Study abroad in United States
Visa, costs, healthcare and the best cities for exchange students in United States.
Capital
Washington, D.C.
Languages
None at federal level (English is de facto)
Academic Year
Varies. Many use a Semester system (Aug-Dec, Jan-May), others use a Quarter system (Fall, Winter, Spring).
Population
335,000,000+
Typical Budget
USD 1,500 - 3,500/month
Study Abroad in United States: What to Expect
Study abroad in United States should be chosen by more than ranking or postcard: city, campus, language, rent, safety and paperwork can completely change the semester. Studying in the USA can offer a classic campus experience, from residential colleges and student clubs to major sports events and research-focused universities. Compare New York, Chicago, Los Angeles before deciding because each city has a different rhythm and budget logic.
Who loves this country?
Students who want a classic campus or big-city US semester, strong course choice and access to research, clubs, sport and professional networks.
What makes it special
The United States offers unmatched campus variety and academic choice, but the best semester depends on visa discipline, health insurance and realistic housing budgets.
Newcomer shocks
- Health insurance and healthcare costs are not optional details.
- Housing deposits and private rent can be expensive fast.
- Visa status, work limits and campus rules are stricter than many newcomers expect.
Safety & Cost Indices
Source: Numbeo crowdsourced data. Lower crime = safer. Higher safety = safer.
Crime Index
Moderate
World avg: 44.7
Safety Index
Moderate
World avg: 55.3
Cost of Living
Expensive
USD 1,500 - 3,500/month
The cost to study abroad in United States is mostly shaped by housing, transport, weekly food routines and first-week setup. Use USD 1500-3500/month as a planning range, but keep a buffer for deposit, insurance, visa or registration steps and price changes.
Safety: Many campuses have dedicated safety teams and emergency alert systems, but local conditions vary widely by city and neighborhood. Review your host university's safety guidance, transport advice, and emergency procedures before arrival.
Big Cities vs Small Towns
Big Cities
- New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco are the major academic cities — each home to multiple world-ranked universities and the strongest graduate job markets in their respective sectors.
- Boston (MIT, Harvard) dominates in academia, medicine, and biotech. NYC leads in finance and media. San Francisco/Bay Area is the global tech capital.
- Cost of living in these cities is very high; financial aid and scholarships from top universities are often the only way to make them affordable.
- International student infrastructure is mature — large global student populations, multilingual student services, established visa and employment pathways.
Small Towns
- College towns like Ann Arbor (Michigan), Ithaca (Cornell), Chapel Hill (UNC), and Austin (UT) have excellent universities with lower costs and a tight student community focus.
- The 'college town' model is uniquely American — entire small cities exist almost entirely to serve a single university.
- Lower cost of living, safer environments, and more cohesive social communities are the key advantages.
- Austin has grown from a college town into a major tech hub — lower taxes and costs than California with a growing tech and music scene.
Culture & student life in United States
Student culture in United States makes more sense through daily routines: schedules, language, social norms, food and campus expectations. Treat the do and don't list as practical arrival advice rather than tourist folklore.
Social Norms
Small talk is highly valued. Expect cashiers and strangers to ask 'How are you?' (It's a greeting, not a genuine inquiry into your wellbeing). Tipping is expected in many service settings. At sit-down restaurants, 15-20% is a common range unless service is already included. Personal space is highly respected; hugs are common among friends, but cheek kisses are rare.
Daily Rhythm
Local pace07:00–09:00
Morning
Americans start early. Drive-throughs and coffee shops from 06:00. Campus dining halls serve breakfast from 07:00. Early 08:00 classes are common at US universities.
12:00–13:00
Midday
Lunch is one hour. Campus dining, food trucks, or fast-casual restaurants. Americans eat quickly — meals at the desk are standard in corporate culture.
13:00–17:00
Afternoon
Core work and study block. Campus fitness centres and recreational sports fill up 15:00–19:00. Office hours end sharply at 17:00.
17:30–20:00
Evening
Dinner early — 18:00–19:00 is standard. Campus dining halls serve dinner from 17:30. Happy hour 17:00–19:00 is a major bar culture institution.
21:00–02:00
Night
Bars serve until 02:00 (varies by state). Thursday is student night on most campuses. College parties (house parties) are the main social alternative to bars for under-21s.
Food Culture
Dining Hall Meal Plan
USD 2000-4000/semesterMany exchange students live on campus or in university-affiliated housing, and some campuses require or strongly encourage a meal plan.
Take a piece of fruit or a bagel with you when you leave the dining hall for a free snack later.
Fast Food/Food Trucks
USD 8-15Staples for late-night studying or quick lunches between classes.
College towns always have iconic local cheap eats that students swear by.
Hamburger
USD 5–15 / EUR 4.60–13.90The defining American fast food — a ground beef patty in a bun with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and condiments. Regional styles (smash burger, In-N-Out, Five Guys) each have devoted fans.
