Cali1

hi everyone
I am from the suburbs of California, and i will be attending Northeastern in Boston this Fall. I want to know is it possible for a person who hasn't been away from home much and who hasn't lived in a big city, to assimilate into northeastern. I mean, I am excited to experience new things, but im also a bit scared if i can take up the challenge. Also is northeastern a school, that is easy to mix into? Can you guyz please help me!
thanks

aj16

Millions of people every year find themselves in the same situation you're in. I too am travelling half-way accross the world for the same reason. If everyone else can do it. I dont see why we cant.

applejack

My girlfriend moved to Boston from a small town that, suffice it to say, is far more isolated and "small" than the suburbs of California.

It was a little rough at first for her, but now she's like city girl extraordinaire.

That said - Boston is, in many ways, a small town. As far as big cities go, it's really not for some reason.

interesteddad

You'll do fine. Boston really is a small city and Northeastern is in a fine part of town, across the street from the Museum of Fine Arts and down the street from Symphony Hall. A few blocks from Harvard Medical School. Not too far from Fenway Park and Kenmore Square.

Seriously, I wouldn't worry about it. You'd have to go looking for trouble.

Chedva

Boston feels like a small town in a lot of ways because it's a collection of neighborhoods. The North End is very different from Back Bay, which is totally different than Allston/Brighton or Southie. You'll get to know them while you're there. And remember, much of Boston is composed of current college students or people who came to go to school and stayed. There will be many students like you here.

Optisrule

I'm in more or less the same situation with Northeastern, I will be attending this fall and I currently live in a town with about 10,000 people. I think we'll be fine

scansmom

It's not like you are really living in a "big city." You will be living in one building within a school community; the "bigness" of the city will only effect you as much as you want it to effect you (ie, it depends on how much you choose to venture away from your school community. And the nice thing is that you can explore the rest of that big city at your own pace; it will not even be part of your world at first, unless you want it to be).

So instead of worrying about the size of the city and how you will adapt to that, focus on how you will get to know your school community - spend time preparing yourself this summer, familiarize yourself with campus maps, identify ECs you might like to get involved in, etc. This is also how you will discover ways to fit it, by learning what the school has to offer you and how you can become an involved part of it. At orientation this summer you will also have a chance to explore the campus more. By preparing yourself first for the transition to your new school, as best you can, you will be much better prepared to deal with other new experiences in this city, as they arise.

(I speak as a parent of a current student - from the midwest - who has Asperger's, so the whole transitioning process was especially important - and helpful - for him. And he LOVES the school)

Cali1

thank you everyone for your comforting responses, I feel, much better now.
But, I heard from someone that the people at northeastern are really snobby, and in their own cliques, is that true? do u really have to be aggressive at northeastern to make your way around?
please help me!
thanks

drb

Socially, college is like HS, but bigger. There are snobs, jocks, geeks, stoners, theater kids, etc. You will find people you like and people you can't stand.

What will be different for you is not school-specific but geographical. Compared to suburban Cali, you will likely find people less friendly and more sarcastic. They will also talk faster. Do not be put off, that is just how it is, and, once you have made friends, they will be there for you for life. So, yeah, the first few week will be a big adjustment, but get yourself a Red Sox hat, don't laugh at the accents, stay positive, and you will be fine (at least until winter).

midwesterner

You should also get yourself a good map of the city and study it. You'll need to know where things are, and how to get to them on foot or by public transportation.

My nephew really enjoyed Boston during his years at Northeastern, so much that he is staying in the area. He had a couple of great co-op positions, and several job offers right out of school.

srabiee90

haha, I sort of have the same problem. I'm moving to LA in August. I'm not exactly from the boons- I live in a suburb of Kansas City - but it will still be an adjustment

Cali1

thank you everyone for ur opinions. Are the winters really bad though? Cuz in Cali, the worst is like 50 degrees, and thats extreme.

katliamom

Cali, the weather will be a shock... just keep telling yourself "I didn't move to Boston for the weather... I didn't move to Boston for the weather... I didn't move to Boston for..." That said, it's an opportunity to get some REALLY cute winter clothes! (Smile.)

Another Boston drawback: lousy mexican food. Eat it up before you leave LA and bribe someone back home to fedex you some el pollo loco from time to time. That said, the Italian food is to die for.

dke

Just the fact that you were open minded and curious to apply and accept says that you're going to get alot out of it. Buy a good down jacket from Land's End and you won't feel the cold. (no flip flops, either, except for a few months!) Boston is "college city" and I'm jealous!

drb

Don't forget the obligatory Northface fleece. And Katliamom is right about the Mex, altho you won't be far from one of the few passable taquierias in town: El Pelon (in the Fenway - a phrase you will soon understand).

Also, you will finally have real pizza (not the soggy tomato-goosh sprout-laden food pie that is called pizza on the Left Coast).

Welcome to Beantown! Now start studying the Red Sox roster- there will be a quiz.