Towson University 

About: 

Founded in 1866,  Towson University is the second-largest university in the prestigious University System of Maryland, the 12th-largest public university system in the United States.  The backdrop for learning is TU’s beautiful 329-acre suburban campus, located eight miles north of Baltimore and less than an hour’s drive from Washington, D.C.  Towson University today is the fastest-growing university in the state of Maryland and a recognized leader in student learning, diversity and community service. There are thirty academic departments that make up eight different colleges in the university. There are over 300 societies and clubs to join . 

Contact at Towson:

studyabroad@towson.edu 

Highlights: 

Catering for roughly 22,000 students, Towson offers around 110 undergraduate degree programmes and 80 graduate degree programmes. Towson was placed in the top 10% of worldwide universities in the Center for Worldwide University Rankings in the 2020-21 academic year. 

Location: 

Towson University is located in Towson, Maryland, a suburb of Baltimore, in the heart of the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. TU is about an hour north of Washington, D.C., and three hours south of New York City. Located within walking distance of the TU campus is the college town of Towson, with tree-lined residential streets, restaurants, shopping and a branch of the public library.  Baltimore has a large international airport (BWI) and train station connecting Boston to D.C and the south. 

Courses / Modules: 

• Most courses and all departments are open to exchange students although some may require prerequisite confirmation. 

• The course catalogue serves as a general guide to the courses available. However, not all courses may be available in each term and some may be restricted.

Credit (Full-time Load per semester): 

Students should take 5 courses per semester at Towson (15 credits). Each course is worth 3 Towson Credits which in turn is worth 12 York Credits.

30 Towson 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: Late August to late December.  

Spring semester: Late January to late May. 

Language:

• Classes at Towson are taught in English. 

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

Accommodation: 

• Exchange students are strongly encouraged to live on campus.

• Check out Towson University's website for more information on the options available. 

• The deadlines to apply for housing are April 15th for fall semester and September 15th for the spring semesters. 

Support Services:

• Towson University has a CARE team for any issues concerning academics. 

• There is a counselling centre and a meditation centre. 

• There is an outpatient  health centre for minor injuires and testing.

Visas: 

• All incoming exchange students are required to obtain a J-1 student visa

• Towson will issue a DS-2019 visa document to students upon acceptance.

Medical Aid: 

All exchange students must:

•  purchase Towson's health insurance in order to meet US immigration health insurance requirement

• pay an immunisation fee

• complete required immunisations

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. 

This is a new exchange, so be one of the first students from York to experience Towson. However, we have had many students go on exchange to the US in prior years. Here are some stories from Drexel University in nearby 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." 

• Towson University

• Towson University Exchange Student Website

• 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

Click here to make a virtual appointment to speak to one of our advisors