Is Northeastern or Tufts considered more fun for undergraduates?

Most students would probably describe Tufts as more traditionally fun for undergraduates, while Northeastern often feels more spread out and self-directed. Tufts has a stronger residential campus vibe, more of the student body is living and socializing in the same place, and the school’s culture is often seen as quirky, energetic, and community-oriented. Northeastern can absolutely be lively, but its co-op structure and urban setup make the social scene feel less centered on one shared campus experience.

Tufts tends to appeal to students who want a classic residential college atmosphere with lots of student-run activity, close-knit friend groups, and a social life that happens on and around campus. The Medford/Somerville location still gives you access to Boston, but the day-to-day feel is more campus-based, which often translates into stronger weekend culture, more familiar faces, and a bigger sense that everyone is plugged into the same undergraduate environment.

Northeastern is often more fun for students who like having the city as part of their social life and who do not need campus traditions to carry the experience. Boston is right there, students are constantly doing things off campus, and the school has a very active student body. But because co-ops, internships, and different academic schedules pull people in different directions, the social rhythm can feel less unified. Some students love that independence, while others feel it makes college life a little less cohesive.

So if by fun you mean a more concentrated undergraduate social scene, Tufts usually gets that edge. If by fun you mean fast-paced city life, professional energy, and building your own version of college across Boston, Northeastern can be a great match.