Details

• United States of America
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

When selecting a partner university, it is not necessary to prepare a highly specific motivation for each institution. However, having a clear general reason for studying abroad is strongly recommended. In my case, I had always wanted to study in the United States, which is why I exclusively applied to American universities. San Diego State University was my first choice out of seven, and I was fortunate enough to be accepted. Once the acceptance came in, I recommend getting started right away. The first thing I did was reach out to other students who had also been admitted to SDSU, which turned out to be incredibly helpful, as I could ask questions and benefit from their firsthand experience. I tackled the main steps gradually: finding accommodation, applying for the visa, and handling all administrative requirements. All of these went smoothly, largely because I had read up on the process beforehand and started early enough. For travel, I flew from Vienna via Munich to San Diego on a direct long-haul flight. I booked a flexible return ticket since my exact end date was not yet fixed, something worth considering if your schedule is uncertain. In general, complete all formal requirements in good time. This includes the English language test, any required vaccinations, the visa application, and your financial statement. Starting early removes unnecessary stress and keeps the pre-departure phase manageable.

2. Accommodation

Finding accommodation in San Diego can be stressful, particularly in the early stages. Like many exchange students before us, we relied on a well-known local realtor who can be contacted via Facebook and typically rents out houses for a five-month period. Communication at the start was not always easy, and for a while it was uncertain whether we would secure a place at all. As a precaution, we also booked a backup Airbnb in case the long-term arrangement fell through. Fortunately, everything worked out and we got the house. I ended up sharing the fully furnished house with five other students, which created a great social atmosphere and made settling in much easier. The house was located in the College Area, roughly a ten to fifteen minute walk from campus, which was very convenient for daily life. The neighbourhood felt safe and was predominantly student-oriented. In terms of costs, a shared room runs at around 850 to 1,000 dollars per month, while a private single room costs approximately 1,300 dollars. These prices are fairly standard for the area and compare favourably with on-campus housing options when you weigh up what you get for the price. For anyone starting their accommodation search, the key tip is to begin early and get in contact with local realtors via Facebook as soon as possible. Having a backup option lined up also gives valuable peace of mind during an uncertain waiting period.

3. Academic life at host university

SDSU is a large university with around 50,000 students, and the campus reflects that scale. The facilities are impressive and wide-ranging. I regularly used the pool, gym, and soccer fields, and I also joined a football league during my time there, which was one of the highlights of my semester. Academically, I completed 28 ECTS in total, taking four main courses alongside surfing and soccer. My courses included Economics of Integration, Intermediate Microeconomics, Human Resource Management, and an Entrepreneurship course on problem identification and solving. The workload was lighter than at WU, and the exams were less demanding, but I had prepared for this going in since I had spoken to friends beforehand and was also taking fewer credits than I would back home. One thing that genuinely stood out was how interactive the classes were. Professors actively involved students in discussions rather than simply lecturing, which made the experience feel more engaging and personal compared to what I was used to at WU. When it comes to choosing courses, my main tip is to look up professor ratings before signing up. The quality of teaching varies, and ratings give you a much better sense of what to expect than the course description alone.

5. Every day life in the host country

Getting around San Diego is easiest with a car. We shared a car for most of our daily needs, which made life significantly more convenient given how spread out the city is. For nights out, Uber was the go-to option, and public transport was only used occasionally. While there is a public transit system, it is fairly limited compared to European standards and not particularly practical for everyday use. In terms of safety, San Diego felt very safe throughout the entire stay. The College Area neighbourhood in particular was relaxed and comfortable, and I never had any concerns getting around the city. The social and leisure scene was one of the highlights of the semester. Pacific Beach was our main spot for going out, with a great selection of bars that were always lively and welcoming. Beyond that, the university itself offered plenty of entertainment — attending SDSU basketball games was a fantastic experience, with a great atmosphere and strong student turnout. Sport played a big role in daily life as well. Between surfing, football, and joining a campus football league, there was always something active to do. San Diego's weather makes outdoor activities genuinely enjoyable year-round. On top of that, we travelled to several destinations during the semester and made the most of being on the West Coast. Overall, the social life in San Diego is vibrant and varied — there is something for everyone, whether you prefer sports, nightlife, university events, or exploring the wider region.

6. Testimonial

My exchange semester in San Diego was defined by an outdoor, active lifestyle, from surfing and soccer to countless beach days made possible by the fantastic weather. I made a lot of new friends along the way, both fellow exchange students and locals, which made the experience even more memorable. Overall, it was an unforgettable combination of sun, sport, and great company.