how to visit boston university

Boston University (BU) Transfers: 2024 Requirements, Dates, GPAs & More

When is the best time to visit boston university (bu).

Visiting Boston University (BU) depends on a number of factors, including the season, your schedule, and a lot of uncontrollable variables. We recommend you visit Boston University (BU) twice if you’re serious about enrolling – at least one visit should be when students are on campus and school is in session. Be sure to take note of the town of Boston as well. Remember that Boston is also catering to 16456 students, so think critically about whether the community would feel too big or too small for your personal liking.

Where do families stay when they visit Boston University (BU)?

The Boston University (BU) admissions office likely has a list of accommodations they recommend. In addition to that list, consult the CampusReel VR feature to explore hotels nearby in Boston. For your convenience, below is a list of hotels to consider and that you can also preview in CampusReel VR.

Hotel Commonwealth at Boston University (BU)
Holiday Inn Boston-Brookline at Boston University (BU)
Boston Park Plaza at Boston University (BU)
Courtyard by Marriott Boston Brookline at Boston University (BU)
Sheraton Boston Hotel at Boston University (BU)
The Westin Copley Place, Boston at Boston University (BU)
The Baldwin at Longwood Medical Centre at Boston University (BU)
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Boston - Cambridge at Boston University (BU)
Holiday Inn Express Boston at Boston University (BU)
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Boston - Cambridge at Boston University (BU)
Courtyard by Marriott Boston Cambridge at Boston University (BU)
Wyman Bed & Breakfast in Boston at Boston University (BU)
Hampton Inn & Suites - Boston Crosstown Center at Boston University (BU)
Best Western Plus Boston Hotel at Boston University (BU)
Battery Wharf Hotel Boston Waterfront at Boston University (BU)
The Verb Hotel at Boston University (BU)
The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Boston at Boston University (BU)
Copley Square Hotel at Boston University (BU)
InterContinental Boston at Boston University (BU)
Wyndham Boston Beacon Hill at Boston University (BU)
Courtyard by Marriott Boston-South Boston at Boston University (BU)
Hyatt Regency Cambridge, Overlooking Boston at Boston University (BU)
Beacon Inn at Boston University (BU)
Royal Sonesta Boston at Boston University (BU)
Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Watertown at Boston University (BU)
Boston Luxury Suites at Boston University (BU)
Courtyard Boston Copley Square Hotel at Boston University (BU)
Hampton Inn Boston/Cambridge at Boston University (BU)
Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Back Bay/Fenway at Boston University (BU)
The Colonnade Boston Hotel at Boston University (BU)
W Boston at Boston University (BU)
Kimpton Onyx Hotel at Boston University (BU)
The Bostonian Boston at Boston University (BU)
Club Quarters Hotel in Boston at Boston University (BU)
The Eliot Hotel at Boston University (BU)
Kimpton Marlowe Hotel at Boston University (BU)
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Boston Garden at Boston University (BU)
The Midtown Hotel at Boston University (BU)
Ames Boston Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton at Boston University (BU)
Hotel Veritas in Harvard Square at Boston University (BU)
Found Hotel Boston Common at Boston University (BU)
The Inn At Longwood Medical at Boston University (BU)
Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel at Boston University (BU)
The Boxer at Boston University (BU)
The Charlesmark at Copley at Boston University (BU)
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Boston Cambridge at Boston University (BU)
The Lenox Hotel at Boston University (BU)
Hilton Boston Back Bay at Boston University (BU)
YOTEL Boston at Boston University (BU)
Hotel 140 at Boston University (BU)
Boston Marriott Copley Place at Boston University (BU)
Freepoint Hotel West Cambridge at Boston University (BU)
The Kendall Hotel at Boston University (BU)
Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Brookline-Longwood Medical at Boston University (BU)
Le Méridien Boston Cambridge at Boston University (BU)
Courtyard by Marriott Boston Downtown at Boston University (BU)
Boston Marriott Cambridge at Boston University (BU)
The Langham at Boston University (BU)
Boston Hotel Buckminster at Boston University (BU)
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston - Downtown at Boston University (BU)

What do families do in Boston when they visit Boston University (BU)?

It depends but there are a variety of activities and things to do in and around Boston. We recommend using the virtual immersion tab on CampusReel to take a tour at Boston University (BU) and see for yourself how the student make use of Boston.

What buildings should I look at when I visit Boston University (BU)?

For your convenience, below is a list of all buildings that you can visit from CampusReel. We encourage you to compare you experience of the buildings on CampusReel with your in-person visit if you decide to take one.

Babcock Tower at Boston University (BU)
BU Grounds South at Boston University (BU)
Boston University Fitness and Recreation Center at Boston University (BU)
Trustees of Boston University at Boston University (BU)
Boston University College of Fine Arts at Boston University (BU)
BU Beach at Boston University (BU)
Tsai Performance Center at Boston University (BU)
Blaze Pizza at Boston University (BU)
Regal Cinemas Fenway 13 & RPX at Boston University (BU)
Warren Towers at Boston University (BU)
Boston University at Boston University (BU)
The Towers at Boston University (BU)
Questrom School of Business at Boston University (BU)
StuVi2 at Boston University (BU)
Nickerson Field at Boston University (BU)
Boston University - College of Arts and Sciences at Boston University (BU)
Marsh Plaza at Boston University (BU)
Rich Hall at Boston University (BU)
Yawkey Center for Student Services at Boston University (BU)
Boston University Bridge at Boston University (BU)
Mugar Memorial Library at Boston University (BU)
The Fresh Food Company at Marciano Commons at Boston University (BU)
Einstein Bros. Bagels at Boston University (BU)
Agganis Arena at Boston University (BU)
BU Arts Initiative at Boston University (BU)

Check out these related virtual tours:

Visit to Harvard University
Visit to University of Florida (UF)
Visit to UC Berkeley
Visit to Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Visit to Boston University (BU)
Visit to New York University (NYU)
Visit to University of Southern California (USC)
Visit to UCLA
Visit to The University of Texas at Austin (UT)

2024 College Admissions Calculator

Predict your chance of acceptance

2024 College Comparison Tool

$10,000 Scholarship - No Essay

Video landing page link

Your message (optional):

We're happy to see you again 😊

Visiting MIT & Boston colleges by Matt McGann '00

Some tips for checking out MIT and Boston this summer.

July 11, 2006

in Admissions ,
Visit & Travel

Summer is a great time to visit colleges in Boston . There are more than 50 colleges and universities in Greater Boston, making it easy to visit a variety of colleges from one base. Most of the major universities are on subway lines, so renting a car (and trying to navigate Boston roads) is not necessary. And Boston is an exciting, historic city that offers something interesting for the entire family. (I know my parents loved getting to visit me here.)

MIT offers information sessions followed by campus tours twice daily, at 10am and 2pm, every weekday throughout the summer. No reservations are necessary.

The information sessions are 45 minutes in length and are conducted by admissions officers (I do one or two of these sessions each week). The information session provides an overview of MIT: its culture, academic environment, etc. The admissions officer will also discuss the application process and financial aid.

At the conclusion of the tour, student tour guides lead a tour of campus. Stops include the Athletic Center, the Student Center, academic buildings including “Main Campus” and the Stata Center, Killian Court (have your camera ready), libraries, and, during the summer only, a student dorm room. The tour lasts approximately 75 minutes.

After your session and tour, we hope you’ll explore MIT a bit on your own, visiting departments, labs, food establishments, and more. You can visit the Admissions Reception Center (Room 10-100) to get a campus map, the brochure “The Exploration Equation” which suggests some interesting places to visit at MIT that aren’t on the tour, and, of course, some friendly advice. We can also suggest some good places to get lunch or dinner on campus or in the neighborhoods around MIT.

Here are my “top tips” for your summer MIT visit:

Below, I’ve listed the timings for information sessions at MIT and other Boston area colleges frequently visited by our guests. Usually, a session/tour combo will last 2 to 2.5 hours. Check each school’s web site for more information.

Timings for Boston-area Information Sessions, Summer 2006

MIT Red Line: Kendall/MIT 10am and 2pm, Monday-Friday
Harvard University Red Line: Harvard 10am and 2pm, Monday-Friday
Tufts University Red Line: Davis 9am, 10:30am, 1:30pm, Monday-Friday
Boston University Green Line: Kenmore Square 9:30am, 10am, 2pm and 2:30pm, Monday-Friday
Boston College Green Line, B Train: Boston College 9:30am, 10:30am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, Monday-Friday
Northeastern University Green Line, E Train: Northeastern 9am, 10am, 2pm, 3pm, Monday-Friday
Wellesley College Commuter rail, Framingham/Worcester Line: Wellesley Square (best visited by car) 9am and 1pm Monday-Friday
Olin College Commuter Rail, Needham Line: Needham Center , then taxi (best visited by car) 2pm Monday-Friday
Brandeis University Commuter Rail, Fitchburg Line: Brandeis/Roberts (best visited by car) 10:15am and 2:15pm, Monday-Friday

I hope this was helpful! How else can I help with your summer visit? For those of you who plan to visit, please leave your questions in the comments; I will answer them in future entries. For families who have already visited, feel free to leave your advice on visiting MIT and Boston in the comments; I will pass that advice on in the posts to come.

Share this post

Share on Twitter
Share on Reddit
Share on Facebook
Share by Email
Subscribe to the RSS Feed

11 responses to “Visiting MIT & Boston colleges”

When my family travels to Boston to visit my brother at BU (and in the future, me at MIT!) we book hotels through http://www.priceline.com . The trick is that you have to use the traditional priceline technique in which you enter a credit card number, an area of Boston, a date, a number of hotel-quality-stars, and a bid. If your bid is accepted, you’ve purchased the room.

We’ve been able to book for anywhere between $100 and $150 less than the hotel’s advertised price.

As for air fare, http://www.cheapoair.com is pretty awesome.

1) Walk the freedom trail (preferably on a sunny day.)

2) Take a DUK tour (starts from the Boston Museum of Science)and learn how to quack like a duck…

3) Check out the exhibits at the Boston Museum of Science.

4) Eat pizza at Bertucci’s and Chicago Pizza, burgers at the “Miracle of Science” restaurant on Mass Ave.,ice cream at Toscannini’s (very near “miracle…,” also served at “miracle…”), and tacos at Anna’s in the student center.

5) Ring the bells at Kendall Square station

6) Go shopping in Harvard Square.

7) Visit the Northend, especially now (Go Italy!), and get dessert at Mike’s Pastries.

I don’t know if my advice means anything as I’m a lowly rising high school senior, but if you’re going to tour Harvard I would suggest doing MIT first, because I foud the MIT tour a lot more thorough and it made me think of all these questions I wish I had asked the Harvard people. And Harvard was pretty much my first campus tour ever, so, not knowing what to expect, I didn’t ask a lot of questions.

WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES/CLOTHING….especially if you’re doing multiple tours and info sessions in one day. You will be doing LOTS of walking….especially in the world’s second largest indoor corridor system (MIT!)

Oh, and make sure your parents wear comfortable clothing and footwear….especially mothers. Believe me, its quite embarrassing while, walking through MIT, you blonde mother in her power suit decides she doesn’t want to wear heels anymore and walk around campus barefoot….

Thanks for the insight.

Any chance the ’07 application is available to visitors yet? =)

My freshman seminar professor (Steve Banzaert, SP.789 – Failures in Enginering) has a good quote in The Times today about the Big Dig collapse:

One expert on engineering failures, Stephen Banzaert, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, cautioned against jumping to conclusions about the seriousness of the bolt problems.

ТƒъAnything is built with an assumption that some part of it can fail,Тƒщ Professor Banzaert said. ТƒъTypically these things are overengineered to the point that they assume that youТƒфre going to get a bad batch of epoxy every once in a whileТƒщ or that a certain number of bolts each year will need to be replaced.

ТƒъThe thing that would be really scary for me is if it turns out that everything was holding fine and all of a sudden they lost one bolt and the thing crashed down,Тƒщ he said. Finding a number of loose bolts could suggest that the solution is relatively simple: replace the bolts more often.

ТƒъItТƒфs horrible. but if what comes out of this is you find out that their predictions on replacement time on these tiebacks were way off the mark, in theory they can just sort of recalibrate their maintenance schedule and everything will be fine.Тƒщ

I am writing after a long time…how are you…Well as i did not get into MIT this year…i am going off to college at Worcester Polytechnic (thats near boston yay)…i am thinking about applying as a transfer so i needed to consult which courses i should look into and what kind of a performance i should maintain in college to be up and running for admission consideration….Also is there a time when prospective transfers can come visit….

