Harvard students and Amtrak are best friends.
Something I overlooked as a prospective student looking at Harvard was how accessible Cambridge/Boston is to other major city hubs. For example, New York City and Philadelphia. It also is a very easy bus ride to other places such as Vermont, Montréal, Maine, and more. So here is a guide to the best places to go for a day or a little weekend trip.
1. New York City
The first time I ever went to New York City was during finals week at Harvard my freshman fall. Then I went back for another weekend trip with friends in September of my sophomore year. Both times I was able to take the Amtrak train and arrive in NYC about four hours later. Making this not only a good weekend trip, but very feasible as well for just a day away from campus. New York City is also home to one of our largest alumni clubs, so if you have an active membership, it is also a perfect place to stop by.
The Brooklyn Bridge
Enjoying all the sights in NYC!
2. Philadelphia
Although I am from Pennsylvania, I had never been to Philly before. I was able to go with Harvard’s Intercollegiate Model United Nations Team. All travel expenses were paid for by the team. I got to enjoy a nice weekend in the city with my teammates. Outside of the conference we got to go sightseeing and explore the city. Most notably, we took a trip to see the Liberty Bell and had the most delicious french toast at a place called Green Eggs Café. It was really a testament to how easy and common it is to travel for free here with Harvard’s wide range of clubs offered. This trip was also just a train ride away that took around five hours.
The Liberty Bell
Harvard's Model UN Team at the Liberty Bell.
3. Vermont
Apple picking, cider donuts, and the most beautiful fall colors. Vermont is a great stop to utilize the bus system. For instance, after hopping onto a Greyhound bus, four hours later I was in the beautiful state of Vermont. The bus route to Vermont also stops at Dartmouth, so you get to also see a fellow Ivy school on the way. It is the perfect, scenic getaway during the fall semester. It is also the perfect place to bring some of the yummy apple cider donuts back for your friends. Lastly, if you ever decide to take the bus again, the same bus that takes you to Vermont also takes you to Montréal.
The Apple Orchard
Picking apples with friends to bring back to campus.
A photo of the 2026 Summer Recruitment Ambassadors on the Weeks Bridge
Drawing can be a leisure activity or a great way to relax. A sketch book and pen often accompanied me at the park in my free moments.
A photo of the Harvard Art Museums
My Philosophy banner
My Siblings and I When we were Younger
Here I posed with my new team to celebrate our victory in my first game of flag football. I even taught the team how to sign "K" for Kirkland House in ASL
During the Cultural Rhythms, Caitlyn showcased her beautiful Vesido De Flores dress from Mexico and I showcased South Sudanese Lawa. Later only to find out she is in Pforzheimer House, the best house. We become friends ever since. An amazing woman
FUP Silent Disco
First-year students gather to commemorate a successful alumni networking event at the historically exclusive Harvard Club of Boston
Nearly 200 students across 20+ high schools attended Harvard's first High School Ethics Bowl (HCHSEB)
Mollie and Kai during the interview at Currier House!
A sign welcoming new Quincy house residents on Housing Day!
The Barker Center, home to the Harvard College Writing Center
2026 LEAD Board
During my internship at the Harvard Admissions Office, I met great people who continue to be my close friends.
Secquoia and her fiancé after running the Cambridge Half Marathon
Secquoia with her mom and sister at a family weekend event!
Some friends and I took a coach bus from Boston to New York City and visited Times Square as a part of this trip!
My friends from my entryway and I pose for a picture together before we go kayaking!
Philip Brooks House, the locus of public service on campus, located in Harvard Yard.
Every September, the College holds an Extracurricular Fair in Harvard Yard. This is one of the first opportunities for many to learn about GAASA.
Captured around sunset as we hiked the Watchman Trail.
My friends and I celebrating our last first day of classes this semester.
The view from one of the peaks in Mount Mansfield State Forest, Vermont!
A picture of many runners (including the author, Ricky) running during the Cambridge Half Marathon.
Various colorful flower bouquets which were given to first-gen/low-income student on the kick of of FGLI Visibility Week.
