The Basics
Why Choose Northeastern?
A+ Features
Needs Improvement
New Collegiette On Campus
All About Academics
Learn From the Best
Interests & Involvement
Team Spirit
Girl Power
Food & Drink
Social Scene
Dorm Life
Exploring Boston
Learn More!
The Basics
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Funding: Private
Undergraduate Size: 18,579
Percentage of Women on Campus: 37%
Tutition (Total): $54,226
Most Popular Majors: BSBA (Business), Communications, Pharmacy, Nursing, Political Science, Criminal Justice, Psychology
Greek Life: Yes
Acceptance Rate: 35%
For more information about financial aid, scholarships, majors, study abroad, and average test scores, visit Northeastern's website here!Why Choose Northeastern?
“I really wanted a city school. If you want to be in the heart of a city, Northeastern is the right place for you. It is less than five minutes from Fenway Park and only a T ride away from tourist spots, downtown, or the North end. That was a large contributing factor to my reason."
“The co-op program is unparallel to any other undergraduate program in this country. I wanted to come to Northeastern to get work experience and hands - on learning that no one else who I knew from my hometown who were going to other colleges would. It is great preparation for the real world.”
“When I went on my campus tour, all of the students seemed so happy and nice. Everyone I passed was very excited to be there. Also, everyone I talked to was very passionate about what they were involved in and where they would end up in five years.”
“Northeastern has been swiftly rising through the ranks in the past decade or so. I really liked the progress the business school has made in the recent years. It seems like it is becoming a very prestigious program that a lot of companies recognize post graduation. I wanted the opportunity to be a part of it.”
A+ Features
“I really like how all the students are extremely involved in organizations on campus and passionate about their interests. Everyone here is really driven.”
“Location, location, location. I love being in walking distance of Fenway, Newbury Street, Copley, and the Commons.”
“Northeastern doesn’t have too many traditions, but the Underwear Run on Parents Weekend is always a fun time! Also, I like to rub the husky’s nose in Ell Hall before midterms and finals. The Gingerbread Contest and Pumpkin Carving contests by NUDining are also really fun to participate in or watch. They put you in the holiday spirit.”
“Marino Fitness Center is one of the best gyms I have ever seen! I love the track and the Group Fitness classes. Intramurals are really fun too and a great way to make more friends.”
“Both faculty and students want to see everyone succeed. Everyone is very supportive of one another.”
“I really like the presence of many international students on campus. It’s given me a new perspective on things that I don't think I could have gotten at a lot of other universities.”
Needs Improvement
“Northeastern is an expensive school and the catches in your scholarships and financial aid packages can be frustrating.”
“The dining options in Curry Student Center need to be updated. The options are not very healthy for the most part. Also, it sometimes smells weird.”
“Although I love the emphasis on experiential learning and the workplace, I think a little more of a liberal arts focus could give me more perspective in what I study.”
“Northeastern Shuffle between advisors and Rebecca’s in the afternoon on a weekday is impossible. They need to expand the restaurant because people can’t fit.”
New Collegiette On Campus
“Freshman year was amazing. Boston becomes your playground and Northeastern holds a lot of events to integrate you into both the classes and the city. These events also are really good for making friends. I would advise living in Stetson East, Stetson West, or Speare Hall. That is where the Freshmen Quad is and there are so many events going on in that area throughout the year.”
“Go into Orientation with an open mind. Some of the people I met at Orientation are my roommates and best friends. Others I never really saw again or lost touch with over time. Not everyone you meet the first day will be the people you talk to forever. I still make new friends every semester here.”
“Freshmen year I mostly knew freshmen. However, by sophomore year I became more involved in organizations and had e-board positions with upperclassmen. I really like getting to know older kids because they can give you advice on cool places in Boston that you may not know about as well as co-op and classroom tips!”
“Everyone here is so outgoing. It is really easy to make friends if you are a first year, a transfer student, or NUin.”
All About Academics
“Northeastern is not an easy school. However, with time management and hard work, everything is manageable. Always make sure to go to your professors’ office hours. That always really clears things up for me and your professors will remember that you took the time out to talk to them and are making a real effort with your studies.”
