Fashion Institute of Technology (SUNY FIT) 

About:  Located in New York City, in Midtown Manhattan, the Fashion Institute of Technology offers 17 majors in art, business, design, mass communication and technology related to the fashion industry. It is part of the State University of New York network. The university was founded in 1944. 

Contacts at FIT:

Contact studyabroad@fitnyc.edu for more information. 

Highlights:  Niche.com ranks FIT the tenth best public college in New York State, based on a comprehensive assessment of U.S. colleges based on millions of statistics and student reviews. The University has had several famous alumni in the fashion industry, including Calvin Klein. 

Location: Located in New York City, on 27th Street, you will have the opportunity to study right in the heart of the big apple. 

Courses / Modules: 

• Information on the courses available for History of Art at FIT can be found in the course catalogue

• Students should consult with their departments/international coordinator regarding module selection.

Credit (Full-time Load per semester): 

 15 FIT credits = 60 York credits 

Therefore you should take 30 FIT credits a year to equal 120 York credits

Teaching Periods:

Fall Term - Late August to Mid December

Spring Term - Mid January to Mid May

Language:

• Classes at FIT are taught in English.

• You may be required to provide evidence of your English language ability if English is not your first language. 

Accommodation: 

There are on-campus and off campus housing options available, more information about these options can be found on FIT's website. 

A $500 non-refundable deposit is required when students submit their housing application. It is not an additional fee and will be credited toward the total housing charges.

Exchange students are typically assigned to Coed, or Nagler Hall. All three are located on 27th Street. Meal plans are mandatory, since kitchen facilities are not available in these residence halls. Estimated cost for housing with meal plan is around $9,700 to $13,000 (single rooms) per semester. 

Cost of Living etc

Cost of living in New York. 

Check costs for mandatory health insurance coverage at SUNY FIT.

Support Services: 

• Disability support services are available to help those with disabilities. 

• The Counseling Center: Helps students' with mental health needs, including individual and group therapy

• International Student Services: Assists international students with visas, adjusting to life in campus, and other issues

• Student Health Insurance: Information about health insurance requirements, health insurance waiver, and the mandatory health fee. 

Visas: 

Information from the FIT International Student Services  Information on the expected proof of finance for visa applications.

Medical Aid: 

Student Health Insurance is mandatory and is provided by the university. 

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. 

• SUNY FIT

• SUNY FIT  Visiting and Exchange Students

• Foreign Commonwealth Office Advice

• Numbeo - cost of living comparison site

• Expatistan - cost of living comparison site

• US Embassy FAQ's Travel and Visas

Global Opportunities - Find us in Derwent College

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter @GoGlobalUOY

Email global-opportunities@york.ac.uk to make an appointment with one of our advisors.

This is a new exchange, so be one of the first to experience the Fashion Institute of Technology. For a taste of what studying in a US city is like, have a look at some student stories from Drexel University in Philidelphia below:

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."