Details

• United States of America
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

The preparation for my exchange semester started well before the actual application process. One of the most important recommendations I can give is to start early and stay organized throughout the entire process. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with the partner universities and their course offerings in advance. During the application and interview process, authenticity is key. Applicants should be able to explain their academic and personal motivation for studying abroad, as well as their reasons for selecting specific host universities. In addition, I highly recommend thoroughly researching the cities and universities included in your ranking and speaking with students who have already completed an exchange at your preferred destination. Their experiences and practical advice can be extremely valuable. The administrative preparation for an exchange semester should not be underestimated. Important tasks such as applying for a visa, arranging vaccinations, preparing financial documents, and gathering transcripts should be completed as early as possible. Carefully reading all information and emails from both universities is essential, as they contain important deadlines and instructions. For SDSU I would also strongly recommend starting the housing search early, as accommodation options are limited and fill up quickly. Reach out to WU students who are currently studying at SDSU and ask them about their housing situation. If possible, try to rent the same house or apartment they are living in, as this can make the transition much easier. (Especially if it is the house at 4912 Tierra Baja Way ;-)) Overall, early planning and proactive preparation significantly reduce stress and help ensure a smooth start to the exchange semester.

2. Accommodation

During my exchange semester, I lived together with four other WU students in a private house located very close to campus (4912 Tierra Baja way). The location was ideal, and we only needed around ten minutes to walk to SDSU. I would highly recommend this house to future exchange students. The house consisted of 3 single rooms, one double room and one master single room, and I stayed in one of the single rooms. For most of the semester, I only lived there with the other WU students, and it was only during the last two months that another tenant moved in. The house was fully furnished and equipped with everything we needed, including towels, bed linen, and a fully equipped kitchen. One of the biggest advantages was the garden, which included a barbecue area. This made it a great place to spend time together, host gatherings, and enjoy the warm San Diego weather. Overall, I found the area around SDSU to be very safe. While it is important to remember that safety standards differ from those in Austria, I felt comfortable walking to and from campus at any time of day. Compared to larger cities such as Los Angeles, the SDSU area felt particularly secure. Another advantage was the proximity to Trader Joe’s, which is located directly next to campus and can easily be reached on foot. I would strongly recommend choosing a private house over a student residence if possible. While there are several student housing options available, such as „the rive“ or „6nineteen“, living in a house offers significantly more space and flexibility. One aspect future students should keep in mind is transportation. As in most parts of the United States, having access to a car is highly beneficial. Although there is a public transportation system connected to campus, distances are much greater than in Austria and travelling without a car often takes considerably longer. We rented a car through „Dirt Cheap Car Rental“, which offers affordable options for students. Whether renting a car is worthwhile depends on individual travel plans, but for activities such as grocery shopping, going to the beach, or exploring the surrounding area, a car is extremely convenient. My most important piece of advice is to get in touch with students who are currently studying at SDSU or who have recently completed their exchange there. They can provide valuable information about housing opportunities and connect future exchange students with landlords. Housing is often organized through Facebook groups that are passed on from one cohort of exchange students to the next. Being connected to these groups early can make the housing search significantly easier and increase the chances of securing a well-located and affordable accommodation.

