Northeastern University
Boston, MA, USA

Reviews

Northeastern University

Xiangling from Staten Island`, NY

a current student here
39 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I'm learning so much from Northeastern. I'm currently a psychology major and a music industry minor. I absolutely love it here because there is so many diverse majors and minors that I can do. One of the greatest things here is that I can always see my professors whenever I need to. They have small classes and large classes. There are always dedicated teachers willing to help you no matter what.
Am enjoying being here
I am definitely enjoying everything at Northeastern. One of the best things in Northeastern is the support of the staff including deans, counselors and others. Compared to other schools, this staff is literally the best staff because they are always willing to meet with you, help you out and you will always be able to reach them by phone and/or email. Another thing that's great is going to events. I saw Jimmy Eat World and Jon Stewart at Northeastern! The hockey games are the best! It's always so much fun to be there!
Bang for the buck
This is an amazing college but the tuition and room and board is a little bit much. It is almost $50,000 a year if you have no scholarships at all. $50,000 a year is a lot and Northeastern usually has a 5-year program too. Although Northeastern tries to help as much as possible, it is definitely necessary to look for scholarships as much as possible. The best thing is that they accept almost all AP scores if it's a 4 or 5.
Tips for prospective students
If you want to attend Northeastern, definitely apply with great classes schedule. I took one AP in my sophomore year, two in my junior year and six in my senior year. I feel like that definitely helped out a lot. Write a great essay because it's really important! And one of the most important things is extracurriculars!
Great for these types of students
It's great for students who are very liberal in their political views. Northeastern is an extremely liberal school, not to a hippie-type of liberal but liberal as a more Obama-supporting liberal. It's also great for those students who always want support when learning because the professors are great for that!

Ashley from Madison, CT

a current student here
33 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes at Northeastern University and what you are able to take from them depend on three things; your major, your interest in learning the course material, and your professor. Different majors at the university have more rigorous courses than others, so as a Pharmacy major, I have science and health-related courses. My courses are all very intense academically and doing well in the course requires work. I am interested in the learning material varying from Organic Chemistry to Medical Microbiology so that aids in helping me to learn a lot. Most of my professors are very knowledgable and helpful so that also helps me to learn a lot in my courses.
Am enjoying being here
I love being here. I can not help but brag to visiting high school students how underestimated Northeastern truly is in comparison to other colleges. Everyone who goes here is so proud to be a Northeastern husky. Students, including myself, always brag about our beautiful campus located in the city of Boston, the same campus, our great hockey team, the awesome people, the fun parties, and the overall excitement on campus. Its hard to not love it here. My only reason for holding back one star is that the winters in Boston, MA are very harsh and cold. If you are not prepared for brutal winds and snow, then it might be hard to adapt to college life. However, I dislike the winters here, but still refuse to leave.
Bang for the buck
The school is expensive because it is a private school. However, it is comforting to see that they are using our tuition money wisely. Recently they built, a brand new dormitory and dining hall. Not to mention the numerous campus building they just rebuilt and updated. The expenses are also made worth it by the fact that the degree and resume you will graduate with from here is unlike any other college. Due to Northeastern's Coop program, you can make money to pay for tuition while receiving college credit and boosting your resume with job experience. The COOP program alone makes the hefty tuition worth the bang for the buck.
Tips for prospective students
Prospective students should know that Northeastern is an up and coming school. Students here are proud to be huskies and will boast their campus, spirit, sports teams, and university any chance they get. Boston is a great city and the fact that our green campus is located literally in the center of it all promises that whenever you are not studying there will be something to do.
Great for these types of students
On campus we have every type of student and a diverse student population. A popular stereotype that you might observe on campus is a hipster student. However, it is hard to stereotype students considering there is so many types. Generally, students here are smart and motivated. At the same time, students are not all bookworms and most are very involved in campus clubs and other activities, as well as participating in a lively social life. Essentially, Northeastern is a perfect fit for students who want a good education, like being able to explore a city, and like the idea of being able to boost your graduating resume through COOP. No student should worry about fitting in because with so many kids on campus, it is easy to make friends and find people your are compatible with. Although, our campus has 15,000 undergrads, it never feels this large, you will still see the same kids daily on your way to class, thus making Northeastern ideal for students seeking a large or small school.