As a 10-100 worker who secretly reads the blogs at work, my advice is as follows: bring H2O, sunscreen, an umbrella, and tons of questions. The tours are awesome, but if you’re not prepared for the weather (which changes every 15 minutes in Cambridge), then it’s much less fun. Bring lots of questions to ask us in 10-100 because we are _real_live_MIT_students_ who want nothing more than to answer your questions.

My 2 cents. Hi, Matt!

Try to find someone you know who’ll let you stay in their dorm for the duration of the visit. I stayed with a friend on East Campus during my visit earlier in the summer. The dorms really let you know what living there will be like, as opposed to what the campus looks like.

Touring Colleges in Boston: A College Tour Itinerary

Exploring top colleges in the boston area: a college tour itinerary.

Starting the college search journey is an exciting and transformative time in any high student’s life. One of the most crucial steps in this process is visiting campuses to get a feel for the environment, academics, and overall culture of the institutions you’re considering.

By ALEX LOVELESS

In this article, we’ll introduce you to a diverse selection of Boston colleges, each with a unique appeal. We’ve also provided a well-thought-out itinerary, including the order of visits, airport suggestions, and fun excursions to make your college tour efficient and enjoyable.

Tufts University

Located in the charming Medford/Somerville area of Boston, Tufts University offers a diverse and intellectually vibrant campus. Known for its rigorous academic programs, emphasis on civic engagement , and picturesque surroundings, Tufts provides an excellent environment for learning and growth. By visiting Tufts, you’ll experience its commitment to interdisciplinary education and its welcoming community firsthand.

Campus Highlights : Begin your tour by exploring Tufts’ beautiful Medford/Somerville campus. Don’t miss the iconic Tisch Library and the university’s academic heart.
Local Eateries and Points of Interest : Discover local eateries near Tufts, like Dave’s Fresh Pasta or Semolina Kitchen & Bar , and explore nearby Davis Square .

Babson College

Babson College should certainly be on your list if you’re interested in entrepreneurship and business education. Nestled in Wellesley, Massachusetts, this institution is a global leader in entrepreneurship education . Explore its innovative campus, engage with faculty and students, and see why Babson could be the perfect place to launch your entrepreneurial journey.

Campus Highlights : Explore the Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship and the Horn Library .
Local Eateries and Points of Interest : Dine at the Roger’s Pub & Grille and visit The Garden at Elm Bank .

Brandeis University

Brandeis University , situated in Waltham, Massachusetts, is renowned for its liberal arts programs and commitment to social justice . You’ll discover a vibrant campus with a diverse student body and a thriving arts scene when you visit. Explore the Rose Art Museum , engage with faculty, and learn about Brandeis’ dedication to academic excellence and social impact.

Campus Highlights : Grab coffee at the striking Usen Castle and the Rose Art Museum.
Local Eateries and Points of Interest : Enjoy elevated American cuisine at Tessie’s Bar & Kitchen and explore the Museum of Fine Arts Boston .

College Admissions Services

Schedule a free consultation.

Meet with a mentor one-on-one via video chat to talk about your son/daughter’s admissions plan. Afterwards, receive a no-obligation Customized College Roadmap (CCR) with advice on courses, extracurricular activities, standardized tests, and Admissions Angle strategy.

Boston University

As a major research institution in the heart of Boston, Boston University offers a bustling urban campus experience. Visiting BU allows you to explore its state-of-the-art facilities, rich cultural offerings, and diverse academic programs. Discover why BU is a hub for innovation, research, and a vibrant student life.

Campus Highlights : Tour the Rajen Kilachand Center for Integrated Life Sciences & Engineering and visit the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground .
Local Eateries and Points of Interest : Indulge in Italian cuisine at Grotto and explore the historic Freedom Trail .

Boston College

Boston College , located in the serene Chestnut Hill area of Boston, is known for its strong sense of community and academic excellence. During your visit, you’ll experience BC’s beautiful campus, attend a football game at the iconic Alumni Stadium , and see how this institution fosters intellectual and personal growth.

Campus Highlights : Stroll through the beautiful Gasson Hall and the McMullen Museum of Art .
Local Eateries and Points of Interest : Savor Irish cuisine at The Corrib Pub and visit the Chestnut Hill Reservoir for a relaxing walk.

Recent Articles

Northeastern University

If co-op experiences and strong ties to Boston’s job market intrigue you, Northeastern University is a must-visit. Situated in the Fenway area, Northeastern offers a dynamic urban campus and a focus on experiential learning. Explore its innovative programs, renowned faculty, and a robust network of industry connections.

Campus Highlights : Stroll through the picturesque Krentzman Quad and explore the Snell Library .
Local Eateries and Points of Interest : Enjoy a meal at Tasty Burger or Mei Mei and visit Fenway Park .

Emerson College

Emerson College , nestled in the heart of Boston’s Theater District, is a haven for aspiring creatives. Visit to immerse yourself in a vibrant arts scene, explore the newly renovated Little Building, and see how Emerson’s commitment to communication and the arts can shape your future.

Campus Highlights : Explore the Paramount Center and the Little Building .
Local Eateries and Points of Interest : Enjoy a meal and the ambiance at Buttermilk & Bourbon and immerse yourself in the Boston Theater District .

Bucknell University

Venturing outside of Boston, Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, offers a different college experience. Known for its beautiful campus, Bucknell provides a close-knit community and opportunities for personal and academic exploration. Visit to see if Bucknell’s distinctive blend of tradition and innovation aligns with your goals.

Campus Highlights : Take a walk around the scenic Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium .
Local Eateries and Points of Interest : Grab a bite at the cozy Brasserie Louis and explore the Lewisburg Historic District .

Our Proposed Five-Day, Jam-Packed Campus Visit, Itinerary

Now that you know a bit about the colleges and some campus offerings, we have prepared a proposed agenda if you want to make the most of a five-day trip. Please note that this condensed itinerary allows for brief visits to each college, so checking the tour schedules, booking accommodations in advance, and being prepared for a busy schedule is essential. If you have specific colleges you prioritize, consider adjusting the itinerary accordingly.

Day 1: Arrival in Boston

Arrive at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).
Check-in to your accommodation near Tufts University.
Evening: Explore the local area around Tufts and have dinner.

Day 2: Tufts University & Babson College

Morning: Take a campus tour of Tufts.
Early Afternoon: Check out of your Tufts accommodation.
Travel by car to Babson College (Wellesley, MA).
Afternoon: Take a campus tour of Babson College.
Evening: Explore the Wellesley area and have dinner.

Day 3: Brandeis University & Boston University

Morning: Check out of your Babson accommodation.
Travel by car to Brandeis University (Waltham, MA).
Early Afternoon: Take a campus tour of Brandeis University.
Afternoon: Travel by car to Boston University (Boston, MA).
Evening: Take a campus tour of Boston University, explore the BU area, dine, and consider visiting Fenway Park.

Day 4: Boston College & Northeastern University

Morning: Check out of your Boston University accommodation.
Travel by car to Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA).
Early Afternoon: Take a campus tour of Boston College.
Afternoon: Travel by car or public transportation to Northeastern University (Boston, MA).
Evening: Take a campus tour of Northeastern University, explore the nearby area, and enjoy dinner.

Day 5: Emerson College & Departure

Morning: Check out of your Northeastern accommodation.
Travel to Emerson College (located in downtown Boston).
Early Afternoon: Take a campus tour of Emerson College.
Afternoon/Evening: Explore the downtown area, have a final meal in the city, and then depart from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

As you embark on your college search journey, exploring alternatives to Tufts University can be an eye-opening experience. These institutions offer unique programs, vibrant campus cultures, and connections to exciting urban environments. To make the most of your visits, plan ahead and consider the local eateries and points of interest we’ve highlighted. Seeing and engaging with the city will help you learn more about the schools and give you a taste of life in these diverse and dynamic communities.

And if you need assistance planning for the future (and we don’t mean amazing travel itineraries), we can help create a personalized roadmap to get you into these colleges or any on your dream list. Schedule a free consultation to see how we can help.

Where to Stay

Where to stay in boston for college visits.

Boston is home to some world-renowned colleges, and you can experience dozens of campuses in one visit to the city. Unfortunately, the schools are spread across the city, so this post will help you find the ideal starting point for your visits, especially if you plan to take public transport.

I lived in Boston for 3 years, and I work at an EdTech startup that helps students get into college, so this is right in my area of expertise.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission on any purchases through those links, at no extra cost to you. If this post helped you, it’s a great way to support my site!

Table of Contents

FAQs About Visiting Colleges in Boston

I’m visiting a lot of colleges—what’s the best place to stay?

It ultimately depends on which colleges, but I’d recommend downtown Boston since you’ll have access to all the T lines (that’s what locals call the subway system) as well as Commuter Rail lines (if you’re visiting campuses further outside the city).

In particular, staying near the Park St or Downtown Crossing T stops will get you easy access to the Green, Red, and Orange lines; plus, South Station is close too. HI Boston Hostel is a budget option near here, while The Godfrey Hotel is nicer, more traditional hotel stay.

What is the cheapest place to stay that still gives me access to a lot of campuses?

Unfortunately, the most convenient area (downtown Boston) is the most expensive. If you want more budget options, I recommend staying along the 66 bus line (particularly in Cambridge), as the line runs on both sides of the Charles River, giving you easy access to Harvard, MIT, BU, BC, Northeastern, Berklee, and Wentworth.

Here are some hotel options in Harvard Square, which is the last stop of the 66 bus. Irving House tends to be the most affordable option.

Harvard and MIT

T line: Red

Colorful trees in Harvard Yard in the fall

Harvard and MIT, two of the most prestigious universities in the world, are only a little over a mile away from each other. They’re on the other side of the Charles River in Cambridge, which is technically a city of its own, but very much integrated with Boston infrastructure.

Central Square in Cambridge is a fun and bustling place to stay, and cheaper than downtown Boston. It’s right between the two schools, and you can walk or take a bus between two campuses. The Red Line will take you directly into the city, and the 66 bus from Harvard will take you to the other side of the river to easily visit other schools. Le Meridien is a popular hotel option, as it’s close to both campuses and has cool amenities like a rooftop garden and 24hr gym.

For a cheaper, but still convenient stay, you can find a hotel further into Cambridge, along the Red Line. Other popular squares include Porter Square and Davis Square (Porter is more commercial, and Davis is more residential and has more independent shops). Porter Square Hotel is quite charming, but there are also many apartment rentals in the area if you need more space.

If you want to specifically be near Harvard, then you can’t beat Harvard Square. You’ll get to experience life as a student, and the square is full of great restaurants and shops. The Charles Hotel at Harvard is a popular stay, thanks to its elegant interior (including a beautiful library).

If you want to specifically be near MIT, then Kendall Square or a hotel along the river would be the best options. I’d recommend Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge for proximity to campus, great service, and river views.

Northeastern, Berklee College, Wentworth Institute of Technology

T line: Green (E), Orange (a short walk)

Walkway and buildings at Northeastern University, in Boston, Massachusetts.

This trifecta is within walking distance of one another, so I grouped them together. The most pleasant place to stay for these 3 schools would be back Back Bay—it’s central, pretty, and bustling. You can walk to the campuses or take the T easily.

For hotels there, The Lenox is one of the most popular and right next to the beautiful Boston Public Library; see my top recommendations for Back Bay hotels for more options.

A more budget option would be Mission Hill, which is a residential area closer to Northeastern and Wentworth. Here are some apartment rentals in Mission Hill , but make sure to pick options close to the T.

There are two other neighborhoods you can consider, but I wouldn’t particularly recommend them:

South End (expensive) —this is a very posh and artsy residential area, but only the border with Back Bay has easy access to the T. The Revolution Hotel is a more budget-friendly but still solid option that’s only a few blocks from the T.
Roxbury (budget) —there are fewer things to do here, and there aren’t really any T stops unless you’re on the outskirts near the Orange line. This area also has a higher violent crime rate than other areas in Greater Boston (people say it’s safe if you’re smart, but you should just keep this in mind). For popular hotels here, Residence Inn is well-reviewed.

Boston University

T line: Green (B, but all can work)

Boston University is right along the Charles River, and there are lots of options for places to stay. Back Bay is again the nicest option, giving you easy access to campus and the city.

