Should I leave SoCal to go to BU? (Boston: credit, how much)

[NVM]

Im an 18 year old born and raise california girl tempted to try Boston for my freshman year in college. I guess im intrigued with the idea of a new enviroment, even though my friends tell me I should just stick to LA or San Diego for school. Im most likely going to USC for sophmore year, but first my parents want me to go elsewhere (dont ask). I figure that maybe a year outside my usual surroundings could be a good experience. Sooo any thoughts on what I should do or what I can expect (besides all the comments about medecinal mj I usually get asked about when im in Boston )?

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by NVM

Im an 18 year old born and raise california girl tempted to try Boston for my freshman year in college. I guess im intrigued with the idea of a new enviroment, even though my friends tell me I should just stick to LA or San Diego for school. Im most likely going to USC for sophmore year, but first my parents want me to go elsewhere (dont ask). I figure that maybe a year outside my usual surroundings could be a good experience. Sooo any thoughts on what I should do or what I can expect (besides all the comments about medecinal mj I usually get asked about when im in Boston )?

I recommend that you go to Boston University for all four years.

1. The complete change in environment from your SoCal upbringing will be an unbelievable experience. You will learn so much, grow a lot, and not regret a thing. College is the perfect time to have an experience like this.

2. If you can help it, don't transfer. You experience will be much better by being in one place for four years. College is like a good book...each year is like a separate, unique chapter. If you transfer, your sophomore year will be like another freshman year (but if you hate your situation, by all means transfer!).

Good Luck.

[skytrekker]

Boston will be a total change and a different world which I am sure you will enjoy as a Californian. After 1 year here, I doubt you will return to southern California. Boston is a wonderful city of national and worldwide historic significance.

[LeavingMA]

I would try to stick to just going to one college, but if you decide to transfer make sure your credits transfer to USC.

If you decide to go to Boston and don't like it you can always transfer back. Just be aware it is very different than the West coast and even places on the East coast.

[ChunkyMonkey]

I think it is an excellent idea to explore different parts of the country especially when you are young and unencumbered. It will open your mind toward different lifestyles, attitudes, weather, etc. I agree that you should just stick with one college if possible. Good luck.

[K-Luv]

I agree that you should stick to the same institution for all four years, but transferring once is not big deal; although I would do it junior year, not sophomore.

SoCal and Boston are different, but not completely. Everything will be new, but not totally foreign. You will more then likely fall in love with Boston and want to stay.

[Bluefly]

I can't say strongly enough how much you will grow if you go to Boston for not only one year, but all four. BU's a great school.

Something you do not yet realize is how insular the Southern California culture is. It is such a megalopolis to which all one needs to thrive is brought to one's doorstep, that it is my experience that most people who never leave SoCal develop a very naive perception of the world around them - I have seen this in everyone from big time lawyers and entertainment executives to the most altruistic social advocates. I've met some who talk about street names and cities to people from across the country and simply expect them to know where they are. The people from across the country had no clue. The pressure you are getting to stay is evidence of this attitude as well.

At its worst, people develop a sense of superiority over others simply because they live in SoCal. At its best, people become simply naval-gazingly naive about the nuances of society beyond.

I wouldn't limit my time away to just 9 months. You will hardly get settled before you go back to your comfort zone.

[bluegreen]

Boston is an amazing city (I grew up one hour north) When you are young, in school and are free of responsibility- that is the BEST time to travel and see the world- go to Boston!

[TheWereRabbit]

I think transferring is a great idea if you don't like your first school but you definitely shouldn't go to school with the intention of transferring or you won't fully appreciate the first school.

[jayrandom]

I think you should consider visiting BU before you make up your mind. Perhaps its different if you go to school in Boston, but to me the character of the school makes a lot more practical impact on your college education than the character of the area the school is in. Does BU offer the programs and kind of instruction you are interested in? By all means consider BU, but there may be other schools, even in the Boston area, that fit your needs even better or offer programs or opportunities that really appeal to you. There are some really great schools in some really dull places.