Hey guys,
I’m a Journalism student from Melbourne, Australia and I’ll be doing a semester exchange in America in Fall 2017.
I’m trying to decide between San Diego State University or University of Maryland.
I know that UMD is known to be academically stronger and a better Journalism school, but as it’s just a semester exchange I’m also interested in the overall American college experience, and not just academics.
So which school has a better overall student life and campus life? (I will be 21)
Better surrounding area?
Anything else you can add?
Thanks!
While San Diego is absolutely beautiful for a visit, nothing beats being in the vicinity of Washington, DC for a living experience.
The excitement of being near the nation’s capitol is palpable. It is so easy to get to DC from College Park, so you have easy access to all the museums, night life, shows/events, etc. As for student life, Maryland is a Big 10 school, so you will get to experience the quintessential college life of huge football games, school spirit, events, etc. In addition, the people that attend Maryland are really genuinely nice people as a whole. There is a lot of diversity on campus and everybody is friendly.
Further off campus for weekend adventures, heading north there is also a lot to see in Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, Boston,(and all of New England) and heading south there is Virginia (Shenandoah Valley) just to name a few places that are easy to get to.
No question in my mind that Maryland is the better choice!
Hope you have a wonderful visit to the States!
That’s great to know, thanks for your help!!