Study Abroad destinations
State University of New York Potsdam
Potsdam, New York
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Founded in 1816 as the St Lawrence Academy, the State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges and the oldest institution in the State University of New York (SUNY) system.
The college has quickly grown and became a leader in creativity, applied learning and educational excellence. The State University of New York, Potsdam is located alongside the Raquette River. New York City is approximately a 7 hour drive to Potsdam. With the Adirondacks to the south and the major metropolitan cities of Ottawa and Montreal to the north, there’s no better place to embark on your educational journey.
With a population of just under 10,000 people, Potsdam is a classic college town with a vibrant community.
What you can study
| Course | When you can study |
|---|---|
| Graphic Design BA | 2nd year, Semester 2 |
| Fine Art BA | 2nd year, Semester 1 or 2 |
| Music BA | 2nd year, Semester 1 |
| Sociology BA | 2nd year, Semester 1 |
| Criminology BA | 2nd year, Semester 1 |
| Musical Theatre BA | 2nd year, Semester 1 |
| Community Music BA | 2nd year, Semester 1 |
| Criminology with Police Studies BA | 2nd year, Semester 2 |
Academic information
Choosing your modules
You will need to gain the following credits from your modules:
- Semester 1: 12 to 15 credits per semester
- Semester 2: 24 to 30 credits per year
You can see module options in the SUNY Potsdam module catalogue.
Academic calendar
The academic year is split into 2 semesters:
- Semester 1: Late August until late December
- Semester 2: Early January until mid May
For a full list of dates, visit the SUNY Potsdam academic calendar.
Accommodation
Accommodation abroad
You are guaranteed accommodation while you are abroad. You will likely have to share a room.
The costs, based on the 2023/24 academic year, are:
- £1660.83 for Semester 1 - payable in October to York St John University
- £1660.83 for Semester 2 - payable in January to York St John University
More details are available on the SUNY Potsdam housing pages.
Accommodation in York
If you study abroad for 1 semester, you are guaranteed York St John University accommodation for the semester you are in York.
Costs and visas
Funding
Funding is available to help you with study abroad costs. Please see our Funding page for more details.
Additional costs
This information is about additional costs of studying at this host university. Please be aware that prices are subject to change, and the list may not be exhaustive.
We recommend looking at the host website, as well as entry requirements for the country, to get a full understanding of the costs involved.
All study abroad students will be charged the following fees on arrival:
- College fee: $25
- Activity fee: $100
- Athletic fee: $215
- Health fee: $206
- Technology fee: $219.50
- Transportation fee: $20 (this helps cover the cost of the Bear Bus that can take the students all over Potsdam and the surrounding towns)
- Fitness Center fee: $25.50
- Career Services fee: $10
A meal plan is mandatory for residential students. The costs vary between $2,375 to $2,900 per semester depending on the meal plan. This is payable to the State University of New York, Potsdam.
More information about the meal plans are on the SUNY Potsdam website.
Visas
Please make sure you have an up to date passport that expires no earlier than 6 months after you intend to return.
You will be provided with guidance and documentation from the partner university but it will be your responsibility to obtain the correct visa. Neither the Study Abroad team here or at the partner university are qualified to offer consultations or detailed advice regarding visa applications. Immigration laws are complex and subject to frequent changes.
If you do have any visa-related questions you will need to contact the appropriate Embassy directly.
An overview of the student visa can be found on the US Department of State website.
The approximate cost of a US visa is $340, plus the cost of travel to the US Embassy in London.
