<p>hi everyone
I am from the suburbs of California, and i will be attending Northeastern in Boston this Fall. I want to know is it possible for a person who hasn't been away from home much and who hasn't lived in a big city, to assimilate into northeastern. I mean, I am excited to experience new things, but im also a bit scared if i can take up the challenge. Also is northeastern a school, that is easy to mix into? Can you guyz please help me!
thanks</p>
<p>Millions of people every year find themselves in the same situation you're in. I too am travelling half-way accross the world for the same reason. If everyone else can do it. I dont see why we cant.</p>
<p>My girlfriend moved to Boston from a small town that, suffice it to say, is far more isolated and "small" than the suburbs of California.</p>
<p>It was a little rough at first for her, but now she's like city girl extraordinaire.</p>
<p>That said - Boston is, in many ways, a small town. As far as big cities go, it's really not for some reason.</p>
<p>You'll do fine. Boston really is a small city and Northeastern is in a fine part of town, across the street from the Museum of Fine Arts and down the street from Symphony Hall. A few blocks from Harvard Medical School. Not too far from Fenway Park and Kenmore Square.</p>
<p>Seriously, I wouldn't worry about it. You'd have to go looking for trouble.</p>
<p>Boston feels like a small town in a lot of ways because it's a collection of neighborhoods. The North End is very different from Back Bay, which is totally different than Allston/Brighton or Southie. You'll get to know them while you're there. And remember, much of Boston is composed of current college students or people who came to go to school and stayed. There will be many students like you here.</p>
<p>I'm in more or less the same situation with Northeastern, I will be attending this fall and I currently live in a town with about 10,000 people. I think we'll be fine :)</p>
<p>It's not like you are really living in a "big city." You will be living in one building within a school community; the "bigness" of the city will only effect you as much as you want it to effect you (ie, it depends on how much you choose to venture away from your school community. And the nice thing is that you can explore the rest of that big city at your own pace; it will not even be part of your world at first, unless you want it to be). </p>
<p>So instead of worrying about the size of the city and how you will adapt to that, focus on how you will get to know your school community - spend time preparing yourself this summer, familiarize yourself with campus maps, identify ECs you might like to get involved in, etc. This is also how you will discover ways to fit it, by learning what the school has to offer you and how you can become an involved part of it. At orientation this summer you will also have a chance to explore the campus more. By preparing yourself first for the transition to your new school, as best you can, you will be much better prepared to deal with other new experiences in this city, as they arise.</p>
<p>(I speak as a parent of a current student - from the midwest - who has Asperger's, so the whole transitioning process was especially important - and helpful - for him. And he LOVES the school)</p>
<p>thank you everyone for your comforting responses, I feel, much better now.
But, I heard from someone that the people at northeastern are really snobby, and in their own cliques, is that true? do u really have to be aggressive at northeastern to make your way around?
please help me!
thanks</p>
<p>Socially, college is like HS, but bigger. There are snobs, jocks, geeks, stoners, theater kids, etc. You will find people you like and people you can't stand.</p>
<p>What will be different for you is not school-specific but geographical. Compared to suburban Cali, you will likely find people less friendly and more sarcastic. They will also talk faster. Do not be put off, that is just how it is, and, once you have made friends, they will be there for you for life. So, yeah, the first few week will be a big adjustment, but get yourself a Red Sox hat, don't laugh at the accents, stay positive, and you will be fine (at least until winter).</p>
<p>You should also get yourself a good map of the city and study it. You'll need to know where things are, and how to get to them on foot or by public transportation.</p>
<p>My nephew really enjoyed Boston during his years at Northeastern, so much that he is staying in the area. He had a couple of great co-op positions, and several job offers right out of school.</p>
<p>haha, I sort of have the same problem. I'm moving to LA in August. I'm not exactly from the boons- I live in a suburb of Kansas City - but it will still be an adjustment</p>
<p>thank you everyone for ur opinions. Are the winters really bad though? Cuz in Cali, the worst is like 50 degrees, and thats extreme.</p>
