Throughout my time at NEU, we went to the Beanpot championship twice and lost both times. We witnessed the Red Sox win the World Series and the Celtics win banner number 17. We laughed at comedians like John Stewart, Joe McHale, Andy Samberg and Jimmy Fallon. We have watched performances by many great artists like Drake, Guster, Jimmy Eat World, Gym Class Heroes and Third Eye Blind. While we were here, a song, “Here at Northeastern,” was written about our school. Every year, students ran around the city looking for clues as part of the Husky Hunt. And who could forget the countless hours spent in Snell Library or the thousands of frappuccino’s we purchased from Starbucks? Northeastern has given us some amazing memories.
I have compiled a list of things I will miss about Northeastern:
The Dining Hall
I am one of few seniors with a meal plan, but boy do I love it. Yes, after five years the same food does get a little old, but it is so convenient. After co-op, instead of having to go home and make dinner, I was able to swipe my Husky Card and eat as much as I wanted. The dining hall is a great way to catch up with friends and pig out on food…maybe even bring some back to your dorm/apartment for a snack.
The Dorms
I am also one of few seniors still living in dorms. Maybe that has something to do with my sadness as well; I have been so connected to NEU for five years, that it feels weird to leave. I love not having to pay a monthly rent or pay utility bills. I love that when there is a problem, I can put in a work order and not have to deal with a landlord. At Northeastern, we are lucky to have extremely nice dorms; I doubt I will find an apartment half as nice as some of my dorms here. Dorms are convenient and easy.
Proximity of Friends
It is amazing that I don’t have to leave my room to see friends, and even when I do, they are no more than a 10 minute walk away. For the most part I don’t need cars or public transportation to see people. That is something that is going to take some time to get used to once I leave the city.
Walking and Seeing Familiar Faces Everywhere
I know a lot of people on campus. Wherever I am going, without fail, I see someone I know. Whether it is a fellow classmate, acquaintance or friend, I like seeing familiar faces; it makes me feel comfortable. It is also a great way to keep up friends I don’t get to see regularly. By stopping on the corner of Forsyth or in the student center and catching up for five minutes, it is convenient and nice.
My Husky Card Account Balance
Every semester, I have a certain amount of money on my Husky Card to be used for Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks and food when I am constantly on the go during classes. It is nice to get a bagel and coffee and not actually have to give cash. Once I enter the real world, there will be no more Husky Card.
Matthews Arena
Prior to coming to Northeastern, I was a diehard football, baseball and basketball fan, but never really got into hockey. Once arriving here, I found out that hockey was the heart and soul of the campus. Nothing beats sitting in the Doghouse during “No T OT” and cheering on the Huskies. The screams and cheers are amazing. I also really enjoy the basketball games: sitting on the floor screaming and yelling. Yes, we can still come to games, and I am sure my boyfriend and I will, but it won’t be the same.
The Clubs
Being part of clubs and organizations has always been something I love doing. College was no different. I love going to my weekly club meetings each week, meeting new and exciting people and learning new things constantly.
Access to the Gym
Granted, I didn’t take full advantage of this- but Northeastern has an amazing gym that we get to use for “free.” It is a great place to go alleviate some stress and catch up with friends.
Boston
When I started the college search, I knew I wanted to be in a city. There is so much to do in a city and Boston is no exception to that. Whether it was having a picnic in the Boston Commons with my friends, taking a duck tour, going into a museum or strolling through the North End with pastries in hand, there is so much to do and see here. I have always lived relatively close to Boston, but nothing compares to physically living in this city.
Summer in the City
As soon as it reaches 50 degrees, students are crammed on the quad playing wiffleball, sun tanning and hanging out. People are full of smiles in the summer. In the winter, it is sometimes so cold that people don’t’ get to really experience the city, but summer allows you to do that.
Co-op
My brain has become accustomed to six months class, six months work. It is going to be a weird transition when I start my new “real person” job; it is permanent and not for just six months. Northeastern gives us the best of both worlds; we were college students while working full-time and making money.
Dialogues of Civilization
I knew I wanted to study abroad, but I also knew I didn’t want to go away for a whole semester. This program allowed me to travel to Italy for 5 weeks with 20 other NEU students and a professor. It was an amazing experience where I filmed a documentary, traveled around the country, saw so many sites and ate more gelato and pasta than I ever knew was possible!
When you are in college, certain things are acceptable
When you are in college, wearing sweatpants at 2 PM on a Wednesday is totally acceptable. Sleeping in until 11 AM and going to bed at 3 AM is normal. We don’t live a typical schedule in college. We have classes and work throughout the day, but we also have breaks and naps. Once you leave this place, most people will have 9-5 jobs where they will need to wear suits and business casual.
Springfest Concerts
Being able to go to a concert for less than $20 and not have to pay Ticketmaster fees is great. We have had some great bands come here over the last five years, I am going to miss attending them.
What haven’t I included? What are you going to miss most about Northeastern? I’d love to hear it!