University Eliminator — How to Choose the Best Course for You?

The quickest way to eliminate universities from your large list is by going through their course structures. Some courses might be too research-oriented, some might focus on physical prototyping or form development, and some might venture into entirely different routes, such as teaching the business of design. This is where you have to decide which path you want to take.

Another way to quickly understand which university is right for you is by reviewing the portfolios of alumni and current students. You can get a clear picture of what the university expects from its students by looking at the work their student body produces. If portfolio projects are research and design strategy-oriented, you can expect to be doing a lot of that yourself.

These course structures can often be difficult to navigate and understand. Understanding each college’s credit structure could be another task entirely. It is best to get on calls with current students and admission advisors to quickly get your doubts cleared. Most people are more than happy to assist you and even hop on calls with you.

Combating the Ever-Increasing Tuition Fee

Choosing a university that fits your budget is crucial. Often, admission is based on the availability of complete funds. Moreover, the last thing you want is to fly and settle thousands of miles away only to spend your time doing 3–4 part-time gigs instead of networking, completing assignments, and enjoying the new culture and country.

Scholarships

ALWAYS ASK FOR SCHOLARSHIPS after you receive your offer letter! Most of them are awarded based on merit and your experience. A pro tip: you can negotiate your scholarship and explain how the tuition fee might be out of your range and how this scholarship could help you in your design journey.

Location is Key

Along with the course structure and university reputation, the location of the university plays a huge role in networking, staying safe, and having fun during your studies.

Cost of Living

Some cities are much more expensive than others. I graduated from SCAD, situated in Savannah, which was at least twice less expensive in rent alone compared to cities like New York or San Francisco. This can play a huge role in how you plan your education or how many on-campus or part-time jobs you take up.

What helped me find and compare housing was joining university student groups on Facebook, searching apartments on Zillow, Trulia, and Apartments.com, and forming groups to search for places before even reaching the States.

IRL Networking

One of the most important reasons for doing a master’s is being able to meet and talk with designers from top studios and companies, giving yourself a higher chance of being hired. Location plays a huge role in this. For me, there were no ID studios in Savannah, and the nearest ones were situated in Atlanta. In comparison, the high density of studios concentrated in San Francisco meant that CCA students might have a better time connecting with industrial designers.

Try to understand which universities might offer more avenues to attend design events and meet fellow peers, as this plays a significant role in your job search down the line.

Travel and Safety

Some universities convert a town into a student town, and these places are often safe to live and commute within. Staying in Savannah was a breeze, with minimal worries about safety. They had college shuttles and free late-night cabs for added peace of mind while working late sanding those 3D printed prototypes.

Ask university students about which locations and times to avoid, and use services like Neighbourhood Scout to roughly outline where you might want to live.

VISA Limitations

Now to some paperwork. Selecting a design course and university often depends on whether the course is a STEM course (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Not all design fields fall under this umbrella, so you should have a detailed talk with your admission advisor to understand where your course stands and what benefits or drawbacks you might have.

On to some more technical stuff. If your course is a STEM course, you get 1+2 years of OPT (Optional Practical Training) work authorization. This means you can stay and work in the USA for a total of 3 years, provided you are employed (there are many terms and conditions for this, so be sure to bombard your advisor with questions).

If your course is not a STEM program, you can stay in the States only for a year before needing to leave (different countries have different rules; these are the US rules).

Housekeeping

Close your eyes and imagine with me for a minute — you applied to the design university of your choice, you received an offer letter with a hefty scholarship, your VISA process went smoothly, flight tickets were cheap too, and you arrive in the US and realize, oh crap — the journey begins now!

To avoid crashing and burning on your first day in the States, let’s see what you can do to make the transition as seamless as possible.

Facebook Groups Are the Charm

Soon after your admission is confirmed, join university student groups on Facebook to search for room-sharing opportunities, buy second-hand furniture, and look for roommates. I found my roommates from India itself, and it was easier to find places together.

Virtual House-Hunting

Zillow, Trulia, and Apartments.com should become your Instagram, Twitter (yes, I still call it Twitter), and Reddit. Try setting up virtual viewings with real estate managers and start discussing lease start dates and rent negotiations — this process can be as painful as dating.

Banking and Phone Numbers

Figure out which bank you want to open an account with, and try to set an appointment with them on your first day (no one accepts cash here, trust me, I tried). Try to get your debit card delivered as soon as possible.

If you have a strong group of friends, you could all start a mobile line with T-Mobile or Verizon, or just trust Ryan Reynolds and get Mint Mobile for your phone (it is the cheapest prepaid cell line — get this done on your first day as well).

The Start of a New Chapter

Most colleges start their academic year in September (Fall), and if you are reading this in June, it’s too late for this year. But don’t lose hope. Some colleges, like SCAD, have rolling intakes, where students can start their degree with a bit more flexibility.

The reason you need to care about this is that applying for a VISA can be a cumbersome process, and the sooner you start, the better.

Pilot — Episode One

If you have followed this article as a map, accepted an admission offer letter, obtained a Student VISA, booked flights, and are on the verge of flying to the US, I want to congratulate you. This was no easy task. I also want to wish you the best for some of the most fun yet challenging times of your life ahead.

Confidence is key at this time. Enroll in city tours as you arrive, take part in student mixers, and meet up with people who helped you along the way. The quickest way to acquaint yourself with a place is to form friendships and tour the area.

If you have followed this article, you should be good!