Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (PDI)

I wish that I knew that Troy is not the prettiest and most exiting city in the US. If I knew more about troy I would probably have chosen a different university.

The academics at RPI is very good, including the proffessors and the courses, however, the city it is located at is not the best and the social life on campus can be a lot better.

Some people who would sell their car cheaply to me.

If you have a strong, open personality, you will have a good time. Since there are not many exchange students, not many special activities are organised for them; You will have to contact people yourself. Furthermore, if you only want to live in a big city than Troy is not the right place for you. If you like playing sports, RPI is the right place, since sport facilities are outstanding. Finally, if you really hate cold weather, you can better go somewhere else. In the winter it can be pretty cold.

Winters in Troy can get pretty cold!

Academicly excellent university, the social life at campus is affected by the largely techical student population. In other words, don't expect a party university.

How cheap living off-campus would be, how expensive meal plans really are and also to book travel tickets way in advance!

RPI is a good university because it offers a wide range of courses and excellent resources. It is also convenient if you want to travel to major cities on the East Coast. Also located in a small town so you can really interact and gel well with the local students and experience American culture. But if you are looking for a good night life/social life then you may want to consider other options as well.

Food: around $150 per month Telephone: SMS, calls and 3G = $45 per month Housing off campus: $550 Nightlife: in frat parties, you pay NOTHING Travel: $300 per week-end Cheap accommodations far away the city center ($50 per night just for a room), bike for transportation in the city rather than subway, walk in the city rather than paying the museum, cheap restaurants ... To travel you can use the bus for NYC ($25 one way) or rent a car for any other destinations ($100 per day if you are under 25)

I wish I had known more about the atmosphere at the university

For the university: spice up the student life. For potential future students: don't go if you like a good social life