Boston City Guide for Students

Boston, being a city with a rich history, prestigious educational institutions, and a diverse cultural scene, offers an exciting blend of academic opportunities, social activities, and a unique set of experiences.

This guide will help you navigate and make the most out of your time in this bustling city. Let’s get started with this!

Top Universities

So, let’s start the blog by talking about the several renowned universities in the city.

• Harvard University

So, this is located nearby Cambridge and is one of the most prestigious universities globally. This university offers a wide range of programs and has a rich history dating all the way back to 1636.

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

This second university is in Cambridge and is a leading institution for science, technology, and engineering. MIT is known especially for its cutting-edge research and innovation, making it a future-ready university.

• Boston University (BU)

Situated along the Charles River, this university offers you a diverse range of programs and an exceptionally vibrant campus; fit for you if you’re looking to have a nice time in your college life.

• Northeastern University

Next up, we have a university known widely for its cooperative education program. And this university is among the best in terms of exposing you to opportunities like part-time student internships and co-ops.

• Boston College (BC)

So, this university is located in Chestnut Hill, BC and offers a beautiful campus and strong programs in liberal arts, business, and education. This university is one of the most holistic, academically.

Getting Around

Now that we’ve given you a brief idea of the universities you can choose from in Boston, it’s time we talk about the commuting part. Below are some modes of transportation in the city:

• MBTA (The T)

First on our list is the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), also known as ”The T”. It is the city’s most preferred transit system and it includes subways, buses, and commuter rail lines. And you as a student can also purchase discounted passes so that you can travel as much as you can.

• Biking

Secondly, this city also takes care of your health as it is a bike-friendly one. This city has a plentiful number of bike-sharing programs and many bike lanes to accommodate that. And services like Bluebikes are pretty renowned too.

• Walking

Next to biking is to use your own foot to commute. And with its historical sites and scenic views, walking is a really pleasant way to explore Boston. Neighbourhoods like the North End and Beacon Hill are best experienced when on foot and are the ideal localities for your student housing in Boston.

• Ridesharing

Lastly, if you’re the kind of person who prefers comfort and safety while commuting then services like Uber and Lyft are widely available almost everywhere in the city. Although a bit expensive, opting for this is also a good way to explore the city.

Accommodation Options

Let’s get into the types of places you can live in during your stay abroad as a student. Below are some accommodation options for you:

• On-Campus Housing

So, the first one is pretty obvious since most of the universities offer on-campus housing; which not only provides you with convenience but also gives you the opportunity to be part of the student communities.

• Off-Campus Housing

Secondly, these kinds of accommodations can be the perfect fit for you if you desire more independence. Because such student accommodation comes not only with fewer rules but more amenities too.

• Shared Housing

Additionally, if you’re the kind of person who likes to live in shared spaces then opt for a shared apartment. This way you’ll not only save money but make friends as well. Also, you’ll learn the art of dealing with peers and working your way around disagreements.

Study Spots

Next up, it’s time that we touch upon the ideal study spots where you can prepare for your classes or binge-read your favourite piece of literature. Let’s take a look at a few:

• Boston Public Library

The most famous and also the most preferred is the library located in Copley Square. This library offers you a serene environment and a good amount of study space, making it a good place for you to ponder your burning questions.

• Cafés

Additionally, this city is also adorned with a large number of cafés and restaurants that are fit for your study. And the most famous ones among them are Tatte Bakery & Café, Pavement Coffeehouse, and Thinking Cup.

• University Libraries

Lastly, we’d also recommend that you make the best use of the libraries at the universities mentioned above. And that’s because they invest a huge amount of their funds into making their libraries more equipped.

Entertainment and Social Life

So, once you’re done studying and thinking about life’s deep questions, you will feel the need to unwind. And the spots below help you do just that. Let’s go over a few of our top picks:

• Museums and Cultural Attractions

Okay, since Boston is rich in terms of history and culture, you can consider visiting the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum or you can even take a nice walk along the Freedom Trail.

• Sports

Apart from the cultural side of Boston, this city is also a sports-loving city. You can catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park or a Celtics game at TD Garden, or even participate in intramural sports at your university.

• Music and Nightlife

Boston’s music scene is also pretty vibrant with venues like the House of Blues and Paradise Rock Club hosting various famous artists. And for nightlife, you can explore bars and clubs in areas like Faneuil Hall or the Seaport District.

Conclusion

Boston is a city that offers a perfect blend of academic diversity, historical richness, and a dynamic social scene. And as a student, you’ll find endless opportunities for learning, growth, and fun.

Embrace all that this city has to offer and you’ll find this city to be one of the most rewarding and comforting.

How can amber help you?

Amber helps you secure student accommodation of your choice on your study abroad journey. Having served 80 million students (and counting), amber is your one-stop shop for all your accommodation needs. Download the amber app from the Google Play Store or App Store to book an affordable home for your adventure.

Author’s Bio

Ayush is a daydreamer with a knack for rationalising his abstract thoughts into reality. You will find him gazing at the flowers, longing for the raindrops to play music on their soft petals. He likes to enjoy an unhealthy amount of cinema, for he believes that is the healthiest way to live a thousand different lives.