Other solid locations include:

Fenway/Kenmore: This central area has plenty of shops and restaurants. Stay here if you want more of the big city feel. The Verb Hotel is a particularly cool, music-themed stay with retro rooms.
Brookline: Brookline is quiet, residential, and beautiful. Unfortunately, it’s on another T line, but if you stay close to Amory Park, BU is walking distance. The Arcadian Hotel has mixed reviews, but its location is good, and you may get a good deal on room rates.
Cambridgeport : Just across the river, Cambridgeport is residential and quiet. To get to BU’s campus, you can walk across the BU bridge (and get amazing views of the Boston skyline). I recommend Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge as it’s right along the river and less than a mile’s walk to BU. This hotel is perfect if you’re visiting both BU and MIT.
Allston: This is a younger neighborhood with lots of murals and ethnic food. I would avoid Lower Allston only because it’s not well-connected by transport. The Farrington Inn is pretty much the only option in central Allston, and while it’s budget, it has very mixed reviews.

Boston College

T line: Green (B, C)

Brookline—This area (technically its own city) is quiet, beautiful, and residential. Stay around the Cleveland Circle area for access to small shops/restaurants and BC’s campus (Chestnut Hill Reservoir is perfect for morning runs). AC Hotel by Marriott For a more commercial/fun area, I recommend Coolidge Corner, which is closer to downtown Boston. Courtyard by Marriott is a good hotel option here.

Brighton—Many BC students live in Brighton; it’s close to campus and you can get into downtown Boston in 40 minutes. Make sure to stay near the B line, or you’ll have to rely on buses, which take longer. Here are some apartment rentals in Brighton .

Allston—This young neighborhood is home to lots of street art and ethnic food. Avoid Lower Allston only because it’s not well-connected by transport. The Farrington Inn is pretty much the only option in central Allston, and while it’s budget, it has very mixed reviews.

Tufts University

T line: Green (E)

Tufts is in a residential area in Medford, which, frankly, isn’t the most exciting place to stay (I lived in Medford for a few months). There aren’t even any hotels close to campus, but there are a few apartment rentals . However, the nice thing about Medford is the new Green line extension right on campus, which gets you into the city in 25 minutes.

For a more fun but still lower-cost location, try Gilman Square in Somerville. There are lots of independent shops and restaurants within walking distance (near Union Square), and you’ll be on-campus in 10 minutes with the T. Here are some apartment rentals in the area.

For the most central location with easy access to Tufts, the area around North Station is your best bet. You’ll make it to campus in 20 minutes while being in the heart of the city. An extra convenient hotel is citizenM Boston North Station , which is right above the station and offers skyline views and modern design.

Brandeis University and Bentley University

Commuter Rail: Fitchburg line from North Station

These two universities are actually not accessible with Boston’s local transportation system; you have to take the Commuter Rail. You can stay directly in the college town of Waltham, which has several apartment rentals (the hotels are further away from campus). The Commuter Rail even gets you into downtown Boston in 25 minutes, but keep in mind it’s not as frequent as the T.

If you’re visiting other colleges, it’ll be more convenient to stay near North Station in Boston, as you’ll be able to easily take both the Commuter Rail and the T. The hotel citizenM Boston North Station is right above the station and offers skyline views and modern design.

Wellesley College

Commuter Rail: Framingham/Worcester line from Back Bay

Wellesley’s charming campus is in a similarly sweet college town. I lived in Wellesley for a summer, and there are quite a few shops and restaurants on Central Street, the main street going through town. If you’re only visiting Wellesley, it’s not a bad idea to stay in the town and get a feel for it (here are some apartment rentals ). You can get to Back Bay in Boston with the Commuter Rail in 35 minutes.

However, if you’re visiting other schools, it’s better to stay in Back Bay. This Boston neighborhood is my top-recommended place to stay in general, as it’s conveniently-located, full of things to do, and home to quaint buildings. The Lenox is one of the most popular and right next to the beautiful Boston Public Library; see my top suggested Back Bay hotels for more options.

UMass Boston

UMass Boston is in the Southern part of the city, right by the water and near popular beaches. You can stay right next to campus, close to the JFK/UMass T stop in Dorchester ( DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston Bayside is a good option). However, the area is near a major highway, so be aware that there could be some traffic noise if you stay in this area.

If you’re visiting other colleges, staying closer to downtown will save you some time. The Downtown Crossing and Park St stops on the Red Line can transfer you to the Green and Orange lines. HI Boston Hostel is a budget option, while The Godfrey Hotel is a more posh stay.

South Boston is also close to UMass campus, but most of the area is far from the T, and there’s not as much to do. However, there are a lot of apartment rentals , so you may still find an option near the T.

Bunker Hill Community College

T line: Orange

Bunker Hill Community College is in residential Charlestown, a historic neighborhood north of downtown Boston. You can certainly stay in Charlestown; while there aren’t many hotels, there are some charming apartment rentals in historic homes . Bunker Hill Community College actually has its own T stop, which is only one stop away from downtown Boston, so it’s quite convenient. Just make sure to check if your stay is near the T, as much of Charlestown is far from this public transit stop.

One area I love is Assembly Square in Somerville. It’s two stops north of Bunker Hill Community College, and here, you’ll find an outdoor mall with restaurants, shops, hotels, bars, and a movie theatre. La Quinta is a budget stay and The Row Hotel is upscale.

Finally, you can also always stay around North Station. citizenM Boston North Station is right above the station and offers skyline views and modern design.

Let me know in the comments if you have any questions, or if there are other campuses you want me to cover in this post!

Liked this post? Pin it for later on Pinterest!

Pinterest Pin that reads "Where to Stay in Boston for College Visits" over a collage of MIT, Harvard, Northeastern, and Boston College

Visiting Boston Area Colleges

Even with an abundance of online college information, nothing beats a personal visit. During a campus visit, you can personally experience the details that make a college special and gauge if it might be a good fit for you. It can also be very helpful when trying to decide between different colleges. Even better, college visits can actually increase your chances of being accepted. For example, Tufts University includes in their acceptance criteria whether an applicant has actually visited the school or just dropped an application.

To get the most benefit from a visit, make sure you do thorough college research online and build a list of potential colleges you are considering. From that list, you can then come up with a visiting plan.

The Best Times to Visit Boston Area Colleges

Visiting during summer vacation before the senior year is popular because it does not interfere with school and can be combined with summer vacation travel. Since many colleges start in mid-August, you may want to visit during that time so you can see the school in action. Visiting earlier in the summer can work too, but of course there will be fewer or no students present.

Fall is a great time to visit Boston colleges. Not only is the weather amazing, but the fall colors make each college shine. You will also find that the energy on campus is at its best.

Many college advisors recommend visiting in the spring during your junior year. This is a good strategy if you plan to apply for an early decision in the fall. Of course, it requires your college research to be done early.

The Best Days to Visit Boston Area Colleges

Each college has its own schedule for visiting, and some are open seven days a week, others only a few days a week. Generally, weekends are not a good time to visit, as colleges operate on a weekend schedule. Many Boston colleges offer Monday through Friday for visits, but sometimes Friday is not the best day to visit as students get ready for the weekend. Make sure you don’t visit during holidays or special exam days. Checking with colleges is best before you plan a visit.

Visiting multiple colleges

Visiting multiple colleges on the same trip is a great idea. Grouping them by general location will make that easier. In the table below, you will see the general location of each school.

Metro Center: This indicates that you can reach it via the subway (called the T).

Metro North, West, and South: best visited by car, Uber, or, in some cases, commuter rail.

Other Visiting Considerations

The following are typical visiting options offered by Boston colleges:.

Visiting Options for Boston Area Colleges

The list below shows visiting options available from Boston Area colleges. Please check the details before you plan to visit.

Colleges by Major

Select your Major All Boston Colleges Top Boston Colleges Cheapest Colleges Community Colleges ---------------------------------- Accounting Architecture Art Business General Business - MBA Business - Part-Time MBA Career Study Communications Computer Science Criminal Justice Economics Education Engineering Fashion Design Hospitality - Hotel Languages Law and Legal Studies Liberal Arts Medical and Health Music Nursing Psychology Public Administration Religious Studies Science Social Sciences

Specific Colleges

Select a College Amherst College Andover Newton Theological School Babson College Bay State College Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology Bentley University Berklee College of Music Boston Architectural College Boston Baptist College Boston College Boston Conservatory Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis Boston University Brandeis University Bridgewater State University Bunker Hill Community College Cambridge College Curry College Eastern Nazarene College Emerson College Emmanuel College Endicott College Episcopal Divinity School Fisher College Framingham State University Olin College of Engineering Gordon College Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary Harvard University Hebrew College Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology Hult International Business School Labouré College Lasell College Lesley University Longy School of Music of Bard College Massachusetts Bay Community College Massachusetts College of Art and Design Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Massachusetts School of Law Merrimack College MIT Montserrat College of Art New England College of Optometry New England Conservatory New England Law Boston Newbury College North Shore Community College Northeastern University Northern Essex Community College Northpoint Bible College Pine Manor College Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary Quincy College Regis College Roxbury Community College Saint John's Seminary Salem State University School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Simmons College Suffolk University Tufts University University of Massachusetts Boston Urban College of Boston Wellesley College Wentworth Institute of Technology Wheelock College William James College

Find your College

Discover Boston

Compare SAT-Prep Courses

Useful information.

More About Boston Colleges

Selecting a Major - 10 steps to help you decide

There are some people in this world who knew what they wanted to study by the age of 5. Luckily, most of us do not fall into this category. So if you don’t know what to study before you go to college, please don’t worry. There will be plenty of opportunity to find the major that is best suited for you. Sometimes this happens as a quick Eureka moment, but more likely it will be a slow and winding road to your perfect major.

Pros and Cons of a Liberal Arts Education

The Boston area is well known for its liberal arts colleges. In fact, there are over 15 liberal arts schools in the Boston area and there area many colleges and universities with liberal arts undergraduate education, without being considered typical liberal arts colleges. So, how effective is a Liberal Arts education today? Let's look into the pros and cons.

Choosing the right SAT-Prep course is important. To get the best result you need to find the course that best matches your learning style at a cost that you can afford. Check out the best options here.

Athletic Programs at Boston Area Colleges

Athletic programs can be an important factor when choosing a college. Whether you are a student athlete, or just would like to try out some sports, choosing the right program can greatly improve your college experience.

Admission Statistics for Boston Medical Schools

Acceptance statistics are good tool to gauge what type of applicant a medical school is looking for. Compare the acceptance statistics of Boston medical schools.

18 Boston Area Companies that will help you pay for college

Many companies in the Boston area provide generous tuition reimbursement benefits. This can range from $2000 to $10,000 a year and some companies even pay the entire tuition cost. This can make a serious dent in your college bill without accumulating stifling loans.

Sticker Shock? - Relax! The surprisingly modest cost of some Boston Area Colleges.

Many students and parents are shocked by the high tuition of many Boston area colleges. But surprisingly, when you look closely you will find the actual net-prices quite affordable.

An MBA degree represents a major investment of time, money and often involves major sacrices from families. So it is important to be sure the benefits are commensurate with the investment. Here are 10 good reasons to get an MBA...

Summer is a great time at Boston colleges. There are many opportunities to expand your academic horizons, enhance your skills, and most important have fun with other students in a city that sparkles.

Explore the Colleges in Boston

Top boston colleges.

Boston is probably best-known for its top universities such as Harvard , MIT, and Tufts, but in fact, ...

Cheapest Boston Colleges

Tuition rates across the country have been going up, but there are still bargains to be found here i...

Boston Community Colleges

Community colleges are wonderful institutions where you can take classes without many obstacles. The...

Architecture Schools in Boston

Architecture is an exciting and challenging career, right at the intersection of art and science. As...

Boston Art Schools

Art education refers in general to the education of artistic expression in the visual and performing...

Boston Business Schools

Business degrees are very popular in Boston. In fact, there are over 40 colleges in the Boston area ...

Online MBA Programs in Boston

Online MBA programs have enjoyed tremendous growth and popularity. An online MBA offers some very un...

Boston Job Training and Career Coll

In today's economy, a college degree and good job skills are important factors in your job prospects...

Communications Schools in Boston

The study of communications covers a broad range of skills that will enable you to communicate ideas...

Computer Science Colleges in Boston

Computer-related majors are popular, not the least because they generally offer graduates excellent ...

