In terms of community and spirit, BU probably does have a bit more overall, but I would disagree that it’s a lot versus none. Sports really aren’t that big of a deal at either, and both have their #1 as Hockey. BU tends to be slightly more into it. That’s just one small aspect, though. Both schools are very passionate about their academics and the respective philosophies of each school, more so that sports for your average student. There’s a pride behind both that everyone feels, and that is certainly part of the community.
The co-op program has some effect socially for sure, but I think the definition of the “college experience” is what matters here. One of the cool benefits of NEU for many is an entire extra year in college with your college friends, campus, city, etc because most usually stay for 5 years (while others leave in as few as three). It doesn’t ruin it by any means - it just means you may not have all your friends around every semester. Still, most people stay in Boston for their first co-op, so they are still in your life there. That only leaves 1-2 co-ops, which could easily be like losing a friend to study abroad at any other school.
The advantage of NEU is that everyone is aware that people can go elsewhere, and it makes them understanding. For me, it’s been an amazing college experience. There’s also other advantages like avoiding academic burnout! From my perspective, it was never a sacrifice, it was just different. So I would rephrase the question as this: which college experience do I prefer and by how much? If I prefer a traditional experience, do I prefer co-op enough for it not to matter?
BU’s campus isn’t actually bad because it’s on one street - I personally never minded a more urban look either. What makes it bad is its length. Walking 30 minutes (or waiting for the BU bus, which is packed during class times) to get to your class from your dorm is no fun at all. Neither is 20 minutes between classes with a 10 minute break, where you either have to be late or run like crazy. I have friends at BU, and both of those are very real experiences. I’ve also personally walked their campus, and realized that I didn’t even realize how long it was.
Northeastern’s campus does have the more “traditional” feel (ironically, given everything else), but I wouldn’t call it secluded. BU and NEU are pretty equidistant from downtown and you’ll get a similar city experience at either. Both have close access to the same areas for the most part. NEU has its advantage in its compactness, where you can always walk from one building to another in 10 minutes or so, at most 15. Your average walk between classes is a few minutes, your average walk to your apartment or dorm is 5-10 minutes.
Financial aid is really a black box at both ends - there’s no reason to play a guessing game. Just wait until you get accepted and get aid packages back. In general, neither are known for being incredibly generous, but certainly can be. Northeastern was very affordable personally, but it really does vary. Merit scholarships at both are obviously a good way to go. Northeastern does guarantee aid over the 4 years to be the same, which is nice. Not sure about the ins and outs at BU, so make sure to get more info on the other thread.
Overall, Northeastern and BU are both oddly similar and oddly different. We actually use a lot of the same amenities and resources, which I always find funny. Both will get you great academic experiences, are strong in similar subjects, are urban campuses in general, and will get you a great access to Boston. There are tons of subtle differences that pretty much come down to preference, which is why this question comes up so often.
What I can offer you is my “college experience” at Northeastern. I’m doing 5 years, 2 co-ops and an internship, and a BS/MS. For my first two years, I stayed on campus and in classes, just like I would have anywhere. I did classes part of my first summer and an internship (not co-op) my second one. I now live in a classic northeast brick apartment just off campus that I plan to live in until graduation. I’m involved in an outdoors club mainly in addition to a few others, but I would say I spend my time socially more exploring the city with my friends than with on-campus events. I’m currently wrapping up classes, and I’m going to California for my first co-op (subletting my apartment, common at NEU if you don’t stay on campus), where some of my close friends are also going. I get to live on the beach and miss a winter and come back for the end of summer and the fall semester. After that, I have 3.5 semesters worth of classes left to finish both degrees, and I’ll be doing a co-op in between there somewhere, either Spring or Fall 2018. I’ll probably look to co-op in Boston for my second one so I can line up a job for graduation, and may even stay in the same apartment I have now.
For me, I have loved every second of my experience, not because it was a “traditional college experience” but because it was a perfect transition to the rest of my life, where I can still take amazing classes I love, get a break with co-ops and internships, and live in an amazing city like I would even after college where I can go out and enjoy with my friends.
Well, that went longer than expected, but if you have any other particular questions I’d be happy to answer them 