USA

The USA is known for being home to many cultures and a home to all ethnicities. According to QILT’s 2023 SES International Report, an overwhelming 84% of international undergraduate students in the USA positively rated their educational experience. This proves just how accommodating and comfortable the country is regarding the international students’ living experience.

Students planning to study in the USA require at least one of a few VISAs to ensure their experience is smooth. The most common one is the F-1 Visa, which is needed for those pursuing studies at accredited USA universities, colleges, etc. The second most common is the M-1 Visa, which is required for those seeking vocational or non-academic studies in the USA. To qualify for those visas, you must pass various requirements, including enrolling full-time at a SEVP-approved institution, having English proficiency through passing IELTS or TOEFL, having proof of financial support, and others.

Students who want to gain valuable experience during their stay can opt for a part-time job. This will broaden their horizons and provide them with extra money that can go toward their studies or their general quality of life. They can also gain valuable life skills that will help them grow, such as sharper communication skills, improved problem-solving, and more. Students with an F-1 Visa can work up to 20 hours per week on campus, but this may be different on a case-by-case basis if they work off-campus.

According to Top Universities and Times Higher Education (THE), the following universities are some of the most popular in the USA with a high international student percentage.

1. Illinois Institute of Technology:

The Illinois Institute of Technology, commonly known as Illinois Tech and IIT, is a private research university in Chicago dating back to 1890. The university has about 8,000 students, over 1,000 of which are international students. This amounts to over 100 different nationalities at the university, creating a vast and diverse culture and environment. 

• Ranking: Illinois Institute of Technology is ranked 15th in the world for the number of international students it has, based on the ‘international students’ indicator of the QS World University Rankings.

• Known For: Engineering, Science, Architecture, Business, Design, Human Sciences, Computing, and Law.

• Campuses: IIT has several campuses, including the Mies Campus and Conviser Law Center. There are a lot of student accommodation options in Chicago for students interested in the university.

2. Carnegie Mellon University:

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a private research university established in 1900 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The university is home to around 13,650 students from 114 countries and provides an environment that respects and honors cultural diversity.

• Ranking: Carnegie Mellon University is ranked 24th worldwide for the presence of international students, based on the ‘international students’ indicator of the QS World University Rankings.

• Known For: Science, Technology and Business, Public Policy, the Humanities and the Arts.

• Campuses: The university’s main campus is near downtown Pittsburgh. It also has several campuses worldwide. Many student accommodation options in Pennsylvania are near the property.

3. Stevens Institute of Technology:

Stevens Institute of Technology is a private research university in Hoboken, New Jersey, that was established in 1870 as one of the oldest technological institutions in the USA. The university is culturally diverse, featuring students from over 50 countries. 

• Ranking: Stevens Institute of Technology ranks as the 51st overall in the world for the number of international students, based on the ‘international students’ indicator of the QS World University Rankings.

• Known For: Engineering and Science, Systems Thinking, Business and the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

• Campuses: The university has several colleges, including the Charles V. Schaefer Jr. School of Engineering and Science and the School of Systems and Enterprises. Near these schools, there are many student accommodation options in Hoboken.

4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT):

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that was established in 1861. It has since played a major role in the development of modern technology. Of its many students, around 3,300 of them are international students.

• Ranking: The university ranks 65th overall for the number of international students and also ranks consistently among the top 5 universities in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings.

• Known For: Science, Engineering, Architecture and Planning, Management, and Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.

• Campuses: The university’s iconic main campus is located within Cambridge. You can also find a variety of student accommodations in Cambridge near the university.

5. The New School:

The New School is a private research university in New York City (NYC), that was established in 1919. It was founded as a collaboration between researchers to promote a new and dynamic study environment that was unlike any other at that time. Around 32% of its students are international, representing approximately 116 countries.

• Ranking: The New School is ranked 67th for the number of international students in attendance, based on the QS World University Rankings.

• Known For: Liberal Arts, Music, Design, and Social Sciences.

• Campuses: The New School’s main campus is located in Greenwich Village. There are a variety of student accommodations in New York that are within close proximity of it.

Please note that these costs are approximate and subject to change over time.

The USA is a beloved destination for students from all over the world who want a top-class education. According to Top Universities, these are some of the best US cities for students.

Boston:  Boston is the primary and best choice for an educational city in the USA. The city is home to the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, both of which are consistently ranked among the best universities in the world. Boston is also well known for its active presence in the arts and culture of the USA, making it a primary choice for those interested in those aspects. If you're interested in those universities, you can find a wide range of student accommodation options in Boston.

New York: Known as the Big Apple, New York ranks very closely behind Boston as one of the best places to study as an international student. The city is home to Columbia University and New York University, both of which are highly ranked and regarded within the country for their educational excellence. As one of the biggest cities in the country, New York offers a high quality of life. Additionally, there are many of the best student accommodation options in New York, which are near the universities.

San Francisco: San Francisco is an iconic city and a fantastic destination for international students coming to the country. The city features two renowned universities, the University of California Berkeley and Stanford University. The city is also one of the world’s leading financial centers, giving it a great charm for those interested in furthering their careers after graduation. There are also plenty of student accommodation options in San Francisco to choose from.

Chicago: Chicago, known as the Windy City, is a major commercial and economic hub in the USA. It is home to two beloved universities, the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, both of which are highly ranked among the world’s best. Many student accommodations are located near both of those universities.

Los Angeles: The next best option for international students is the city of Los Angeles, a city that is widely known and beloved for its own outstanding creative industries and its influence on the rest of the world’s creative industries. The city is home to various prestigious universities, including the University of California, Los Angeles. There are plenty of student accommodation options in Los Angeles that are near the university.

Many aspects can improve your choice of accommodation, all of which are easy to understand and plan with. 

1. 
   

   Location

Choosing an accommodation that is near your daily essentials, such as groceries, transportation, and local amenities, is crucial. It should also be close to your university of choice, as it makes your daily commute much easier.

2. 
   

   Type of Accommodation

There are various types of accommodation to choose from, the benefits of which depend on your personal preference. There are purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), co-living options, and homestays. 

3. 
   

   Facilities and Services

You should always look for accommodations that have a variety of facilities to make use of. These include Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, cleaning services, communal spaces, all-inclusive bills, and more.

4. 
   

   Safety and Security

The accommodation you choose should be safe and secure, providing you with 24/7 security and CCTV coverage throughout the property to ensure you can feel safe in your new home.

5. 
   

   Budget

Plan and divide your budget according to each of the previously mentioned aspects, including your rent, and you should be able to find an accommodation that both suits your needs and provides you with all you need for a fulfilling student experience.

This New York student housing is close to Pratt Institute and the Fashion Institute of Technology. It offers a comfortable one-bedroom apartment and modern amenities for a wonderful living experience.

King George Hotel

This is a San Francisco student housing that offers various comfortable en-suite rooms with various amenities. The property is also close to the University of San Francisco.

767 Dorchester Center

This is a Boston housing option that offers comfortable single rooms and a variety of amenities such as Wi-Fi and laundry facilities. The property is close to Northeastern University, allowing easy access for those who want to study there.