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcemen

Demand for criminal justice majors has been strong due to contemporary world events. There are over ...

Education Colleges in Boston

A degree in education will enable you to acquire the skills and certifications to pursue a career as...

Engineering Schools in Boston

Engineering Schools are well represented in the Boston area. Leading the group, are the great univer...

Fashion Design Schools in Boston

Fashion design is a fast-paced and creative occupation. Its main focus is the design of clothing and...

Hospitality Schools in Boston

A degree in hospitality prepares you for various professions in the hospitality industry which inclu...

Language Schools in Boston

The following colleges and universities in the Boston area offer majors in English and foreign langu...

Law Schools in Boston

Law degrees are among the most challenging and widely respected degrees. They are the starting point...

Liberal Arts Colleges in Boston

A liberal arts education is a classic form of education that focuses on the humanities, social scien...

Medical Schools and Health Care Sch

Boston’s medical schools and health care schools live up to the great reputation of the city as a to...

Nursing Schools in Boston

Nursing can be a great career choice as there is still considerable demand for nurses in general. Ma...

Psychology Schools in Boston

Psychologists study mental processes and human behavior, trying to predict and understand the underl...

Public Administration Schools in Bo

A public administration education prepares you for a career in the public sector, such as government...

Schools for Religious Studies in Bo

Religious majors focus on the study of religion and can include broad subjects such as theology, rel...

Science Colleges in Boston

The science and technology fields are fascinating and growing fields of study. Demand for scientists...

Italy Family Vacations

Spain family vacations, japan family vacations, australia family vacations, boston college tour & vacation itinerary.

By Amy Andrews
November 3, 2019

As the home of 35 colleges and universities, Boston is a magnet for those on the college touring circuit. We’ve outlined a four-day itinerary with some of the most frequently requested schools, but there are plenty of others to consider. We suggest staying in the Back Bay area of the city, which makes a great home base for exploration. Many sites are walkable from here, but Boston’s subway, known as the T, is an easy way to get around.

Be sure to give ample focus to the fun aspects of the trip. Days with your soon-to-be college student are dwindling, so try to make this as much of a chance to savor your time together as to identify next steps. More tips about timing, general pace and how to approach college touring can be found in our New York-area edition , the first in this series.

Boston College Tour Vacation Ideas

Northeastern University is a private research university founded in 1898. It is extremely well located, a stone’s throw from Back Bay, and makes a great place to start. Northeastern is known for its strong co-op program that integrates classroom knowledge with professional experience. Look for the tunnel system that connects some of the major academic buildings for use during inclement weather. Without making it a big issue, this is a way to get a feel for your student’s take on attending school in an area where cold weather is definitely a factor.

For lunch, try local institution Chicken Lou’s. Word on the street is that you should try a TKO: baked chicken, melted Swiss, bacon and honey mustard.

In the afternoon, explore the area around Boston Common. An excellent option is the Freedom Trail, a 2 1/2-mile journey that connects 16 historically significant sites related to the American Revolution. Either opt for a 90-minute tour or explore on your own; keep an eye out for the signature red line connecting each stop.

If you still have energy to burn, head out on a sunset kayaking tour through Paddle Boston on the nearby Charles River. You’ll be treated to fabulous views of the area and glimpses of many local schools.

Commonly called BU, Boston University is a private school situated along the Charles River in the Fenway-Kenmore and Allston neighborhoods. BU boasts a tremendous number of noted alumni — Alexander Graham Bell even invented the telephone in a BU lab. The school serves more 30,000 students and the Boston University Terriers compete in NCAA Division I sports.

For lunch, try Mei Mei. This creative Chinese spot started as a food truck and after gaining popularity, established a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Or go healthy and try By Chloe for creative vegan food.

In the afternoon, explore the Back Bay neighborhood and Copley Place. Window shop along Newbury Street with its trendy stores and art galleries. Keep an eye out for artisanal doughnut shop Blackbird if you need to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Tonight, take in a Boston Red Sox game or a tour of Fenway Park. Known as “America’s favorite ball park” and home to the Green Monstah, Fenway is an iconic outing. Try a brown butter lobster roll at Eventide Fenway or look for the Green Monstah ice cream sandwich from the Cookie Monstah truck.

Want help planning a college tour vacation with your teen?

Our Family Travel Advisors can help you choose local sights to see, book vetted accommodations and more. Click to send us a request!

Next up is Boston College . This private Jesuit school in Chestnut Hill is nicknamed “The Heights” because of its hilltop location. Explore the campus and then have lunch at student favorites Eagle’s Deli or Crazy Dough’s pizza.

For the remainder of the day, explore the popular Quincy Market Complex, including Faneuil Hall, the meeting hall and marketplace dating back to 1743 and known as the “cradle of liberty.” Stroll through the stores, try some authentic Boston “chowdah” and settle in to watch the sights and all of the street performers.

If you’re looking for a different vibe, go hang on the grown-up tire shaped swings at the highly Instagrammable Lawn on D in the Seaport District, the city’s tech hub.

Today is devoted to visiting Harvard University . As the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, this Ivy League school hardly needs introduction. Harvard’s notable alumni range from Nobel Prize winners to Rhodes Scholars as well as eight U.S. presidents. Located in Cambridge just over the Charles River, the campus is known for its ornate architecture, styled similarly to colleges in England.

Leave time to soak up the atmosphere in Harvard Yard, where all freshman live and which is home to student events. Then spend some time in Harvard Square with its cafes, shops and restaurants. Don’t forget to check out Harvard Coop, the official campus bookstore, for souvenirs. For lunch try Mr. Bartley’s, a throwback burger joint that has been serving since the 1960s.

Spend the rest of the day taking it all in along the banks of the Charles at Riverbend Park or head back to Back Bay for some more city exploration.

TIP: Unstructured time such as shopping or sitting in a park is a great chace to let your student talk at their leisure about reactions to different schools, campuses and approaches to higher learning. It is easiest to have these gut-check conversations when a bit of time has passed and you are not on campus but all of the experiences are still fresh. Don’t force it, just let the conversations happen.

Tonight, cap off the trip with dinner and jazz at the The Beehive, an all-ages venue named one of the top 100 jazz clubs in the world.

Based on time, interests and the desire for a contrasting look at some smaller schools, consider adding (or replacing) visits to Tufts University , Babson College , Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) , Brandeis University or noted women’s college Wellesley .

Relevant Links:

Browse all tips and ideas for travel with teens and tweens on Ciao Bambino

How to turn a college tour into a vacation: New York/Tri-State edition

How to turn a college tour into a vacation: Southeast edition

How to turn a college tour into a vacation: Midwest edition

How to turn a college tour into a vacation: Pacific Northwest edition

How to turn a college tour into a vacation: SoCal Edition

9 places to make family travel memories with college-age kids

Editor’s Note: Photos courtesy of the individual schools pictured.

Facebook Created with Sketch. Like
Twitter Created with Sketch. Tweet
Share Icon Created with Sketch. Share

Let Ciao Bambino! Plan Your Dream Trip with Kids

Family travel blog, new york/tri-state college tour & vacation itinerary, southeast college tour & vacation itinerary, midwest college tour & vacation itinerary, get the latest family travel news, exclusive deals & more.

Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Want to save all the great intel and tips you are finding on Ciao Bambino? My Trip Planner allows you to bookmark articles, family-friendly hotel reviews, and family vacation packages. Simply click the heart icon on anything you want to save. Site registration is required to get started. Happy planning!

Forgotten Password

Create an Account

Please fillout the form below to create your free My Trip Planner account.

Name First Last
Password Enter Password Confirm Password
Yes, please!

Maps and directions

Find addresses, directions and parking information for your next visit to Harvard.

Where is Harvard University?

While many think of Harvard Yard in Cambridge, Massachusetts as Harvard’s campus, the University also has robust campuses in the Longwood and Allston neighborhoods of Boston, Massachusetts.

Transportation and parking

Public transportation to harvard square.

For directions to our Allston and Boston campuses, find the School websites below.

By subway you can find us at the Harvard stop on the Red Line of the MBTA subway system, which brings you right across the street from Harvard Yard.

From Logan Airport you can get to the Harvard stop by taking the Blue Line or the Silver Line downtown and transferring to the Red Line.

By train you can get to our Red Line stop either by taking a train to South Station and transferring to the Red Line or by taking a train to North Station and transferring to the Orange and then Red Line.

Learn more from the MBTA

Visitor parking

Parking is extremely limited around Harvard Square. There are metered parking spaces available around the square, though they are usually quite full. All garages are privately run (with the exception of the Broadway Garage).

View private garages around Harvard Square

Harvard building addresses

Please use these addresses in your preferred way-finding app (keep in mind that parking may be limited).

Harvard Business School : 117 Western Ave, Boston, MA

Harvard College : 1350 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA

Harvard Division of Continuing Education : 51 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA

Harvard School of Dental Medicine : 188 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA

Harvard Divinity School : 45 Francis Ave, Cambridge, MA

Harvard Graduate School of Design : 48 Quincy St, Cambridge, MA

Harvard Graduate School of Education : 13 Appian Way, Cambridge MA

Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences : 1350 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA

Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences : 150 Western Ave, Boston, MA

Harvard Kennedy School : 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA

Harvard Law School : 1563 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA

Harvard Medical School : 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA

Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study : 10 Garden St, Cambridge, MA

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health : 677 Huntington Ave, Boston , MA

More libraries
Arnold Arboretum
Harvard Forest
Harvard Museum of Natural History
Harvard Art Museums
Peabody Museum

Hospitals and clinics

Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital
Brigham & Women’s Hospital
Cambridge Hospital
Children’s Hospital
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Joslin Diabetes Center
Massachusetts General Hospital
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Schepens Eye Research Institute
Harvard University Health Services
Loeb Drama Center
Sanders Theatre

Athletic facilities

Malkin Athletic Center
Roberto A. Mignone Field
Jordan Field
More facilities

Miscellaneous

David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies
Harvard Faculty Club
Harvard Film Archive
Harvard Herbaria
Harvard Hillel
Harvard Memorial Church
Harvard University Police Department
Health Care Policy Department (Medical School)
Office of Technology and Trademark Licensing

Use our official map to navigate Harvard’s campus and find auditoriums, churches, libraries, museums, and other important buildings.

Explore Harvard’s official map

How To Visit Harvard On Your Next Trip To Boston

On your next trip to Boston, why not take the opportunity to visit the iconic Harvard University? Getting there is quite easy and so worth it!

I did it myself and it was so fun to see the most famous university in the world in person. (:

In this post, you will read about how to visit Harvard and take a free tour of the university.

Plan your Perfect trip to Boston

🏨 Find the perfect hotel on Booking.com

🎫 If you’d like to go on fun tours, check out the best tours to take in Boston

🎒 Pack a universal travel adapter , your favorite travel camera (I love this one !), and a good portable solar phone charger

📸 Follow me on Instagram for more content

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning, I get a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

Why Visit Harvard University

First, because visiting Harvard is one of the best things to do in Boston and it is a gorgeous place to visit all year round, I got to see the campus covered in snow, and it was so beautiful!

Second, if you never had the opportunity to attend one, exploring an Ivy League school is an interesting and unique experience.

Anyone can visit Harvard University and see with his own eyes the school chosen by brilliant minds like Barack Obama, Bill Gates, and George W. Bush.

How To Get To Harvard From Boston

The best way to get to Harvard is by driving, taking uber or public transportation.

I went with public transportation and getting there was easy peasy:

Public transportation

Boston’s public transportation system is very efficient and easy to understand. Taking the subway is a fast and cheap way to get to Harvard.

All you have to do is get to a subway station where you can take the Red Line and then get off at Harvard Station.

Climb the stairs and you will already find yourself right in front of the university, in Harvard Square.

Harvard Address

For those who prefer to go drive or take an uber the university’s address is Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.

In case you are driving, you might be asking yourself where to park to visit Harvard. Well, these are some commercial parking lots and garages where you can park:

Smith Campus Center Parking Garage (managed by Propark)
Harvard Square Parking Garage
University Place Parking Garage
Charles Square Garage
Church Street Parking Lot
Harvard Square Hotel

The history of Harvard University

According to Best College Reviews , Harvard University possesses the title of America’s oldest learning institution, founded in 1636.

In the beginning, its name was New College and was built mainly to educate clergy. In 1639, the school’s name became Harvard University, name after John Harvard, who donated half of his estate and his entire library to the school upon his death.

