Charlie – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – USA
Semester 1, 2025
Bachelor of Games and Interactive Environments
Hey there! I’m Charlie, and I had the absolute privilege of completing my final semester abroad at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, nestled in the small college town of Troy in upstate New York. It was everything I dreamed of and ripped me out of my comfort zone for a journey filled with adventure and life.
Why Rensselaer?
One of the biggest reasons I chose RPI was its strong sense of community. I was drawn to the idea of experiencing a classic American college town with streets lined with frat and sorority houses, endless sports matches, and a close-knit, almost high school-like atmosphere due to the small cohort of students.
It also fit perfectly with my degree. I got to take game development courses that I didn’t have the opportunity back in QUT and connect with people working in the US games industry, which was a huge step up for my future career. There was plenty of ski slopes in the surrounding areas and it was an only quick two hour bus ride to the heart of New York City!
The Chilly Ups and Downs
I still remember stepping off the plane at Newark International Airport and immediately getting slapped in the face by the coldest breeze I’ve ever felt. That’s when it hit me, I traded the Australian brat summer for a full-blown American winter. But in all honesty, it was totally worth it!
From learning how to ice skate in New York’s capital, Albany, to playing rugby with the university team (and winning Beast of the East in Rhode Island), it was nonstop adventure.
I travelled to Washington, D.C. to see the monuments, got lost in the chaos of Times Square and Central Park, and even spontaneously flew to Puerto Rico with a group of girls I met up downtown during a bar meetup. One thing led to another, and I ended up DJing at a nightclub in San Juan and still experiencing a taste of summer.
Of course, I shot a couple of guns, tried all the famous greasy fast food I could get my hands on, Five Guys being my personal favourite. I could go on for yonks about all the different
activities I took part in. But one of my favourites was getting autographs from the cast of The Stranger Things after watching the Broadway in New York; The First Shadow!
There were definitely moments of loneliness or feeling out of place, but I reminded myself that there were always people around willing to help. Small talk can lead to great memories, so be open and ready to try new things or you might miss out.
And I won’t lie, sometimes I dreaded the cold. The feeling of frozen fingertips, watering eyes and walking on slippery ice to get to class wasn’t too pleasant at all. But you get used to it and adjust to the lifestyle. Making a snowman and partaking in a snowball fight in Central Park was a sacrifice worthy of one summer.
Some Cheeky Advice
The best decision I made? Living with other exchange students and saying yes to everything. Our house became a melting pot of languages, cultures, and food. To be frank none of them liked Vegemite, but they were ravenous for Tim-Tams. And the best part? Now I’ve got free places to stay all over the world so if you get the opportunity to stay with other like-minded exchangees, try and organise your stay with them together.
Pro tip: pack light, even if you’re going somewhere cold. I got most of my winter gear cheap from thrifting at Goodwill. You’ll find some real treasures in US thrift stores, especially if you’re going into an empty house. My Snoopy letterman jacket might be the best souvenir I brought home.
On the study side, be prepared for more homework and stricter attendance policies than you might be used to. There were times I was juggling online work and assignments while travelling, at times I found myself working on projects during my stay at hostels. So make sure your time management skills are up to date or you might miss out on some fun stuff.
One of the biggest mistakes I made was choosing difficult, time-consuming subjects for my studies. If you’re utilising your uni-wide electives, I’d recommend picking a lighter workload, it’ll free up more time to travel and experience everything around you. That’s my only real regret, sometimes I had to miss out on things I wanted to do because of the workload I had committed to, otherwise I still learnt a lot during my stay.
Wrapping Up
From the freezing streets of upstate New York to the warm shores of Puerto Rico, this semester gave me more than I ever expected to experience. I felt my confidence grow, and my fear of trying new things disappear. If you’re wondering whether going on exchange is worth it, please do yourself a favour and go. Travel as much as your heart desires. You won’t just get a new view of the world, you’ll get a new view of yourself, and memories you’ll hold on to forever.
Just be warned tears on the flight home are inevitable. Leaving behind the second family you made is never easy. I still miss them, along with the amazing Americans I grew close to. It’s sad to close that chapter of my life, but I’m grateful I had the chance to live like an American, just like the movies.
Find out more on how you can apply: Student Exchange
