Prudential Tower, the Charles River, and north Boston from above

When it comes to immersing yourself in United States history, there are few places more iconic than Boston. Located in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston attracts nearly 20 million visitors each year for its historic landmarks, culture, entertainment and universities. Fondly referred to as Beantown, Boston is the largest city in New England, with 4.5 million people living in the metropolitan area. With more than 100 universities in the area, students from around the world are drawn to Boston every year. 

Want to find out more? Here’s a deeper look into all that you can do in one of the most historic cities in the United States: 

• Immerse yourself in history: Founded in 1630, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The city was the scene of several key events during the American Revolution, such as the Boston Tea Party. You can still see many of these sites today – just by following the Freedom Trail! This route leads you through 16 historically significant locations, including museums, meetinghouses, churches and burial grounds. 

Faneuil Hall Marketplace, built in1742, near Boston’s waterfront

Want to take a walk through one of the most historic neighborhoods in Boston? Check out Beacon Hill. Situated in the heart of Boston proper, the neighborhood is known for its beautiful homes, brick sidewalks and deep history. 

• Enjoy world-class entertainment: Boston has entertainment for everyone, no matter your interests! 

For the sports fanatic, Boston has four major North American professional sports leagues, so there’s always a game to catch. These teams include the New England Patriots (American Football), the Red Sox (Baseball), Celtics (Basketball) and the Bruins (Hockey). Boston is also one of only six cities in the United States to have won national championships in each of these major sports leagues. 

Music lovers flock to Boston too. The Boston Symphony Orchestra is a member of the “Big Five,” a group of the greatest American orchestras. Symphony Hall is home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and is thought to be one of the best venues for classical music in the world. 

Boston also has one of the most well-reputed park systems in the nation. Boston Common, located near the Beacon Hill neighborhood, is the oldest park in the United States. In fact, it is part of a string of parks surrounding the city called the “Emerald Necklace.” Other parks in the Emerald Necklace include Jamaica Pond, Boston’s largest body of freshwater and Franklin Park, the city’s largest park and home of the Franklin Park Zoo.

• Take advantage of the educational opportunities: Some of the most renowned universities in the United States and the world are located in Boston. A few of the most famous institutions include Harvard University, the oldest university in North America, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston University and Brandeis University. The city also has more than 100 other universities and smaller colleges to fit the needs of any prospective student. 

• Find a home in the city: Boston offers many housing options. If you want to live off-campus, ApartmentSearch.com is a great resource for finding apartments in the area you want to live. You can search an apartment in your ideal neighborhood, while also viewing helpful statistics on the cost of living, information about local restaurants and shops, the length of your commute and more. 

If you’re looking at unfurnished apartments, furniture rental is a cost-effective and hassle-free way to furnish your home-away-from-home. CORT, the leading provider of furniture rental in the U.S., furnishes thousands of student apartments with furniture and accessories, with rental packages starting as low as $99 per month.

If you’re interested in living in a vibrant, historic city, consider Boston! If you think Beantown is the right fit for you, take some time to do some more research on all that this city has to offer. And, be sure to pack a warm coat! Boston is known for its cold, snowy winters. 

• Boston fun facts:
  • Boston built America’s first subway, the Tremont Street Subway
  • Fenway Park is the oldest original Major League Baseball stadium still in use
  • Boston was home to the first chocolate factory in the United States
  • The city’s nickname, Beantown, is due to the popularity of baked beans in molasses among its early residents
  • 15.1 percent of Bostonians walk to work, the highest percentage in all of the U.S. major cities

by Yu Wu and CORT.

Universities and colleges in or near Boston and Cambridge:

Boston School of Modern Languages

ELS Language Centers

Middlesex Community College

The New England School of English

Northeastern University

Quincy College

Salem State University

Simmons College

Tufts University

Wentworth Institute of Technology