The Magic of Boston

Blending Historic Tradition with Modern Vitality

Beyond the superior educations they receive at Boston University, students experience the unique vitality of Boston, the center of what may be America’s most vibrant combination of educational, cultural, financial, and scientific activity. Described by Oliver Wendell Holmes in 1859 as “the thinking center of the continent,” it has long been recognized as America’s academic capital and as one of the greatest cities in the world in which to be a student.

Each year, more than 250,000 students and scholars arrive from all over the world to study at over sixty colleges and universities in the area. In Boston, they experience a city that has shaped America for nearly four centuries—as the driving force behind the country’s independence and as a birthplace of American industry and culture. While the city still exudes much of its historic character and charm, present-day Boston is a global center of high finance and technology. Its medical centers and biomedical research laboratories are world renowned, and it boasts the highest concentration of high-tech industries in America as well as a robust investment community to support the area’s university-based innovations. And as the capital city of Massachusetts and the largest city in New England, Boston not only is the seat of government for the state but also houses the regional offices of most federal government agencies. Boston University students have easy access to judicial, executive, and legislative offices at all levels of government and often take advantage of internship programs offered by these offices.

Boston is the site of many significant events in early American Colonial and Revolutionary history. Much of that early flavor remains today in its historic landmarks that bring alive Paul Revere’s ride and the Boston Tea Party. Boston’s historic seaport, which grew to prominence in the days of the China trade and the whaling industry, has evolved into a thriving and picturesque multi-use waterfront. The New England Aquarium, one of the foremost in the world, shares the harborside with sightseeing cruise ships, traditional New England fishermen, international cargo traffic, and the USS Constitution, “Old Ironsides.”

Boston is the home of the world-famous Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops, and a wealth of music from opera to rock, jazz, and reggae. Many dance and theatre groups perform regularly. Students can watch Shakespeare on the Boston Common, catch a ballet at the Wang Theater, or take special advantage of the many annual performances at the Boston University College of Fine Arts and the highly acclaimed resident Huntington Theatre Company. Dozens of museums include the renowned Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Institute of Contemporary Art. Galleries intermingle with elegant boutiques on Newbury Street, and visitors participate in a variety of interactive exhibits at the Museum of Science.

Boston, a city famous for its diehard sports fans, supports the Red Sox, the New England Patriots, the Celtics, the Bruins, the Revolution, and several recently formed women’s professional teams. Each April, the Boston Marathon passes through the Boston University campus.

The city’s rich cultural and ethnic mix is evident in its varied neighborhoods. The North End boasts superb Italian cuisine, Chinatown has a wealth of restaurants, and smaller enclaves offer Portuguese, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Middle Eastern, Jewish, and soul food. These cuisines are, of course, in addition to pizzas, burritos, and other time-honored staples necessary to student survival.

Several recent national surveys have recognized Boston as one of the most livable cities in America—a relaxed, safe, and comfortable community, surrounded by the natural beauty of New England. Boston University is perfectly situated to enjoy both the charm and beauty of the city and its cultural and recreational attractions. The campus stretches along the banks of the Charles River, bringing boating, canoeing, jogging, and sunning to its doorstep—yet it is only minutes from the downtown theatre, shopping, government, and financial districts. Fenway Park and the shops of Back Bay, Newbury Street, and the Prudential Center are within walking distance.

A short ride on the subway brings one to sporting events at the Fleet Center, endless diversions of the restored Faneuil Hall Market Place, or delightful ethnic communities. Boston University students ski and hike in the mountains of New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. The beaches of Cape Cod and the rugged coast of Maine are a short drive away. It is remarkably easy to venture from the cosmopolitan city to a forest, a mountaintop, or a stretch of dunes along some of America’s most beautiful beaches.

Boston magically blends tradition and innovation, youth and history, culture and active outdoor fun. It’s often said that people who have lived here find it hard to live elsewhere in America.

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