Amanda

a current student here
12 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am definitely learning a lot at Northeastern. I am a Graphic Design major, and I was required to complete 3 semesters of foundation art classes before moving on to Graphic Design classes. The foundation classes helped me learn a lot of basics that I didn't get in high school so that I will be better prepared for my major and my co-op. Now that I have my core requirements (math, english, science & humanities) out of the way, I can also take electives which interest me so that I can learn outside of my major.
Am enjoying being here
I love the location of campus; it is a very short walk to restaurants, shopping, museums, etc. As a Northeastern student I get free admission to the Museum of Fine Arts. Most Northeastern events (sports as well as concerts, plays, and comedians) are free for students, so there is always something to do without spending money. I love the hockey and basketball games, and there is free ice skating during the week.
Bang for the buck
Tuition, room & board are very expensive. However, most of the housing (even for freshmen) is clean and big enough. There are lots of food options, and most of it is very good. Part of the cost goes towards an activity fee that allows you to attend events and use the gym.
Tips for prospective students
I definitely recommend taking a tour and getting to know campus a little bit before coming to Northeastern. Because it's in the city, it is a good idea to have somewhat of an idea where things are. Also, look for ways to get involved on campus. There are lots of volunteer opportunities and clubs to join which will make your freshman year fun and help you meet new people.
Great for these types of students
Northeastern is great for people who want to live in a city but also want a campus that is easy to navigate and not too spread out. School spirit is big, so students who enjoy going to sporting events and participating in activities would love this school. There are plenty of quiet places to study-- the library is open 24 hours-- so you can switch from being busy and surrounded by people and activity to being able to do your homework and get projects done easily.

Sarah from CT

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I love all of my classes that I'm taking this semester. There are lots of options for interesting topics to learn about. I am really enjoying my Nutrition class, which is incredibly interesting. I am also learning a lot about living on my own in the city.
Am enjoying being here
I honestly love everything about Northeastern. I love being in the city of Boston and the college experience. I have not once regretted coming here and I haven't been very homesick. There are lots of ways to distract yourself from being away from your family and your home, and before you know it, you are completely integrated into the college lifestyle. I enjoy every day I spend here.
Bang for the buck
Northeastern is very expensive, and you have to make the most of it for what you are paying. I joined clubs and student groups, and this helps me feel like I'm getting more for the price. I take ballroom dance lessons for free and I take other dance classes three nights a week. I go to concerts and take advantage of events with free food. Basically, you have to put yourself out there and do lots of new things that would cost money if you were not at a large university. As for the classes, they are probably worth the money. I feel that I have learned a lot so far, so the price has been worth it.
Tips for prospective students
Northeastern is great choice of college. Visit the campus and decide if it's the place for you. I knew within ten minutes of my visit that I wanted to go to school here. If you have any doubts or feelings that it may not be for you, try somewhere else. You'll know if this is the place for you. Also, the location is incredible! I can walk to Newbury Street, concerts, the Prudential Center, and more. Boston is an amazing city, and if you like the city life, Northeastern is in a prime spot.
Great for these types of students
Northeastern is great for the adventurous, open-minded, fun-loving, and independent students.

Ann from Atlanta, GA

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Northeastern does a great job at finding teachers who know and care about the subjects they are teaching. I am a double major in International Affairs and History and I couldn't be happier. It is my first semester here but I feel like I've already learned and done more than all four years of high school combined.
Am enjoying being here
One of my favorite things about Northeastern is the fact that there is so much to do. There is some kind of event happening on campus almost every night and the great thing about it is that most of them are free for Northeastern students. Not to mention, we're right in the heart of Boston so there is plenty to do and see in the city if you ever feel like venturing off campus.
Bang for the buck
Yes, Northeastern is pricey. But they are great at giving out financial aid to people who need it. Almost everyone I know here has some kind of scholarship or financial aid. And the amount that you have to pay is worth it. Northeastern has so many exciting opportunities that one can partake in that really enrich and enhance the experience here. And as I said before, you really are learning when you are here.
Tips for prospective students
Take high level classes but also take classes that you enjoy. Northeastern looks for students who have more individuality and are self-aware. They give you a lot of independence here so they like to see students who can handle that independence.
Great for these types of students
Northeastern is a great fit for students who have a strong idea of what they want to do. The co-op program gives you the chance to jump right into your desired field, while still an undergrad student, so you can see if that is really the direction that you wish to go. It is also good for students who like to have a say in their education. Northeastern gives students a lot of freedom in the choices of their classes to the extent that the student is almost the one designing the curriculum.

