<p>Is there anyone here who decided to go to MIT despite the fact that you either haven't lived in a large city or don't like living in such a place? How did you get used to it? For me, the idea of living in a big city after living first in a rural and then in a suburban environment is pretty imposing. I don't like to go out and party; I don't like crowds; I prefer activities that involve doing things physically rather than standing and watching (which means I never go to concerts or museums or plays). Is there anything for me to actually do in Boston given my choices of activities, and is it hard to get used to having so many people and such a high-rise area? I chose MIT despite my lack of any city experience because it was the best (not exact, though) fit out of the colleges that accepted me, and now I find myself wondering if I've made the right choice.</p>
<p>Geez you are a poster child for don't like much about the city. Oh well, some people don't try and then never know. You sound like you haven't been to a city........how'd you determine you don't like sooooo much?</p>
<p>I've never lived in a big city, but I'm excited about the change. What kinds of things do you enjoy? Unless you spend all your free time cow tipping and climbing trees, I'm sure there are other people at MIT and in Boston who will share your interests.</p>
<p>I have been to large cities before, hazmat. I've just never lived there, which is entirely different from vacationing there for a couple of days at a time.</p>
<p>Hamster, I like sailing (and yes, I know MIT has a sailing team and probably a club for those who don't know about race sailing) and just about anything else to do with the water. Being from the South, I'm used to a hot climate, although I do like the cold (it's just hard to waterski in that kind of weather ;) ).</p>
<p>I came to MIT from Cowtown, Ohio, and I've really enjoyed it very much.</p>
<p>It's a bit of a culture shock at first, no doubt (I couldn't fall asleep the first night I was at school because I could hear the cars on Memorial Drive all night). Like you, I'm not a big fan of concerts or shows, and I don't go to bars/clubs... mostly I enjoy going shopping and eating at restaurants in Boston, and spending sunny afternoons sitting in Boston Common reading books.</p>
<p>One thing to remember is that you're not living in Boston, and you're really not even living in Cambridge. You're living on the MIT campus, which is a skinny little triangle of not-reality. If you don't want to ever go into the city, you certainly don't have to.</p>
<p>We live in a rural area in northern Vermont. My son enjoyed every minute of his first year at MIT. It may help if you look at it as an opportunity to try new things, have new experiences, expose yourself to things not available at home. Living in a city is an education in and of itself. Don't focus on what you think you don't like, focus on finding out what you do like. This is going to be the most exciting and challenging thing you have ever done, and if you want it to be fun, it will be that too. It's all up to you. You have been given a rare opportunity and I hope you surprise yourself and find that four years from now your life has been made richer and fuller.</p>
<p>I have lived in Boston for most of my life and I really love it. Believe me...you're gonna <333 Boston. There are so many things to do. If you love science and prefer physical activities, then go to the Museum of Science, which is located quite close to MIT. If you want to escape the city once in a while, there are many suburbs nearby, some only about half an hour away.</p>