Hi there
Im a 22 Australian who is in the process of applying for an exchange semester for fall 2016
Im studying construction management and the three colleges that seem to be the best for this course and are linked to my uni back here are…
Can anyone give any comments on the above as I’m really just looking for the uni that has the best social scene and best college experience in itself
cheers
I would go with San Diego State. You’re in a very lively city which is also only about 2.5 hours from Los Angeles, the weather is great, there’s a tremendous amount of diversity, and the party scene is excellent. SDSU has all of the trappings of a stereotypical American university, but it’s in an IMO much more interesting place than either Tempe or Gainesville (I’ve been to both places and they pale in comparison to San Diego).
I agree that when you are looking at a one semester study abroad experience, it’s all about the place you are in, not the academics (‘good enough’ is the criteria for that).
San Diego would defiantly be the best. As said, if you are looking for a social scene, San Diego is a popular city and there are also other California cities within a 3 hour drive. I’ve also heard of so many people who love Cali and personally I think it would be better than U of Florida because it is so humid in Flordia. Cali has a nice, warm weather that is hot without humidity.
Thanks for the help guys,
when you say the party scene is good at SDSU, do you mean in the city itself or the frat parties and that scene??
As I have heard it may be difficult in getting into frat/house parties being an exchange student in general, any tips for this??
Greek life is very prevalent at SDSU and yes the parties are mainly Frat based. All you need is to make some friends within a frat for access to the parties. Within the city of San Diego, you have the Gas Lamp quarter with restaurants and bars galore. At the Aztec football games, the parking lot is filled with tailgate parties so I am sure if there is a will there is a way to have a good time. Aztec mom here with a son currently pledging a frat.
thanks for the tips,
I wasnt sure if the football culture was as strong as other colleges but this gives me confidence it is?
sounds like a nice place all round
What are your other choices?
I agree with the poster who said that when it comes to a semester abroad, location trumps academics. Even if the classes in your major aren’t great, the experience is the most important - if all you wanted was 4 or 5 hard classes you’d be staying at home. 
In addition, even if/especially if your major doesn’t require it, I strongly recommend you take an intro class in American Studies, African American Studies, US History, or Sociology.
Finally, Fall 2016 would be a really exciting time to be in the US!
as stated in my first message currently it is sdsu, Arizona state and university of florida. is this what you are referring to??
agree it is the experience im after, not worried at all about the level of classes available.
so you agree sdsu would trump the other 2?
I would also like to add that SDSU has a trolley station on campus which makes getting around San Diego much easier without having to deal with a car and parking. The trolley will connect you to the city bus lines, the Coaster commuter train and the Amtrak train.
Yes, go to San Diego.
Okay, I wondered if you had more than 3 choices.
In that case, SDSU first, then whichever you’d rather attend.