport is required for entry, but the experience is well worth it. On Wednesdays, many students attend “Wine Wednesday” at Bruno’s, where a bottle of wine costs around USD 4. Thursdays are another major going-out day, often spent at Palms, a club located on Broadway close to The Boot. As Thursdays are one of the main party nights, it is advisable to avoid early classes on Fridays if possible. In addition, our exchange group frequently organized its own activities and parties, which further strengthened the sense of community. During the fall semester, Halloween is a major city-wide event, while the spring semester is marked by Mardi Gras, one of the most famous celebrations in the United States. Given that New Orleans is known as the “city of jazz,” visiting jazz bars is highly recommended. Popular areas include Bourbon Street and Frenchmen Street; a personal recommendation is The Famous Door. Events and sports options Sports play an important role in everyday life at Tulane and in New Orleans more broadly. Tulane’s sports events, especially football games under the slogan “Roll Wave,” are major social events on campus. Beyond university sports, New Orleans is also home to an NFL and an NBA team. While both teams struggled during my stay, this had the advantage that tickets to NFL and NBA games were available for as little as USD 15, making professional sports easily accessible to students. In terms of active sports, the extensive facilities at the Tulane Recreation Center offer numerous opportunities, ranging from fitness training to team sports and outdoor activities. As mentioned earlier, Tulane also organizes excursions such as kayaking, sailing, and surfing weekends. Finally, everyday life in New Orleans would not be complete without mentioning the local food culture. The city is famous for its Creole and Cajun cuisine, which I would strongly recommend trying, alongside the wide variety of fast-food restaurants available throughout the city.

6. Testimonial

My exchange semester was defined by a strong sense of community, particularly through campus life and football games, which brought students together beyond academic settings. At the same time, the close interaction with professors provided valuable feedback and supported my personal and academic growth. Most importantly, I formed deep international friendships that made the experience both meaningful and unforgettable.