Details

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

1. Preparation

Courses I recommend speaking in advance with Chris Wheeler, as he has extensive information and can present different course options. I highly recommend taking Physical Activity Courses (PAC) such as volleyball, surfing, or swimming, as they are both enjoyable and a great way to meet people. To register for courses, you will most likely need to clear any holds on your account (especially medical holds). I strongly recommend contacting the Immunization Team as early as possible to have these holds lifted. Accommodation I highly recommend the SW 1045 Madison Ave student dorm. However, make sure to register for accommodation as early as possible, as spots fill up quickly. I you Bonus Tip There is a road trip organized through Oregon before the exchange semester begins form OSU. In our case, we chose to organize our own trip using the contact list provided by Tavia, which worked out very well.

2. Accommodation

lived in a student residence apartment (1045 SW Madison ave) where I shared a bathroom and a kitchen with one other person. You don’t need a meal plan for the apartment. I applied after Tavia sent us the information. The location was ideal—only 10 minutes from the university and 10 minutes from downtown. Most parties and bars were within walking distance. The area was generally safe, although many bikes were stolen. However, the neighborhood is monitored by Oregon State Public Safety.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus infrastructure is excellent, especially the facilities. For example, there is a Mind Spa where you can relax in massage chairs, as well as a free gym that offers free classes (although it can get crowded). The teaching style is more group-focused. In one of my classes, which had around 150 students (not a typical class size), we were required to work on group projects. All of my professors shared personal insights and professional experiences, which was very helpful, for me there are more mentors. They were also very approachable and encouraged us to stay in touch after the course through LinkedIn, email, and other channels. What I really liked was that we had many guest speakers in our classes. The variety of courses is impressive, especially when compared to Vienna.

5. Every day life in the host country

I didn’t really have a fixed routine, but most days I had classes from 8 to 10 a.m. and from 12 to 2 p.m. After that, I usually spent time with friends or attended activities organized by the clubs I joined, such as the Sports Business Club, Marketing Club, Dance Club, and Running Club. From Friday to Sunday evening, we often went on trips around Oregon or other parts of the U.S. The university also offers a wide range of events, including sports games, free ice cream (which I highly recommend—the ice cream is made from OSU’s own cows and produced by students), and many other activities that can be found on the OSU calendar/App. The public transport if free, but i never used it. The OSU has the safe ride (free Uber) you could use if really needed.

6. Testimonial

Traveling I visited most of the major cities and the highlights of Oregons nature. The thing that made the exchange special where the people form the OSU international office to the other exchange students.