Taking A Tour of Harvard University

The best way to visit the Harvard Campus is by taking a student-led tour.

The tours last around 70 minutes and include a map of the campus.

When I did it, a very nice student called Jack showed us around and took us to one of the libraries (so beautiful!), the science building, the dorms, and so much more.

He also taught us about the university traditions and ended the tour on the famous statue of John Harvard.

It was such a fun experience!

What To Visit in Harvard Square

After you visit the university, you might as well make the most out of your day trip and stroll around the historic neighborhood of Harvard Square.

Some of the best things to do in Harvard Square include:

Visiting one of the many souvenir stores
Buy a book at the Harvard Book Store
Catch a movie at the Brattle Theater
Brunch at Henrietta’s Table

Other cool things to do in Boston

Besides visiting Harvard, there are many other fun and unique experience to have in Boston!

Here are some of my favorite:

Cruise along Charles River

Hop into a duck boat—renovated World War II amphibious vehicle—for a comprehensive tour of Boston. Pass Boston Common, Quincy Market, and the Celtics’ home turf at TD Garden. Then splash down into the Charles River for a view of the city by boat. Learn all about Boston’s history and landmarks as you go.

Go on a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard

Join Boston’s only award-winning, original, Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip! Leave the trouble of driving to someone else and enjoy a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard from Boston.

Then, take a short cruise to Martha’s Vineyard then enjoy free time to explore or upgrade to add an island tour.

Go on a Ghosts & Gravestones Night-Time Trolley Tour

Discover some of Boston’s deepest, darkest secrets on a “frightseeing” tour aboard the Trolley of the Doomed, which roams around the haunted streets and burial grounds of Boston

Tour Fenway Park, America’s most beloved ballpark

Revel in the history of Fenway Park, one of baseball’s most beloved stadiums, during this guided tour.

Revisit the careers of Red Sox greats like Ted Williams, Babe Ruth, and Carl Yastrzemski, celebrate the club’s numerous World Series titles and tour famous stadium locales like the ‘Green Monster,’ ‘Pesky’s Pole,’ and the Fenway Park Living Museum.

That’s a wrap! I hope this guide was useful to you and that you have a lovely time at the most famous university in the world.

Remember to send this post to any of your friends that still don’t know how to visit Harvard and follow me on Instagram for more travel tips (:

Town of Salem, MA: the ultimate travel guide to the City of Witches

[…] How to visit Harvard: taking a free tour of the university […]

This is so awesome! I’d love to visit Harvard one day and meet some of the brilliant minds who study there.

Camila Neves

I highly recommend it!! 🙂

Rebecca Scholes

We loved Harvard when we visited, would love to have done a tour. And Boston is one of our all time favourite American Cities, love it 😍

Daniel Barker

Love to visit the campus again and again. It’s the place from where many histories begin

6 Awesome Places To Watch The Sunset In Key West

30 best things to do in philadelphia on your first visit.

Boston Itinerary: How to Spend Five Days in Boston

The towering skyline of Boston, MA as seen from near the water with a blue sky above

One of the most historic cities in the United States , Boston is the city I called home for the first 25 years of my life.

More a collection of towns than a metropolis like New York , Boston is a city steeped in history (it contains a lot of historical firsts for the United States and played a pivotal role in its founding), delicious food, wide-open green spaces, first-rate museums, and warm, welcoming people.

Visiting Boston offers all the benefits of a big metropolis without the intensity and fast pace of New York.

Boston is easy to get around and compact, making it perfect for travelers. The subway will take you wherever you need to go.

So how many days do you need to visit Boston?

Most people visit for three to four days, and I think that’s a perfect amount of time. As someone who’s lived there, I can say that, since Boston is so small, you won’t waste a lot of time “in transit,” so you can pack a lot into your days. Obviously, you can spend longer here (slow travel is the best travel), but for the first-time visitor, three to four days is enough.

Here’s a suggested Boston itinerary that will allow you to see the best of Boston:

Table of Contents

Boston Itinerary: Day 1

Boston itinerary: day 2, boston itinerary: day 3, boston itinerary: day 4, boston itinerary: day 5, other things to see and do in boston.

Boston Common
Massachusetts State House
Park Street Church
Granary Burying Ground
King’s Chapel Burying Ground
Benjamin Franklin statue and the former site of Boston Latin School
Old Corner Bookstore
Old South Meeting House
Old State House
Site of the Boston Massacre
Faneuil Hall
Paul Revere House
Old North Church
Copp’s Hill Burying Ground
USS Constitution
Bunker Hill Monument

You follow a brick road through the city, and there are signs and historical markers all along the way. Given all the walking that’s involved, I would make this the main activity of the day. You’ll want to take your time and see all the sites thoroughly.

You can also take a guided tour from the visitor’s center. Tours run hourly between 11am and 1pm, with additional tours in the afternoon in the spring and summer. Tickets are $17 USD for adults, $15 USD for students and seniors, and $8 USD for children 6-12 (free for kids under 6).

a sunny day in downtown Boston during a walking tour of the city

4 S Market St, +1 617-523-1300, faneuilhallmarketplace.com. Open Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm and Sunday 12pm-6pm.

The green and lush Boston Common on a sunny summer day

Browse for Books Located a stone’s throw away from the Boston Common, Brattle Book Shop is a family-run used bookstore that dates back to 1825. It’s actually one of the oldest surviving bookstores in the country! It’s home to over 250,000 books, maps, postcards, and other odds and ends. In addition to used books, the store is also home to an impressive collection of first editions and antique books.

9 West Street, +1 617-542-0210, brattlebookshop.com. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-5:30pm.

Walk Around the Back Bay This area used to be an actual bay. Before the Europeans arrived, the indigenous population used the tidal bay to catch fish, as the bay drained completely during low tide. When the land was colonized, a dam was built and the tidal bay was eventually filled in, creating the Back Bay area.

The end of the Public Gardens meets Boston’s Back Bay, our version of New York’s SoHo and West Village. This is where Boston’s elite and wealthy live, and nearby Newbury Street is our Madison Avenue, with lots of expensive shopping and high-end eateries. It’s a beautiful space to stroll around, with pretty brownstones and tree-lined streets. You can still see plenty of old Victorian homes in this neighborhood that date back to the 19th century. ( Here’s a list of other neighborhoods worth checking out as well!

Trinity Church on a summer's day in Boston, USA

You’ll also find the Boston Public Library here. Opened in 1852, it’s one of the largest municipal libraries in the country, home to over 23 million items, with almost 4 million visitors each year.

206 Clarendon St, +1 617-536-0944, trinitychurchboston.org. The church is open for prayer and tours Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sundays 12:15pm-4:30pm. Tours are $10 USD for adults, though it is free to enter for worship.

Head up to the Prudential Tower Head back toward Copley to see the Prudential Tower, colloquially known as “The Pru.” You can actually go up to the top and get a bird’s-eye view of Boston. There are 52 floors in the building, which was built in the 1960s. These days, it’s the second tallest building in the city (the John Hancock Tower is first).

800 Boylston St, +1 617-859-0648, prudentialcenter.com. Open daily from 10am-8pm (10pm in the summer). Admission is $34.99 USD for adults, with discount available for students, seniors, and children.

47 David G. Mugar Way, +1 617-626-1250, hatchshell.com. See the website for an up-to-date list of events.

1 Science Park, +1 617-723-2500, mos.org. Open Saturday-Thursday 9am-5pm and Fridays 9am-9pm. Admission is $29 USD for adults, with discounts available for seniors and children.

1 Central Wharf, +1 617-973-5200, neaq.org. Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, weekends 9am-6pm. Admission is $34 USD for adults, with discounts available for kids and seniors.

An aerial view of the north end of Boston, Massachusetts

See the Skinny House When you’re in the North End, visit 44 Hull Street. Known as “the Skinny House” (or the Spite House), this incredibly narrow house has a rather interesting history. Built after the Civil War, it was a passion project of Joseph Euestus, who came home from the war to find that his brother had taken over more than half of the inherited land they were meant to share. Joseph decided to build on the remaining land — which his brother thought was too small to build anything on. Joseph went ahead and built a narrow four-story home on the small slice of land to block his brother’s view.

Visit an Art Gallery or Museum Boston has a lot of great galleries and museums, so depending on your interest, you’ll want to check out some (or all) of the galleries and museums below. It will take more than an afternoon to see them all but you can always spread these visits out over a few days!

Institute of Contemporary Art : If contemporary art is your cup of tea, this is for you. While it’s not my favorite style of art, I have to admit this place does put on some insightful exhibits. 25 Harbor Shore Drive, +1 617-478-3100, icaboston.org.
Commonwealth Museum : This museum explores the history of Massachusetts. It’s actually really interesting and entirely underrated (especially if you’re a history nerd like me). 220 Morrissey Blvd, +1 617-727-2816, sec.state.ma.us/arc.
Harvard Museum of Natural History : This natural history museum has exhibitions showcasing dinosaurs, animals, and minerals (including meteorites). It’s a great choice if you’re traveling with kids, though there is plenty of informative content for adults too! 26 Oxford St +1 617-495-3045, hmnh.harvard.edu.
Harvard University Art Museums : Harvard actually has three art museums – the Fogg Museum, the Busch-Reisinger Museum, and the Arthur M. Sackler Museum. They are home to both modern and historical art exhibitions. See what exhibitions are running by checking their website. harvardartmuseums.org
Museum of Fine Arts : This museum has an impressive collection of over 450,000 pieces of fine art. It also runs all sorts of art classes throughout the year, both multi-week classes as well as single-day workshops. If you’re looking to learn something new or improve your skills, check out the website for more details. 465 Huntington Avenue, +1 617-267-9300, mfa.org.
Warren Anatomical Museum : Founded in 1847, this macabre museum is filled with Civil War–era medical tools as well as some unique (and perhaps unsettling) medical mysteries. It’s super weird but super neat. A definite must if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path museum! 10 Shattuck St, +1 617-432-6196, countway.harvard.edu/center-history-medicine/warren-anatomical-museum.
Boston Tea Party and Ships Museum : This interactive museum is home to some historic ships that have been authentically restored to show you what life was like at sea during the Boston Tea Party. It also has a really informative documentary about the events that led up to the Tea Party and the American Revolution. Best of all, you can actually throw fake crates of tea into the river yourself to see what it was like! 306 Congress St, +1 617-338-1773, bostonteapartyship.com.
Paul Revere House : Built in 1680, this is actually the oldest building in the entire city (it’s been renovated but it’s still the original building). The museum is filled with the family’s furniture and artifacts, giving you a sense of what life was like in Boston before the Revolution. 19 N Square, +1 617-523-2338, paulreverehouse.org.
Museum of Bad Art : The name says it all! This is a museum filled with terrible art. The MOBA has rotating exhibits throughout the year, so there is always something new and terrible to behold. If you feel like a laugh, definitely check out this quirky gallery! 55 Davis Square, +1 781-444-6757, museumofbadart.org.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum This museum is home to an amazing art collection of over 20,000 items, including European, Asian, and American art. Opened in 1903, the museum is made up of a wide-ranging collection of paintings, tapestries, decorative arts, and sculptures. It’s one of the best museums in Boston. Don’t miss it. 25 Evans Way, +1 617-566-1401, gardnermuseum.org.

The Harvard University campus in Cambridge is a great place to spend the day

Harvard University, +1 617-495-1000, harvard.edu/on-campus/visit-harvard/tours.

Harvard Square is the place to be at night in Boston

125 Arborway, +1 617-524-1718, arboretum.harvard.edu. Open daily 7am-7pm. Admission is free.

Take the Sam Adams Brewery Tour After four days of sightseeing, you deserve a beer or five. Luckily, this brewery is located near the Arboretum so it’s easy to visit and a great way to end your day. Sam Adams is a major brewer in Boston, and locals drink it widely and frequently. The brewery offers free tours, starting in mid-afternoon and departing every 45 minutes. You get a few free samples along the way. If you’re under 21, don’t worry. You can still go — you just can’t drink.

30 Germania St, +1 617-368-5080, samueladams.com. Tours are available Monday-Thursday and Saturdays 10am-3pm. On Friday, tours are available between 10am and 5:30pm. Their Sam Signature Experience is 45 min long and costs $10 USD.

