About Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, the capital city of Louisiana, is an exceptional choice for international students looking to study in the United States. It boasts a thriving education hub that provides numerous opportunities for academic growth and development. Alongside its solid educational offerings, the city is also known for its dynamic culture, creating an environment that is enriching and captivating for students.
Top 10 Reasons to Study in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, United States, offers many exceptional advantages for students. Let’s explore some of the top benefits one can experience while studying in this captivating city.
Cost of Living:
Baton Rouge offers affordable living compared to many major cities in the U.S., making it an attractive option for international students. Housing, food, and other expenses can be significantly lower in Baton Rouge. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Baton Rouge is around 20% less than in New York City and 30% less than in San Francisco.
Quality education:
Baton Rouge boasts a selection of prestigious universities, such as Louisiana State University (LSU) and Southern University. LSU holds a spot among the top 100 public universities in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, it is a proud member of the renowned Association of American Universities. On the other hand, Southern University is a historically black institution that ranks among the leading HBCUs nationwide.
Diverse culture:
With its diverse culture, Baton Rouge serves as a melting pot for various cultural influences. The city’s vibrant arts scene and rich history contribute to its unique identity. Throughout the year, Baton Rouge hosts many festivals and events that celebrate its mixed heritage. These include the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival, the Baton Rouge Blues Festival, and the Baton Rouge Irish Festival, among others.
Opportunities for internships and co-op:
In Baton Rouge, there are abundant opportunities for internships and co-op programs. This vibrant city is home to renowned companies and organizations, including ExxonMobil, Dow Chemical, and the Louisiana State Capitol. As an international student, you can seize these opportunities to gain hands-on experience and forge invaluable connections.
Support for international students:
Several organizations and resources in Baton Rouge extend support to international students. One notable entity among them is the International Student and Scholar Services office at LSU. These valuable resources cater to a range of needs, from assisting with immigration paperwork to facilitating housing arrangements and aiding in the adjustment to life in the United States.
Outdoor Activities:
Baton Rouge provides a plethora of outdoor activities for students to engage in. From hiking and fishing to camping in the nearby state parks, there is something for everyone. Nature enthusiasts often visit the Louisiana State Arboretum for tranquil walks and enjoy picnics. For those seeking recreational areas, BREC parks and Baton Rouge Beach offer a wide array of activities, including swimming, hiking, and biking.
Sports:
Baton Rouge, a city known for its love of sports, is home to the Louisiana State University Tigers. This renowned football program is just one of the many sports teams that thrive here. International students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the exhilaration of college sports by attending games and showing their support for the Tigers. Additionally, Baton Rouge offers the Baton Rouge Rougarou, a minor league baseball team, and the Baton Rouge Blaze, a semi-professional football team, ensuring there is always a wide range of sporting events to enjoy.
Food:
Baton Rouge is renowned for its delectable and distinctive cuisine, boasting a fusion of Creole, Cajun, and Southern flavors. International students can delight in exploring the city’s diverse culinary landscape, where they can savor iconic dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish étouffée. Moreover, for those longing for a taste of home, Baton Rouge offers a wide array of international dining options.
Safety:
Baton Rouge boasts a welcoming atmosphere and a low crime rate, making it a secure city for international students to pursue their studies. Rest assured that the community is strong, and the police force is committed to ensuring safety.
Access to other Cities:
Conveniently situated near prominent southern U.S. cities like New Orleans, Houston, and Birmingham, Baton Rouge offers easy access for international students to explore different regions of the country during their studies.
Baton Rouge presents a remarkable and captivating study abroad experience for international students. This vibrant city offers a multitude of advantages, including an affordable cost of living, high-quality education, a diverse and rich culture, great internship and co-op opportunities, comprehensive support for international students, enticing outdoor activities, thrilling sports, delectable cuisine, a safe environment, and convenient access to other cities.
Consequently, it proves to be an exceptional destination for students seeking educational opportunities in the United States. Overall, Baton Rouge provides a distinctive and budget-friendly study abroad experience, ensuring top-notch education, exposure to diverse cultures, internship prospects, and unwavering support for international students.
Top universities and colleges in Baton Rouge, United States
Baton Rouge, the esteemed capital of Louisiana, boasts an array of premier universities and colleges that offer a diverse range of academic programs to international students.
