Details

• United States of America
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 3 months

1. Preparation

The preparation begins with the WU selection interview. Don't stress too much, it is primarily about your motivation for going abroad. Just be prepared to explain why you specifically chose your selected universities, focusing on the academic opportunities rather than travel. Regarding the English requirement, WiSo students can use the Duolingo English Certificate for OSU. It is by far the cheapest option (approximately €70) compared to the TOEFL. You’ll need a J-1 visa, so start the application process as soon as you receive your DS-2019, the whole visa process can take some time and includes an interview at the consulate. Additionally, OSU is strict about medical records, so you have to upload proof of vaccinations like Hepatitis B before you are permitted to register for classes.

2. Accommodation

I lived in the 1045 SW Madison Ave. Apartments (New Hall) and definitely recommend it. It was the newest housing on campus, and I shared an apartment with another exchange student. It’s a bit pricey at $1,250 p.p. per month (plus a one-time $50 signing fee), but being right on campus with a 10-minute walk to lectures is a lifesaver without a car. The housing contract is technically yearly, but you can cancel without any costs as long as you cancel one month in advance via the housing portal. You apply for dorms and apartments like the Madison through the OSU housing portal. There’s usually a waiting list for apartments and dorms. I highly recommend having a backup option ready just in case you don't get a spot on time. If you don't go for the on campus options, most others stay at the iHouse (the social hub, but famously messy) or in private off-campus houses. A great tip for finding these is to join the OSU Snapchat Story, students post off-campus housing and sublease offers there all the time.

3. Academic life at host university

The system at OSU is built on "quarters," so it moves fast. You’ll have assignments and quizzes every single week, which feels like a lot of work, but the plus side is that the midterm and final exam often only count for 20% each of your grade. Also, do yourself a favor and sign up for PAC (Physical Activity) classes. You can get ECTS (free electives) for things like surfing, rafting, or yoga, and it’s the best way to meet American students. When you aren’t in class, you’ll probably be at the Dixon Recreation Center, it’s a great gym and free for students, even offering different fitness classes.

5. Every day life in the host country

Living in Corvallis feels like stepping into a classic American movie. It’s a safe, cozy college town where you can walk almost everywhere, and when you can’t, hopping on a VEO electric bike makes it easy to come around (plus, the first ride every day is free). There is also a free "Beaver bus" on campus, which I never used. The social life really revolves around school spirit, and you kind of have to embrace it. Football, volleyball, and basketball games are happening almost every week, and the energy in the stands is insane. It’s the easiest way to feel like a real “Beaver” and experience U.S. college culture properly. Once you leave the campus bubble, the Pacific Northwest turns into an adventure playground. My journey started with a road trip down from Seattle, stopping at a bunch of scenic spots along the Oregon coast. After settling in Corvallis, my friends and I got into the habit of renting a car almost every weekend from Enterprise or Hertz and just going on road trips. There’s so much to see within a few hours’ drive. We went hiking at places like Smith Rock, Mount Hood, Silver Falls, Toketee Falls, Wahkeena Falls, and the Oregon Dunes. We visited Crater Lake and even crossed into California to see the Redwoods, spent a day exploring Portland, and had a campfire on the beach in Newport. Between all the traveling, we lived on classic American fast food, regular visits at Chipotle, In-N-Out, and Panda Express were basically part of the experience. And somehow, on top of all that, we still managed to squeeze in trips to LA and Vegas, flying out Thursday afternoon and coming back by Sunday.

6. Testimonial

My exchange at OSU was honestly a dream. The best part was definitely the people. I made friends from all over the world, and we spent basically every weekend road-tripping to places like Crater Lake or catching flights to Vegas and LA. Between the insane landscapes and the great cities, there was never a boring moment. What made the academic side just as memorable were the guest speakers in many of my lectures and hearing directly from VCs and entrepreneurs. But nothing beats the energy on campus. Being part of the Beaver community and going to the football games made me feel like I was literally living in a movie. It’s an experience I would do all over again.