Moving from the sunny yet foggy streets of San Francisco to the snowy sidewalks of Massachusetts was a journey of over 3,000 miles—a complete shift in weather, pace, and even transportation. When I first packed up to attend Heller, I didn’t quite know what to expect, but I was lucky enough to have my mom’s help as I navigated through the chaos of luggage, last-minute details, and bringing along my sweet emotional support dog, Honey.
I had visited Boston a few times before, once during the vibrant summer and once during the icy winter, so I had an idea of what it would be like. But packing for all four seasons was still a challenge. Coming from a place that never sees snow (unless you drive up to the mountains), I found myself second-guessing whether my collection of coats and scarves would be enough. One thing I didn’t leave behind though was Honey’s essentials—her leash, bed, toys, and treats all came with us.
For that first year, I decided to live on my own. I found a cozy little studio in Brighton, which I absolutely loved. It was my personal retreat, a little space that felt like home, even though I was miles away from the Bay Area. But commuting to Heller from Brighton, especially without a car, had its challenges. I relied on public transportation and ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft, but Boston’s public transit is a bit different than what I was used to. The MBTA (or "the T," as the locals call it) is reliable, but I often found myself taking multiple buses and trains just to get to campus. In the winter months, when the snow was piling up, the commute could feel endless.
Still, I chose not to bring my car, since my plan was to return to California eventually. Public transportation was a decent stand-in, even if it was a little slower than expected. Boston’s transportation system is old—historically significant, in fact—so the occasional delay made sense.
Looking back, there wasn’t much that truly surprised me about Boston or Waltham, except perhaps how different the seasons are compared to California’s perpetual warmth. I would recommend that anyone considering Heller, especially those coming from warm climates, try to visit Massachusetts beforehand. Experience the weather firsthand—it’ll help you figure out whether Boston’s snowy winters or humid summers are something you can handle.
Also, Heller provides a great resource for students: free items, including winter gear! Faculty and students bring in new or gently used clothes for those who may not have proper winter essentials. It was incredibly helpful and made the transition a little easier.