Northeastern University

Huskies know how to work hard and play harder, right in the heart of Boston!

The Vibe

Innovative, urban, diverse community

What it Feels Like to Go Here

Walking through Northeastern University, you can’t help but feel the buzz of activity all around you. Nestled right in the heart of Boston, the campus blends cool old buildings with sleek new ones. Students are always on the move, rocking a mix of comfy jeans, hoodies, the latest fashion trends, and whatever formal work attire they wore to their co-op. As you pass by, you catch snippets of conversations about everything from new tech gadgets to weekend plans and the latest social issues.

Students here know how to work hard and play hard. They can often be found in cozy corners or sunny spots with their laptops and textbooks, cramming for the next big exam or working on group projects. The co-op program is a distinct aspect of campus life, with everyone swapping stories about their internships and job experiences. Still, huskies know how to have a good time. The weekends include parties, campus events and the excitement of Boston’s nightlife. The vibe at Northeastern is all about balancing the grind and fun activities while supporting each other through it all.

Awesome Alumni

Northeastern boasts an impressive roster of alumni who have made significant impacts in various fields. Wendy Williams, a prominent media personality, is best known for her infamous talk show that captivated audiences for over a decade. Biz Stone co-founded Twitter, revolutionizing social media and communication globally. Carlos Peña, a talented musician and actor, gained fame as a member of the band Big Time Rush and for his roles in numerous television series and films. Nikesh Arora, a distinguished business executive, served as the Chief Business Officer of Google and later became the CEO of Palo Alto Networks, driving innovation and leadership in the tech industry. These Huskies exemplify the diverse success that graduates of Northeastern University can achieve.

Where We Hang

Students at Northeastern University have plenty of fun activities to keep them entertained. A popular spot on campus is the West Village Quad or Centennial, where you’ll find students chilling on hammocks, soaking up the sun, and catching up with friends. One of the biggest events of the year is the Beanpot hockey tournament, which gets everyone hyped up and showing school spirit. Another favorite is Giving Day, which feels like a big fair where students donate to various organizations and enjoy the festivities.

For music lovers, TD Garden and Symphony Hall are go-to venues for concerts, and catching a live orchestra performance can be surprisingly exciting. With Fenway Park right nearby, it’s a blast to watch baseball games, and it’s also where graduation ceremonies are held, making it a special place for students. Boston Common is another great spot, perfect for relaxing, reading a book, or just hanging out. When it comes to nightlife, Club Cafe and Howl are popular clubs, and the area is known for its karaoke bars. Downtown can be hit or miss, but the trick is to find the places with the shortest lines and dive in for a good time.

Q&A

1. How much are students partying?

“Surprisingly enough, there is a lot of partying that goes on at Northeastern. The partying that goes on is also extremely diverse, as it can range from going to fraternity parties to various clubs around the city. I would say that I have gone out partying every weekend that I’ve been here at Northeastern; typically, I will go out more than once in one weekend,” Northeastern sophomore Nysa Kothari said.

2. What will you get in trouble for at your school?

“I think the one thing I would get in trouble for would be AI use even though I don’t use ChatGPT and services like that for class purposes. Northeastern is incredibly strict with AI use. So if you are using grammar.ly that’s a big issue here. Freshman and sophomores don’t really get in trouble at Northeastern for drinking or partying; it was more common during COVID years,” Northeastern senior Lal Yatagan said.

3. What surprised you about Northeastern?

“What surprised me the most is the diversity of the student population at Northeastern. I have been able to step out of my comfort zone in ways I never thought possible. I have made lifelong friends from international countries like Dubai and Jordan, enabling me to gain a new perspective on life that I wouldn’t normally find. I have met so many students from different countries and of different cultural backgrounds here, and I am so thankful to have the opportunity to connect with so many new and different kinds of people,” Kothari said.

4. What was your favorite class?

“My favorite class is definitely ancient philosophy with Professor stump. The class gets me engaged in ways that are not traditional. I am somehow so invested in the class that I talk about our discussions with my friends and teammates. Definitely recommend his class to any freshman,” Lal Yatagan said.