Kimberlie from Beverly, MA

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Some of the professor's are wonderful, but those seem to be the upper classman professors. The freshman professors are good, some aren;t as good as others. There is a lot of help offered (via tutoring, review sessions, etc.) if you need it.
Am enjoying being here
It is a nice campus. Even though it is in Boston it is a campus all it's own. You won't feel like you're lost in a big city. The campus is very centralized. It is very easy to access all of Boston since 2 T lines stop right on campus as well.
Bang for the buck
It is expensive. Yes. I recommend talking to an advisor at the school, CHECKING to see which credits they would accept from another, cheaper institution. The iI would transfer in your 2nd or 3rd year. Keep in mind you can for 4 or 5 years at NU, at least for Engineering.
Tips for prospective students
Transfer in. It'll save you money.
Great for these types of students
Driven students. Expectations are high for students.

Catherine from Beverly Hills, MI

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Northeastern is an urban university that still has a campus. The focus of the program are the co-op jobs that most students take three times throughout their five years at school. The focus is on career-track majors like engineering, pharmacy and computer science.
Tips for prospective students
If you're interested in the social sciences or the humanities, you'll be in the minority. However, if you're majoring in one of the fields mentioned above, Northeastern is a great school with an awesome campus right in Boston.
Academic Rigor
It's very easy to get all As if you just do the reading and show up to class. Most test questions are interested in your recall of presented information as opposed to your thoughts on the information.
Dorm Life
I am in the Honors freshman housing, which is about as swank as you're going to get in a freshman dorm. The building is only a few years old, and I share a bathroom/shower with one other person. Also, the view from the top of the 22 story building is spectacular.
Food and Dining
Delicious food. One dining hall has an all you can eat sushi bar (this is the dining hall in my dorm), another has a Mongolian BBQ style build your own stir fry, and another has cookies that are to die for. Dining Services recently opened a food truck with a rotating (and delicious) menu that can be found outside the library, near the dorms, or doing late night service on the quad. You will be eating well.
What to do for fun
BOSTON! There are endless activities in the city. If you're interested, you can hop over to MIT and check out dorm row. If that's not your thing, there are endless speakers and carnivals put on by the various student groups. Shopping in the city is also endless fun.
Bang for the buck
I have a full tuition National Merit scholarship, so I'm only paying room/board. Personally, it's a very good value because of that. However, I absolutely would not pay full tuition to go here.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We have the only Taco Bell in Boston. We also have a tunnel system that lets you get all around the old part of campus without going out in the cold!
Great for these types of students
Pharmacy, Engineering, those who have decided what they want to study and are very sure about it.
Clubs and Activities
There are more student groups than I can count. There's even an online system for keeping track of them all. Definitely no shortage of activities to get involved with.
Greek Life
There are a few frats and even fewer sororities, but if you're really excited about Greek Life, then Northeastern is probably not for you.
Campus Safety
The NUPD officers are stationed everywhere, and the main part of campus feels very safe, even at night. However, to get to some parts of campus you need to cross the train tracks, and those areas are less safe. You can definitely avoid it if you want to, though.

