5 Things to Do in Boston Before You Graduate

Senior spring. The allusive, yet so deeply cherished set of months that every Harvard student dreams of. At this point, you know every campus shortcut, the best dining hall creations and study spots, and the coffee shops with reliable WiFi and even better drinks. So what’s more to do?

This is me. I am a Senior, concentrating in Government and set to graduate in May of 2018–just three months away. I can’t count how many times I’ve started a conversation topic with “remember when” or looked longingly at places across campus where I laughed with friends. I’m studious by day and nostalgic by night. With the end of school near, I wanted to reflect on the “must do’s” of Boston and Harvard, interweaved with some fond memories.

1) Explore local music
Cambridge, Somerville, Allston, Brighton. These smaller, neighboring towns are home to an array of concert halls and festivals. Here, you’ll find musicians ranging from local “up-and-comer’s” to arena stars. Museums and local shops will regularly host events with student bands and performers from Harvard, Berklee, Boston University, and many other schools.

2) Summer in Boston
If you’d rather stay close to campus, for a cool research position or internship (Boston is a hub for biomedical and health care opportunities), you’re in for an incredible summer! With several housing options and the familiarity of campus, Boston is an exciting, comfortable, and beautiful city to spend a summer at. Some of my favorite summer events include; 4th of July fireworks by the Charles River, walks across the Harvard-MIT bridge into Boston, ice cream at Toscanini’s, seafood at one of New England’s charming coastal towns, car rides with view of the skyline.

3) Visit all the museums
In addition to being a hub for science and medicine, Boston is home to leading museums of all kinds and local art. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, and Institute of Contemporary Art are only some of these institutions. Each offers a unique and diverse collection of art and hosts regular events, like panel discussions with well-known artists, or musical performances that feature local musicians, and film and discussion nights.

4) Fenway Park Game
According to Boston tour guides and experts, Fenway Park is a necessary stop! The famous park is home to baseball, concerts, and next year’s Harvard-Yale football game. I went to my first Boston Red Sox game last summer on extremely cheap tickets. Games like these offer a range of seating and ticket prices–you might be able to snag $10 tickets.

5) Check out all the historic sites
Boston is perhaps most well-known for its history of the American Revolution. The city boasts an array of historic sites, such as the Boston Shipyard, Faneuil Hall, Old State House, Bunker Hill monument, and severa more. An easy way to check out most of these national landmarks is through the Freedom Trail, a red brick path that takes tourists through sixteen monuments. Boston’s history is undoubtedly one of its strongest features.
Boston, Cambridge, Harvard Square. These places are full of history, interesting attractions, and memories. I am grateful to be here and look forward to the next few months, before I say goodbye to this beautiful old city.