What Students Say
Likes
- One of the best part of the campus was the food court near the lake. It was a peaceful spot where we could sit, eat, and just enjoy the view.
- I found all types of people study together without any racism, No violence in campus.
- As an Indian student, I really felt happy that the university celebrated Indian festivals like Diwali and Holi.
Dislikes
- We were allowed to take only 2 subjects per semester, which extended the course to 5 semesters.
- Each subject had just 8 classes, with only one class every two weeks, which felt too limited.
- Unlike other universities, we didn’t get city benefits like free public transport for students.
Course Curriculum
8
- It was actually good, not that hard. It was a mix of theoretical and practical. Every Subject will have 8 Classes. One class for 2 weeks, So after every class we need to submit 1 Discussion on Thursday and 1 Assignment on Sunday before 12 am. So Overall 8 discussions, 8 Assignments and 3 Exams like MCQs, and 1 Project. There will be 15 - 18 members for each Class. In Computer Science in our University, there will be around 90% Indian students.
Admission Experience
- I applied to five universities and received I-20s from Saint Leo University, Sacred Heart University, Western Illinois University, and Valparaiso University. Unfortunately, I was rejected by the University of South Florida because I didn’t submit IELTS or GRE scores—I had only taken the Duolingo English Test, which they didn’t accept. Finally, I joined Saint Leo University.
- The campus location and good professors are the main reasons why I chose this university, and they also give importance to sports as well. Admission process was very easy; you need to fill in all the details and upload your certificates after that you will get admission if you qualify for the criteria they provide. Then you need to show minimum funds to survive in the US, and Then they will provide an I-20. For Saint Leo University, in 2022 I have only Duolingo; they have accepted the Duolingo Test and I got a score of 120 in that. Overall, the admission process was very smooth; you just need a patience of a total of 2 months.
- I have applied for Fall 2022. I have had a thought to study abroad for so many years; finally it was done in 2022. It took me 2 months for the entire process from the application form to receiving the i20. After receiving the admission letter, you need to provide a bank statement for surviving in the US, which should be around 30 lakhs INR. Then, they will release the i20. Sometimes they even ask for $500 dollars for i20 again; it will be reimbursed.
Faculty
8
- It was actually good, not that hard. It was a mix of theoretical and practical. Every Subject will have 8 Classes. One class for 2 weeks, So after every class we need to submit 1 Discussion on Thursday and 1 Assignment on Sunday before 12 am. So Overall 8 discussions, 8 Assignments and 3 Exams like MCQs, and 1 Project. There will be 15 - 18 members for each Class. In Computer Science in our University, there will be around 90% Indian students.
Campus Life
8
- My University had only 1 campus. It had a big library, a football ground tennis club, a food court, auditoriums and first aid services. They celebrate Christmas, Diwali, Holi and more. Football and baseball matches take place on campus. There will also be student organisations like the Leo Student club and also the Indian students club as well. Every week there will be an event on the campus.
Part Time Jobs
- We can hardly get on-campus jobs; maybe 1 in 10 will get one. Pay will be like $15 per hour and work will be 40 hours per week. It will be somewhat hard to get on campus; you need to follow the on-campus website or contact the faculty every time. We can have jobs like helping students, like giving printed papers and helping students. They work under student advisors.
- Mostly Indian students earn $15 per hour in part-time jobs. It's somewhat difficult to get part-time; you need to approach them every time. Yes, you need to showcase your work and you need to submit your resume; then they will sort out all the resumes and call you back. A short interview takes place so if they find you good, they will call you back so that you will get a part-time job.
Placement
8
- These days finding a full-time job is very hard. I found only 30% of people will find full-time employment within 6 months. Average of $80k is the salary for a fresher. Students will approach companies through job portals like Google jobs, linkedin and more. I don't see any company hiring people from University. You need to be focused on getting a full-time job after graduating.
Accommodation
Off Campus
8
- Few of my friends who already live in Tampa provided me accommodation. I paid $500 as monthly rent. This includes power, water and pest control. For moving into the community, you need to pay the entire 1-month rent in advance.
- You can search in google and call the community or find friends over there and let them help you. My accommodation was around 50 miles distance from University. There will be only 2 days to go campus, so there is no issue; I can go in my friend's car.
Exams
- At that time, I didn't write any exam; I only had a Duolingo Test score, i.e., a score of 120 score. They require Statement of purpose, 2 LOR's and CV and B.tech Certificates. I had my work experience also. So I uploaded work experience documents also. This will have a good impact on getting admission. I don't have any interviews for the application process; I had only an interview for Visa.
Fees
- It charged as Subject wise, When the time I studied there totalled 10, 6 were on campus online. So, $2000 for every campus subject and $2500 for every online subject. With all charges like the library fee and all, It takes around $25000 for a whole campus education. Maybe for staying, food and college for 2 years, it costs around $45000 for 2 years.
Scholarship
- I didn't receive any scholarship. I think there is not much scope for scholarships for foreign students in this University. I don't see anyone getting a scholarship in my class. No one explained to us about scholarships in our university. I have seen one link in my mail to apply for a scholarship and that will be provided by some private companies but maybe those were only for a few US based students.