Kayla from Avondale, AZ

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A large research university that doesn't feel large due to the co-op cycle. Great for Science/Engineering, Health fields, Business, not necessarily arts and humanities, but they are definitely here. A huge variety of clubs and organizations to join.
Tips for prospective students
Going in with AP/IB/College credit makes everything more enojoyable. I sat through a semester of calc I already knew because I did not sit through the AP exams (did not have the money for it).
Academic Rigor
The first year curriculum for engineers is tough. It is definitely a weed out year, and most that go in as engineering majors change by the 2nd semester. By the end of the year, there are 1/3 of the engineers we began school with.
Dorm Life
This depends on which dorm you live in. The traditional halls like Steast/Swest are awesome and the dining halls are right down stairs and it's pretty easy to meet people, but the halls echo. In International Village, it's very isolated and far away from everything, but the rooms are huge and you get your own bathroom (shared with the person next to your room).
Food and Dining
The food is okay; the general consensus is that Steast is the best dining hall, and IV and Swest are tied for 2nd. Rebecca's is absolutely delicious there, and you are guaranteed to find a line there all day. The food in Curry Student Center is expensive, but also delicious.
What to do for fun
Boston! The MFA is literally right off campus and it's completely free! Also, it's a 15 minute walk to the Pru, Newbury Street, and more, and the trains at Ruggles will connect you to the rest of the city.
Bang for the buck
Way, way, way, WAY SUPER DUPER expensive school. The financial aid is good and I got a scholarship and a grant, but I still needed to cover some and the financial aid office is super unhelpful. I ended up having to take out more loans in addition to the federal student loans I was offered.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The underwear run! It happens in November during parents weekend. Also, the secret of Northeastern! (if you stand in the middle of the science quad and whisper, you can hear yourself as if you were speaking into your own ear!)
Great for these types of students
Ambitious, unafraid of hard work, organized students who can guide their own learning and have no problem asking for help.
Clubs and Activities
So many to join. Even if you go to a club fair, the huge variety is not nearly represented well.
Greek Life
Haha. Don't join Greek life.
Campus Safety
I never feel unsafe here. Even walking to my dorm from the library at 3am, or walking through Ruggles at 2 am.

