Sorry for getting back to you so late, but Boston is a culture shock according to some people I know from the West Coast (Cali). Things are much faster, more brisk.

People are definitely NOT antisocial. People are doing things with other people left and right, joining clubs, volunteering etc. etc. There is some sense that the social life per se has been dampened, but if you allow yourself to have a social life, you will in fact have a social life.

As for arrogance, there’s definitely a sense in certain concentrations of hyper competition. A lot of the pre-med filled concentrations and the economics/business inclined concentrations can be much more competitive. On the other hand, a lot of other concentrations are much more relaxed with students who are much more chill about academics and careers.

If you’re seeking advice, you should look up rather than across. In other words, reach out to upperclassmen. They’re full of advice and because they’re not really in direct competition with underclassmen ever, very very very willing to help out. There’s a lot of support that foster this type of interaction too. The Peer Advising Fellows program for freshmen for instance is a good way to get to know upperclassmen. Even if said upperclassmen is not in an area you’re interested in, ask, and chances are they know a friend who’s willing to help answer your questions.

Once you hit the Houses, there are also House Tutors and other sort of academic advisers who can help steer you towards guidance and advice.

And of course, end of the day, if you have good friends, good friends will obviously be willing to help one another out. For instance, I exchange career related strategies (haha) with a few of my close friends even though they are in competition with me sort of.