The City of Boston
Boston is rich in history, old-world charm, and modern vitality. Home to more than 60 colleges and universities, it is an intellectual and cultural center diverse in its people and stimulating in its opportunities, yet relaxed and accessible.
Boston is the largest city in New England and the site of many significant events in early American Colonial and Revolutionary history. Much of that early flavor remains today in its cobbled streets, in its historic landmarks that bring alive Paul Revere’s ride and the Boston Tea Party, and in the Federalist row houses on Beacon Hill. A historic seaport that grew to prominence in the days of the China trade and the whaling industry, the city maintains a thriving and picturesque waterfront. The New England Aquarium, one of the foremost in the world, shares the harborside with sightseeing cruise ships, traditional New England fishermen unloading their catches, international cargo traffic, and the USS Constitution, “Old Ironsides.” Here, historic treasures intermingle with contemporary skyscrapers, evidence of the city’s thriving business and financial community and its leading role in research and technology.
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. A short ride on the streetcar brings one to the elegant shops of Copley Square, the sporting events at the TD Banknorth Garden, or the endless diversions of the restored Faneuil Hall Market Place. 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 world-class pizza, tacos, and other fast foods necessary to student survival.
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, and students can 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 world-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.
Famously enthusiastic about its professional sports teams, Boston supports the Red Sox, the New England Patriots, the Celtics, and the Bruins. Each April, the Boston Marathon passes through the Boston University campus. Beaches to the north and south, including the famous shores of Cape Cod, are within easy reach by car or bus. For the hiker or skier, the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont are but a few hours away by car, as are the picturesque shores of Maine.
A splendid place to study, work, or just relax, Boston is consistently voted one of the most desirable U.S. cities in which to live. Few cities in the world can offer so much to every individual.
Published by Trustees of Boston University
One Sherborn Street
Boston, MA 02215
30 November 2007
Boston University
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