Harvard University - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

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.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Boston is super fun, with... Boston is super fun, with never-ending amounts of things to do. Lots of other close by, fun colleges makes for a very fun, young atmosphere, as well. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Boston is the best college city in... Boston is the best college city in the world. BC, BU, Northeastern, and Tufts are all there, plus countless others. The only problem is that the city shuts down at 2 a.m. And Cambridge is too high class. Go downtown to Newbury Street, Quincy Market, the Aquarium, and places like that when you have a chance. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

The town is a great place to be a... The town is a great place to be a student, because the college has its own town, yet there are so many schools and a capital city, just within a T-ride. You can find tons of book stores and great restaurants. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Harvard is in the best possible... Harvard is in the best possible place for a college to be. We are surrounded by fun restaurants and shops, and when we need a little more adventure, Boston is only about half an hour away. The only thing Harvard Square is missing is a cheaper bar scene; the existing one is pretty dominated by the grad students and could be described as stuffy. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Cambridge is a great town. Even in... Cambridge is a great town. Even in Harvard Square, there are tons of things to do. My friend from Yale is always in awe of Harvard Square every time she comes to visit. I was in Princeton for several years, and I can tell you that Harvard Square is hands-down much livelier and more interesting. It also caters more to college students. Boston is also just a short train ride away; students go into the city all the time. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Five Fun Facts about Boston:
• Boston boasts the nation’s first subway, built in 1897.
• The first paid fire department started after the 1697 fire in Boston.
• Boston is home to over 30 colleges and universities.
• Per capita, Boston accomodates more college students and more PhDs than any other city in America.
• Founded in 1630, Boston is the country’s oldest major city.

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.

Famous People from Boston:
Matt Damon
Benjamin Franklin
Robert Frost
John F. Kennedy

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