<p>So I have been very interested in Northeastern University in Boston. I hope to make my way over to Boston next summer to look at it and a couple of others in the area.</p>
<p>In reading about Northeastern, they often mention a co-op and that students work a full workweek in addition to their studies. While I am the first to jump at any and all internship and educational opportunities, I am wondering how much time Northeastern students have to "experience college". While I am not looking for too crazy a school, I do not want it to be all business either. Other schools I am looking at include Colgate, Bucknell, Babson and Loyola MD- I feel that through sports and various other social opportunities they offer more than does Northeastern. Is my thinking correct?</p>
<p>Northeastern offers plenty of great college experiences! Co-op is essentially like a fifth year of college, but rather sitting in class you’re out getting real work experience which often leads to full time employment. I have a friend at Northeastern and she absolutely loves it! They have great clubs, student and social activities, and their sports teams do well. </p>
<p>NEU freshman here, theres PLENTY of social life. It just doesn’t manifest in sports, but there are literally hundreds of active clubs and events all the time (though I find plenty to do without going to many if any). Just like two days ago there was a large trip to the museum of science for free college night.</p>
<p>The college experience is certainly different though. Urban exploring is a common activity. I make trips to Newbury Street, Prudential, the reflecting pool, cambridge, and BU regularly. If you’re looking for frats and sports then yes, the options are limited.</p>
<p>I went to Babson a few days ago and slept in a friends dorm; its much more classic college. They party Thursday and Saturday nights as no one has class Friday, and its much more classic party atmosphere minus the sports. NEU has a better social scene for sure in my opinion, though if you like a very preppy environment, Babson is it and its certainly not an inactive social scene.</p>
<p>Short Answer: NEU has plenty going on, in fact more than some you listed in many ways though I am not familiar with all of them.</p>
Periods of coop work are generally 6 months long and you are not taking classes while on coop. When you are taking classes, you are not working on coop. </p>
<p>Coop rotations do not start until after first semester of sophomore year at the earliest. </p>