Why Visit Boston?
Boston is one of the most college-dense cities in the world, offering everything from Ivy League prestige to small liberal arts colleges and powerhouse research universities. The city blends historic charm with innovation, making it ideal for students interested in everything from humanities to biotech. With over 30 colleges in the greater metro area, it's perfect for multi-school visit trips, and the public transit system makes hopping between them surprisingly easy.
Top Colleges in and Around Boston
Here are 10 well-known schools in the Boston area to consider:
Harvard University
- Overview: Harvard, the oldest university in the U.S., is a global leader in education. Known for its strong academic programs, world-class faculty, and prestigious alumni network, it is the ultimate destination for students looking for a rigorous and traditional Ivy League experience.
- Tour Link: Harvard Tour Registration
- Must-See: Harvard Yard, Widener Library, and the Harvard Art Museums. Walk through Harvard Square and check out the vibe of the campus.
- Nearby Eats: Grab a quick bite at Tatte Bakery & Café or caffeinate at Broadsheet Coffee and enjoy some locally roasted beans. Enjoy a campus favorite meal at Boston Burger Co., Changsho, or Felipe’s.
- Tip: Harvard’s campus is huge, so make sure to give yourself time to explore. Also, check out the Harvard Museum of Natural History for an afternoon break.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Overview: MIT is renowned for its cutting-edge research, particularly in STEM fields. Students here are part of a creative, collaborative environment focused on innovation and real-world problem-solving.
- Tour Link: MIT Tour Registration
- Must-See: The Stata Center, Infinite Corridor, and the MIT Museum. The campus has a futuristic vibe, so make sure to explore the high-tech architecture.
- Nearby Eats: Flour Bakery for sandwiches and coffee or The MIT Dunkin’ Donuts for a true student experience.
- Tip: MIT’s culture is very project-based, so if you have the chance, speak with a student about their hands-on learning experiences.
Boston College (BC)
- Overview: Boston College is a highly respected Jesuit university with a focus on liberal arts education. Located in Chestnut Hill, BC has a beautiful campus and a strong sense of community.
- Tour Link: BC Tour Registration
- Must-See: Gasson Hall, the O’Neill Library, and St. Ignatius Church.
- Nearby Eats: Check out Eagles Deli or Moogy’s for a casual meal, and round it out with ice cream from White Mountain Creamery.
- Tip: BC has a beautiful, scenic campus. If you’re interested in religion, check out the Chapel of St. Ignatius.
Boston University (BU)
- Overview: Boston University is a large, urban research university located in the heart of Boston along the Charles River. With a diverse student body and strong programs across disciplines, BU blends academic rigor with city energy.
- Tour Link: BU Tour Registration
- Must-See: Marsh Plaza, the George Sherman Union, and the BU Beach with views of the Charles.
- Nearby Eats: For a quick lunch, check out campus favorite Cafe Landwher or walk a little farther to 401 Park for Time Out Market.
- Tip: BU’s campus is long and linear—wear good walking shoes and consider using the free BU Shuttle to navigate between stops.
Northeastern University
- Overview: Northeastern is known for its innovative approach to education, with its famous co-op program that integrates professional work experience with academics. The university’s location in Boston’s Fenway area offers easy access to both academic resources and cultural experiences.
- Tour Link: Northeastern Tour Registration
- Must-See: Snell Library, Centennial Commons, and the campus’s high-tech facilities.
- Nearby Eats: Eat like the students at Boston Shawarma and Render for some coffee.
- Tip: Northeastern’s co-op program is one of the best in the country—don’t hesitate to ask about the variety of internship opportunities they offer.
Tufts University
- Overview: Known for its strong emphasis on global studies, interdisciplinary education, and a diverse student body, Tufts offers a well-rounded education with a focus on social impact and community service.
- Tour Link: Tufts Tour Registration
- Must-See: Tisch Library, Smiley Face Water Tower, and the peaceful nature trails around campus.
- Nearby Eats: J.P. Licks (ice cream), or Picante Taqueria for a student favorite.
- Tip: Tufts has a quirky, close-knit vibe. It’s a great option for students interested in global issues and community-focused initiatives.
Brandeis University
- Overview: Located in Waltham, just outside of Boston, Brandeis is a private research university known for its strong commitment to social justice, research, and interdisciplinary studies. It has a unique blend of rigorous academics and a smaller campus community.
- Tour Link: Brandeis Tour Registration
- Must-See: The Rose Art Museum, Brandeis Theater, and Shapiro Campus Center.
- Nearby Eats: Head over to Moody Street for an array of options. Is Brandeis the one? Celebrate with a banana split from Lizzy’s!
- Tip: Don’t forget to check out the many student-run programs at Brandeis, especially in social justice and community service.
