Which US state matches your personality?

PTE Author
PTE Author
[Asset] Two friends, students smiling
Reading time: 6 minutes

With 50 states to pick from, choosing where to study in the US can be overwhelming.  

There’s lots of information out there about the different universities and courses, but sometimes it just comes down to fit and feel. 

Whether you’re weighing up two different options or not sure where to start, we've matched some major states with personality types to help you find your perfect fit.  

1. California: The Free Spirit 

Are you creative, laid-back, and always chasing the next big trend? California might be your ideal destination. With its buzzing cities, beautiful beaches, and world-renowned tech scene, it's perfect for those who love variety and aren't afraid to think outside the box.  

If you’re at home in the water, then California is the state for you. Surfing is the official state sport and the consistent year-round swells mean it’s home to 29% of surfers in the US.   

There are more than 30 public colleges in the Golden State. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is the largest university in the state with almost half a million students a year between its 23 colleges.  

2. New York: The Go-Getter 

If you thrive in fast-paced environments and dream big, the Empire State could be calling your name.  

With multiple urban universities threaded throughout the concrete jungle, New York offers world-class opportunities in fields like finance, fashion, and the arts.   

It's ideal for ambitious types who love the energy of big city life. Over 800 languages are spoken in New York, making it the most linguistically diverse city in the world and the perfect home away from home.   

The State University of New York at Buffalo is the largest public university in New York, and it’s also home to big names like Cornell and Columbia.  

3. Texas: The Bold Adventurer 

For those with a big personality and an even bigger heart, Texas might be the perfect new home.  

The Lone Star State offers a unique blend of modern cities and cowboy culture. And when we say big, we mean big: with more than 30 million inhabitants over almost 700,000 km², Texas is larger than many countries, including France, Germany, and Japan! 

Texas A&M University is the largest university in the state, while the University of Texas at Austin takes the crown for the number one public university in Texas and 32nd best in the US.  

4. Massachusetts: The Academic 

Home to some of the world's top universities, Massachusetts is perfect for the intellectually curious. If you consider yourself a history geek and don't mind a little New England weather, this could be your scholarly paradise.  

Pick Massachusetts and you'll be studying in the birthplace of American sports — both volleyball and basketball were invented here. 

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the largest public university, but the state is also home to two of the global top five best universities: Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard.  

5. Florida: The Social Butterfly 

Do you live for sunny days, love meeting new people, and enjoy a good party? Florida might be your match.  

Don’t let the jokes about retiring to Florida fool you; the state capital, Miami, is known for its buzzing nightlife. With its beautiful beaches and famous theme parks, it's great for outgoing types who want to mix study and play.

The University of Central Florida in Orlando is one of the largest universities in the country. Alongside the University of Miami and Florida State University, that means Florida has three institutions that rank in the top 100 US universities.  

6. Colorado: The Nature Enthusiast 

If you're happiest outdoors and love staying active, consider Colorado.  

Home to the Rocky Mountains, its stunning landscapes, including the world's largest flat-top mountain (Grand Mesa, covering about 500 square miles), mean Colorado is ideal for those who want to hit the trails or slopes when they're not hitting the books. 

There are nearly 50 institutions to pick from in The Centennial State. Colorado State University is the largest in the state and University of Colorado Boulder is considered to be one of the leading public research universities in the US.   

7. Illinois: The Balanced Achiever 

If you're looking for a place that balances career prospects with a manageable cost of living and four distinct seasons, the Prairie State might be for you. Illinois offers a blend of Midwestern friendliness and big-city opportunities.  

Its state capital, Chicago, is one of the largest cities in the US. Perfect for those who want to combine big-city living with lazy lakeside days, the “Windy City” is right on the edge of Lake Michigan, one of the five “Great Lakes”.   

The state's largest university is the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and it’s also home to global #28, Northwestern University.  

8. Washington: The Tech-Savvy Innovator 

Are you passionate about technology, love a good cup of coffee, and don't mind a little rain? Washington state might be your perfect match.  

With its booming tech industry, stunning natural beauty, and eco-friendly mindset, it's ideal for forward-thinkers. The only state named after a US president, Washington is home to the world's first Starbucks, which opened in Seattle in 1971. 

The University of Washington in Seattle, the largest university in the state, is consistently ranked as one of the most innovative public universities in the world.   

Whether you’re happiest on a sun-drenched beach or exploring windswept mountains, catching a wave or catching up with a good book, there’s a state for you.  

These are just top-level introductions to some of the defining state characteristics. The best way to find your perfect match is to research thoroughly and, if possible, visit before making your decision. 

The US is an incredibly varied, diverse country, and whichever state you pick, we’re sure it will soon feel like home.  

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