Details

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

1. Preparation

The application and preparation process takes a lot of time and involves many steps (immunizations, visa, flights, insurance, course registration, etc.), so start early. If possible, talk to someone who has already been at your exchange university or is currently there. They are always happy to help and know many practical details you won’t find online. At the same time, don’t stress too much: even if you arrive feeling underprepared, you’ll figure out most things during the first few weeks on site.

2. Accommodation

Finding accommodation in Gainesville was difficult and stressful. There used to be an exchange student housing option (Weaver Hall Dorm at the University of Florida), but places are now extremely limited and it is almost impossible for WU students to get in. You can apply, but you should definitely look for alternatives. Most international students lived in private apartment complexes, mainly The Continuum or University Commons. These are more expensive than shared flats, but much better suited for exchange students, as they are furnished, offer individual leases, and include amenities like a gym and pool. I stayed at The Continuum; the location was excellent (close to campus, downtown, and midtown) and safety was never an issue. I was very happy with my choice, I'm only giving three stars because it was so hard to find. My main tip: stay where other exchange students stay - this makes it much easier to meet people quickly and be part of the social life, especially in the first weeks.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus at the University of Florida is outstanding. It's large, green, fully walkable (which is rare in the US), and known for its iconic brick architecture. Academic culture is pleasant but not fundamentally different from Europe. The biggest difference compared to WU Vienna is that professors are much more approachable; talking to them during or after class is completely normal. There is generally more continuous coursework (assignments, readings, participation) than at WU, but the overall difficulty level felt slightly lower. Teaching styles vary by course, but simulations, case discussions, and assigned readings are very common.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport in Gainesville is very limited. There are buses, and they are free with a UFID, but they usually run only once or twice an hour, so I almost never used them. A much better option is borrowing a bike for around $75 per semester, which I highly recommend. Safety is generally good for a US city. There are homeless people in some areas, but I never felt unsafe; still, it’s smart to ask locals early on which neighborhoods to avoid. Social life is excellent: the city is clearly built around students. There are popular clubs like MacDinton’s (especially popular with international students), plenty of private house parties if you manage to get invited, and Greek life (fraternities and sororities) is huge. Campus sports are a great highlight: American football games are a must (including the tailgates in frat row!!), and the basketball team is among the strongest in the country. The gym is free for all students, and I also played paddle tennis regularly, which was free as well. There are new events almost every week, especially if you join student clubs, which I definitely recommend. You can also get a meal plan for the dining halls at the University of Florida. It’s comparatively cheap, the food quality is okay, and it’s a convenient option if you don’t like cooking or don’t want to deal with groceries during the semester.

6. Testimonial

I had an incredible time during my exchange at the University of Florida. Before going, I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to do an exchange, but now I’m extremely glad I did. Being surrounded by people from all over the world and living an active, social life every single day led to an overwhelming number of experiences. Looking back, it honestly feels like a movie. If you’ve ever watched films about American university life and wanted to experience that atmosphere yourself, this is the place. You return home with unforgettable memories, close friendships, and the strong feeling that you’d give anything to go back.