Should You Choose Northwestern as Your Dream School? ... but then slowly devolving into chaos

Summary

In this video, the creator reflects on their first month at Northwestern University, sharing personal experiences with move-in, orientation, and finding a social circle. They discuss the peaceful campus life, the process of joining clubs, and the social dynamics, offering tips on making friends. The video captures the essence of balancing academics and social life, showcasing the university's diverse and inclusive environment.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker has been at Northwestern University for a month and shares their experiences to help others decide if they should apply.
• 🧳 The move-in process was smooth with designated movers assisting with luggage, despite initial concerns about logistics.
• 🏠 The speaker's room in Heirs Hall was spacious but had a broken curtain, which was a minor issue.
• 📚 Orientation week involved switching a seminar class due to a time conflict, which led to a disconnect with the assigned PA group.
• 🎉 The first event at Northwestern was challenging due to feelings of loneliness, but the speaker eventually found groups to hang out with.
• 🎭 The favorite event of orientation was 'Night at Norris,' featuring dance and acapella groups, and activities like balloon animals.
• 🏛 Life at Northwestern is peaceful, with wildlife sightings around campus, such as ducks, bunnies, and squirrels.
• 🔍 Finding clubs was initially difficult, relying on word of mouth and random posters, but the speaker eventually joined a few that fit their schedule.
• 🎬 The speaker is involved in a garage band and auditioning for a film, highlighting the diverse opportunities for involvement on campus.
• 🤝 Making friends took time and involved repeated exposure to people, with the realization that friendships form through mutual energy and interest.
• 📝 The speaker offers socializing tips, such as approaching people when they're alone, attaching to an extrovert, and being aware of physical presence in social settings.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is the speaker's first month experience at Northwestern University.

Why did the speaker feel the need to make this video?

The speaker felt the need to make this video because there was a perceived lack of Northwestern content, and they wanted to share their personal experiences to help others considering applying to the university.

How did the speaker find the move-in process at Northwestern?

The speaker found the move-in process at Northwestern to be very smooth, with designated movers helping them move their luggage to their rooms.

What issue did the speaker encounter during orientation week?

The speaker encountered an issue during orientation week where they had to switch their seminar class due to a time conflict with their foreign language class, which resulted in them not being in the same class as their PA group.

What is a PA group and why is it significant during the first year of college?

A PA group is a group of students that you are with for the first year of college. It is significant because it is part of the orientation and adjustment process to college life.

How did the speaker feel during the first night of Northwestern?

The speaker felt alone during the first night of Northwestern because they didn't know anyone, but they eventually found two groups to hang out with.

What was the speaker's favorite event during the first week of orientation?

The speaker's favorite event during the first week of orientation was 'Night at Norris,' where they got to watch dance groups and acapella groups perform.

How did the speaker find clubs at Northwestern?

The speaker found clubs at Northwestern mainly by word of mouth from friends or from random posters and flyers around campus.

What is the speaker's opinion on the social scene at Northwestern?

The speaker found the social scene at Northwestern to be diverse, with a mix of party and non-party cultures, and believes there is something for everyone.

How did the speaker make friends at Northwestern?

The speaker made friends at Northwestern through repeated random exposures, attending events, and by being open to socializing with people they met in their dorm and in classes.

What advice does the speaker give for making friends in a new environment?

The speaker advises to approach people when they are not in groups, attach oneself to an extrovert, maintain a good physical presence, and find commonalities to facilitate conversation.