I am in my second year of a BA in English literature and philosophy at the University of Sussex, but I am currently spending a semester abroad at the University of Rochester in New York – an amazing opportunity I didn’t want to miss out on.
I decided to study in America because the college experience here is so different to ours. I have only been here for two weeks and the contrast is already apparent. My college is much bigger than Sussex, and there is so much choice and flexibility regarding courses – I have a multitude of options, which is great. I also have a degree of choice as to how I would like to be assessed, whether it be exams, an essay or regular quizzes.
The classes are much bigger, and seminar groups are noticeably less intimate. There is also a big emphasis on class time – missing more than two classes leads to a grade reduction, which definitely makes it harder to sleep in.
Here at Rochester, all year groups are expected to stay in campus accommodation, meaning that there is a great mix of ages on campus. I’m sharing my bedroom with my roommate, an aspect of college life that is alien to me, coming from England where single rooms are the norm. My roommate is lovely and very accommodating, but the lack of personal space is still hard to get used to. I am definitely more self conscious – no more wandering around in my underwear! The upside of this is a social atmosphere that makes it easy to make friends.
I have chosen to live in a fraternity house, which is a unique social experience in itself. Fraternities and sororities – “greek life” as it is called here – are a large, integral part of the university. I am not sure if I completely agree with the gender segregation, but it is also a respected centuries-old tradition that provides a strong sense of community – and the best parties on campus, so I am grateful to be able to have tried it out.
The biggest shock to me is caused by the drinking age being 21 rather than 18. It is interesting how much this changes the university experience. With the majority of the students here still underage, the emphasis on nightlife is minimal compared to Brighton with its abundance of pubs and student club nights. While I do miss being able to go out for cocktails, I am embracing the shift – I went bowling for the first time in years the other day and it was just as much fun as I remember.
Understandably, as a foreign student with a distinct London accent, I get asked a lot of interesting questions. Most of them are related to a fascination with TV shows such as Downton Abbey: “what’s with the tea obsession?” and “do you really all worship the Queen?” – no joke. I have also experienced several attempts at mimicking my accent, which is always amusing despite the varying levels of accuracy.
I am thoroughly enjoying my American college experience so far, and as the weather gets warmer I’m going to get properly stuck in to campus life. I am also taking full advantage of Rochester’s great location, with trips to Niagara Falls, Toronto and New York City already coming up.
If I had any advice for someone considering studying abroad, it would be to pursue it wholeheartedly. The process can be difficult and stressful at times, but I can confidently say that it had all been worthwhile for the experiences that I have already had, never mind the great ones to come.