<p>Cali, the weather will be a shock... just keep telling yourself "I didn't move to Boston for the weather... I didn't move to Boston for the weather... I didn't move to Boston for..." That said, it's an opportunity to get some REALLY cute winter clothes! (Smile.)</p>
<p>Another Boston drawback: lousy mexican food. Eat it up before you leave LA and bribe someone back home to fedex you some el pollo loco from time to time. That said, the Italian food is to die for.</p>
<p>Just the fact that you were open minded and curious to apply and accept says that you're going to get alot out of it. Buy a good down jacket from Land's End and you won't feel the cold. (no flip flops, either, except for a few months!) Boston is "college city" and I'm jealous!</p>
<p>Don't forget the obligatory Northface fleece. And Katliamom is right about the Mex, altho you won't be far from one of the few passable taquierias in town: El Pelon (in the Fenway - a phrase you will soon understand).</p>
<p>Also, you will finally have real pizza (not the soggy tomato-goosh sprout-laden food pie that is called pizza on the Left Coast).</p>
<p>Welcome to Beantown! Now start studying the Red Sox roster- there will be a quiz.</p>
<p>And as my S likes to remind his friends in Boston, "it could be worse..." (we are from the upper midwest where it not only gets colder, but neither the Mexican or Italian foods are anything to write home about!). Also, Columbia jackets with the removable fleece linings are pretty versatile for colder climates.</p>
<p>I think the diversity of the student population is gradually changing as NEU transitions itself from a primarily regional school to a school with a more national reputation - the students that are attracted to NEU from outside the northeast are probably far less snobbish than students in the past. Also, I think the perception of "snobbishness" is more of a cultural thing and will disappear once you get to know the students from that area more...</p>
<p>You will need some serious cold-weather gear. When it's cold, and it will start getting cold in October, you won't be thinking about fashion much. Your warmest coat will probably be ok for fall, but you'll want something heavier for November-March. Good boots, with wiggle room for heavier socks, are really important. You'll need wool socks, gloves and a hat by November. Some people like to add scarves and tights under their jeans. Don't buy coats or boots in southern California, unless it's at a ski-supply store. A poorly-made coat will allow cold air to leak in around the zipper or arms. Northeastern and Canadian brands tend to be better quality, and quality really matters.</p>
<p>Here's the deal with the weather... September and October are probably the nicest months. The air is generally cool but the sun is still strong from the summer, so it feels really nice. Nights and mornings in the falls are pretty cool too. November usually feels pretty cold too... there are less warm days. If you think 50 degrees is extreme, then yeah, you'll be suffering from November through March =] In the past few years, we've had half of the winter be really snowy. Like this year, we got lots of snow in December and January, and then next to nothing for the rest of the winter. Spring is either warm or dreary... it's a toss up.</p>
<p>Overall, Boston is great and I think you'll get past the weather and be able to enjoy it. There is so much to do and see and it's a really exciting place for college students... best of luck to you!</p>
<p>Someone Mentioned the Humidity on some other thread... California's air is DRY... the rest of the nation is more humid...
Boston can get Hot (for a Californian... especially Northern Californian) with a few days in the 90s....mostly staying in the 70s sometimes 80s...
IF your from the suburbs... it won't be that different...unless you mean like farr out by like Riverside...and even then some...
So be ready for humid weather, California's weather doesn't change as much (as the year goes round) as much as other cities...
Like here in Dallas... our winter's are colder then California's winters (where the people live... SoCal and Bay Area...not all the state) and out Summers are hotter then California's Summer (maybe with the exclusion of Riverside- San Bernardino) but even then some... with have heat and humidity... which if you never felt before is HORRIBLE...
Boston shouldn't be as bad as here though, as it is further north.
The winters will be COLD for you... with temperatures often shooting below zero at night...and highs of 20-30 sometimes...
I wouldn't say you're a small town girl... the suburbs aren't really a small town... but yeah you'll make it I would say... I would get ready for somewhat of a culture shock as the 2 subcultures of that of California and the Northeast are probably the most different out of all the other subcultures (excluding the Hawaiian an Alaskan cultures...)</p>
<p>My friend went to BU in boston and loves it. I've heard the streets are confusing but she ADORES the city to the point that I'm tired of her hearing her gush about it.</p>