“There is a TON of group work - especially if you are BSBA. It makes the classes much more interesting though and its a good way to make friends.”
“Taking a full course load while searching for a full time job for the next semester can be a lot to juggle. It really taught me a lot about managing my time and what it is like to look for a job in the real world. In the end, the whole process is so rewarding.”
“I really like how qualified my professors have all been. They have done so much with their lives before teaching. For instance, my Environment and Society professor from last semester had so much experience in the field. She had so many real life examples that made the class much more interesting and relatable.”
“The coursework is very hands on. Reading is important, but applying the material to real life is the best way to learn. The faculty here understands that and I enjoy learning this way much more compared to high school.”
“The study abroad programs are amazing. There is really something for everyone and your advisors really help work study abroad opportunities into your four/five year plan.”
Learn From the Best
“It can get really crowded on campus, especially in the middle of the day. I like to study by the Good Luck Pond, which is so pretty and relaxing on a nice day, in empty classrooms, or in the basement of the nearby Panera - which is usually always empty.”
“Get involved on campus! It is the best way to meet people and learn more through them. It is also a good way to learn how to network in a no-pressure setting.”
“Don’t underestimate the TA’s. They were in your shoes once and can be really helpful.”
“The Law Library is the best place to study on campus if you need to focus.”
“If you are interested in Economics, take a class with Alan White before you graduate. He is one of the smartest people you will ever meet.”
“Take Statistics with Denise Spencer and no one else, especially if it is your first time taking statistics. The other professors may move too fast and it can definitely get confusing. Spencer knows how to pace things perfectly.”
Interests & Involvement
“There are so many clubs. It can become overwhelming. However, go to as many as interest you and then narrow it down from there. Also, don’t be afraid to say no if you overextend yourself!”
“One of the things that I really like is that Greek life exists at Northeastern but is not a huge part of it or the only big organization here. It’s definitely an option if you want to be involved, but it is not the only option. There is something for everyone.”
“After your first semester, I think it is great to get an e-board position on a club. You become a lot closer to people in the club and really get to implement your own ideas in the club and see it grow.”
“The best way to find out about clubs is during Fall Fest in the beginning of the year. Most of the clubs have tables there. You can talk to the e-boards personally to find out if the club is for you and get on the email list or Facebook group.”
“At a lot of schools people join clubs to pad their resumes and remain kind of uninvolved or uninterested. At Northeastern, co-op takes up most of your resume. People join things that they really care about and that makes clubs a lot more enjoyable if everyone is passionate about what they are doing.”
Team Spirit
“We don’t have a football team, but hockey season gets really intense. There’s still a lot of school spirit. I really enjoy the Beanpot Tournament.”
“There is school spirit, but coming from a hometown with a lot of school spirit, I wish there was more.”
“Hockey is definitely the biggest sport, however people often go to rowing, volleyball, and lacrosse games. Club sports are big too. Personally, I find it really fun to do intramurals with your friends. They are really big. There’s even a cornhole team!”
Girl Power
“Every girl I have met here is extremely ambitious. They are very focused on reaching their goals but are also outgoing and supportive of one another.”
“There is no “typical” Northeastern girl. There are girls from all of the world with different styles, interests, and opinions.”
“I’m a Finance major, and although Finance and Accounting are typically male dominated, there are still many girls in this major. They are all extremely talented and don’t settle for anything. Some of the best co-op positions I have heard of this year have been filled by girls.”
“There are many women’s organizations on campus, Her Campus included! I particularly like Women in Business because it teaches you how to be a BOSS in the workplace no matter what industry you want to form a career in.”
Food & Drink
“The dining is much better than other places and very eco-friendly. However, it does get old after a while. Curry Student Center also needs much healthier options. However, there are great places off campus as well. Panera and Pavement are good study places. Pho & I is really good as well.”
“Three words: Wings Over Boston.”
“The dining halls do offer a lot of healthy options, especially the vegan room in Stetson East. My best advice would be to remember portion control. Also, stay away from the cookies. They are addictive!”
“There are a ton of themed nights throughout the year. There is Lobster Night in Stetson West, Mardi Gras at Stetson East, and Midnight Breakfast during Finals Week. All have really cool food and decorations. Its a really happy atmosphere with the students and staff as well.”
