Written by Samantha Durant
Boston is a wonderful city with loads of American history on pretty much every corner. It is also chock-full of college-aged people, so the area definitely has that youthful, lively feel that a lot of places do not. Boston is fairly clean and efficient and absolutely bursting with character. Massachusetts is one of those states that actually feels culturally distinct from other states. When you’re there, you’re very aware of talking to Bostonians, eating Boston food, and soaking up what is a distinctly “Boston vibe.”
Boston College is located on the outskirts of the Boston metropolis, which gives BC students a mix of low-key suburbia and thrilling city living. Harvard, Northeastern, and Tufts are all fairly close to BC, as are many other colleges. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll ever actually see or talk to a student at one of these universities, as some BC students tend to find friends only on Chestnut Hill. Other people are out there beyond the gates of Chestnut Hill, but you have to be open to finding them. Try to remember that there are other kinds of people nearby, in case you ever want to expand your horizons or see what life is like beyond the college. Definitely visit Faneuil Hall, the Boston Common, Harvard Square, and the Freedom Trail. One of the worst mistakes you can make is to stay on Chestnut Hill and put off exploring the awesome city that surrounds you. There is so much character to Boston, but you have to be willing to venture out and experience something more than just the few blocks that circle Boston College.