Harvard University
- Local Atmosphere

RT
Currently attending or alumni?
Review this school!
Are you interested
in this school?
Saving your decision
Yes
Maybe
No

We will attempt to notify this
school of your interest.

This school has been saved to your schools list.

This school has been removed from your recommended schools list.

For your next recommendation, check out .

Harvard University - Local Atmosphere - Local Atmosphere - College ProwlerCollege Prowler4.62

Local Atmosphere

Quick Stats

Fun Local Trivia
  1. Boston boasts the nation's first subway, built in 1897.
  2. The first paid fire department started after the 1697 fire in Boston.
  3. Boston is home to over 30 colleges and universities.
  4. Per capita, Boston accomodates more college students and more PhDs than any other city in America.
  5. Founded in 1630, Boston is the country's oldest major city.
Notable Natives
  • Matt Damon
  • Benjamin Franklin
  • Robert Frost
  • John F. Kennedy
Local Slang
  • Frappe: A milkshake
  • Wicked: Colloquial adjective used to mean "very"
  • Yankees: Refers to the New York Yankees; Bostonians exhibit a venomous hatred for anything involving this team.
Points of Interest
  • Boston Common
  • Fanueil Hall
  • Fenway Park
  • Quincy Market

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

The quintessential college area, Cambridge and Boston provide Harvard undergraduates with a variety of outlets for their creative, cultural, and social needs. Students laud the art museums and theatricals found throughout the city. Those less culturally inclined find Boston’s four major sports teams make the city a haven for sports nuts. For the social animals in all college students, Boston serves as a venue for a number of clubs and bars. Night owls—beware of the 2 a.m. closing time at all bars.

In addition to the excitement and variety of activities of Cambridge and Boston, Harvard undergraduates have the opportunity to socialize with college-age students from the numerous universities surrounding the city. Most students find nothing wrong with the local atmosphere, but all of Boston’s vivacity does come at a price. And most students will find it at the cash register because the city does tend to carry a slightly hefty cost of living.

See how you stack up against students who were accepted to this school . . .And calculate your chances!Register to get started

Harvard Student ReviewsWhat's This?

Sort by:

Loading...

Local Atmosphere at Harvard University

PNut

Molecular Biology '15

5.0
A+

Awesome

Cambridge is a wonderful little city. The river is great for runs - there are plenty of restaurants and shops - and I always feel safe.

Feb 04, 2012

Comment actions: Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Local Atmosphere at Harvard University

yayus

Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering '14

4.6
A

Harvard Campus Is Amazing!

The title says it. There's the T so you can leave campus and explore boston, etc. in an inexpensive way. It might seem like a bubble, but if you think that's not the case to some extent with every university, you're only kidding yourself. But really, cambridge and harvard square are great! The clothing stores are kind of expensive and there are a lot of tourists, but you see all walks of life on the streets of cambridge: rich and poor students, business men and women, barbers and chefs smoking during break, the homeless, etc. It's not a bad bubble to be in. Also, there are some really good food places. Pinocchio's Pizza is my favorite late-night food place to go to. Not much selection on chinese food though in the area :(. Tons of universities close by too (Tufts, BU, MIT, etc.) so if you have friends going to those schools, you can totally hang out every weekend if you want! I haven't seen much negative attitudes towards students--maybe a bit from visiting BU girls though. They're just jealous ;). I once got lost looking for a building and went two miles off track and a really nice realtor in a random building I entered to ask for directions was super duper nice. Most shops do offer discounts to students is you ask, I think. Also, there's always performances on Massachusetts ave. from dancers to singers, etc. I love this campus--one of the reasons I chose Harvard!

Jan 19, 2012

Comment actions: Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Local Atmosphere at Harvard University

andipeng

Law '17

4.2
A-

Bostonnnn

Boston is a huge city with tons of activities. Three quarters of Boston is filled with college students, as there are plenty of colleges nearby. You will definitely have a blast at Harvard.

Aug 15, 2011

Comment actions: Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate
User rating for Harvard University - Local Atmosphere is 4.6 out of 5 based on 21 user reviews.

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate the local atmosphere on the following topics

What is the local atmosphere like at your school?

What is the proximity to other universities? Is there much interaction?

Can you see yourself living here after graduation?

Facts

Shopping Centers
  • Cambridgeside Galleria
  • Newbury Street
Major Sports Teams
  • Boston Bruins: hockey
  • Boston Celtics: basketball
  • Boston Red Sox: baseball
  • New England Patriots: football
City Web Sites
Distances to Nearest Major Cities
  • New York: NY: 5 hours
  • Providence: RI: 1 hour

Movie TheatersWhat's This?

Loews Boston Common
75 Tremont St.
Boston
(617) 423-3499

Loews Harvard Square
10 Church St.
Cambridge
(617) 864-4581

Become a Contributing Author Learn more »

Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Dominic Hood
Hometown
New Orleans, La.
Major
Psychology

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

Download a FREE Printable Summary (PDF)