Ask Simmons

What Are the Best Reasons to Go to College in Boston?

The Boston waterfront at night

If you’re looking for the ultimate “college town” experience, Boston may be the place for you.

As a college student in Boston, you will join 300,000 others attending one of the area’s 50 colleges and universities. Boston offers plenty of opportunities to connect with similarly-minded students also pursuing their academic and career dreams. As a result, you may end up finding friends beyond your college campus.

Located on the Atlantic coast, Boston is approximately 200 miles northeast of New York City

The city serves as the cultural and financial center of New England, and is one of the healthcare capitals of the world. You can find internships at some of the most esteemed employers in the country. These will look great on your resume, and give you an edge in establishing yourself as a rising expert in your field.

A World of Opportunity for Students

Three students having lunch on Newbury Street in Boston
Having lunch on Newbury Street

Boston features art, music, history, and amazing cultural institutions. The city is home of some of the best sports teams in the country. Also, Boston offers diverse shopping options (from Newbury Street to the more affordable Garment District), as well as restaurants for every budget. 

Boston’s vibrant nightlife includes dance clubs and historic live venues for touring shows and concerts, with special discounted “rush” tickets often available to students.

Boston is a walking city — which is a great advantage for college students.

You can also take the T, Boston's public transportation system. Hop the Red Line to Harvard Square. Take the Green Line to the North End for cappuccino and cannoli. Ride the Blue Line to Revere Beach (or the airport). Or catch the Orange Line to Jamaica Plain for music, food and culture.
 

Colleges of the Fenway

Colleges of the Fenway is a group of five colleges in Boston. They work together to help students connect with each other. The collaborative includes Simmons University, Emmanuel College, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and Wentworth Institute of Technology.

As a student at a Colleges of the Fenway school, you can take courses at any of the schools. You also can attend events, participate in intramural sports, and join performing arts groups. 

The coalition also offers study abroad resources from short-term courses to a semester abroad or a service trip overseas.

Learn more about Colleges of the Fenway

Experience Boston as a Simmons University Student

Simmons University students have much to say about the advantages of going to college in Boston.


Gracyn Delaune ’24 poses with the coastline of Ireland in the background

 “As someone who came from halfway across the country to attend school in Boston, I try to never take the city for granted. Living near Fenway is such an amazing experience, and I love being able to get student tickets to the Red Sox games and have a fun afternoon or night with my friends from Simmons while we take a break from academic work to relax and have fun!”

Read Gracyn's story

— Gracyn Delaune ’24, sociology major who interned at the Massachusetts State House with Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa



Photo of Kayla Canty

“I got so many amazing clinical opportunities. When I tell people from elsewhere that I did clinical rotations at Boston hospitals, they are immediately wowed and impressed!”

Read Kayla’s story

Kayla Canty ’18, BSN, who did clinicals at Mass General, worked at Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital as a nursing assistant, and did work-study at Harvard Medical School



Photo of Emily Mills standing by the Red Sox dugout at Fenway Park with a view of the field behind her

“I really loved the opportunity to work in the Boston community.”

Read Emily's story

Emily Mills ’19, political science and education major who served as a mentor for the nonprofit Strong Women, Strong Girls


Want to learn more about this great New England city?

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A Multidisciplinary Education: Irish Immersion, State House Internship, and Reproductive Health Research

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Photo of Emily Mills standing by the Red Sox dugout at Fenway Park with a view of the field behind her

Emily Mills ’19 Shares the Transformative Power of a Pell Grant

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Kayla Canty '18 Shares her Passion for Pediatric Nursing

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From Undecided to LCSW: How Samantha Clark ’20 Found Her Path at Simmons

What made you choose Simmons for your undergraduate degree? The biggest draw for me was Boston. I'm from Portland, Maine, so Boston is only two hours away, and I could envision myself in Boston. Simmons was appealing for the small...


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Laura Pedulli