When most people outside the United States hear the word New York, they immediately think of New York City. So much so that the name “upstate” was presumably invented to distinguish it from the rest of the state’s towns and cities. While New York Metropolis is certainly the most well-known city in the state, there is so much more to the lovely state than the famed Big Apple. New York is the 27th largest state in the United States, with 19.54 million residents, 932 towns, and 62 cities. Another interesting, albeit perplexing fact: New York State’s capital is Albany, not New York City.
International students might consider studying in upstate New York since there are numerous advantages, both academically and personally. Here are a few examples.
Affordability of living and high-quality education
New York State offers an exceptional public university system known as SUNY (State University of New York), which is the nation’s biggest comprehensive system of higher education, with 64 campuses serving nearly 1.3 million students across the state.
University at Buffalo is the largest SUNY campus. SUNY, which boasts a big and lively foreign student community, was placed #79 in US News Education’s Best Colleges 2020 for National Universities. Out-of-state tuition fees for international students are lower in SUNY colleges than in other states, making them a good value for money. In addition, the state has a number of excellent private universities, including Cornell University in Ithaca and Rochester Institute of Technology.
New York City is known for being pricey, but upstate New York is the polar opposite. The cost of living, such as rent and transportation, is substantially more reasonable in some cities.
Occupational prospects
For overseas students looking for work or internships in New York City, the competition can be fierce. Competition is less stiff in locations like Buffalo and Albany, and graduates have more opportunities. Because the state is so large and diverse, graduates have more options when it comes to applying for jobs and internships.
Everything in between: culture, nature, and everything in between
International students studying in New York State have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a distinct culture and natural environment unlike any other.
Buffalo, for example, has a vibrant arts and culture scene while still being near to the breathtaking Niagara Falls. Students at SUNY Buffalo can easily visit the Falls and the surrounding area by taking a 30-minute journey.
Upstate New York students appreciate the changing seasons and various types of weather as well. While winters in upstate New York can be harsh, they will almost certainly see snow (which will be a first for some international students, including this writer), magnificent changing colors in the spring and fall, and sunny summer days.
There is lots of cultural diversity in upstate New York, since immigrants from all over the world have settled down and built communities. This has resulted in a plethora of delectable and diverse cuisine, including the world-famous Buffalo hot wings.
The Finger Lakes, Panama Rocks Scenic Park, and the Adirondack Mountains are just a few of New York’s iconic and gorgeous landscapes.