5. What was it like to do your first semester abroad with NEU Abroad?

“My semester abroad was genuinely one of the best experiences of my life. In all honesty, I was pretty bummed to find out I had to go abroad for my first semester to attend Northeastern University, because that was something “unheard of” to do in your first semester of college. However, taking that leap lead me to meet my closest friends, even to this day. I was able to experience a whole new culture with people in the same boat as me, not only easing the experience, but also creating lasting friendships. To anyone considering taking a semester abroad, whether it be in their first semester or just in general, I would 100% recommend taking that experience on because I guarantee it will be the best four months of your life,” Kothari said.

Student Reviews

“Northeastern University was never my first choice for college. However, the school has definitely grown on me,This is a university built on amazing opportunities, many of which you would never be able to find at another university. From Dialogues of Civilizations and Co-Ops to the openness to create any sort of combined major, Northeastern University creates the most unique college experience where you can tailor your education to fit your own liking and needs,” Kothari said.

“I would tell incoming freshmen that Northeastern is a harder school to find your place in when you first come in… It is very easy to get trapped in a freshman year friend group…. Don’t be afraid to explore and join different friend groups like a floater. It will help you find your people. I am still really close friends with some of my friends from freshman year and met even more people. But joining the rowing team did change my life because I get to do what I love with 40 of my best friends,” Yatagan said.

“I have made Northeastern my home for the past three years. It is the perfect blend of academics and city lifestyle. There is ample adventure that the city of Boston offers and Northeastern offers so much more beyond Boston,” Northeastern senior Vidit Shah said.

Top 3 Majors

1. Business

Northeastern University’s Business program is a top pick for students wanting to dive into the world of commerce and entrepreneurship. You’ll cover all the basics like finance, marketing, and management, and can choose from cool concentrations like accounting or international business. What makes this program stand out is the co-op opportunities. These let you work with real companies while you’re still in school, giving you hands-on experience and a chance to build your professional network. Plus, there are plenty of chances to study abroad or do international co-ops, adding a global twist to your education.

2. Information Science

The Information Science program at Northeastern is perfect for tech-savvy students who love data and solving complex problems. You’ll learn about data management, information systems, and how technology impacts society. The courses cover everything from database management and data analytics to human-computer interaction. The program’s strong point is its co-op opportunities, where you can work with tech companies, research labs, or even government agencies. This real-world experience is invaluable and helps set you up for careers in data science, information management, and beyond.

3. Mechanical Engineering

If you’re into designing and building things, Northeastern’s Mechanical Engineering program is a great choice. You’ll study the essentials like mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials science, and can explore advanced topics like robotics and renewable energy. The program is known for its hands-on approach, with state-of-the-art labs and projects that let you apply what you’ve learned. The co-op program is a huge plus, offering work experience with top companies in industries like aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing. This experience not only boosts your resume but also prepares you for a successful engineering career.

Top 3 Most Popular Student Organizations

1. Entrepreneurs Club

This is one of the largest student-led organizations on campus, dedicated to fostering the next generation of Huskies into CEOs. The club offers various programs like the Husky Startup Challenge, Engage Workshops, and a weekly speaker series featuring industry leaders. It aims to educate, inspire, and empower students to pursue entrepreneurial ventures across various industries.

2. Mosaic

Mosaic is an alliance of student-led organizations focused on entrepreneurship and innovation. It provides a support network for student ventures, offering resources like technical development, consulting, and networking opportunities. Mosaic encompasses several organizations, including Generate, a product development studio, and IDEA, a venture accelerator, helping students at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.

3. Student Government Association (SGA)

The SGA at Northeastern is another key organization that plays a significant role in student life. It provides a platform for students to develop leadership skills, advocate for student interests, and improve the university experience through various initiatives and programs.

Getting In

Getting accepted to Northeastern University has become increasingly competitive in recent years. For the class of 2022, the acceptance rate was around 29%, making it more selective than ever. Admitted students typically have an average high school GPA of 4.1 on a weighted scale. For those focusing on standardized tests, the middle 50% SAT scores range from 1430 to 1540, while the ACT scores range from 33 to 35.

Northeastern University requires a well-rounded application. While strong grades and test scores are essential, Northeastern places significant emphasis on experiential learning and demonstrated interest in fields like research, internships, and co-op programs. For this reason, the university also offers applicants the opportunity to apply to study abroad programs called NEU Abroad that gives students the opportunity to spend time in places like Rome and London before returning to Boston as a Husky. The admissions team looks for students who have actively engaged in their communities and pursued unique projects or leadership roles. As the Husky reputation continues to rise, so does the level of competition among applicants.