Say yes to everything
Keen to experience what the American College lifestyle is really like, Jamie Lawlor loved his semester at San Diego State University.
Jamie Lawlor
Why I chose my host uni:
I’ve always wanted to experience what the American College lifestyle was like.
How I found applying to my host uni:
Applying to San Diego State University was pretty straight forward, but there are a lot of things that you need to check off. There are heaps of forms you need to sign and fill out, and a lot of documents you need to send over. So make sure you are on top of everything. The documents you’ll need range from photocopies of your IDs and passport, bank statements to medical records and signed papers from AUT, as well as your academic transcript.
The visa process was the most extensive and frustrating. There are a lot of steps, papers and people you’ll need to get in touch with in order to get the green light. You’ll need to print out and have physical copies of everything when you go for your visa meeting to ensure that you’re all good to go.
Furthermore, have everything printed out and ready to go when you make the trip over. USA border security is no joke, so make sure you have a physical copy of everything ready to go – like your visa, classes, acceptance letter and housing agreements – to be safe and not sorry.
How I found learning in a different academic system:
The academic system is an entirely different beast to what AUT offers. For me the AUT academic layout is chill and easy to manage, whereas at State you have tests, quizzes, assignments and presentations nearly each week, as well as constant homework. It was a little annoying at first to get used too, but you adjust quickly. It’s not difficult, just content heavy. So you’ll just be hitting the books a little bit more than you are probably used too.
I did really enjoy my classes however, because I actually felt I was learning about my degree, rather than just blagging my way through assignments. San Diego State also offers ChatGPT Premium, and they encourage its use, which was a lifesaver. State also recommends buying physical textbooks and a system called ‘Day 1 Ready’ – I’d only recommend this if all of your classes need physical textbooks, if not just find the books online or use ChatGPT.
What I gained from this experience:
To be honest, academically, I passed all my classes and am one step closer to graduating. But personally, this was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I travelled to the other side of the world by myself, made lifelong friends with people that live all over the world, and I made memories that I’ll never forget.
Top tips for other students
- Don’t have an ego and be open to meeting new people. Most people you meet will be in the same situation as you, as they’re in a new country at a new school. Be confident and just be yourself, and if you aren’t a confident person, just fake it till you make it
- You’re from a different country, so people will hear that you sound funny and approach you, so meeting people is a lot easier than it seems
- I also was a part of the rugby team, so I recommend joining a sports team or a club to give yourself an opportunity to go out and meet a wide variety of people, not just other international students
- I recommend living off campus and not in the on-campus housing, it’s a lot cheaper to live in a flat with other people. I made some great friends with the people I lived with, and was able to use their cars to get around. I also had my own room
- Apply for a scholarship or save heaps – you don’t want to not sacrifice having cool experiences because you aren’t willing to spend money. California and San Diego are quite expensive, so meal prep or cook often to try and save some coin. But don’t be too frugal, splurge and treat yourself
- I’d also recommend using a Wise Card or Revolut card
- There’s a food pantry on campus that I used to get the essentials, which helped cut down grocery costs, as well as countless events that have free food, so make the most of the free lunches and dinners
About Jamie and his student exchange
AUT degree:
Bachelor of Business in Marketing & Bachelor of Communication Studies in Journalism
Host uni:
San Diego State University
Host country:
USA
5 favourite things
Favourite place in my host city:
Petco Park
Best dish/food I tried:
Milos Pizza
Most useful thing I packed to take with me:
Kiwi snacks – you’ll never know when you’ll miss a taste from home. They also come as great gifts for people.
Favourite thing about my host uni:
Aztec Lanes (bowling alley)
Best trip I took outside of my host city:
Salton City