Help! British Student picking an exchange university!

<p>Hi</p>

<p>So I will soon be applying for a year exchange in north america as part of my Bsc degree which is Biomedical Science in England.</p>

<p>I have a list of universities that I can apply to and just need some guidance. Now by no means am I basing this decision on what everyone else says its just, I know you guys will have more knowledge on US universities than be! </p>

<p>So the list is (Dont worry its not huge)</p>

<p>USA </p>

<p>Appalachian State University, North Carolina:
Ball State University, Indiana:
Bowling Green State University, Ohio:
Colorado State University, Colorado:
Loyola University, New Orleans:
Minnesota State University, Moorhead:
Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia:
Oklahoma State University:
University of Maryland:
University of North Carolina Greensboro:
University of North Carolina Wilmington:
University of North Texas:
San Diego State University, California:
University of Southern Maine, Portland:
University of Southern Mississippi:
University of Tennessee:
University of Texas San Antonio:
University of Utah:
Willamette University, Oregon: </p>

<p>Overall if someone can give me some guidance on which ones I shouldnt be aiming for and which ones I should. Im just looking for a good balance of Academia and a good social lifestyle (because I do want to have a fun year too!)</p>

<p>Thanks for any help :)</p>

<p>bump!</p>

<p>10char</p>

<p>Appalachian State has a great performing arts program, if you’re into that. It is located in a remote, but beautiful mountainous area. Willmington, NC and Portland, Maine are also beautiful places, these on the coast. (Other places may be beautiful, too, but these are the ones I’m familiar with.) Loyola is located in New Orleans which, of course, is great. That might be your best bet for a lively social life.</p>

<p>So , what’s is more important ? Having fun , beautiful location , lots of parties …what ?</p>

<p>Most people in the UK (and Continental Europe) are accustomed to universities being only in cities, and are amazed when they find out how many American colleges are in small towns and/or remote locations. I would suggest:</p>

<ol>
<li>U of Maryland…excellent university just outside Washington DC.</li>
<li>San Diego State…fun-oriented school with warm weather and near great beaches; a lot of California stereotypes will be true there.</li>
<li>Loyola-New Orleans…fun city still recovering from flooding.</li>
<li>Colorado State…good university in interesting city in healthy, outdoorsy, mountainous area…great skiing, hiking, camping, hunting, & fishing nearby.</li>
<li>U of Tennessee…good university in larger city. Lots of “school spirit.”</li>
<li>Oklahoma State U…good university in fun “college town” (i.e., not much there except university-related stuff). Also lots of school spirit.</li>
<li>U of Utah…good university in very clean, safe, and Mormon city.</li>
</ol>

<p>A big part of the classic American college experience is the frivolity and parties that go along with the 6 to 8 Saturdays in the fall that your college hosts a football game. All of the ones above except Loyola would have such games, with Maryland, Oklahoma State, and Tennessee having the biggest events.</p>