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 Fleet Center, 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.