Emerson College
- Overview: Emerson is known for its arts programs, especially in communication, media, theater, and film. It offers a creative, forward-thinking education, set in the heart of Boston.
- Tour Link: Emerson Tour Registration
- Must-See: The Colonial Theatre and the Emerson Stage.
- Nearby Eats: Check out Jefe’s Taqueria and get a cup of coffee at another Tatte Bakery and Cafe.
- Tip: If you’re into media and the arts, Emerson has incredible resources. Check out their state-of-the-art production equipment if you’re considering studying film or theater.
Babson College
- Overview: Babson College, located in Wellesley, is one of the best business schools in the country, focused on entrepreneurship and innovation. It has a strong track record of preparing students for successful careers in business.
- Tour Link: Babson Tour Registration
- Must-See: The F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business and the Babson College campus center.
- Nearby Eats: Head down to Wellesley Square for a lot of options, including DR/P for some specialty lattes.
- Tip: Babson’s entrepreneurial spirit is highly contagious, and the campus culture revolves around startup businesses. Make sure to ask about Babson’s global network of entrepreneurs.
UMass Boston
- Overview: UMass Boston is a public research university located in Dorchester, Boston, offering a diverse and inclusive academic environment. The campus features modern facilities, including the Integrated Sciences Complex, and is situated along the scenic Boston Harbor. It provides a range of programs with a focus on community engagement and public service.
- Tour Link: Mass Boston Campus Tours
- Must-See: The Integrated Sciences Complex, a state-of-the-art facility for science students, the HarborWalk, which offers beautiful views of the Boston Harbor, and the Campus Center, which is the hub of student life.
- Nearby Eats: The Campus Center offers a variety of quick bites and coffee, and Fiskie’s Cafe is a quick stroll from campus.
- Tip: The waterfront location is a highlight of UMass Boston—take some time to enjoy the scenic views and the large open spaces for walking and relaxing.
Just starting out in your college research journey? Groupings by vibe:
🏛️ Traditional & Elite (If time is tight, choose one Ivy-tier: Harvard or MIT)
- Harvard
- MIT
- Tufts
🏙️ Urban & Career-Oriented (Visit one or two max—Northeastern and BU are often compared)
- BU
- Northeastern
- Emerson
📚 Liberal Arts + Suburban (If you like a smaller campus feel, choose Tufts or Brandeis)
- Brandeis
- Tufts
- BC (liberal arts-adjacent)
Other focuses
- Emerson (creative/communications)
- Babson (entrepreneurship)
Know what you’re looking for academically? Groupings by academic interest:
- STEM/Engineering → MIT, Northeastern, Tufts, Brandeis
- Pre-law/Political Science / IR → Harvard, BC, Tufts, BU
- Creative Arts/Media/Writing → Emerson, BU, Northeastern
- Business/Economics → BC, BU, Northeastern, Babson
- Health/Nursing/Social Work → UMass Boston, Northeastern
- Liberal Arts/Undecided → Tufts, Brandeis, BC
Recommended itineraries
⭐ 3-Day Plan
Day 1 – Cambridge Core
- Morning: Harvard
- Afternoon: MIT
- Optional: Harvard Square lunch + bookstore browsing
Day 2 – Urban Campus Tour
- Morning: Northeastern
- Afternoon: BU
- Optional: Fenway stroll, Museum of Fine Arts nearby
Day 3 – Liberal Arts & Vibes
- Morning: Tufts
- Afternoon: Emerson or Brandeis
- Optional: Visit BC if time allows and it’s a strong fit
⭐ 5-Day Plan (With Options)
Day 1: Harvard + MIT
- Visit both back-to-back, then explore Harvard Square
Day 2: BU + Northeastern
- Great comparison day for urban, high-energy campuses
Day 3: Tufts + Brandeis
- Head to Medford/Waltham for a smaller, more liberal arts feel
Day 4: BC + UMass Boston
- Compare faith-based with public/health-focused
Day 5: Emerson + Flex Day
- Ideal if you're interested in arts/media; use this day to revisit a top-choice or explore Boston itself
Tips for visiting Boston
- Transit: Use the MBTA (T). Harvard, MIT, BU, and Northeastern are all on the Red/Green Lines.
- Booking: Tour slots at Harvard and MIT fill quickly—book those early.
- Traffic: Try to avoid scheduling anything that requires cross-town travel during rush hour (7–9AM, 4–6PM).
- Walking shoes: Expect to walk a lot—even city campuses are sprawling!
- Food Tip: BU and Northeastern are near Kenmore/Fenway—great for lunch stops. Cambridge has excellent student-friendly eats.
Happy touring! And don’t forget to register for a proper tour!
