Details

• United States of America
• BaWiSo-19
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

When applying for an exchange semester in the United States through WU, students can choose from a wide range of partner universities. While this offers great opportunities, it can also be overwhelming when deciding which university to choose. For me, the key was to compare different aspects such as climate, campus life, sports opportunities, and travel possibilities, as the overall experience in the southern United States differs significantly from that in the northern regions. For the interview, my main advice is to be authentic and well prepared. Reflect in advance on what makes you unique and which experiences shape you as a person, so you are able to provide thoughtful and convincing answers to each question. During the preparation phase, both the application process at WU and the organization by the host university were very well structured. For the application at WU, I would strongly recommend starting early and thoroughly researching the partner universities. Speaking with former exchange students can be particularly helpful when evaluating which university best aligns with one’s academic workload preferences, cultural interests, and personal expectations. Once accepted by the University of Minnesota, the preparation process became very clear and well organized. The International Student Officer responsible for exchange students in my case, Kate Johnson, was extremely supportive throughout the entire process. The university provides a clear timeline outlining which documents must be submitted and when, as well as detailed information on available options, for example regarding housing. All documents required for the visa application are provided by the host university. However, it is important to keep in mind that many administrative steps, especially the visa process, often take longer than expected. I therefore strongly recommend completing all required steps as early as possible in order to avoid unnecessary stress closer to departure. While the visa application process and official government websites can initially be confusing, most relevant information and guidance is communicated clearly by the exchange coordinator at the University of Minnesota. Finally, you should be aware that winters in Minnesota can be extremely cold. It is therefore advisable to prepare accordingly, either by bringing appropriate winter clothing or by planning to purchase it upon arrival. At the same time, I would recommend leaving enough space in your luggage for items you will buy during your stay. If you enjoy college merchandise, you will likely return home with far more than you initially planned!

2. Accommodation

Housing options at the University of Minnesota are provided by the university and include both on-campus and off-campus housing. All on-campus housing options are, as expected, located directly on campus, while the off-campus options offered by the university are also situated very close to campus and remain convenient for daily commuting. The housing application process was clear and well structured. I would strongly recommend applying for housing as soon as a decision for the exchange semester has been made. It can also be helpful to connect with other exchange students in advance and discuss the different housing options in order to find the best fit. I chose University Village, which is technically off-campus housing but located within walking distance of the university. Many exchange students lived there, which made it a very social and exchange-friendly environment. Other exchange students chose Yudof Residence Hall and were also satisfied with their accommodation. Both options offer good proximity to campus and are suitable for exchange students. The areas close to campus generally felt safe throughout the semester. However, it should be noted that the Dinkytown area, where many UMN students live, experienced a few safety-related incidents during my stay. While this did not affect my personal experience directly, it is advisable to stay aware of one’s surroundings, especially at night.

3. Academic life at host university

In order to maintain the student visa, exchange students are required to enroll in at least 12 US credits, which corresponds to approximately 24 ECTS. While courses can be scouted in advance, final course registration takes place during Welcome Week with the guidance of academic advisors. This process was well organized and helpful in ensuring that the selected courses fit both academic requirements and personal interests. The campus infrastructure at the University of Minnesota is very impressive. It is a huge US campus with all the facilities one would expect from a large American college university. This includes extensive library systems, numerous study areas, modern lecture halls, and well-equipped academic buildings. The size and infrastructure of the campus strongly support both academic life and student life on a daily basis. The academic culture and teaching style differ noticeably from WU Vienna. In the US college system, continuous assessment plays a major role. Students have regular assignments, homework, quizzes, readings, and participation requirements throughout the semester. While this results in a higher workload in terms of ongoing tasks, I found that it is generally easier to achieve good grades compared to European universities, as performance is evaluated continuously rather than primarily through one final exam. Professors at UMN were very open, approachable, and supportive. They were easily accessible outside of class and genuinely interested in seeing their students succeed. Compared to WU Vienna, I had to place much greater emphasis on self-organization and time management. While individual assignments were usually not extremely difficult, the large number of smaller tasks and deadlines required careful planning to avoid overlooking important submissions. Overall, the academic experience was demanding in a different way than at WU but highly rewarding and well structured.

5. Every day life in the host country

Everyday life in Minneapolis and at the University of Minnesota is very convenient and offers a wide range of opportunities for students. Public transport: With the U-Card, which also functions as the university ID, students can use all public transportation in the Twin Cities free of charge. Public transport is very good for a US city and, in my experience, one of the best public transport systems I encountered during my travels in the United States. Especially on campus and in the surrounding areas, public transportation is frequent, reliable, and easy to use. Safety situation: As at most US universities, the University of Minnesota has its own university police. In addition, there is a visible police presence in areas such as Dinkytown, where most of the nightlife around campus takes place. While gun ownership is more common in the United States, firearms are strictly forbidden on campus. The university also offers several safety services, such as the “Gopher Chauffeur,” a free late-night taxi service, and the option to request campus security to walk students home if they feel unsafe. During my stay, there were a few gun-related incidents in Minneapolis, which, unfortunately, is not uncommon in the US. However, the campus itself felt very safe at all times, and I never personally felt unsafe while living there. Social and leisure activities: US college life offers endless opportunities to spend one’s free time. There are numerous sports facilities, physical education classes, student clubs, and university-organized events. One of the biggest challenges was often deciding which social or leisure activity to participate in. Around campus, especially in Dinkytown, there are many college bars and restaurants that are popular meeting points for students. Events and sports: One of the main reasons I chose UMN was the strong sports culture in the Twin Cities, which host teams in all four major US professional sports leagues (NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB). During the fall semester, it is possible to attend games from all of these leagues. NBA games offer student tickets, while NFL games are more expensive, but attending a Minnesota Vikings game is highly recommended if possible. In addition, the university itself offers many opportunities to attend sporting events. UMN is part of the Big Ten Conference, which is considered one of the most prestigious collegiate sports conferences in the US. Tickets for university sports teams, the “Gophers,” are either free or very affordable. Football season takes place in the fall, which is important to consider when planning the semester. Minnesota is also known as the “State of Hockey,” and ice hockey plays an important role in campus culture. Beyond sports, the International Student Club organizes many events throughout the semester, and as the Twin Cities are a large metropolitan area, there are also numerous concerts and cultural events. Depending on whether students attend the fall or spring semester, highlights such as Homecoming, Halloween, or other seasonal events and parades take place on campus.

6. Testimonial

Although the University of Minnesota was not my first choice initially, it turned out to be the best place I could have ended up. As someone who loves sports, UMN and the Twin Cities offered everything I had ever dreamed of experiencing. The idea of “Minnesota Nice” truly came to life during my exchange, as I was consistently met with openness, kindness, and genuine friendliness. I am incredibly grateful to have experienced all seasons, from warm summer months and colorful fall days to the unforgettable, ice-cold Minnesota winter, each with its own unique charm. The other exchange students quickly became my family, and together we made the most of everything UMN had to offer, from campus life to traveling across the United States. The UMN campus embodies everything one imagines an American college to be, and during my time there, I truly felt what it means to be a U.S. college student. Beyond the many highlights, this exchange helped me grow immensely as a person and sparked my passion for working in an international environment. My time in the United States was without a doubt the highlight of my studies. I have never learned so much about myself, other people, and different cultures in such a short period of time, and the memories and perspectives I gained will stay with me for a lifetime. Go Gophers, Ski U Mah, Row the Boat