Boston, Massachusetts is a city famous for many things, one being its incredible collection of colleges and universities.
To name a few:
- Harvard University
- the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- the Boston University
- Boston College
- Boston Conservatory
- Tufts University
- Wellesley College
- the Berklee School of Music
- many, many more.
If you’re interested in attending college in Boston, or are moving there for school tomorrow, we have all the answers about life in America’s most famous college town.
Living in Boston as a Student
The college process is extremely difficult, so if you’ve completed it and are planning your move to your new college town, congratulations! You’re headed off to arguably the best college town in the country. You’ll be surrounded by thousands of other motivated, bright students and can tap into the incredible resources available from a college town like Boston. Anticipate the most interesting internships, field research, and weekend outings.
Most college students in Boston are required to live in school-provided housing, usually dormitories, for their first year. Depending on your school, after a year or two of living on campus, you may have the opportunity – or even be required to – find your own housing off campus. If you find yourself in this position, it’s best to split the cost of housing and utilities with roommates or friends.
Let’s talk about some of the coolest parts about going to college in Boston:
Always New People
In Boston, you’ll never run out of new friends to make. There are quite literally dozens of universities in Boston, many of them massive, with thousands of students each. With so many other incredible people living in the city, you’ll never run out of new friends to make. Even waiting in a line can be an interesting experience in Boston because of all the people you’ll meet and befriend.
Tons of Activity
You’ll rarely have a free weekend in Boston. Not only do universities in the city sponsor activities themselves, but there are always events happening in the city. Four of the most successful sports teams in the country are from Boston, so there’ll be sports games all through the year to attend. Professional theaters operate in downtown Boston, and some of the biggest names in music tour in the city as well. Outside of entertainment, you’ll find every type of store and restaurant in the city, giving you tons of places to go and things to do at all times of year.
Unique College Experience
Practically every student who attended a school in Boston can recall an incredible experience they were given because of the city they attended college in. Whether it’s a field trip to one of the best museums in the world or performing in a world-class theater or seeing your favorite museum in the incredible TD Garden, you’ll never run out of life-changing experiences when attending college in Boston.
Awesome Venues
Some of the coolest restaurants, cafes, and stores are in Boston. You’ll never run out of adventure. The other great thing about being a student in Boston are the discounts you’ll score. Many businesses want to attract the valuable business that students provide and offer discounts or loyalty programs for students. A lot of venues and museums even offer free admission with a Student ID, making it easy for students to soak up the best of the city.
Great Public Transportation
Most students don’t have cars, since parking is tricky and expensive in the city. Thus they rely on public transportation, which is very accommodating to students in Boston. Most colleges are nearby an MBTA shop, since the city specifically constructed stops near schools, convenient for students. It’s cheap, and allows students to get anywhere in the city in just a few minutes. Don’t break a car to Boston if you don’t have to, and instead, rely on inexpensive public transportation.
Awesome Weather
If you like all four seasons, you’ll love living in New England. The winters are full of snow, transforming Boston into a winter wonderland. In fall, the city turns orange and red as the leaves fall in parks and on cobble-stoned paths. By springtime, the city is revived after the long, dark winter and flowers explode in all green spaces. By summer, it’s hot all the time and the days are long. Summer tourists walk through the city and congregate on duck tour buses. The seasonal climate provides the best of all types of weather for Boston residents.
