NEU student here - I think that you have some very valid concerns and some that are probably misplaced - I’ll try to address them -
The thing is that I’m just not excited to go there?!
Cons:
In terms of school spirit, NEU doesn’t have that classic spirit you’re looking for, but they are very proud of the school. The unique academic model is something that everyone shares in - your assessment is more or less accurate, but I wouldn’t say there was no spirit at all, just a different form. That doesn’t necessarily make it better for you.
The thing about NEU, and really any college in Boston, is that Boston is your campus - students don’t live 24/7 on campus, they go out regularly and use the city. It’s a very big part of social life.
The campus isn’t really small - I think that while it is smaller than others, no matter what school you go to, you’re going to know most / all of campus by the end of your first year - the expectation that you will discover new things over campus through your time is unrealistic for any school - you would probably have the same feeling at BC after a year. I think that’s important to realize.
Honestly, part of the reason I love NEU is because you have Boston, and that is what we explore and constantly discover new things in. I’m actually just getting back from a morning out in Boston, eating breakfast, and exploring a few new neighborhoods and walking through downtown with a friend.
If you aren’t a city person, what are you looking for? Genuine question to see if you may be able to find it in Boston, even if you aren’t a city person.
Socially, people are very independent, but everyone has their close friend groups who they hang out with, party with, and go out with. Co-op does have its social effects, but many on co-op stay in Boston and will still be around in the evenings - since everyone does co-op, it doesn’t interrupt friendships - people know that someone may leave for co-op but will join right back in when they’re back on campus.
I don’t know why you assume you room with the same people, but the LLC’s in freshman housing can help exactly that. You can choose one that has absolutely nothing to do with your major - As a CS student, I chose Musical Motifs and had an amazing time and now have plenty of friends not in my major. I’ve never really seen friend groups by major be a hindrance or too common.
As a pre-med student, you’re going to have some large classes, but professors are very easy to connect with here. I think I have spoken personally with nearly every single professor in every single class - some I still keep in touch with for various reasons.
Neuroscience has plenty of research, but Boston is a huge medical hub - there are a lot of co-ops working in hospitals all over Boston, and labs of course too. If you prefer hospitals, you’re going to have plenty of options still.
Hopefully, that helps and puts some of your concerns to rest - that said, you do have some very obvious differences in preferences with what NEU offers. I’ve had an amazing time here, but I absolutely love cities, and Boston is one of my favorites. Socially, I have felt very at home though and absolutely feel like I have gotten the college experience - it’s just not as classic as other colleges, which I see as a positive, but is not for everyone - you have to decide if you’re good with it yourself, hence this internal conflict.
All that said, the difference between NEU / BC monetarily is staggering and IMO, not worth it. Do you have any other options? Depending on which UMass, you would get a much closer college experience to BC there and would be a plenty fine option for premed.
If you feel that BC will be depressing, and don’t feel as if you have specific questions on BC, skipping the welcome day may be best - if you have any cheaper options, that is where I would be looking to compare to NEU.
If you have any specific questions about those responses or any more, ask away!