<p>I am from Norway, Europe. I spent a year in the US as an exchange student in high school and would like to do it again, this time attending a university. I've always had a thing for Florida, so to speak, therefore I am curious about colleges in that particular state. I'm mostly interested in south florida, or Miami. I checked out UM and I found out that it was private, so expenses would probably be skyhigh. I've done research and so far everybody is recommending me to NOT go to Miami nor Florida. As a student, I am looking to live in a big city with nice people ( I know I can't just expect that, lol. But an area that is known for friendly people), non racial! ( I lived in the south and I could not stand racism), decent rent cost, food etc, and a great nightlife! I am there to study , but also to have fun. Considering all the money going to this, FUN is something I require. Also, as a student, I will not have so much money, so therefore a place where not everything is superexpensive, would be great. I guess that eliminates NY, CA ?
So I feel like I have a dilemma. Everything and everybody is saying NO to Florida, but that's where I really wanna go. At the same time, I do not wanna make a mistake and regret for not listening to people. It's very costly too. Is there a college / city that fulfills my requirements but also has decent tuition for international students? </p>
<p>( I prefer a hot climate :))</p>
<p>Come to University of Texas-Austin!! Nicest people ever, big city life, best city ever, very open-minded.</p>
<p>I haven’t been to Austin, but I’ve heard fantastic things about it, and would second that recommendation for a warm climate (people & weather).</p>
<p>I’m also afraid I would have to recommend against Florida. The schools there are very much party schools, so if you’re looking for a good education it’s probably not the place to go. However, it might not make a huge difference to you, since you’ll only be there for a semester instead of 4 years. Still, I was told to focus on the specifics of the programs (size, type, courses, etc) when choosing a study abroad program versus choosing based on location.</p>
<p>Will you be living in dorms or getting an apartment? If you’re living in the dorms, don’t count out California. Cost of living is not so bad as long as you don’t have to pay rent! I know Norway isn’t on the Euro, but America is still cheaper than most of Europe with the exchange rate the way it is. </p>
<p>I, personally, am not a huge fan of LA, though I’m going to school half an hour outside the city. I would recommend looking into schools in the southern California area, especially ones on the coast, like UC Santa Barbara and UC San Diego. I know absolutely nothing about what tuition is like for international students. </p>
<p>What are you studying?</p>
<p>Florida has some great schools great people, and florida may be known for partys but mnay collges are worse. the education for universities is excellent.</p>
<p>University of Hawaii! </p>
<p>(at Manoa!)</p>
<p>It has similar weather to Florida, the “Aloha spirit” is evident everywhere you go…and besides…it’s HAWAII. It is generally a high cost area, but it is very easy to find things on the cheaper side. Hawaii is also very diverse in terms of nationality/ethnicity, etc…totally recommend!</p>