Level Undergraduate
Language/s English
Agreement Scope Law
Exchange Places 2 full year places for Law students for 2027/28
About:
Founded in 1906, Suffolk University is a dynamic, private research institution known for its focus on experiential learning, global engagement, and community impact. With an international student body representing over 100 countries, Suffolk offers a transformative academic experience where the historic city of Boston serves as an extension of the classroom.
Highlights:
Urban & Experiential Learning: Study in small classes led by industry-leading faculty, with direct access to internships, government institutions, and major corporate hubs.
Academics: Composed of the College of Arts & Sciences, the Sawyer Business School, and Suffolk University Law School.
Global Community: Recognised for its high diversity, making up one of the most international campus communities in the United States.
Location:
Suffolk University is situated in the heart of Downtown Boston, nestled between historic Beacon Hill and Government Center.
Campus Footprint: An open, urban campus integrated into the downtown area—just steps from the Massachusetts State House, Boston Common, and the Freedom Trail.
Getting Around: Public transit is right at your doorstep. Nearby MBTA ("T") subway stations—including Park Street, State Street, and Government Center—connect you quickly to every neighborhood in Boston and Cambridge.
Courses / Modules:
List of modules available to York students. There are enrolment restrictions for certain subject areas, and York students are advised to refer to the webpage when deciding on the appropriate study plan.
The letter prefix (e.g., ACCT, BIO, ARH) indicates the department or subject area offering the course—such as Accounting, Biology, Art History, etc. The first digit typically represents the academic level: 1xx - Freshman level; 2xx - Sophomore level; 3xx - Junior level; 4xx - Senior level; 5xx and above - Graduate level.
Average academic entry requirement: 60%. Check the partner’s entry requirements for incoming exchange students as this may vary by academic subject.
Credit (Full-time Load per semester):
You must take a full credit load while on exchange.
30 Suffolk credits = 120 York credits
This has been calculated by the University of York and students should not compare it with the requirements of other universities. Taking insufficient credits can lead to students failing the year. Any alteration to credits/modules must be discussed with your department prior to making any changes.
Teaching Periods:
Fall semester: August to December.
Spring semester: January to May.
Language:
Classes at Suffolk are taught in English.
You may be required to provide evidence of your English language ability if English is not your first language.
On-Campus Residence Halls: Suffolk offers modern, suite-style, and apartment-style residence halls (such as 10 West Street and Smith Hall) located within walking distance of academic buildings. On-campus housing includes 24/7 security, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and live-in support staff. Note: On-campus space for incoming exchange students is limited and assigned on a rolling basis, so early application is strongly encouraged.
Off-Campus Housing: Many exchange and visiting students opt for off-campus apartments in nearby student-friendly neighborhoods such as Beacon Hill, the North End, Back Bay, or Allston. Suffolk’s Off-Campus Housing Office provides resources, landlord listings, and roommate-matching support to assist your search.
Orientation / Welcome week:
Before classes begin, all international and exchange students participate in mandatory International Student Orientation.
What to Expect: Campus tours, course registration guidance, social mixers, city excursions, and sessions on navigating U.S. academic culture and maintaining immigration status.
RAM Supporters: You will be paired with peer mentors (RAM Supporters) who help you settle into campus life, find your classrooms, and discover Boston's best spots.
Support Services:
Suffolk provides comprehensive resources to ensure you thrive personally and academically during your study abroad:
International Student Services Office (ISSO): Your primary resource for visa compliance, travel endorsements, and cultural adjustment support.
Counseling, Health & Wellness (CHW): Confidential mental health support, individual counseling, and wellness workshops available on campus.
Visas:
You may need a visa to study in USA. If you are a UK National you must refer to the travel advice page for USA and its living in the USA guide to check on any visa requirements, and raise any queries directly with the relevant embassy/consulate. If you are not a UK national you should check equivalent advice for your home country.
All incoming exchange students are required to obtain a J-1 student visa.
Suffolk will issue a DS-2019 visa document to students upon acceptance.
Travel insurance:
If you are approved by the University of York to participate in this program, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries. You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange.
Health insurance:
Suffolk University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP): The Commonwealth of Massachusetts mandates that all full-time higher education students maintain comprehensive health insurance. Incoming exchange students are automatically enrolled in Suffolk's qualifying health plan to cover doctor visits, emergency care, and prescription medication.
This is a new exchange, so be one of the first students from York to experience Suffolk. However, we have had many students go on exchange to the US in prior years. Here are some stories from Drexel University in Philadelphia.
