Within the city of Boston, Northeastern University (commonly referred to as Northeastern or N.U.) is a college widely known for its co-op program, combined majors, and traveling abroad program. The school’s unique programs attract high school students to apply and is also an aspect that leads many of them to commit to the school. 

Cassandra Moe is the sister of Pascack Hills sophomore Sabrina Moe. She graduated from Bergen County Academies and is currently a sophomore at Northeastern. Moe explained that the co-op program was one of her reasons for committing to the school; this allows students to have real-world experience through a paid or unpaid internship to determine if a certain career interests them. 

“The co-op program was a huge incentive because I’d be making money to pay for tuition and be able to graduate with full-time experience,” she said. Moe is currently on her first co-op. 

Jess Gudin, a senior at Hills who recently committed to Northeastern for Business and Economics on the Pre-Law track, also said that she “ultimately chose Northeastern because of their co-op program.” 

Moe’s second reason for committing to Northeastern was because of the combined majors they offer. This allows students to combine two courses into one major as opposed to having a major and a minor or a double major.

“I’m studying Computer Science and Design as one major, and there wasn’t any other university that I found which had a similar program that combined the two equally,” she explained, “it helped me in integrating two pretty separate industries into one plan of study.”

Gudin also plans on studying a combined major of Business and Economics between the D’Amore-McKim School of Business and College of Social Sciences and Humanities.

“I love how practical this program is and the fact that Northeastern cares about setting their students up for success,” she stated.

Another program that is unique to Northeastern is their N.U.in program, which gives students the opportunity to travel abroad for a semester of their studies. Gudin was accepted into this program, but said that “because of my concerns about the pandemic, I opted to stay in Boston.”  

The size and location of campus also attract many students to apply and attend Northeastern. 

“I love how the campus is in the middle of a city, but still has a campus feel,” Moe said. Gudin added, “their campus is beautiful and maintains a welcoming, homey feeling, while still being located in the heart of Boston.”

Moe recalled what her days looked like as a freshman on campus. 

“Pre-Covid, my days varied depending on what classes I had. I’d normally attend classes, do work in between those classes or at night, and go to club events. The campus is small enough that I would walk everywhere with no issue, but as an upperclassman, I’m living off campus, so it’s a bit longer of a walk,” she explained. 

First-year students are required to be on a meal plan, and Moe stated that she would eat all three of her meals at the dining hall. 

A large goal for Northeastern is to ensure that students are actively involved in clubs and other activities on campus. 

Moe discussed some of the ones that she has partaken in, saying, “my main involvement is as a board member for the Asian Student Union, acting as Freshman Representative, Media Specialist, and Public Relations Chair next year. I also recently joined a pro bono club that delivers tech products to Boston organizations, but I’ll be helping as the brand designer.”

More information is listed on Northeastern’s website regarding clubs, fraternity and sorority life, and sports offered by the university. 

One final comment that Moe made about Northeastern was that the other students who attend are sociable. “The people I’ve met are great as well,” she said, and “the student culture is really welcoming from what I’ve seen.” 

Gudin expressed her excitement about staying at the university starting in the 2021-22 school year. “I look forward to exploring my new home for the next four years,” she said.