Northeastern- Isolated? (Boston, Orange, Harvard: apartment, coops, transfer)

[Selphine]

I'm considering attending Northeastern University, but I've heard from several people that is is difficult to reach the other big schools in the area (Harvard, MIT, BU) because they are on a different T line or something like that, and the school is isolated.

Is this true? Can someone explain the T around Northeastern to me? Thanks.

Also, is Roxbury (the neighborhood the school borders) unsafe? I've gotten mixed reviews about that.

Thanks

[bluecountry]

I went to Northeastern.
You are in NO way isolated.
Northeastern in fact is in the best location relative to the city...you are within walking distance to the Prudential Center Mall.

You have TWO subway lines...the Green line and the Orange line.
Across the Orange Line is Roxbury...but that is merely the border...not downtown core of Roxbury...and Northeastern continues to buy land there for housing...it is an improving neighborhood.

In short...you have ample access to two subway lines...you are closer to the city than any other schools...and the Northeastern area is fine...it is a mix of Fenway and Roxbury Crossing.

[FinkieMcGee]

I went there and I had a lot of friends from different schools. I hung out with them regularly.

[ogre]

You would need to change trains to get to some of the other colleges, but most are located in or near the center of the city, so it's a quick trip even with a transfer. Roxbury can't be categorized as all dangerous or all safe. It depends a lot on the local neighborhood within Rox. The area near Northeastern is okay, with the caveat that you need to use the same common sense that you want to use anywhere in a city.

[TomDot]

Northeastern alum here.
NU has extremely convenient access. It is the other schools that are difficult.
NU is also one of the top 100 universities in the nation and climbing.
I went there from 93 to 97 and never had a problem with safety. It is even safer now.

[Cantabridgienne]

It's only "difficult" if you think getting off a train and walking across the platform/down a flight of stairs to get on another train is difficult.

[FinkieMcGee]

The only real suggestion I have is that if you don't live in MA to get a car when coops start up. It will open up your job options.

[Urban Peasant]

I went to Northeastern U. as well and I am a near lifelong resident of Boston. Northeastern arguably has the most convenient of locations of all Boston Area locations, primarily because it was a commuter school for much of its history. You have two rapid transit lines to choose from, southbound commuter rail, a huge selection of local buses, some like the #8 and #47 can take you directly over to BU, MIT, and the colleges over by the Fenway, and a bikepath/walking trail (the Southwest Corridor Park) close by.

Roxbury is much safer than it was some 15 to 20 years ago. Walking around during the daytime is no problem though keep in mind that local high schools get out around 2-2:30 and both the Green and Orange Lines can and will get crowded with high school students. As for nighttime, as long as you walk on well lit streets, main avenues, or in groups, you should have no problem. Just keep in mind that you are in a big city (not to mention big uiniversity) so always be alert that's all.

[SXN]

It's not even really in Roxbury. I'm pretty sure that is considered Mission Hil and JP. NEU is on the E Line train while BU and BC are on the B. Tufts, MIT and Harvard are the ones separated from Boston as they are on the other side of the Charles river.

[nycpa]

My son is a 3rd year student at Northeastern and is looking at an off-campus apartment on the corner of Tremont St. between Sewell and Parker for next year. Other than being a long walk from campus, is that neighborhood safe?