Brooke from Marlton, NJ

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Northeastern is an incredible school. The professors truly want to see you succeed, the classes are far more interesting and engaging than I ever imagined they would be, and there is really a sense of community throughout the campus. From the amazing coop program to the University Honors Program to all of the clubs and activities in between, there is always something to do on campus, and, since the campus is the heart of Boston, the city truly is our playground.
Tips for prospective students
Really get to know the coop program, and find out if that is something in which you might be interested. Northeastern has one of the top job-placement rates of any school in the country, and it's all because of coop - many students are hired for full time jobs upon graduation by employers they worked for as coops during their time at Northeastern. Most students are on a five-year schedule, so you have to decide if that would be good for you, but I think it is definitely worth it in the end.
Academic Rigor
The classes are much easier than I expected, but mostly because I was finally taking the classes I wanted to take and learning from professors who really cared about their students and the topics they were teaching. I found that I learned more in one semester at Northeastern than I ever did in high school. The workload is certainly not unbearable, but there is definitely a fair amount of it. If you're interested in an even bigger challenge, the Honors Program offers honors classes, which are much smaller, more difficult classes taught by the university's top professors and reserved for honors students only.
Dorm Life
Housing is only guaranteed for your first two years at Northeastern; for the other three, you may be on your own. Freshman housing is decent, especially if you're in the Honors Program which has much nicer rooms and private bathrooms. The traditional freshman housing is not terrible; most freshmen live in Speare and Stetson East or West. Sophomores enter the lottery and are guaranteed housing, although it may not be great. If you get lucky, you can get a really nice on-campus apartment. Many people opt for off campus after sophomore year, because it can be cheaper, depending on how far off campus you are and which neighborhood you choose.
Food and Dining
The freshman meal plan is a little annoying and pricey, but the dining hall food is very good compared to other schools. There are three traditional dining halls - Stetson East, Stetson West, and International Village. Stetson East has a great vegetarian room, and an extensive salad bar, with many other options. Stetson West has a Stir Fry Room, with create-your-own stir fry that they cook to order so it is always exactly how you like it. International Village has many different stations, including sandwiches, salads, burgers, hot meal, vegetarian, sushi, soup, omelets, and pasta. The meal plan, which includes either 10, 15, or 19 meals per week, also comes with a set amount of dining dollars, which can be used at many of the on campus restaurants. Aside from the dining halls, there is Wollaston's (the grocery store), Subway, Dunkin' Donuts, Qdoba, Boloco, Au Bon Pain, Argo Tea, and an entire food court in the Curry Student Center.
What to do for fun
On campus, there is the Curry Student Center, which has pool tables for students and also the After Hours club, which frequently hosts live music and performances. There is also plenty of green space (which you might not expect for a campus in the city!). Luckily, Northeastern is in the heart of Boston, so when there's nothing to do on campus, there's an entire world to explore. There are two movie theaters close to campus, countless museums to explore, tons of shopping and an immense number of colleges in the Boston area, so when there's nothing to do at Northeastern, you can always skip on over to BU, MIT, Harvard, or Boston College to catch up with friends from home or check out a frat party. Finally, there is, of course, all of historical downtown Boston to explore! Between everything there is to do on and off campus, I have never once at Northeastern found myself uttering the phrase I'm bored.
Bang for the buck
Don't get me wrong, Northeastern is EXPENSIVE, but, in the end, it's worth every penny. Not only do they offer a generous amount of scholarship money, the way in which Northeastern prepares you for the working world truly is priceless. During two or three semesters of coop, Northeastern helps you find a job relevant to your major and you are actually MAKING money, rather than paying it. Ultimately, although tuition is very expensive at Northeastern, it is well worth the price. You will have a much higher chance of finding a job upon graduation, and you will truly be prepared for the real world with your education from Northeastern.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Rebecca's Cafe is THE BEST dining option on campus. They make sandwiches to order, and something about those sandwiches draws half hour lines and a lunch rush like you've never seen. From the Tuscan Turkey to the Bello Bello to the Southwestern Wrap, Rebecca's Cafe is a campus favorite.
Great for these types of students
Northeastern is great for students interested in getting a head start in their career. If you are a very hands on student who loves field trips and field research, Northeastern is for you. If you are interested in science or engineering, Northeastern is definitely for you. If you are interested in arts and humanities, but are also interested in learning how to turn your passion into a viable career, Northeastern is for you. If you are looking for a big school in the big city, but still want that sense of community and like to see a few trees here and there, Northeastern is 100% for you. I can't think of a type of student who doesn't thrive at Northeastern, especially if you are looking for an education that will prepare you for the real world.
Clubs and Activities
Every student group you ever wanted exists at Northeastern, and if it doesn't, you can make it. There are dance crews and teams, fraternities and sororities (although most don't have houses), countless a Capella groups, and more special interest groups than I can even count. There are many different religious groups, cultural groups, and community service groups. There are also groups that are just for fun, such as NU Eats and the Arts and Crafts club. Many of the clubs at Northeastern have dues (around $5 per semester), but it is worth it for the fun activities and new friends!
Campus Safety
My parents were very nervous for me to go to school in in the city; however, I feel just as safe on campus and throughout the city as I did back in my New Jersey suburb. The campus is very well lit, the NUPD is always present, and I never feel unsafe walking back from the library or student center alone at night. Even throughout the city, I feel safe walking around alone during the day or in a small group at night. When you first arrive on campus, you find out quickly, from upperclassmen such as your RA, which areas of the city are best to avoid, and as long as you are smart, you can easily keep yourself safe.

Elizabeth from East Sandwich, MA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am a Business Administration major with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. The classes that I have taken thus far have all offered incredible opportunities to apply what is taught in real world contexts. The courses are challenging, but not unreasonably so. The professors are accessible to students and relate well to them in the classroom.
Am enjoying being here
I honestly believe that I could not have found a better college for myself. Boston is a great city for college students. There are many other colleges in the area, so the community consists strongly of young adults. Museums, movie theaters, and other recreational locales in the area offer great student discounts. On campus, there is always a show, speaker, or game going on.
Bang for the buck
As much as I love Northeastern, it is on the expensive side. I do wish that it was less expensive or that there were more options for lower income students. Still, it is a great place to go to school.
Tips for prospective students
Apply early. My guidance counselor advised me that this is important since Northeastern receives so many applications each year. Tour campus, as it will give you a much better idea of what the school offers. While you're there, make sure to check out the surrounding area and to talk to students. My friends and I all comment on how much we enjoy talking to prospective students, so don't be afraid to approach us.
Great for these types of students
Northeastern is great for students looking for a large school. Each college program provides its own sense of a smaller community, like the College of Business that I belong to, but for the most part it does feel like a large school. It's a great school for hands-on learners, as it provides the opportunity to work in your field of interest before graduating. It also offers an urban community with a campus that is set off from the main city streets, so it's a good environment for those who are transitioning to an urban environment for the first time.