A Year in Oakland: Life as an Oakland Student
Boston, Oakland, London, or New York? As someone who grew up in Massachusetts, the Boston campus seemed like the obvious choice. But my adventurous self had other plans, leading me to Northeastern’s Oakland, California campus. Here are my thoughts on life on the West Coast as an East Coast girl.
Campus Environment
The moment I drove through the entrance of campus, I was greeted with the most beautiful drive with big trees along the side of the road, with the sun beaming through the leaves as I heard cheers and laughter of the community welcoming me to Northeastern. After checking in to get my keys, I wandered around to explore the campus and found the huge green lawn with iconic Northeastern Adirondack chairs and a stunning open sky view.
From that day forward, I would find myself sitting on those chairs or lying down on the grass with my friends doing our International Business homework, reading books, playing spikeball, or even sunbathing. Not many prospective students are aware that the Oakland campus is rich in natural beauty, featuring a hidden farm where students and staff cultivate fresh fruits and vegetables for use in our dining hall, Founders. The campus also boasts over 5,000 trees of 100 different species, all within its 135-acre area. The peacefulness, the natural beauty, and those breathtaking sunset views overlooking the lawn made it one of my favorite spots on campus. Lawn time has become my favorite part of the day: a cherished routine where I can unwind and appreciate just how special this place really is.
Where Passion Meets Community
While the natural beauty of the campus drew me in, it was what happened inside the walls of Haas Pavilion, the athletic building, that truly made Oakland feel like home. As a dancer of 17 years, I had been yearning for a studio space to practice in. At Oakland, I found more than I expected: I could book a dance studio at Haas Pavilion whenever I needed it, took free ballet and Pilates classes that Northeastern offered, and ultimately became Co-President of the Northeastern Oakland Dance Company. Though it was a small company of just 7 dancers, we grew incredibly close with the countless rehearsals and classes we took in the studio. I was able to find my group of people through my love and passion for dancing and choreographing. The highlight of it all? Opening for Grammy-nominated artist Kehlani at Spring Fest in Oakland was a moment I still can't quite believe happened.
Kehlani’s Stage from the backstage side view
Exploring San Francisco
With my community established and my rhythm on campus set, I was ready to explore what lay beyond the entrance gates. One of the best perks of being in Oakland? Northeastern gave us discounted public transportation passes to explore the entire Bay Area. Almost every weekend, I found myself at the bus station right at the campus entrance, hopping on the Alameda-Contra Costa (AC) Transit bus, taking the MacArthur Transbay Limited (NL) line since it takes you straight to the Salesforce Transit Center in Union Square, San Francisco. From there, I'd jump on the San Francisco Municipal Railway, known as the MUNI (free for those 18 and under!), to explore iconic spots like Ghirardelli Square, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Japanese Tea Garden, not to mention all the incredible food.
My best friend and I made it our mission to discover a new spot or restaurant every weekend: dim sum in Chinatown, funnel cake at Pier 39, and visiting the Japanese Tea Garden, Golden Gate Bridge, and Gharadelli Square. These weekend trips became mini-adventures that I looked forward to all week. It made me realize that Northeastern's Oakland campus isn't just near a major city; it's fully connected to it. Having San Francisco just a bus ride away made my year in Oakland feel that much richer.
Chinatown during the Lunar New Year 2025
Food recommendations! (Both in the San Francisco and Oakland areas)
Dumpling Time Design District ~ amazing dumplings!
Abisnthe Brasserie & Bar ~ their scallop entree is delicious
Hong Kong Clay Pot Restaurant ~ a hidden upstairs restaurant that has the best clay pot dishes
Moo Bong Ri ~ their Korean food is chef's kiss, especially their Bossam
Kimchi Garden ~ student favorite for a late-night study dinner, or if you just want a good, hearty meal
Why Oakland?
Between the natural beauty of campus, the tight-knit community I found through dance, and having San Francisco at my fingertips, Oakland gave me everything I didn't know I needed. But the real question is: is Oakland right for you? If you love 60-70°F weather year-round, a peaceful campus surrounded by nature, and easy access to a city filled with iconic landmarks and incredible food, then let me be the one to tell you: Oakland campus could be your next chapter.
