Details

• United States of America
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 9 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

I would recommend getting familiar with the university system before arriving, especially course registration and important university procedures. Make sure not to miss any Welcome Days events, as they provide useful information and help you meet other students. For housing, start looking early and always check different options. At the University of Kentucky, there was a German House and in my experience, it was a better option than the regular dorms. It had a great community and was a comfortable place to live. For your travel, try to book your flight early and arrive a few days before classes start so you have enough time to settle in. I arrived two days before the semester started, and even that felt a bit tight, as flight delays or other travel issues can always cause unexpected problems.

2. Accommodation

lived in the German House and really liked it. It is located directly on campus, so it is easy to get to classes and other university activities. I also felt very safe there. Compared to the regular dorms, the German House is cheaper and you get your own room. Another advantage is that you do not have to buy a meal plan, which helps save money. I would recommend looking at different housing options early and not only considering the standard dorms.

3. Academic life at host university

I found the teaching style at the University of Kentucky to be more interactive than at WU Vienna. In many courses, there are group projects and discussions, so you are involved during the whole semester and not only at exam time. Professors are approachable, and there is generally more interaction between students and instructors. The campus facilities are great, with plenty of study spaces and areas to meet friends or work on group assignments. I especially enjoyed the Marketing and Logistics courses and would recommend them to future exchange students.

5. Every day life in the host country

Getting around Lexington is quite easy. Students can use the buses for free and since the city is not very large, most places are easy to reach. I always felt safe during my exchange. Lexington is more of a college town than a big city, which creates a nice student atmosphere. There is always something going on at the university. The campus gym is free for students and has everything you need. If you enjoy sports, there are also many tournaments and recreational leagues in different sports where you can participate and meet other students.

6. Testimonial

My exchange at the University of Kentucky was an unforgettable experience. What made it special was meeting new people almost every day and getting to know students from many different countries. I also enjoyed experiencing American culture firsthand, both on campus and during my travels. It was a great opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and create memories that will stay with me for a long time.