Words By: Rachel Smith ’26

Courtesy of the culture trip

One of the many benefits of attending Emmanuel College is its location in the heart of Boston. This benefit provides an array of attractions and places to visit in Boston and the surrounding area, but it can be daunting to try and narrow down a list of things to do. Especially as a college student who is most likely on a budget, it can be intimidating to find something fun to do on a sunny Saturday afternoon. 

Here’s a list of six things to do in the city at little to no cost:

1: The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

The Isabella Stewart Gardner is a quick 12-minute walk from Emmanuel’s campus and is free to visit with your student ID. They do ask to make an appointment online before visiting. The Gardner showcases Isabella Stewart Gardner’s own personal art collection, making it unique and different from most museums. It is also the site of one of the most famous art heists in modern times; the art that was stolen, including two Rembrandts, has never been found. The Gardner is an especially beautiful place to visit in the winter as there is a large courtyard garden in the middle of the building, bringing spring to Boston even in the snow. 

2. The Museum of Fine Arts

The MFA is an easy 16-minute walk from Emmanuel’s campus and is also free to visit with your student ID. This is a more traditional museum with a large array of galleries that swap exhibits in and out, allowing for there to be something new every time you visit. The museum is large enough that you could visit it multiple times before seeing everything there is to offer. There is also a beautiful courtyard in the middle of the building, which provides a nice escape from the city. It is one of my favorite places to visit in Boston!

3. The Boston Public Library

As a student living in Boston, everyone is eligible to get a Boston Public Library pass. This can be helpful to check out books or use services the library offers. Even if you are not interested in taking any books out, the Boston Public Library can be a fun place to visit. Built in 1852, the library holds a lot of history. The architecture is beautiful, including an outside courtyard that is stunning and a perfect place to study or enjoy the outdoors. Just walking around the library is a fun adventure. It is just a quick T ride away!

4. Boston Red Sox Student 9’s

A perk of attending a university in Boston is all of the great sports teams that play in the city. The Red Sox offer $9 tickets to students for most of their home games. You can sign up on their website using your student email. On the day of a home game, you will receive a text or email about tickets being on sale. It is a fun night out even for someone who is not a baseball fan!

5. College Of the Fenway Events

Throughout the semester, the COF offers different events for students of the five schools: Emmanuel, Wentworth, Simmons, MCPHS and MassArt. They vary from cheaper Bruins or Celtics tickets to performances by the jazz band, dance team, or theater troupe. There are also multiple clubs you can join through the COF, including sports clubs. It is a great way to meet other students in the community and have fun!

6. Lyric Stage Company of Boston

The Lyric Stage Company of Boston offers $10 tickets for students to attend upcoming plays. You can purchase them in person, online, or over the phone. They are currently showing “The Play That Goes Wrong” by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields. It will be shown from Nov. 11, 2022 through Dec. 18, 2022. They are also putting on a production of “Preludes” by Dave Malloy and directed by Courtney O’Connor, which will be shown on Jan. 6, 2023 through Feb. 5, 2023.

Space

Related Posts: