<p>Anyone here go to duke that was originally from a northeast suburb (or something like it). I live in NJ right outside of philly, and I go to nyc quite a bit. I'm thinking about applying to duke but not sure about the distance and the south and the middle of nowhere feel. Is there anyone that was in my situation that can give me some input (or anyone at all for that matter)?? How was the change? Is there still plenty to do/does it feel wierd without a city nearby.</p>
<p>I'm from Long Island - and I gotta tell you, aside from NC/SC and possibly CA, there is no area better represented at this school than NY/NJ. I have at least 10 other LIers in my dorm ALONE. It's pretty crazy - Duke has actually been called (many a time) the "University of Newark in Durham." I was also hesitant about coming to "the South," but once you step on this campus you realize that this truly feels like a Northeastern school that's been picked up and moved to better weather. My mom even commented after Parents weekend that this school feels more like her preconceived idea of an "Ivy League" school than some of the actual Ivy League institutions that we visited during my college process (cough Columbia cough Brown).</p>
<p>Also, I don't know if it applies to you, but another issue for me with coming to the South from NY was the Jewish presence on campus - as a Jew, I was assuming that I would be in a very, very small minority. What a mistake that was. The (very active) Freeman Center for Jewish Life never stops e-mailing me (I must get about 1 a day, at LEAST), and I was just talking to my roommate about how we truly think that at least 7 out of every 10 people we meet are Jewish. Also, it is common for Jews and non-Jews alike to hit up the Freeman Center for dinner on Friday nights, especially since it offers a free (and better) alternative to the Marketplace. It's awesome, I love it - but it's definitely something you should know if you're worried that Duke is too "Southern" for someone from the Tri-State Area. While I'm on this campus, it's very easy to forget that I'm actually in North Carolina.</p>
<p>I just re-read your post and realized you were more concerned with the idea of not being near a city than the representation of the northeast here. Sorry - my misreading. In response to that, I have to tell you that as a big NYC lover, there is so much to do on this campus that it's hard to miss the city. Between the sports games, the clubs, the jazz concerts (every Wednesday), the parties...and the WORK...you won't have time to miss going into the city.</p>
<p>actually you answered incredibly cause the south was a concern as well as jewish population...so THANKS! lol</p>