5 famous unis in Boston every international student should know

Harvard. MIT. Emerson. These are just some of the most prestigious and reputable universities in the US and the wider world. Each has its own challenging entry requirements, rigorous curriculum, and extensive network of bright-minded students and alumni. They have another thing in common: they’re all located in Boston. 

Being in the capital city of Massachusetts, universities in Boston have the benefit of being placed in one of the most famous cities in the US. It offers the perfect blend of excitement and serenity, with its wide expanse of greenery and bustling nightlife. The city itself has made a profound impact on American life and culture. It has provided some of the nation’s best sports teams, influenced cuisine, and is the hometown of some of Hollywood’s most recognisable names. 

It’s geographically convenient too. Placed along the East Coast, the city is less than a day’s drive to major hubs like New York, Rhode Island, Portland, and more. Those looking to enjoy the country’s natural wonders can similarly drive down to New Hampshire’s White Mountains or visit the New England coast. 

Combined, it makes for the perfect university city for any international student. Here are five famous universities in Boston for you to check out:

Harvard has graduated many famous alumni, including US presidents, celebrities, and Nobel laureates. Source: Scott Eisen/AFP

5 famous universities in Boston

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Making the top of this list is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. More commonly referred to as “MIT,” this institution is revered worldwide for its excellence in academia, research, and contributions to society. It regularly places among the nation’s — and the world’s — top universities for many subjects. 

Some of MIT’s most famous alumni include former secretary-general of the United Nations Kofi Annan; Buzz Aldrin, who was the second person to walk the moon; and even fictional superheroes like Marvel’s Tony Stark. 

Harvard University 

Harvard University is the second-most famous university in the Boston area. Despite this, the university still stands its ground. Its law and business schools are considered two of the best in the world. The rest of its faculties are filled with Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and up-and-coming changemakers of tomorrow. 

Famous alumni from Harvard are plentiful. These include John F. Kennedy, Mark Zuckerberg, Natalie Portman, and Neil deGrasse Tyson. It also rivals other universities in Boston by graduating eight US presidents. 

Boston University

While not necessarily as famous as Harvard and MIT, Boston University is still a solid contender on the national stage. It is known for its rigorous academics, producing students who are focused, motivated and critical in their pursuit of knowledge. 

Boston University is home to the nation’s first combined cancer research and teaching laboratory. It’s one of the reasons why a degree in medicine at the institution is highly vyed after by students worldwide. Outside of this, the university is famous for its law, management, and engineering graduate schools. 

An education at MIT is considered one of the toughest in the world. Source: Maddie Meyer/AFP

Emerson College

When it comes to progressive liberal arts colleges, one of the top universities to consider is Emerson College. It is especially revered for its programmes in the comedic arts, communications, communication disorders, visual and media arts, performing arts, and more. 

Students get to enjoy the large expanse of the city amidst a small, intimate campus life. Emerson has a total undergraduate enrollment of only 4,17 students — far fewer than most other universities in the New England area. 

Berklee College of Music

Few institutions can claim to take the spotlight in the world of music. Berklee College of Music is one of them. As the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world, it is highly sought after by aspiring musicians and talents hoping to make it in the performing arts industry. 

Students at Berklee are regularly breaking the boundaries of the creation and distribution of popular music. The college’s YouTube channel is filled with imaginative covers, arrangements and scores composed by its students, either in collaboration or as independent artists. It also regularly hosts guest speakers, many of whom are prominent figures in the music industry.