3. Academic life at host university

The academic experience at SDSU differs significantly from studying at WU. In general, American universities are difficult to compare to Austrian universities, not only academically but also in terms of campus life and student culture. SDSU has a beautiful and very large campus that feels exactly like the image many people have of an American college experience. The campus atmosphere is vibrant, and at times it genuinely feels like being part of a movie. For some exchange students, the cultural differences may initially come as a surprise. Students are generally very open and friendly, and it is common to receive compliments from strangers or start conversations with people you have never met before. The student culture is also much more relaxed than in Austria. Many students attend classes in casual clothing, and especially in San Diego, it is not unusual to see students walking around campus in bikinis and cowboy boots. One of the highlights of SDSU is its excellent campus facilities. Students have free access to a large gym with free sport classes as well as the Aquaplex, a resort-style swimming pool complex that feels more like a hotel than a university facility. Since our house was located close to campus, both facilities were only a short walk away. The campus experience also depends on the semester in which you study abroad. I attended SDSU during the Spring semester, which coincided with the basketball season. As a student, you can get free tickets to SDSU basketball games, and attending these games was one of the highlights of my exchange. The atmosphere was incredible, and the events provided a great opportunity to experience American college sports culture firsthand. In addition, there are constantly events taking place on campus where students can receive free merchandise, food, and other giveaways, creating many memorable experiences throughout the semester. Academically, the teaching style differs considerably from what I was used to at WU. Professors place a strong emphasis on participation and ensuring that students understand the course material. One common practice is “cold calling,” where professors directly ask students questions during class. Participation is often part of the final grade, and assessment is usually based on multiple components rather than a single final exam. Throughout the semester, students regularly complete quizzes, assignments, presentations, and participation activities. While this creates a more continuous workload, it also reduces the pressure associated with final exams. In my experience, the overall academic difficulty was lower than at WU. Most exams were very manageable, and I rarely needed more than 2 days of preparation for a test. However, the quality and workload of courses can vary significantly depending on the professor. Therefore, I would strongly recommend checking professor ratings on websites such as “Rate My Professors - SDSU” before finalizing course selections. SDSU also offers an excellent library with plenty of study space and modern facilities. Although I personally found that I did not need to spend as much time studying as I typically would at WU, the library is a great place to work between classes. Unlike at WU, finding a free study spot was never an issue. In addition, the campus features numerous restaurants, cafés, outdoor seating areas, and green spaces where students can relax, socialize, or study. Regarding course recommendations, I would advise students to browse the course catalog carefully and choose courses based on their personal interests. One course I can highly recommend is “Selling Strategies and Practice”, taught by Professor Osinski. Although it is a upper-division marketing course, it was one of the most rewarding classes I took. Professor Osinski is an excellent professor, the course content is highly practical, and the workload remains very manageable. For students interested in Hospitality and Tourism Management, I would also highly recommend HTM 201. Academically, the course is really easy, but what makes it unique is the strong focus on networking and extracurricular activities. Throughout the semester, students participate in various social events, club meetings, and networking opportunities, including events such as campus brunches. It is an excellent way to meet new people, build connections, and become more involved in campus life.

5. Every day life in the host country

Everyday life in San Diego was a great mix of university life, leisure activities, and exploring the city. As mentioned earlier, my roommates and I rented a car for most of the semester, which gave us a lot of flexibility and made everyday life much easier. During the first few months, we spent a lot of time exploring different parts of San Diego and getting to know the city. We also frequently drove to the beach and watched the sunsets. (big recommendation!!) Although having a car is very convenient, I also used public transportation on several occasions. The public transport system is generally reliable and works well for certain destinations. For example, when visiting downtown San Diego or the harbor area, taking public transportation is often more practical than driving, as parking can be expensive and difficult to find. However, due to the larger distances compared to Austria, travelling without a car often takes considerably longer. Regarding safety, I generally felt very comfortable throughout my stay. The College Area around SDSU is considered relatively safe, and I never experienced any major issues while walking around campus or the surrounding neighborhoods. Other popular areas such as Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and La Jolla also felt safe. However, I would recommend being more cautious in Downtown San Diego, especially after dark, as some areas can feel noticeably less safe and somewhat sketchy compared to the neighborhoods around SDSU. SDSU offers excellent sports facilities and a wide range of recreational opportunities. Besides the large gym and the Aquaplex, students can also participate in various fitness classes offered through Aztec Recreation, like for example Hot Yoga, Pilates, and cycling classes. In addition, SDSU offers practical sports courses that can be taken as electives, eg. surfing, soccer, and many other activities. While I personally chose to take an acting class instead, several of my roommates enrolled in a surfing course and had lessons every week. I often joined them at the beach and used the opportunity to go running. Attending SDSU basketball games was also one of my favorite activities throughout the semester. Social life at SDSU is very active, and there are countless opportunities to meet new people. Fraternity and sorority parties are a well-known part of the American university experience and, in my opinion, something that exchange students should experience at least once during their stay. In addition, there are numerous events organized by student organizations, clubs, and the university itself throughout the semester. Living in a house rather than a student residence also had a significant impact on my everyday life. Because we had more space and a backyard, fellow exchange students regularly came over in the evenings. As a result, our house became a central meeting point. One practical aspect to keep in mind is transportation costs. While rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available and reliable, they can be surprisingly expensive, even for relatively short distances. This is another reason why having access to a car can be very beneficial during the semester. If you plan to rent a car, make sure that at least one driver has a credit card. For local rentals, companies such as Dirt Cheap Car Rental are very student-friendly and even accept cards such as Revolut. However, when travelling to other destinations within the United States, such as Hawaii or Florida, most rental companies require a traditional credit card for the main driver. It is therefore worth arranging this before departure to avoid any complications during your travels.

6. Testimonial

Studying at SDSU felt like living in a movie for five months. It was without a doubt the best time of my life, and I would do it again immediately. What made the experience so special was the unique campus culture, the California lifestyle, the incredible trips I was able to take, and the friendships I made along the way. The combination of university life, engaging courses, and the people I met and lived with made this exchange truly special. Beyond all the unforgettable memories, I also learned a lot about myself, grew as a person, and became more independent through the challenges and experiences of living abroad. It was a real California dream, and an unforgettable chapter of my life that I already miss.