The Costs of Studying Abroad

By Rosie Atkinson, Stony Brook University, USA

Engaging in a cultural exchange programme is a unique and exciting opportunity, although it is important to be prepared and organised, particularly regarding the costs of the experience. Upon signing up for a semester abroad in the United States, I felt as though I was naive to the costs that the programme would cost. As such, I have compiled a list of all the costs associated with my semester abroad at Stony Brook University, New York, United States, including the financial aid that I was lucky to receive. Note that the prices are likely to change over time so costs may be different for other students.

Visa Costs:

Photo booth visa photo – £10

Visa Application Fee – £155.40

SEVIS fee – $220

Trains to and from London embassy & overnight accommodation in London near embassy (various prices)

Accommodation and Food:

Single apartment (1 semester) – $6,831

Unlimited meal plan, ‘Wolfie standard’ – $3,150 (This was optional, different meal plans are available, or you could cook for yourself)

Note: Dining Dollars can be used to dine at any campus dining hall (with entry costs varying by time of day), purchase food at campus markets, or eat at on-campus restaurants. Meal swipes grant access to the two dining halls, where food is served throughout the day.

Stony Brook University Mandatory Fees:

‘Academic Excellence Fee’ – $312.50

‘College Fee’ – $137.50

‘Counselling and Health Fee’ – $224.50

‘Intercollegiate Athletic Fee’ – $315.75

‘International Student Service Fee’ – $160

‘International Student Health Insurance’ – $1,478.01

‘Med Evac and Repatriation Fee’ – $52.50

‘Recreation & Student Life Fee’ – $97

‘Technology Fee’ – $477.38

‘Transportation Fee’ – $231.50

‘Undergraduate Activity Fee’ – $106.50

(Note that the tuition fee was waived upon enrolment in the required amount of course credits)

Making these payments:

During my time on exchange, the deadline to complete the mandatory payments to Stony Brook was extended by one month to the 15^th February, late payments after this point were charged at $50 a month. The Stony Brook payments could be made in one lump sum or in 3 or 4 smaller payments (Time Option Payment Plan (TOPP)), although paying in instalments included an extra $50 fee. I recommend checking the website for updates to this as the dates/fees could change.