Graduate Blog / Graduate Life

Four Reasons to be in Boston this Summer

All classes and events beginning after 3:00pm or later will be closed / cancelled” reads the email from Public Safety. It’s the first snow-day of the season and as I turn the heater a few degrees warmer, I can’t help but think about my first summer in Boston. Don’t get me wrong, winter in Boston has its own charm accompanied with its own set of activities – festive lights, skiing, winter markets and snow; but summers are different.

Here are four reasons why you should skip going home and spend your summer in one of America’s oldest cities instead:

  1. Take a hike: Hiking in Boston isn’t really a thing, but hiking in the New England region is definitely a thing. You have plenty of options to choose from, not too far from the city where you can spend an entire day with incredible views. For a quick escape from the city, there is the Harold Parker State Forest, Hopkinton State Park or the Blue Hills Reservation. And if you are feeling more adventurous you can head further out to New Hampshire which has a ton of great hikes like the Monadnock State Park or Mount Cannon — also a great place to ski in the winter!

  2. Arnold Arboretum & Mount Auburn Cemetery: Two of my favorite hidden spots in the city, the Arnold Arboretum and Mount Auburn Cemetery both are unique in their own ways. The arboretum is a spot for nature walks, picnics and other chill outdoor activities. On Mother’s Day in May, the Lilac Sunday festivities are a sight to behold. On the other hand, the Mount Auburn Cemetery makes for a great visit any time of the year. This tranquil spot transports you to a different place worlds away from the bustling city outside its gates. For panoramic views of the city, head to the Washington tower which is open from April to October.

  3. Outdoor festivals, concerts and baseball: The whole point of summer is to be outdoors. Boston gives you multiple reasons to do that. The SoWa market is a celebration of local art, food and music. Explore the South End neighborhood that hosts the market, visit vintage shops, and meet local artists every Sunday from May – October. Boston Calling Music Festival is another great way to spend a weekend. Each May, more than 50 bands perform over 3 days on outdoor stages at the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston. And if you ever run out of plans on a warm, sunny afternoon, just head to Fenway Park to watch the Red Sox play and experience being part of the crowd cheering at the iconic American ballpark.

  4. Babson summer electives: A good way to give yourself a break from the crowd and excitement of summer is by enrolling in some credits. I had a great time learning R with Nathan Karst last summer. With only about 15-18 students enrolled in the Business Intell Analytics Visualization elective, it was a great opportunity to get in-depth knowledge on how companies collect and mine data to make meaningful connections. It’s also a great way to front-load some credits so that later, you can take it easy for the last semester of your MBA.

I spent my summer interning with PUR, enrolling in summer electives, renting blue bikes to explore the city, breaking a sweat with the November Project, and trying my hand at dragon boating along the Charles River. The usual routine of MBA classes is so busy that spending the summer in Boston actually gave me a chance to explore this city. Discover its small neighborhoods, many food options, and find out what makes it home for so many students.