<p>hey everyone,</p>
<p>i was just wondering, what are some real differences between small town east coast life and los angeles west coast life? and anyone from new england have any feedback on a transition? and how can i get my parents to be "okay" with the idea of going so far away for college? any personal experiences? thanks.</p>
<p>Where are you from? I'm going to USC (spring) from outside of Boston.</p>
<p>Small town to big city. I used to live in California but now I live in Boston to go to my private school. However, I go back every summer and chill so I know the experience.</p>
<p>Obvious/Big changes:
GREAT weather. The sun actually SHINES down on YOU.
Very nice people, a few are supercilious.
Lots of reallllly nice cars. Lots of celebs. FLASHY.
Homogenuous in terms of style but that depends on where you are.
There aren't many tree-lovers (like PETA and I-hug-world advocates) unless you are referring to stoners.
Much more laidback -- personally, I love people in California because everyone in Boston seems grumpy.
No Red Sox or sports maniacs (unless you live in Oakland, those guys are crazy)
And don't believe the USC is in a bad neighborhood rumors. My parents let me go back every year to stay at my friend's in South Central. They think that Boston/Mattapan is much more dangerous than South Central LA, and statistically, in some categories, it is.</p>
<p>Let's put it this way. The only school(s) I would consider over USC/UCB would be either NYU-Stern or Wharton. FU HARVARD.</p>
<p>i'm from "down under" mass - the cape. (people live there year round!?!?!) i'm not a local, though - i used to live in brockton and i've heard it said many a time LA is brockton with beaches, ladies, and cars. cha-ching! only a junior this year so hopefully i'll be at usc in 07!!!</p>
<p>how about prices - what's the tax rate like? (i mean - i can barely imagine the price tag as it is; if there's too many fees i'll go broke.) the sun sounds awesome - beach season year round!!</p>
<p>I must agree with that Brockton-LA statement. However, brockton isn't a terrible town. Brockton Boxers are sick -- sorry, off topic. I have a couple friends who live in Brockton. </p>
<p>If you are a junior this year, like I am, wouldn't you be attending USC in the fall of '08? Sorry, just had to point that out.</p>
<p>Um, I think Massachusett's taxes are higher than California's but my parents inform me that they are "pretty close". But, frankly, who gives a damn? I'd rather attend classes at USC and go to the beach than attend BC and freeze my balls off in the Boston Harbor.</p>
<p>lonefreckle, im from reading, ma. what about you?</p>
<p>pkb, the sales tax here is 8.25%</p>
<p>cajr: no, fall of 07.
seniors this year will be attending in fall 2006 : )</p>
<p>I live on the cape year round (well, not anymore) and will be attending USC in the fall. At first, my parents were a little apprehensive about the idea of me going to school across the country, however, they soon realized that USC was really the best place for me (I'm majoring in cinema-television, and well, Hollywood and all...) When you think about it, California is only really a 6-8 hour travel time (depending on stop-overs etc..) away. It's not the furthest place someone could be going. Obviously the climate is a lot different (but only better) so that might be something to get used to. The best thing though to convince/put your parent's worries at ease is to really just highlight the benefits of you attending USC. It's a great school with many great opportunities, for now and beyond. It is far away, but your parents are going to have to realize that you are not going to be around all the time anyway, and no matter where you go (be it USC or BU) they're not going to see you as often as they did. USC is a great school, and distance should truly be the last thing on your parents mind when thinking about USC. Good luck.</p>