Explore Boston's Neighborhoods, Colleges and Universities, Part Three

April 12, 10:56 AMBoston Day Trips ExaminerMari V. DeAngelis

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Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA, photo by MOS, Wikimedia

Every fall, the population of Boston swells as college students from across the country and the world return to classes. Each spring, the students haul their belongings away to go home for the summer break. It's an annual ritual and one that makes Boston distinctive.

Boston is a student town and a terrific place to attend college. As many college viewbooks state, "Boston is Your Campus." And how true it is. There are more than 350,000  students at  more than 100 campuses at Institutions of higher education in Boston. Fifteen of Boston's  universities are top ranked, according to a study conducted by Collegia, Inc., the 2003 College Destinations Index.

Where are the students and schools in Boston?

There is no one area where the more than one hundred colleges and universities are located or students live. So, here is a brief rundown of some of the better-known institutions and their locations.

Harvard University: Ivy League all the way, Harvard is really located in the city of Cambridge, MA, across the Charles River from Boston. Get on the Red LIne and get off at Harvard Square. This is where you'll see students as well as aging hippies and panhandlers. Walk through Harvard Yard and gaze up at the statue of John Harvard for inspiration.

MIT: Also located in Cambridge, just over the bridge from Boston. MIT offers a world-class education in science and technology. The students are a bit nerdy, but they are the geniuses who will one day rule the worlds of science and technology, so who cares?  The campus is not as green and leafy as Harvard but the buildings are quite stately and impressive, as are the professors and graduates of this esteemed institution.

Boston University: This school is located along busy Commonwealth Avenue, just past Kenmore Square in Boston, of course. This large, multi faceted school is known for its Communication, Business, Arts and Science programs, among others. The campus is smack in the middle of the city on a trolley line, so there isn't a lot of ambience. Still, it's an eclectic urban environment full of ideas and energy.

Boston College: BC is located in Chestnut Hill, a wealthy part of town located at the border of Boston and the towns of Brookline and Newton. BC is green, leafy and quiet. That is until the students return. Over the years this Jesuit run college has evolved into a world-class and highly competitive university. If you're thinking of sending your child here, you'll need big bucks and/or excellent grades. The campus is charming and pastoral , with beautiful steepled brick buildings and quaint quadrangles. The sports teams are first rate and the students are smart but not snobby. What more could you ask for?

Boston Travel Tips, Boston Drivers and the "T"

Boston is notorious for its bad--make that awful-- drivers and hard to navigate streets. Since the streets were once cow pastures they don't follow any logical pattern. Save yourself the trouble. Don't drive. Take the T instead!!! If you plan to stay for a few days, buy a "Charlie Card"--a pass to ride on the "T." Its easier than buying subway tokens and may save you some pennies. The color coded "T" is easy to navigate but during big events e.g. Red Sox games, it can get crowded. Still, if you take the "T" you will avoid traffic, bad drivers and the frustration of trying to find a parking space. One street parking in Boston is minimal and parking garages are expensive.

Take a Duckboat Tour of Boston

For one of the best historical tour of Boston, book a Duck Boats Tour. Tours rumble through city streets and onto the Charles River in World War Two amphibious vehicles i.e. the duck boats. Each vehicle is driven by a colorful and chatty Tour Operator who will regale you with jokes and stories along with the history. Kids even get the chance to drive the boat and toot the horn.

Find out more about Boston colleges and universities 

Mass Mentor is an Internet site with information about higher educational opportunities in Boston for prospective students. The site has good information for those who are interested in pursuing an education at one of Boston's many colleges and universities