Campus dining halls usually offer a burger option at lower cost; off-campus, Tuesday specials and happy hour menus cut burger prices significantly.
Mac and Cheese
USD 1–3 (boxed) / EUR 0.90–2.80Pasta shells in a creamy cheddar sauce — America's most iconic comfort food. The Kraft boxed version is a student staple; artisan versions appear at restaurants nationwide.
Kraft mac and cheese takes 8 minutes and costs under USD 1.50 — one of the cheapest and most filling student meals in the US.
Bagel with cream cheese
USD 2–6 / EUR 1.85–5.50Dense, chewy ring-shaped bread topped with cream cheese — a New York Jewish deli tradition that has spread across the country and is a campus breakfast staple.
Buy a bag of bagels and a tub of cream cheese from the grocery store — enough for a week of breakfasts for under USD 6 total.
BBQ (regional styles)
USD 12–25 / EUR 11–23Slow-smoked meats differ dramatically by region: Texas brisket, Kansas City ribs, Carolina pulled pork, and Memphis dry rub are all distinct traditions with passionate followings.
BBQ restaurants often sell leftover meat cheaply at the end of service (around 8–9pm) — call ahead to ask about end-of-day specials.
Cultural dos & don'ts in United States
Do
Go to campus sports events — American football, basketball, and tailgates are cultural experiences unlike anything in Europe.
Participate actively in class — U.S. academics grade class participation; speaking up weekly is expected and helps your GPA.
Get a US bank account and local SIM in the first week — Venmo, Zelle, delivery apps, and campus systems all require a local number or US debit card.
Use the campus recreation centers, student health center, and counselling services — included in your fees and high quality, yet most exchange students ignore them.
Get a car or find carpool arrangements if you are outside a major city — public transport is very limited outside NYC, Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco.
Apply for an ITIN if you receive any stipend or scholarship — required for US tax compliance on F-1 and J-1 visas; your DSO can guide you.
Use Rate My Professors (ratemyprofessors.com) before selecting courses — professor quality varies dramatically and one bad class can define your semester.
Take advantage of student discount programs — Amazon Prime Student, Spotify, Adobe Creative Suite, and most software is heavily discounted with a .edu email.
Don't
Do not drink alcohol if you are under 21 — strictly enforced at bars (ID checked every time), campus events, and Greek life venues.
Do not go to an Emergency Room for non-life-threatening issues — an ER visit costs USD 1,000–5,000 even with insurance; use Campus Health or Urgent Care first.
Do not assume the shelf price is final — sales tax (5–10% by state) is added at checkout, and tips (18–22%) add to restaurant and delivery bills.
Do not ignore your F-1 or J-1 visa rules — working off-campus without authorization, dropping below full-time credits, or missing DSO check-ins can trigger visa termination with a 60-day grace period.
Do not underestimate the coursework pace — US courses are reading and paper intensive from week one; there is no catch-up period as in some European systems.
Do not leave your SSN or ITIN written anywhere unprotected — identity theft is common and the admin burden is severe for international students.
Do not rely solely on campus dining meal plans for all meals — cooking from Trader Joe's, Aldi, or Kroger cuts monthly food costs roughly in half.
Do not miss international office check-in appointments — they track your immigration status, and a missed required appointment can jeopardize your visa standing.
Things to do in United States as a student
The semester works best when you build repeatable routines: campus transport, cheap food, student groups and social plans that do not break the budget. United States rewards students who solve housing early and avoid improvising admin.
NYC Manhattan Walk
Walk the High Line, Central Park, Times Square, and Brooklyn Bridge in one epic day.
Learn more
Grand Canyon Rim Trail
Hike the South Rim Trail for staggering views into one of Earth most iconic landscapes.
Learn more
New Orleans Jazz Night
Walk Frenchmen Street for live jazz spilling from every bar — best free music scene in America.
Learn more
Yosemite Waterfalls Hike
Hike to Yosemite Falls or Half Dome viewpoint for California iconic granite valley scenery.
Learn more
Chicago Architecture Boat Tour
Chicago Architecture Center river tour explains how the city invented the modern skyscraper.
Learn more
Road Trip Route 66
Drive segments of America Mother Road through desert landscapes and classic roadside diners.
Learn more
San Francisco Bay Area Cycle
Rent a bike and cross the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito for views of the bay and city.
Learn more
Smithsonian Museums DC
Explore 19 free Smithsonian museums on the National Mall — art, science, history, space.
Learn moreFestival Calendar
Fall (Sept/Oct)
Homecoming
Most university campuses
A weekend of alumni returning, massive football games, tailgating, and parades.
Before semester starts
Orientation week
University campuses
The single most important week for paperwork, banking, clubs, housing leads, and finding people before classes split everyone up.
Travel Tips
- Tipping is expected in many service contexts: 15-20% at sit-down restaurants is a common benchmark, while taxis and bars often have separate norms.