Louisiana State University (LSU):
Louisiana State University (LSU) is a renowned public research institution, consistently ranked among the top 100 public universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. Offering a wide array of opportunities, LSU provides over 230 undergraduate and graduate programs spanning 14 diverse colleges and schools. With a solid global presence, LSU proudly welcomes students from more than 130 countries. To ensure a smooth and enriching experience, the university provides dedicated support through its International Student and Scholar Services office, catering to the unique needs of international students throughout their academic journey.
Southern University and A&M College:
Southern University and A&M College, a historically black university, hold a distinguished position among the top HBCUs in the United States. The institution boasts an impressive portfolio of over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs spanning six colleges and schools. Additionally, Southern University welcomes students from more than 30 nations, highlighting its strong international presence. To ensure the prosperity of its diverse student community, the university extends an array of support services through its specialized International Student Support Center.
Louisiana State University at Eunice:
Louisiana State University at Eunice is a two-year public college that forms a part of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. In their diverse offerings, they provide more than 40 associate degrees and technical diploma programs in various fields. Additionally, the college houses an International Student Services office that is dedicated to supporting and assisting students from around the world.
Baton Rouge Community College:
Baton Rouge Community College, a public two-year institution, offers an extensive range of associate degree and technical diploma programs across various fields. Moreover, the college boasts a dedicated International Student Services office that provides comprehensive support and assistance to students from around the world.
Southern University Law Center:
Southern University Law Center, a Southern University and A&M College constituent, is a renowned public law school. It has achieved a prominent position among the top law schools for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States. The institution offers an esteemed Juris Doctor degree program. Additionally, Southern University Law Center boasts a dedicated International Law Program, which provides robust support and assistance to students from around the world.
To summarize, Baton Rouge presents many academic opportunities for international students. It is home to esteemed universities and colleges that offer a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs. These institutions boast a robust global presence and provide dedicated support services for international students. Notable among them are Louisiana State University, Southern University, A&M College, Louisiana State University at Eunice, Baton Rouge Community College, and Southern University Law Center. These establishments stand as excellent choices for international students studying in Baton Rouge.
Top student accommodation Providers in Baton Rouge, United States
Baton Rouge, the capital city of Louisiana, warmly embraces international students with its friendly and inviting atmosphere. It offers a diverse range of accommodation options tailored to meet both their needs and budget.
Louisiana State University (LSU) Residence Halls:
Louisiana State University (LSU) offers a diverse range of on-campus residence halls to cater to the needs of their students. These include traditional dorms, apartment-style housing, and suite-style housing. Each residence hall is equipped with various amenities such as furniture, internet access, and laundry facilities. To provide continuous support and assistance to students residing on campus, LSU has a dedicated Office of Residential Life.
Southern University and A&M College Residence:
Southern University and A&M College provide a diverse range of on-campus residence halls to accommodate their students. These include traditional dormitories, apartments, and suites. Each residence hall is equipped with essential amenities like furniture, internet access, and laundry facilities. Moreover, the university’s Office of Residence Life is dedicated to supporting and guiding students living on campus.
Off-Campus Housing:
Baton Rouge provides a range of off-campus housing options for students, such as apartments, condos, and houses. These choices can be easily accessed through platforms like Rent College Pads, Zillow, and Apartment Finder. International students can also explore accommodation opportunities through local newspapers or online classifieds like Craigslist. Conveniently located near the universities, many off-campus housing options facilitate hassle-free student commuting.
Homestay:
When it comes to immersing oneself in the local culture and enhancing language skills, international students can opt for a homestay experience. In Baton Rouge, there are homestay providers that offer students a private room within a local family’s home, meals, and various amenities. Noteworthy providers such as Global Homestay Network and Homestay.com can assist students by providing a curated list of vetted families who are eager to host international students.
Short-term rental:
Short-term rentals, such as Airbnb and VRBO, are popular among international students seeking flexible and cost-effective accommodation options. These rentals cater to a variety of budgets, offering everything from shared rooms to entire apartments and houses.
Baton Rouge provides a diverse range of accommodation options suitable for international students, catering to their preferences and budgets. These include on-campus residence halls, off-campus housing, Homestay arrangements, and short-term rental choices. Notably, Louisiana State University Residence Halls, Southern University and A&M College Residence Halls, as well as various off-campus housing providers, Homestay hosts, and short-term rental providers, are widely regarded as top choices for international students in Baton Rouge.
