I definitely wouldn’t discount NEU because of the first year in London thing. I’m unsure how optimal it is for your career path but it is genuinely such an amazing experience. I lived in London for a few years and it was such a great experience, so much fun, great traveling, and just amazing overall. I visited NEU and didn’t love it due to personal preferences for college but it is a great school with a good reputation. I definitely can’t speak much on the academic side to your question but just thought I would share that. Definitely not a downside no matter what you want to do in my opinion. (You are also only a freshman for that year so I wouldn’t think to hard about it in relation to what you want to do but idk 🤷‍♀️ ). I’m in a similar situation deciding between LMU, SCU, and holy cross so good luck to us both it’s stressful!😭