Hello, Anonomous [sic]:

I You will need to have an accredited high school diploma or pass the GED exams. After that, you will probably also have to take some kind of entrance exams for your college.

The question is not so much how to get into uni, rather it was about the feasibility of simply showing up in some random state with no connection, no registration, no education and little money, and somehow not only surviving, but also enrolling in university.

Anonomous's bro wrote:

The question is not so much how to get into uni, rather it was about the feasibility of simply showing up in some random state with no connection, no registration, no education and little money, and somehow not only surviving, but also enrolling in university.

I did exactly that. I showed up at a completely random state (that I had never been to before), zero connections, only a passport (no driver's license, etc.), no formal education, and exactly $1,000 (which I used up in the first month for rent, food, and basic necessities). I survived and got my Bachelor's degree (best thing I have ever done).

One, very important bit of information I wished I had _before_ I moved to the US to go to university is that state universities are _much_ cheaper if you are a resident of that state. To become a resident is rather easy: As soon as you move to that state, get your first two utility bills (electric, phone, cable, etc.) from your new address and go to the nearest DMV for a license or ID card (they require the utility bills). You become a "resident" the minute you get your license or ID card. However, the university will not consider you a resident until you have spent at least one year in the state (one year after getting your license or ID card).

Since most schools start the academic year sometime around the end of August to the end of September, you will want to time your arrival in that state to sometime around the end of summer. That way, you will have a year to become a resident, get settled, etc. You also want to get your HS diploma/GED as soon as possible. Get your scores and apply to the local college early in the year (January or February; some schools have a deadline in December or before) if you plan on starting in August or September of that year.

Anyway, it is certainly feasible. It won't be easy and you will have to rough it out for a while, but, believe me, it is worth it!

I guess we are different. I enjoy challenges (the harder the better). I just jump in with very little hesitation. Sounds like your are maybe over-thinking this decision. Just do it! You will thank yourself later.

As for which city or state to choose: That is up to you. I chose a state where it would rarely, if ever get above 25 C (~80F), because I absolutely hate hot weather. I had a few other things I wanted that state to have and then just went for it. Pretty much every decent-sized city in the US has a college either in it or very nearby. I would recommend a city a little cheaper than San Francisco, as that can be daunting at first. However, if you want to live there and like the city, go for it.

Another thing: If you choose a college town, it is usually easy to find a house with roommates who are all in university or college. That way you will have very cheap rent and all the house amenities (furniture, kitchenware, etc.) minus the bed and food. It has can be a great way to meet people and maybe even make friends.