Part of the experience of studying abroad is getting to know your new environment and culture. Picking a good university is obviously important and part of that decision will be influenced by where the institution is located. If you’re like most students you’ll want a vibrant student life outside of the classroom, with things to keep you active and engaged. With lots of international students selecting the USA as their go-to destination, we give you details about the 5 best student cities in the U.S.
To put together our list we’ve considered several factors including the social and cultural attractions, and of course how student-friendly and convenient a city is to live in. We’ve also made use of the QS Best Student Cities 2023 rankings.
It’s time to take you on a tour of the USA’s most desirable student cities.
New York City
Need we say more? No list of great American cities would be complete without New York. Known for its energy, vibrancy and 24/7 lifestyle or ‘the city that never sleeps', New York has always attracted people from around the world, including students.
New York was ranked in the top 20 cities for students in the QS Best Student Cities 2023 and there is no shortage of things to see and do. From the world-famous architecture and the bright lights of Broadway to the cultural hub of Harlem and the world-famous Statue of Liberty.
New York is home to two universities in the top 100 worldwide as per the QS World University Rankings 2023:
- Columbia University (ranking 22)
- New York University (ranking 39).
That’s not all. The city has 110 universities and colleges in the city. Some of the well-known institutions include:
- Fordham University
- City University of New York
- Pace University.
If it’s postgraduate studies you’re interested in then you can find out more about some of the best postgraduate institutions in the USA.
Boston
When you think of Boston, some of you may think baseball or maybe the distinct accent associated with the city? Well, there’s much more to Boston than just this. The city has a diverse nightlife, great food options and is situated on a natural harbour with all the natural beauty that this brings.
Boston is one of the cities in the US that played an important part in the American war of independence and the formation of the modern United States. It’s also close to two of the most famous universities in the world:
- Harvard University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) which ranks in first place in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
Naturally, these institutions are not the only places to study in the city. Boston is home to numerous universities that include:
While ticking the boxes on the education front Boston also holds its own on the QS Best Student Cities 2023 rankings coming in at 11th in the world.
Thinking about studying in the USA and wondering what it has to offer international students?
Chicago
Often called ‘the windy city’ Chicago, Illinois is a city known for its impressive architecture, entrepreneurial spirit, cultural heritage and diverse multicultural community. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago has many world-famous sites including the Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and the Field Museum of Natural History. If you are a sports fan you can also go past the United Centre to catch a glimpse of the world-famous statue of basketball player Michael Jordan.
Chicago has some world-class higher education institutions. These include:
- University of Chicago, which is ranked 10th best university in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 (THE).
- Northwestern University, which is ranked in the top 30 worldwide by THE.
Other well-known universities in Chicago include:
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Loyola University Chicago
- De Paul University
A point to remember about Chicago is that it is well known for heavy snow and extremely cold winters, so be prepared with some warm clothing if it’s your destination of choice.
San Francisco
Famous for both the Golden Gate Bridge and as the home of ‘big tech’, San Francisco sits alongside the Pacific Ocean on the west coast of the USA in California. It’s rated as a top 30 student city by QS Best Student Cities 2023 and offers a great lifestyle for students studying abroad. There is the well-known Pier 39 shopping and entertainment centre, the Golden Gate Park, riding the famous trams, taking advantage of the free museums and of course a trip to the beach.
San Francisco has a reputation for offering great internship, work placement and employment opportunities. This is not surprising as it’s home to some of the biggest companies in the world including Apple, Google and Facebook. On the plus side, San Francisco is also known for its relatively cheaper cost of living compared to other big cities.
The city also has much to be proud of in terms of higher education with both Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley close by. Both universities are ranked in the global top 10 by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022. These universities form part of a network of colleges and universities in the city that also includes:
Philadelphia
Last but not least, is ‘the city of brotherly love’, Philadelphia. The QS Best Student Cities 2023 rankings place the city 7th in the USA and this is not surprising given what it offers. The city has a world-known historical heritage, a great food scene, a dynamic cultural scene and numerous museums and entertainment venues.
Philadelphia has the distinction of being an Ivy League city with the top-ranked University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) located in the city. UPenn is ranked in the top 20 globally by the QS World University Rankings 2023 and also ranks highly for several subjects, including medicine and engineering. Other universities that form part of the fabric of the city include:
Remember that the USA is a very big country and there are many other cities in which to study. What’s important is that you find a student lifestyle that suits you best while being able to pursue your dream academic path.
Here are some other articles which you may find useful:
- How to apply to study in the USA
- How to apply for a student visa in the USA
- How much do tuition fees in the USA cost?
- The top universities in the USA
- The must do things for international students in the US
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