4 Yawkey Way, +1 877-733-7699, mlb.com/redsox/ballpark. See the website for an up-to-date schedule.

(The Sox not in season? No worries. We have the Bruins, Celtics, and Patriots. No matter the time of year, you’ll be able to find a game to see!)

the start of the Black Heritage Trail in Boston

Visit the Children’s Museum If you’re traveling with kids, this is a great place to spend part of your visit. It’s the second oldest children’s museum in the US and has permanent exhibits on health and exercise, construction, space, art, and diversity. It also has a real two-story house from Kyoto, Japan, that teaches kids about life there (it’s actually pretty cool!).

308 Congress Street, +1 617-426-6500, bostonchildrensmuseum.org. Open Wednesday-Sunday 9am-12pm and 1:30pm-4:30pm. On the first Saturday of the month, the museum opens at 10am. Admission is $20 USD for both adults and kids (free for infants under 12 months).

the USS Constitution in the Boston harbour

Charlestown Navy Yard, +1 617-426-1812, ussconstitutionmuseum.org. The ship is open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm (with extended hours in the summer); the museum is open 10am-6pm (with extended hours in the summer as well). Admission is free, though the museum has a suggested donation of $10-15 USD.

Visit More Museums – With any extra time, visit more museums! There’s plenty of them to see! Try not to skip the big ones!

725 Commonwealth Avenue, +1 617-353-2630, bu.edu/astronomy/community/open-night-observatory/. Viewings are Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm in the autumn and winter and 8:30pm in the spring and summer. Make sure to get there 10 minutes early as they don’t permit entry once it starts.

A statue in a relaxing park on a sunny day in Boston, USA

See the Mapparium – Located in the Mary Baker Eddy Library, this three-story inverted globe serves as a giant map of the world that you can walk into via a glass bridge. It is constructed of over 600 stained-glass panels and shows the world as it looked in 1935.

200 Massachusetts Avenue, +1 617-450-7000, marybakereddylibrary.org. Open daily 10am-5pm. Admission to the Mapparium is $6 USD for adults, with discounts available for students, children, and seniors.

Head to Castle Island – Castle Island is located in South Boston and is famous for Fort Independence. When the fort was no longer needed for defense, it was actually used as the first state prison. The island covers 22 acres and has excellent beaches, as well as some running trails that are popular with the locals. There’s also an area for picnics and you can visit the old fort for free. The place gets pretty busy on the weekends during the summer, and you can often see school groups exploring the fort during the spring.

Relax at the Lawn on D – This massive green space is new to the city (when I was growing up, there was nothing in this area so you would never go there). There are all sorts of free activities happening year-round, from concerts to festivities and everything in between! There’s public seating, free Wi-Fi, art exhibitions, and a few games, like table tennis and bocce. To see what events are happening during your visit, check the website for details.

420 D St, +1 877-393-3393, signatureboston.com/lawn-on-d. Open Monday-Wednesday & Friday-Saturday from 7am-11pm and Thursday & Sunday from 7am-10:30pm (hours may vary for events). Admission is free.

Hike the Blue Hills – This park is a bit out of the way, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you want to get out and stretch your legs. The 7,000-acre park is home to over 100 miles of trails and offers some picturesque viewpoints. There are also plenty of activities to keep you entertained, such as boating, fishing, skiing, and rock climbing (depending on the season). It can get busy in the summer on the weekends, so just be sure to arrive early.

Tour the Custom House – Built in the 17th century, the Custom House is one of the most recognizable buildings in the city. In 1915, a tower was added to the building, making it the tallest building in the city at the time. The building is owned by Marriott Hotels now, though you can still take a free tour (by appointment) to go up to the observation deck on the 26th floor.

3 McKinley Square, +1 617-310-6300, marriott.com/hotels/travel/bosch-marriott-vacation-club-pulse-at-custom-house-boston. Tours are free though they are by appointment only.

Boston is a great city (and I’m not just saying that because I grew up there). I’ve never encountered a person who hasn’t liked it. This Boston itinerary will give you a good overview of the city at a relaxing pace. You’ll be moving around a lot, though, so make sure you get an unlimited “T” pass (subway/train pass). If you have more time, you can squeeze in some other activities .

But why rush such a beautiful place?

Take it slow. Mix and match the itinerary to suit your needs but this is how I’d structure my days if I was visiting Boston!

Book Your Trip to Boston: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

For the best hostels, check out this post on the best hostels in the city.

If you want to know the best neighborhoods, here’s my guide to all the best areas in town !

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Safety Wing (best for everyone)
Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Boston? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Boston for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

GET YOUR FREE TRAVEL STARTER KIT

Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

How to Plan a Successful Campus Tour of Boston’s Top Colleges

Each year, we partner with schools and community organizations around Massachusetts to plan campus tours for their students. They receive quality transportation, professional drivers, and attentive customer service.

This year, we’ve gone one step further to make your trip run even smoother. We talked to five of Boston ’s top colleges to learn everything there is to know about group tours on their campuses.

Boston University

Image Source: Fletcher6, Wikimedia Commons

Overlooking the Charles River, Boston University’s campus is home to nearly 18,000 students. With a student to faculty ratio of 10-to-1, the school offers students a highly-personalized education.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person on-campus tours are suspended. For future reference, the university welcomes groups of 10 to 50 students to schedule a tour by filling out their request form or by calling admissions at 617-353-2300 . Group tours are conducted by a current BU student and are available for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors only. Schedule your visit at least three weeks in advance to ensure availability.

Your bus driver can drop students off outside the visitor’s center at 233 Bay State Road. Though the university doesn’t have guest bus parking on campus, your driver can park off-campus and meet you back at the visitor center at the end of the tour.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

the exterior of a prominent MIT building at dusk

Visit the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge to learn about its prestigious academic programs, admissions process, and campus life. Students who are interested in science, engineering, and research will especially benefit from visiting their campus.

On-campus tours are suspended due to the global pandemic, but you can plan and schedule a self-guided tour for your group. For future reference, when you book a visit, your students will receive a 75-minute tour which includes the Stratton Student Center, Zesiger Athletic Center, and Kresge Auditorium.

MIT will waive the tour fees it’s booked by a teacher or school counselor. There are specific times of the year when campus visits can not be accommodated, so read their guidelines carefully before requesting a date.

At 84 Massachusetts Avenue, your driver can safely let students off the bus. When you partner with a company like GOGO Charters , you won’t have to worry about finding parking. We’ll ensure that your driver knows where to park so that you can focus on your upcoming trip.

Harvard University

Harvard is one of the top Ivy League schools in the country and typically has tours available for groups from 15 to 100 participants. However, due to the global pandemic, all public and private campus tours are suspended.

For future reference, you can schedule a tour in advance through the Harvard University Visitor Center. Once you arrive in Cambridge, ask your driver to drop students off at Mt. Auburn Street between Holyoke Street and Plympton Street. Tours begin at the Harvard Information Center and are led by current students.

Your guide will use their personal experience at Harvard to teach students what to expect. They’ll also be available to answer questions about housing, admissions, financial aid, extracurricular activities, and more.

Northeastern University

Students who attend Northeastern University have a unique opportunity to learn from real-world experiences. Over 90% of undergraduates complete co-op programs during their four years at the university.

High school and college transfer students can book group tours through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Request a tour at least two weeks in advance, and contact the school if your group has over 40 participants.

The tour begins at the Visitor’s Center at 40 Leon Street, and your driver can drop students off on Forsyth Street near Ruggles Station.

Boston College

Groups of 10 or more participants can tour Boston College’s campus to see its beautiful Gothic architecture and learn more about the school. Schedule your tour two weeks ahead of time on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

The Eagle Eye Campus Visit, which lasts two hours, includes an information session and campus tour. A current student will show participants around the school and answer any questions they may have.

The school’s staff suggests that buses unload on their lower campus, which is a short walk from their office at 140 Commonwealth Avenue. Your driver may park at Boston College’s Newton campus a mile away and return for pickup after the tour.

No matter the size of your student group , we can easily accommodate you with a modern, reliable coach. Schedule your bus transportation today by calling our reservation specialists at 1-855-826-6770 .

GOGO Social

Do you need to rent a charter bus, do you need a long-term shuttle service.

We offer contracted shuttle services for businesses, schools, hotels, and more. Contact our experts at 1-844-897-5201 to discuss your long-term transportation plans.

Overall Rating : 10 out of 10 from 416 unique reviews

Admissions & Aid
Campus Life
Info For...

Tour campus and learn about everything FSU has to offer you.

There are a variety of ways to explore campus from in-person visits to on demand remote options.

We feel so strongly about the importance of a campus visit, that we’ll reward your interest in FSU by waiving your undergraduate application fee . To qualify, participate in an official campus visit or counselor meeting hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Register for a Visit Today

Undergraduate Campus Visit
Graduate Campus Visit

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Framingham State University is located just 20 miles west of Boston, offering students all the cultural and career benefits of a world class city. The University is situated on a beautiful, 78 acre, traditional New England campus in Framingham, Massachusetts.

Take the next step

Field Guide to Boston

Rare corpse flower blooms at harvard's arnold arboretum.

Dame Judi Stench, a corpse flower, is in full bloom at the Arnold Arboretum's teaching greenhouse. (Courtesy Jon Herman/Arnold Arboretum)

In a rare spectacle of sight and smell, a corpse flower is in bloom at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University.

The Amorphophallus titanum , given a morbid nickname because it smells of rotting meat, is known around the arboretum as Dame Judi Stench. The smell attracts pollinators who feed on rotten meat.

"I would say it reminds me of being in seventh grade, having a gym locker where your socks and your T-shirt for gym were there all year," said Ned Friedman, the arboretum's director and biology professor.

The plant heats up at night, nearly to the temperature of a human body, to throw off a stronger smell for bugs that feed in the evening. The nighttime smell should be "almost gag-inducing," said Friedman.

The Dame's whole display is not a flower. Rather, a large protruding axis shoots out from a fan of purple and green leaves. Hidden inside the leaves are hundreds of small, petal-less flowers. All told, Friedman estimates the plant stands at around five-and-a-half feet tall.

The spectacle is rare, as it takes seven to 12 years to flower. And once it arrives, it only lasts for about two days.

Arnold Arboretum Director Ned Friedman shows off the corpse flower. (Courtesy Jon Herman/Arnold Arboretum)

Because of limited space in the greenhouse, only members of the arboretum are able to visit the plant while it is blooming. There is a showing from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, which will be the last chance the public has to view the ephemeral bloom. Friedman said visitors who stopped by on Sunday were "fascinated" by the plant.

"For six hours straight, we had lines out the door," said Friedman. "The public just was so enamored with this smelly, but also awesomely beautiful plant."

If you're unable to visit the arboretum in Boston's Jamaica Plain/Roslindale neighborhood for this bloom, a livestream of the plant is available on YouTube . And there's a chance Dame Judi Stench or the arboretum's other corpse flower, Pepe le Pew, could bloom again in a few years.

Katie Cole Associate Producer, Digital Katie Cole is an associate producer for digital.

More from Field Guide to Boston

Suggestions or feedback?

MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Machine learning
Social justice
Black holes
Classes and programs

Departments

Aeronautics and Astronautics
Brain and Cognitive Sciences
Architecture
Political Science
Mechanical Engineering

Centers, Labs, & Programs

Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)
Picower Institute for Learning and Memory
Lincoln Laboratory
School of Architecture + Planning
School of Engineering
School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
Sloan School of Management
School of Science
MIT Schwarzman College of Computing

A home away from a homeland

Press contact :, media download.

Erica James and the cover of her book Life at the Center, Haitians and Corporate Catholicism in Boston

*Terms of Use:

Images for download on the MIT News office website are made available to non-commercial entities, press and the general public under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives license . You may not alter the images provided, other than to crop them to size. A credit line must be used when reproducing images; if one is not provided below, credit the images to "MIT."

Previous image Next image

When the Haitian Multi-Service Center opened in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston in 1978, it quickly became a valued resource. Haitian immigrants likened it to Ellis Island, Plymouth Rock, and Haiti’s own Citadel, a prominent fort. The center, originally located in an old Victorian convent house in St. Leo Parish, provided health care, adult education, counseling, immigration and employment services, and more.

Such services require substantial funding. Before long, Boston’s Cardinal Bernard Francis Law merged the Haitian Multi-Service Center into the Greater Boston Catholic Charities network, whose deeper pockets kept the center intact. Law required that Catholic welfare promote the church’s doctrine. Catholic HIV/AIDS prevention programs started emphasizing only abstinence, not contraception. Meanwhile, the center also received state and federal funding that required grantees to promote medical “best practices” that contrasted with church doctrines.

