Is Boston really a college campus?
That’s probably a question many students ask before applying to Boston-based schools. It’s a question that students at places like BU may still be asking themselves. And unfortunately, there isn’t a definitive answer. Some students go to small college towns and feel like they’ve found their home away from home, while others may feel stifled there. Others end up in massive cities like Chicago, New York, and LA, foregoing marching bands and tailgating in exchange for public transportation, fine dining, and the true city life in between.
So where does Boston fit in? After three years here, my answer is that it falls somewhere right down the middle. I’m not saying that Boston is a small college town—it clearly isn’t. But parts of Boston absolutely feel that way. Take Allston, which bears the lovable nickname “Rat City,” as a great example. Full of houses packed with college students, Allston is often the place to be on weekends. On the other hand, Brookline is home to families, a pleasant Main Street, and plenty of BU students as well.
But those are part of the Greater Boston area, not “Boston Boston.” The Town. Beantown. Boston may not be a metropolis like New York or Chicago, but it can certainly stand on its own as a city. As a sports hub, the Celtics, Patriots, Red Sox, and Bruins have all had plenty of success over the past two decades. The North End boasts a beloved section of Italian eateries, and the city is known for its seafood. Artists like Noah Kahan, Zach Bryan, and Gracie Abrams have all mentioned Boston in recent albums. I could point to countless other things that make the city cool, but the best evidence is in the experience itself.
Like all places, this city is what you make of it. Don’t ask yourself if a college campus is a good fit for you, but instead whether you are a good fit for that college campus!!
