Northeastern University

The main reason why I chose Northeastern over several other schools was the environment. By environment, I am referring not only to the great academics and vaunted co-op program, but the university’s urban location (which can be an education in itself) and diverse student population. Going to school in Boston is really exciting. There are so many things to do in terms of cultural activities (access to museums, historic sites, concerts, theater, etc.). And the diversity of the student body is simply amazing. Just about every race, religion, ethnicity, and income level is represented. I really couldn’t picture myself at some suburban or rural college in the middle of nowhere with a homogenous student body, and where the only thing to do was drink and then drink some more. This may be ok for some people but not me. I also knew that wanted to go to school that had a defined campus with at least some green areas. Most urban campuses are asphalt jungles with university buildings intermingled with other city structures. In other words, it’s difficult to see where the campus begins and ends. Northeastern’s campus is really nice for being in the middle of the city. The campus is mostly self-contained and has a number of green areas, including grassy mini quads, tree-lined red brick walkways, fountains, and sculpture gardens. The campus is also very safe.

After arriving on campus, Northeastern was everything I expected it to be and more. All my professors were excellent. Most profs took advantage of the city by taking students on various off-campus excursions like touring the Freedom Trail, the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, Gardner Museum, Boston Athenaeum, etc. But don’t expect any of the professors to hold your hand. The academic standards are very high at this school (esp. for honors students).

I found it easy to make friends in the dorms and in my classes. Most students were very friendly, especially upperclassmen. Everyone couldn’t wait to get their feet wet in the real world by going on co-op. And co-op did not disappoint

I made many life-long friends at Northeastern. I also grew to love the City of Boston with its gorgeous brownstones, beautiful parks, historic sites, museums, concert halls, old subways and trolley lines, and somewhat quirky neighborhoods. Northeastern was simply the perfect fit for me and if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t choose any other school. However, only you can decide if this is the right environment for you.