Study Abroad in US?

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I'm currently studying at an Australian university, hoping to go to the US for exchange next year or the year after next. I have a choice of several unis and done a little research and narrowed it down to the following:</p>

<p>Oregon State University
George Mason University
University of Hawaii at Manoa
State University of New York at New Paltz
Pace University
San Diego State University
San Francisco State University
University of Arizona</p>

<ul>
<li>I'm a business student - although I'll be using my electives so I can study almost anything I want, I would prefer a university that has a good range of business subjects.</li>
<li>Student life - one with many clubs, activities and social events where I'll be able to mix with local students</li>
<li>Housing - preferably on campus or very close to, somewhere where I can experience 'college' life (almost everyone lives at home while studying at university in Australia, so I would like to jump at the chance for something different)</li>
<li>Campus that has easy access to public transport (for local travel as well as travelling during breaks)</li>
<li>Outdoor activities - I'm an outdoor junkie and enjoy stuff like hiking, surfing, skiing, rafting etc. A place that has good outdoor recreation (not as important as the others)</li>
</ul>

<p>Here are quick facts that I know about these universities:</p>

<p>OSU - good school, had a friend who went for their pharmacy program. However, he said that it rained A LOT!!
UH - You’d be surrounded by beaches for sure, and probably a lot of outdoor stuff to do. Can’t say much because I’ve never been.
SDSU - Definitely a Party School!! Awsome weather in SD and definitely some nice beaches, plus you’ll be in California which will give you a chance to explore and visit LA, and you can take a trip to SF if you want too. Plenty of outdoor things to do in California. SD also has a great downtown area if you’re into bars and clubbing.
SFSU - It’s in SF, but friends have said they don’t enjoy it much. They’ve said it’s either really hilly or has a lot of stairs, just saying lol. But on the plus side, you’ll be in the city so you can really explore SF a lot. SF is known for it’s public transportation. And then you can visit SD and LA whenever you had free time.
UofA - It’s in Arizona, so if you come during the summer months, expect it to be HOT! Not as much of a party school as Arizona State though.</p>

<p>Hello! I really hope I’m not too late on answering this. But let me help you with your question! </p>

<p>Since you’re a business major who wants easy access to public transportation and outdoor activities then you MUST MUST eliminate these schools from the list: George Mason, University of Hawaii, State University of New York at New Paltz, San Diego State University and the University of Arizona. </p>

<p>While some of these do offer some nice scenery for hiking, they are not business hubs nor do they offer great public transportation.</p>

<p>GO TO Pace University. You are at the cultural and economical hub of the United States. It’s an unbelievably great place for Business majors. You have the best public transportation in the United States there in New York City. As well, there is A LOT to do there - so you’ll never be bored. </p>

<p>San Francisco State and Oregon State are nice as well, but studying in NYC is truly once in a lifetime!!!</p>

<p>Thanks for the advice! I’ve just found out they’ve added/changed some places. New ones include:</p>

<p>University of Miami
University of Texas El Paso
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Clarkson University</p>

<p>Any more advice would be awesome!</p>