“Sizzlin Salads is the best place on campus in my opinion. You can create your own salads and put any type of meat or shrimp or tofu in it, all for a meal swipe! I like making a Southwest Chicken salad. Also, make sure to try the Jamba Juice under IV before you graduate!”
“There is Qdoba and Boloco, but the hidden gem is El Pelon Taqueria by Fenway. There are burritos with plaintains! It’s the most amazing thing you will ever experience.”
“One of the great things about the dining halls is that there is an option for everyone. There is a gluten free area, a vegan area, and options for everyone else!”
Social Scene
“There are so many colleges here that there is always something for students happening. This could be a party but it can also be a performance, a cool art exhibit, or a sports event. There are also so so many great restaurants to try especially in the North End and Chinatown!”
“Night life is what you make of it. A lot of the parties are off campus, but there is always something to find if you are willing to look.”
“Freshmen will always go to frat parties. However, once you are an upperclassmen you go to gatherings in people’s apartments or the smaller parties of frat guys that you are actually friends with. A lot of people also just hang out around Boston. There’s always something cool going on. You can always find a $15 concert going on, which is pretty sweet.”
“A lot of people complain about Northeastern’s social scene. I think you just need to know what you are getting yourself into. This is not a state school. There won’t be day drinks and you probably won’t be able to go out Wednesday - Saturday. But did you really come here for that? It’s Boston. There’s always something to do.”
“There are great things to do all around Boston. I really like Improv Asylum. With a college ID, you can see the 8 PM show, go grab a late dinner or pastry in the North End, and come back for the midnight show! The shows are really really funny too.”
“Alocohol and drug use exist, as it would on any campus, however it isn’t prevalent and there are tons of other activities to do.”
“I have rarely felt unsafe walking around Boston or campus at night. There are so many college students out and about on the weekends. You are always running into someone you know! It makes things much less scary.”
Dorm Life
“Freshmen housing is not the greatest, but you will get through it. However, freshmen housing is also where there is the biggest sense of community, so as small as your room may be, that expereicne is unparallel and you probably won’t get it again.”
“My biggest issue with housing is that it is very expensive and limited. Last year, they basically ran out of housing for girls and people didn’t find out their assignments until July - even though they were upperclassmen. If housing is that much of an issue, sophomores should not be required to live on campus.”
“Even though housing is expensive, all you need to do is prove that you can find less expensive off campus housing and the university will let you live off campus no matter what year you are.”
“I really recommend Stetson East for your freshmen year. There is a dining hall in there, so you can grab food in your pajamas before class. Also, it has the friendlist kids I have met at Northeastern.”
“Upperclassmen housing is really really nice. West Village is probably the best due to it’s location. However, you will probably be living in an apartment with friends and will enjoy it no matter what.”
“Your freshmen year roommate may not be your best friend, and that is perfectly okay. Also, just because you don’t live with a friend, doesn’t make your friendship less important. Soemtimes some friends won’t live well together.”
Exploring Boston
“There is so much to do both on and off campus. That is one of my favorite parts of living in a city! There’s also two T lines on campus (Green & Orange) where you can easily get Downtown, to the North End, to the Commons, to the Theater District, or to the movies! The Prudential Center is also really closeby and has great places to eat, like California Pizza Kitchen, and cool places to shop! If you want something more afforable, there is also Newbury Street which has American Apparel, Urban Outfitters, and Forever 21.”
“I love running along the Charles River. It’s my favorite place to exercise in Boston!”
“There are a lot of really great musuems in Boston that you can get in for free or at a discount with a Student ID. Some great ones are the Musuem of Fine Art, which is basically on campus, the Musuem of Science, and the Musuem of Bad Art. A lot of tourist attractions, like the duck tours, also take a student discount which is really nice. Boston is definitely accepted as a college town.”
“Although Northeastern has a great campus, get out and explore! There is always so much going on in the city and it is easily walkeable. Take some friends and just wander around. You may stumble upon something really cool, like a pop up market!”
“To see a really great view of the city, go to the top of the Columbus Parking Garage at night. You can see everything from there.”
Learn More!
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