Ruby, PEP, Year Abroad 2019/20
"My time abroad almost seems like a dream! My experience was filled with rich memories of exploring Philly, the pleasure of meeting extended family, karaoke(!) and life long connections with kind friends within a beautiful and crazy city. I can't tell how I have changed, but I have definitely learnt tonnes about myself- I love adventure and I now understand the importance of living life to the fullest and taking every opportunity- but also balancing that with rest. If I stayed in York I'm sure I would have had a great time with continuing friendships I made in first year, but I would not have been exposed to the multitude of cultures and viewpoints that I encountered in Philly. In Philly I challenged myself socially and academically, all without the safety net of home being nearby or the familiarity of Britain. I also discovered a greater passion for my degree where before I lacked in enthusiasm. I think this came from the increased number of classes I was able to choose. I will have taken 12 in total by the end of this academic year, whereas if I had stayed in York I would have taken between 6-8 modules. Being exposed to many new ideas I now feel more secure in my academic skills. In terms of difficulties I am struggling to remember them! I found it difficult moving accommodation between 1st and 2nd quarter. I had to make new connections with 6 more flatmates and say goodbye to my old room mates. This was hard but also exciting and I enjoyed getting to know my new flatmates who studied at UPenn. I also remember feeling isolated from my friends back at home a couple times and I had to ride through those emotions. Overall I have returned from Philly with the imprint of precious memories and relationships on my heart and despite the sudden departure and lack of goodbyes I am so glad I went."
Clara, History of Art, Year Abroad 2019/20
"This year has definitely been challenging and enriching. I learned to be more independent and I am more aware of my mental well-being and strive to improve it. I made friends from different or similar backgrounds which enriched this experience as much as the academic aspect of it. I explored different landscapes, I saw masterpieces in museums and I overcame my fear of the subway (although I'm still not a fan). I was anxious at first to be in such a big city but I think it is something we should all experience at some point. This experience has given me a new perspective on the world, maybe less idealized but just as beautiful."
Aman, Politics, Year Abroad 2018/19
"Now that I have returned to the UK, the experience of studying in the US and at Drexel has been a great and worthwhile experience. An experience that I will remember and reflect on throughout my life and career. Studying abroad has improved my communication skills and significantly improved my organisation and work ethic. The experience has taught me to travel more and taught me how to learn from and benefit more from a global perspective; allowing me to experience a different culture and environment. The main difficulty that I had encountered would indeed be the differing academic environment at Drexel. The work load at Drexel was indeed intense and a lot more than the work load I had at York the previous year. With quizzes, exams, essays and readings to complete for numerous courses at Drexel. However, I believe this difficulty proved to be helpful and a learning curve at the end and throughout my time at Drexel. It has indeed improved my work ethic and allowed me to study more effectively and learn how to organise my study time. This improved work ethic and study skills will be a great asset during my final year at York. Drexel has been a once in a lifetime opportunity and the friends I have made and the skills I have learnt and developed will stay with me throughout my life."
Please note: these tips have been provided by students who have studied abroad in the USA - Global Opportunities recommends that you use these as a guide only and do your own research on what is best for you.
Money and Banking:
'REVOLUT - cannot recommend this enough. Allows for free currency conversions and transfers into US bank accounts. It is cheaper even than Transferwise. The best way to pay bills to the university is to pay Flywire with a domestic US bank transfer through Revolut.'
'I used my UK or French bank accounts and I opened a bank of America account .......'
'I used a Revolut Card which had a really good exchange rates. But I didn't open up a new Bank account '
Staying Connected:
'I bought a sim from AT&T.....It was a monthly contract that could be cancelled at any time, so it's good for international students. I know some other [students] who either only used WiFi (there's wifi all around campus and it's usually reliable) or who changed their usual contract to an international one. '
'Pretty much every exchange student used Mint Mobile. Not all phones work on US frequencies though, so I bought a Google Pixel 3a which works everywhere. '
'At first, I got a new SIM card but it wasn't compatible with my European phone (due to the software or something). I then borrowed a phone from one of my American relatives. '
Food:
(Drexel University) 'I was on campus and I had a dining plan so I mostly got food in the university's dining facilities. '
(University of Denver) 'A micro fridge is a worthwhile investment for snacks and drinks outside of mealtime!'.
Paperwork and bureaucracy:
'The most tedious thing was getting the visa sorted, but after that most of the paperwork was easy to get done. You might feel like you've forgotten to do some things, but chances are you haven't and they'll send a reminder if you did. '
'Be patient, keep a well labelled folder, email when feeling stressed and your not sure what to do. The main thing is keeping in mind that the paperwork will end and once you arrive at our host country everything is easier face to face. '
'Be meticulous and create checklists. Get all the paperwork necessary for visas etc. before even beginning the process of applying. Flights do not necessarily get more expensive as the travel date gets closer. They can go down too (I booked a flight to NYC to save money before the Philly flight halved in price so I should have just waited) '
What I wished I'd known...:
'Research accommodation a bit more. Expect delays with communication. Expect the mundaneness of normal day to day living- expectation management is a useful skill. All the feelings are very normal! '
'How much it costs! I was happy to pay for the flights even though they're expensive, but having to buy 4-5 books for every module adds up quickly, especially when some of them are $50+ ....... Other things are more expensive too, like clothes, which can cost twice as much as they would here even after converting it. '
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