Where you study shapes your internships, costs and social life. Here are cities that work well for many international students, grouped by strength.
| City | Why students like it |
|---|---|
| Boston | Dozens of universities, internships, transit |
| New York | Huge job market, diverse communities |
| Chicago | Big city at lower cost, good transit |
| Bay Area | Tech internships and startups |
| Raleigh-Durham | Research universities, moderate costs |
| Austin | Tech jobs, lively culture |
| Pittsburgh | Research universities, affordable |
| Ann Arbor / college towns | Close-knit campus life, lower rent |
What to weigh
- Internship and job opportunities in your field
- Rent and daily costs
- Transit, if you won’t drive
- Weather
- Community and cultural support