- Health insurance is essential: US healthcare is extremely expensive. Confirm whether you must use the university health plan or can use approved alternative coverage.
- Credit Card Over Cash: America is largely cashless. A no-foreign-fee credit card saves 3% on every purchase.
- Amtrak for East Coast: Amtrak rail connects Boston-NYC-DC for $30-60 booked ahead. Bus (Flixbus/Megabus) even cheaper.
- State Parks are Underrated: National and State Parks offer world-class nature for $35/car annual pass. Enormous value.
Scholarships & student benefits in United States
Student benefits in United States can help with transport, food, culture and university services if you activate credentials early. Carry proof of enrolment and confirm which youth or student discounts apply to international students.
If you are coming to this country
Grants, discounts, and student support you can unlock once you study here.
Amazon Prime Student
6 months free, then half price. Excellent for textbook rentals, dorm supplies, and groceries.
Amazon
Official sourceCampus meal plans, gyms, libraries, and health centers
The U.S. is expensive off campus. The practical student saving is using campus infrastructure aggressively: gym, library, shuttle, clinic, events, and cheap dining halls.
Host university
Official sourceStudent discounts through UNiDAYS/Student Beans
Common for software, clothes, transport, and electronics. Useful, but always compare with campus bookstore and local second-hand groups.
Student discount platforms
Official sourceUnited States student visa requirements
Difficulty: ComplexFor study abroad in United States, separate exchange, full-degree, short-stay and residence requirements before booking flights. Admission letter, insurance, funds, housing proof and the university calendar need to match the current official route.
F-1 (Degree) or J-1 (Exchange) Visa
You must be accepted by a SEVP-approved school or exchange sponsor to get an I-20 (for F-1) or DS-2019 (for J-1) before applying for the visa. Work options are limited and depend on your status and sponsor rules. Typical upfront federal fees are the USD 185 visa application fee plus the applicable SEVIS I-901 fee.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Many official university exchanges use J-1 rather than F-1. You need a DS-2019 from the programme sponsor, SEVIS fee payment, insurance compliance, and a visa interview unless exempt. Typical upfront federal fees are the USD 185 visa application fee plus the applicable J-1 SEVIS I-901 fee.
Application Checklist
5 steps-
1
Receive your acceptance letter and I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) form from your university.
-
2
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online.
-
3
Complete the DS-160 online visa application form.
-
4
Schedule and attend a visa interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
-
5
Bring strong proof of financial support and evidence of 'ties to your home country' to the interview.
Regional Variations
All states
Drinking age is strictly 21 across all 50 states.
Healthcare for international students in United States
How It Works
The United States has a private healthcare system that is among the most expensive in the world. There is no universal public healthcare equivalent to the NHS or European systems. Universities require all international students (F-1 and J-1) to have comprehensive health insurance. Most enroll you automatically in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) at approximately USD 1,500–3,000/year, billed per semester. Quality at top academic medical centers (Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, UCSF, Mass General) is world-class, but access without insurance is unaffordable — a single hospital stay without coverage can produce bills exceeding USD 20,000.
Student Needs
Most universities automatically enroll you in their Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). It's expensive but usually offers the best coverage for the campus clinic.
Emergency vs Clinic
Call 911 for true emergencies. An ER visit can cost thousands of dollars even with insurance. For non-emergencies, always use the Campus Health Center first, or an 'Urgent Care' clinic.
Public Coverage Notes
No public universal healthcare — Medicaid covers only low-income US citizens and some visa categories; exchange students on F-1/J-1 are not eligible.
University SHIP (Student Health Insurance Plan) is the standard route — typically USD 1,500–3,000/year; verify coverage limits, out-of-network rules, and mental health provisions.
Campus Health Centers are free or very low-cost for enrolled students — always the first stop for routine illness, STI testing, vaccinations, and prescription refills.
Emergency rooms bill separately for facility fees, physician fees, labs, and imaging — a single ER visit produces multiple invoices; always go to Urgent Care for non-life-threatening issues.
EXTRA: Culture Shock & Apps
How many students split bills and pay each other. Useful for social plans if you can connect a compatible US payment method.
Public transport varies widely by city. Uber/Lyft are useful backups for late nights, airport trips, and places with limited transit.
Useful for driving directions, transit, campus navigation, and walking routes.
Best cities to study in United States
New York, Chicago, Los Angeles are not interchangeable. Choose by academic fit, safety, housing and transport rather than fame or the strongest postcard.
Chicago
A major US city for exchange students who want architecture, food, lakefront culture, and big-city campus life, with serious winter planning required.
Open City Guide
Los Angeles
Sun, surf, and endless entertainment, but spread out over a massive, car-dependent sprawl.
Open City Guide
New York
The city that never sleeps. Fast-paced, incredibly expensive, but offers unparalleled cultural and professional exposure.
Open City Guide