In short, even while the center served as a community beacon, there were tensions around its funding and function — which in turn reflect bigger tensions about our civic fabric.

“These conflicts are about what the role of government is and where the line is, if there is a line, between public and private, and who ultimately is responsible for the health and well-being of individuals, families, and larger populations,” says MIT scholar Erica Caple James, who has long studied nongovernmental programs.

Now James has written a new book on the subject, “ Life at the Center: Haitians and Corporate Catholicism in Boston ,” published this spring by the University of California Press and offering a meticulous study of the Haitian Multi-Service Center that illuminates several issues at once.

In it, James, the Professor of Medical Anthropology and Urban Studies in MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning, carefully examines the relationship between the Haitian community, the Catholic Church, and the state, analyzing how the church’s “pastoral power” is exercised and to whose benefit. The book also chronicles the work of the center’s staff, revealing how everyday actions are connected to big-picture matters of power and values. And the book explores larger questions about community, belonging, and finding meaning in work and life — things not unique to Boston’s Haitian Americans but made visible in this study.

Who makes the rules?

Trained as a psychiatric anthropologist, James has studied Haiti since the 1990s; her 2010 book “Democratic Insecurities” examined post-trauma aid programs in Haiti. James was asked to join the Haitian Multi-Service Center’s board in 2005, and served until 2010. She developed the new book as a study of a community in which she was participating.

Over several decades, Boston’s Haitian American population has become one of the city’s most significant immigrant communities. Haitians fleeing violence and insecurity often gained a foothold in the city, especially in the Dorchester and Mattapan neighborhoods as well as some suburbs. The Haitian Multi-Service Center became integral to the lives of many people trying to gain stability and prosperity. And, from residential clergy to those in need of emergency shelter, people were always at the site.

As James writes, the center “literally was a home for many stakeholders, and for others, a home away from a homeland left behind.”

Church support for the center worked partly because many Haitians felt aligned with the church, attending services and Catholic schools; in turn the church provided uniquely substantial support for the Haitian American community.

That also meant some high-profile issues were resolved according to church doctrine. For example, the center’s education efforts about HIV/AIDS transmission did not include contraception, due to the church’s emphasis on abstinence — which many workers considered less effective. Some staff members would even step outside the center to distribute condoms to community members, thus not violating policy.

“We started as a grassroots organization. … Now we have a church making decisions for the community,” said the former director of the center’s HIV/AIDS prevention programming. By 1996, the center’s adult literacy staff resigned en masse over policy differences, with some workers asserting in a 1996 memo that the church “has assumed a proprietary role over our work in the Haitian community.”

Coalition, not consensus

Another policy tension surrounding Catholic charities emerged after same-sex marriage became legal in Massachusetts in 2004. In 2005, a reporter revealed that over the previous 18 years the church had facilitated 13 adoptions of difficult-to-place children with gay couples in the state. After this practice became publicized, the church announced in 2006 that its century of adoption work would end, so as to not violate either church or state laws.

Ultimately, James says, “There are structural dimensions that were baked in, which almost inevitably produced tensions at the institutional or organizational level.”

And yet, as James chronicles attentively, there was hardly consensus about the church’s role in the center. The center’s Haitian American community members were a coalition, not a bloc; some welcomed the church’s presence at the center for spiritual or practical reasons, or both.

“Many Haitians felt there was value from [the center] being independent, but there are others who felt it would be difficult to maintain otherwise,” James says.

Some of the community members even expressed lingering respect for Boston’s Cardinal Law, a central figure of the Catholic Church abuse scandal that emerged in 2002; Law had personally championed the charitable work the church had been performing for Haitians in Boston. In this light, another question emerging from the book, James says, is, “What encourages people to remain loyal to an imperfect institution?”

Keepers of the flame

Some of the people most loyal to the Haitian Multi-Service Center were its staff, whose work James carefully details. Some staff had themselves previously benefitted from the center’s services. The institution’s loyal workers, James writes, served as “keepers of the flame,” understanding its history, building community connections, and extending their own identities through good works for others.

For these kinds of institutions, James notes, “They seem most successful when there is transparency, solidarity, a strong sense of purpose. … It [shows] why we do our jobs and what we do to find meaning.”

“Life at the Center” has generated positive feedback from other scholars. As Linda Barnes, a professor at the Boston University School of Medicine, has stated, “One could read ‘Life at the Center’ multiple times and, with each reading, encounter new dimensions. Erica Caple James's work is exceptional.”

What of the Haitian Multi-Service Center today? In 2006, it was moved and is now housed in Catholic Charities’ Yawkey Center, along with other entities. Some of the workers and community members, James notes in the book, consider the center to have died over the years, compared to its stand-alone self. Others simply consider it transformed. Many have strong feelings, one way or another, about the place that helped orient them as they forged new lives.

As James writes, “It has been difficult to reconcile the intense emotions shared by many of the Center’s stakeholders — confusion, anger, disbelief, and frustration, still expressed with intensity even decades later — alongside reminiscences of love, joy, laughter, and care in rendering service to Haitians and others in need.”

As “Life at the Center” makes clear, that intensity stems from the shared mission many people had, of finding their way in a new and unfamiliar country, in the company of others. And as James writes, in concluding the book, “fulfillment of a mission is never solely about single acts of individuals, but rather the communal striving toward aiding, educating, empowering, and instilling hope in others.”

Share this news article on:

Mel King Community Fellowship Program upholds the late civil rights activist’s legacy

1960s black-and-white photo of a man pushing a two-wheeled cart on the street in front of a brick building

How MIT helped young Roxbury photographers of the 1960s turn pro

How Haiti helps us think differently about history

The work of MIT anthropologist Erica Caple James focuses on, as she puts it, “critical junctures at which human life, liberty, and equality are bound or constrained by institutions — whether for good or ill.”

The anthropology of humanitarianism

The cover of Erica James's book, “Democratic Insecurities”

Haiti’s plight

Previous item Next item

More MIT News

14 smiling volunteers and one child stand side by side, each holding a piece of colorful artwork.

“UnrulyArt” creates joy and engagement, regardless of ability

Read full story →

Owen Coté, military technology expert and longtime associate director of the Security Studies Program, dies at 63

Close-up of thousands of tiny butterfly scales in yellow, orange, and gray.

What happens during the first moments of butterfly scale formation

Aerial shot of powerlines and grass field

Startup aims to transform the power grid with superconducting transmission lines

In a darkened room, Katie Chun steps out of the Momo habitat, a geodesic dome-like structure.

Designing for outer space

Mary-Lou Pardue, wearing a red academic robe, poses for a photo in front of a grassy MIT courtyard

Professor Emerita Mary-Lou Pardue, pioneering cellular and molecular biologist, dies at 90

More news on MIT News homepage →

Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, USA

Map (opens in new window)
Events (opens in new window)
People (opens in new window)
Careers (opens in new window)
Accessibility
Social Media Hub
MIT on Facebook
MIT on YouTube
MIT on Instagram

Best Summer Study Spots on BU’s Campus

A guide on where to keep cool and stay focused, gia shin (com’27).

While there’s definitely less hustle and bustle on Comm Ave during the summer, it doesn’t mean studying and socializing are put on pause. Thousands of students stay on campus to take one of the more than 700 courses offered during BU’s Summer Sessions . With the first session wrapping up this week, it’s the best time to explore new—and revisit old—study spots.

Our guide will help you find the best locations around BU to focus on your studies while enjoying summer’s ambiance. From outdoor spots to on-campus cafés, there are plenty of places to set up your study materials and get to work. And for those particularly hot days, we also point you toward the coolest spots, with air-conditioning to keep you comfortable.

George Sherman Union 775 Commonwealth Ave.

Photo: A picture of the inside of a college academic building with tables and chairs for studying

Hours: Open Monday to Friday, 11 am to 2 pm.

Always one of the more popular areas, the spacious George Sherman Union is lively during the summer. Visit the second-floor Ziskind Lounge to chill out in an air-conditioned communal space, and fuel your studying with the variety of options in the food court. Just a heads up—the GSU has reduced hours during the summer months.

COM Lawn 640 Commonwealth Ave.

Photo: A picture of a lawn on a college campus with trees and tables where students are working

Hours: Open daily

Let the sounds of nature and trickling fountain water be your background music at the COM Lawn. It’s a convenient place to stop by for anyone wanting to soak up the sun while getting work done. This outdoor space features colorful Adirondack chairs, picnic tables, and benches, and is convenient to several food spots, including Basho Express, Warren Towers Starbucks, and Subway, for a quick bite.

Mugar Memorial Library 771 Commonwealth Ave.

Hours: Open Monday to Thursday, 7 am to 11 pm; Friday, 7 am to 5 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 11 pm.

With seven floors and the largest computer lounge on campus, Mugar offers various study environments for different needs. The ground floor is perfect for group study sessions, while the upper floors, which get progressively quieter, are ideal for focused, individual study. For other open BU libraries, check here .

Questrom School of Business 595 Commonwealth Ave.

Hours: Open Monday to Thursday, 7 am to 11 pm; Friday, 7 am to 6 pm.

Questrom’s air-conditioned lobby is a great spot for group work or individual study. You can also grab a quick bite at the second floor Starbucks, offering hearty sandwiches, salads, and pastries baked daily, including healthy Sargent Choice items.

BU Beach 270 Bay State Road

Photo: A picture of the "BU Beach," an area of grass near the Charles River

The BU Beach is one of the largest green spaces on campus for students to relax and enjoy a view of the Charles River. Listen to the cars passing on Storrow Drive—if you close your eyes, it feels like you’re hearing waves crashing on a beach. The BU Beach got a recent upgrade, with outdoor gym equipment, so students can now stay active while enjoying the scenic environment.

Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground 808 Commonwealth Ave.

Hours: Open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

Background music plays from overhead speakers at the Howard Thurman Center, giving a nice ambiance to accompany your studying. It also has a great social vibe, with students milling about. If you need a break, ask if one of them wants to play one of the center’s board games, which include Scrabble, Uno, and Connect Four.

Center for Computing & Data Sciences 665 Commonwealth Ave.

Photo: A picture of the inside of a college academic building with plush red chairs where students are working

Hours: Open Monday to Friday, 7 am to 10 pm; weekends and holidays, 8 am to 10 pm.

The CDS building is air-conditioned and offers numerous cozy nooks for studying. The bottom two floors are perfect for casual solo or group work, the upper floors feature quiet study corners equipped with whiteboards. A valid BU ID is required for access from 7 to 10 pm weekdays, and from 5 to 10 pm weekends. Note: Saxby’s, the student-run cafe, is closed during summer intersession.

Amory Park 45 Amory St., Brookline

Photo: A picture of a grassy park that features a baseball diamond

Hours: Open 6 am to 11:30 pm daily

Nestled in the suburbs of Brookline is Amory Park. With plenty of benches and picnic tables, this park is a great spot for spreading out your study materials or relaxing with a good book. Other features: tennis courts, a baseball field, and lots of grassy areas to toss a frisbee or lounge around.

Pavement Coffeehouse 736 Commonwealth Ave.

Photo: A picture of the inside of a cafe with people working at the tables

Hours: Open weekdays, 7 am to 5 pm; weekends, 7 am to 4 pm.

Pavement Coffeehouse is a welcoming spot for both studying and socializing, with plenty of comfortable seating options and open tables. It offers ample natural light and a menu of coffee and snacks. Pavement has you covered, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a productive study session.

Caffè Nero 1047 Commonwealth Ave.

Hours: Open weekdays, 6:30 am to 7 pm; weekends, 7 am to 7 pm.

If you’re closer to West Campus and Allston, Caffè Nero is another air-conditioned café option. You can enjoy the bustling atmosphere and choose from an extensive menu to keep you energized while studying. Inside has tables and cushy armchairs, and there are also several outdoor seating options.

Charles River Esplanade Storrow Drive

Photo: A picture of the Charles River in Boston, surrounded by willow treets with city buildings behind it

Take a stroll to the scenic Charles River Esplanade, a riverfront park stretching for three miles between the Museum of Science and the BU Bridge. While it’s a popular path for runners and bicyclists, the Esplanade also features plenty of benches scattered throughout its green spaces.

Buick Street Market and Café 10 Buick St.

Photo: A picture of a student center cafe where students are working

Hours: Open weekdays, 7 am to midnight; weekends, 8 am to midnight.

This is an ideal spot at the Student Village for those who enjoy the variety of indoor and outdoor seating options. Select from the market’s wide array of snacks and sandwiches, or indulge in the menu options at Dunkin’, found at the entrance of the market.

Explore Related Topics:

Charles River
Charles River Campus
Share this story
0 Comments Add

Gia Shin (COM’27) Profile

Comments & Discussion

Boston University moderates comments to facilitate an informed, substantive, civil conversation. Abusive, profane, self-promotional, misleading, incoherent or off-topic comments will be rejected. Moderators are staffed during regular business hours (EST) and can only accept comments written in English. Statistics or facts must include a citation or a link to the citation.

Latest from BU Today

To do today: boston art & music soul festival, a quiet place: day one —win tickets to this horror prequel, worcester’s favorite steak-and-cheese sub shop comes to brookline, to do today: brighton farmers market, what bu foodies have to say about the bear, beating a different drum, biden vs trump debate rematch: muted mics, 34 felonies, and the age issue, human trafficking case against local pizza chain owner got help from bu law clinic, to do today: live music with a view at the boston harbor hotel, court upholds gun ban for those accused of domestic violence; bu law expert explains, to do today: tour fenway park, five tips for navigating college without regrets, pov: what all that change americans leave behind at airport security checkpoints tells us, want to experience a true new england summer, wheelock lecturer works inside and outside system to fight for education equality, choosing between an airbnb and a hotel this summer here are some things to consider, lessons from an interim president: kenneth freeman reflects on a historic year, as boston braces for first heat wave of season, bu opens cooling stations for students, to do today: summer solstice celebration.

IMAGES

How to Get Into Boston University: All You Need to Know
10 Buildings to Know at Boston U
Boston University Guide
Boston University
Boston University
23 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Boston

VIDEO

Does Boston University have diversity?
15 Best places to visit in Boston
Where to Stay in Boston First Time: Best Areas & Neighborhoods
Boston Harvard University Tour
Boston University 2024
Boston Beautifull View From The Top Of The Building #boston #fashion #shorts #america

COMMENTS

Visiting Boston University's Campus
Boston University is excited to welcome visitors to our campus! We host in-person tours and information sessions where you can experience the vibrancy of BU's campus and meet current students. Here is some helpful information in preparation for your visit: ... See our Directions and Parking page for the most updated information at the time of ...
Experience BU
Boston University is excited to welcome visitors to our campus! We host in-person tours and information sessions where you can experience the vibrancy of BU's campus and meet current students. Please select a date from our events calendar to register for a program. Learn More.
Information about Visiting Boston University's Campus
From Boston to You Virtual Tour. See campus from wherever you are with our interactive and comprehensive online campus tour. Take our virtual tour. BU, Firsthand ... Located In the Heart of Boston. Boston University Admissions 233 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215. Domestic. 617-353-2300; [email protected]; International. 617-353-4492; intadmis ...
Boston University Virtual Tour: What To Know About Campus
How exactly have college admissions tours changed in the COVID-19 pandemic? Boston University Admissions ambassador Hikima Lukomwa is ready to share some ans...
How to Get Into Boston University: All You Need to Know
SAT and ACT Scores. For admission for fall 2023, Boston University was test optional, meaning it did not require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, admitted student SAT scores ranged between 1360 and 1520. The middle 50% ACT score for admitted students ranged between 31 and 34.
PDF The s Guide to Boston University
everything there is to see and do at bu. (fall 2018) 16,766 undergraduates student-to-faculty ratio one of only three universities in boston and cambridge named to the prestigious association of american universities (aau) 1 of 3 african american/black 6.4% asian american 22% hispanic/latino 10.1% white 32.6% international 23.5% other 5.4% fall ...
Visiting BU
Visiting Boston University (BU) depends on a number of factors, including the season, your schedule, and a lot of uncontrollable variables. We recommend you visit Boston University (BU) twice if you're serious about enrolling - at least one visit should be when students are on campus and school is in session. Be sure to take note of the ...
Visiting MIT & Boston colleges
July 11, 2006. in Admissions, Visit & Travel. Summer is a great time to visit colleges in Boston. There are more than 50 colleges and universities in Greater Boston, making it easy to visit a variety of colleges from one base. Most of the major universities are on subway lines, so renting a car (and trying to navigate Boston roads) is not ...
Touring Colleges in Boston: A College Tour Itinerary
Evening: Take a campus tour of Boston University, explore the BU area, dine, and consider visiting Fenway Park. Day 4: Boston College & Northeastern University. Morning: Check out of your Boston University accommodation. Travel by car to Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA). Early Afternoon: Take a campus tour of Boston College.
Things to Do Near BU: Boston University
Boston University is located at 233 Bay State Road in the Fenway-Kenmore & Allston areas of Boston, MA. In addition to its beautiful campus, it is close in proximity to lots of fun things to do and places to visit.
Visiting
Visiting. Accepted students are invited to attend one of several visit days. Guided tours are not available outside of these visit days. If you plan on visiting campus on your own, you may want to take a self-guided walking tour. Click on the link below to view the walking tour in PDF format. Self-Guided Walking Tour. Campus Map.
Suggested College Tour Itineraries
Here are some suggestions for schools to visit, grouped by region, to get you rolling. Each list includes 5-6 schools that offer a range of sizes, settings and selectivity to help imagine the possibilities. ... Boston University; Comments. These popular Boston area schools represent a good mix of size, setting and admissions selectivity. All ...
Boston University's Office of Admissions Website
See Yourself at Boston University. As you embark on your college search, we want to assist you by offering a glimpse into life at Boston University with a variety of virtual events and programming. Begin your journey to BU with a personalized look into life on campus, and hear directly from admissions officers and current students about why BU ...
Visiting Boston :: Colleges and Universities
Many of the colleges and universities within Boston and Cambridge are accessible via public transportation. For example, you can take the Green Line and hop on and off at many different institutions. All college websites will include the closest T stops on their "visit us" page. Using the MBTA website is honestly a bit clunky, but if you ...
Where to Stay in Boston for College Visits
Boston College. T line: Green (B, C) Chestnut Hill Reservoir on BC's campus. Brookline—This area (technically its own city) is quiet, beautiful, and residential. Stay around the Cleveland Circle area for access to small shops/restaurants and BC's campus (Chestnut Hill Reservoir is perfect for morning runs).
Visiting Boston Area Colleges
The Best Days to Visit Boston Area Colleges. Each college has its own schedule for visiting, and some are open seven days a week, others only a few days a week. Generally, weekends are not a good time to visit, as colleges operate on a weekend schedule. Many Boston colleges offer Monday through Friday for visits, but sometimes Friday is not the ...
Boston College Tour & Vacation Itinerary
Boston. As the home of 35 colleges and universities, Boston is a magnet for those on the college touring circuit. We've outlined a four-day itinerary with some of the most frequently requested schools, but there are plenty of others to consider. We suggest staying in the Back Bay area of the city, which makes a great home base for exploration.
Maps and directions
By subway you can find us at the Harvard stop on the Red Line of the MBTA subway system, which brings you right across the street from Harvard Yard.. From Logan Airport you can get to the Harvard stop by taking the Blue Line or the Silver Line downtown and transferring to the Red Line.. By train you can get to our Red Line stop either by taking a train to South Station and transferring to the ...
BU Admissions Directions & Parking
Boston University Admissions 233 Bay State Road, Boston MA 02215. Directions & Parking. BU Admissions is located at the Alan and Sherry Leventhal Center. Address: 233 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215. ... we recommend you arrive 20-30 minutes early so you have ample time to locate parking prior to your visit.
How To Visit Harvard On Your Next Trip To Boston
Public transportation. Boston's public transportation system is very efficient and easy to understand. Taking the subway is a fast and cheap way to get to Harvard. All you have to do is get to a subway station where you can take the Red Line and then get off at Harvard Station. Climb the stairs and you will already find yourself right in ...
How to Visit Boston in 2024
Opened in 1852, it's one of the largest municipal libraries in the country, home to over 23 million items, with almost 4 million visitors each year. 206 Clarendon St, +1 617-536-0944, trinitychurchboston.org. The church is open for prayer and tours Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sundays 12:15pm-4:30pm.
How to Plan a Successful Campus Tour of Boston's Top Colleges
Boston College. Groups of 10 or more participants can tour Boston College's campus to see its beautiful Gothic architecture and learn more about the school. Schedule your tour two weeks ahead of time on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The Eagle Eye Campus Visit, which lasts two hours, includes an information session and campus tour.
Visit Us
There are a variety of ways to explore campus from in-person visits to on demand remote options. We feel so strongly about the importance of a campus visit, that we'll reward your interest in FSU by waiving your undergraduate application fee.To qualify, participate in an official campus visit or counselor meeting hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Attend an Event
Attend an Event. Join us online or on-campus to learn about Boston University! We are hosting several types of virtual and on-campus events and chats so you can hear from admissions officers and current students. Sign up for an upcoming event to learn more about BU and have your questions answered. We are always adding new events, so be sure to ...
Rare corpse flower blooms at Harvard's Arnold Arboretum
A corpse flower named Dame Judi Stench has bloomed at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. The smelly spectacle is rare, as it takes seven to 12 years for the plant flower. And once it ...
Admissions Overview
Admissions Overview. BU has been educating students of all kinds for more than 150 years: undergraduates, international scholars, master's and doctoral degree candidates, and busy professionals looking to extend their education. For more on admissions and financial aid, check out the links below. Undergraduate Admissions. Important Dates.
A home away from a homeland
In her new book, "Life at the Center: Haitians and Corporate Catholicism in Boston," MIT Professor Erica James offers a meticulous study of the Haitian Multi-Service Center in Boston, examining the relationship between the local Haitian community, the Catholic Church, and the state.
Best Summer Study Spots on BU's Campus
Visit the second-floor Ziskind Lounge to chill out in an air-conditioned communal space, and fuel your studying with the variety of options in the food court. ... Boston University policy prohibits discrimination against any individual on the basis of race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or ...

Boston University (BU) Transfers: 2024 Requirements, Dates, GPAs & More

Where do families stay when they visit Boston University (BU)?

What do families do in Boston when they visit Boston University (BU)?

What buildings should I look at when I visit Boston University (BU)?

2024 College Admissions Calculator

2024 College Comparison Tool

$10,000 Scholarship - No Essay

Video landing page link

Visiting MIT & Boston colleges by Matt McGann '00

Share this post

11 responses to “Visiting MIT & Boston colleges”

Touring Colleges in Boston: A College Tour Itinerary

By ALEX LOVELESS

Tufts University

Babson College

Brandeis University

College Admissions Services

Boston University

Boston College

Recent Articles

Northeastern University

Emerson College

Bucknell University

Our Proposed Five-Day, Jam-Packed Campus Visit, Itinerary

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Where to Stay

FAQs About Visiting Colleges in Boston

Harvard and MIT

Northeastern, Berklee College, Wentworth Institute of Technology

Boston University

Boston College

Tufts University

Brandeis University and Bentley University

Wellesley College

UMass Boston

Bunker Hill Community College

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Visiting Boston Area Colleges

The Best Times to Visit Boston Area Colleges

The Best Days to Visit Boston Area Colleges

Visiting multiple colleges

Other Visiting Considerations

Visiting Options for Boston Area Colleges

Colleges by Major

Specific Colleges

Find your College

Discover Boston

Compare SAT-Prep Courses

More About Boston Colleges

Explore the Colleges in Boston

Cheapest Boston Colleges

Boston Community Colleges

Architecture Schools in Boston

Boston Art Schools

Boston Business Schools

Online MBA Programs in Boston

Boston Job Training and Career Coll

Communications Schools in Boston

Computer Science Colleges in Boston

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcemen

Education Colleges in Boston

Engineering Schools in Boston

Fashion Design Schools in Boston

Hospitality Schools in Boston

Language Schools in Boston

Law Schools in Boston

Liberal Arts Colleges in Boston

Medical Schools and Health Care Sch

Nursing Schools in Boston

Psychology Schools in Boston

Public Administration Schools in Bo

Schools for Religious Studies in Bo

Science Colleges in Boston

Italy Family Vacations

Boston College Tour Vacation Ideas

Want help planning a college tour vacation with your teen?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Let Ciao Bambino! Plan Your Dream Trip with Kids

Create an Account

Maps and directions