A picture of Harvard College students who attended RAZA's first event of the semester in the fall of 2024.
A photo of me with the first two other students who were hired as freshman student workers last fall
One of my favorite photos of TCS. Small Island, Big Family!
View from the hotel in Sidi Bou Said, Tunis
A picture taken of me during Harvard vs. University of New Hampshire.
Samia Afrose with friends at Luxor Cafe
Samia Afrose and Hana Rehman at South Asian Convocation
My Sister and I on NSA's Executive Board in 2023
Hana Rehman at Mock Mehndi
Hana Rehman at Sur Sagar
Harvard College students host Chaand Raat.
A photo of myself looking at the Zanzibari waters
Cheering you on in your scholarship application journey!
Harvard Foundation interns in the spring of 2024, dressed up before the event of Cultural Rhythms.
A group photo on the last day of class!
Grupo Frontera with those who attended RAZA’s Trailblazer Award ceremony
My view from atop a hill near a mining camp.
My bookshelf in my dorm!
Malika Umar and Samia Afrose Celebrating Eid-al-Fitr
Seeing the Lotus Temple in Delhi, India was only one of the many great experiences I've had thanks to Harvard Model Congress
Me with the director of FOP, the wonderful Lesedi Graveline
My mom and I at Junior Parents Weekend
MEDLife volunteers posing for picture with MEDLife Logo
My fellow HFAI coordinators and I at Sufra!
The 2022 summer American Repertory Theater (from left to right): Chinyere Obasi '24, Caron Kim '24, Sophie Kim '24, Diana Chen '25, Sophie Garrigus '25.
My friends and I love attending the socials that are hosted by the affinity groups!
The sunrise on the morning of Housing Day this year.
My First Harvard Yale Game
The Fall 2021 HFAI Student Coordinator Team!
A picture of a white poster with "Adams House is the Best House" written on it.
So grateful to have worked with these amazing student leaders this past year!
My fellow singers and I singing “Lay Me Low,” our closing number, by Addah Z. Potter and arranged by Kevin Siegfried, at Reunion: A Fall Concert.
Here's some friends and I at Acadia National Park over an extended weekend!
Me and a teammate sailing the first double handed sail of the year.
Cherry Blossom outside Lowell
Here's Harpreet and I with our best friends back in high school!
Here is a picture of my family, including my mom, brothers, grandma, uncle and aunt, and cousins.
trips into Boston are worth it!
My blockmates and I at Winthrop House on our Housing Day!
I have very specific playlists for every mood.
Here are some of the books I've been reading for fun lately!
Kuumba had a winter concert last year that focused on the importance of Black Love; this photo, which captures the power of intimacy, was taken during the dance section of the concert.
Here is the full cast (and some of our crew) for the Hyperion Shakespeare Company's production of Macbeth!
Here's a group photo of the Radcliffe Choral Society on the steps of Stella Maris Church in San Juan! We sang here several times, for rehearsals, church services, and our finale concert the night before we flew back to Boston.
Here's the new Sunflower sign we just put up with our students as community service.
Harvard Yard, where many first-year students live.
A Zoom Picture from my FYRE Family!
I found myself this summer sitting at my laptop a lot more than I had originally planned
I make the most of my Zoom-ed reality by taking calls outside!
Here I am teaching a government class from last summer!
During the last days of first-year, I organized an outdoor picnic in Harvard Yard for the Black Class of 2022. There was pizza, music, and an entertaining, but yet chaotic game of musical chairs.
Performing at the Peabody Museum's Day of the Dead celebration and exhibit.
The view of the Charles River from Leveret House, which is right next to Winthrop House!
My Harvard Journal Project notebook, with its (not so successful) attempt to color the Harvard logo on the front.
My friends and I decided to have a group photo session the day before leaving campus!
Me giving out homemade awards to my MFP students!
I took this photo of the Boston skyline while running by the Charles River.
The office threw me a mini goodbye party to thank me for my work during the summer!
Veritaffle
Another spot to rest with great views of New Hampshire!
A view of the city of Boston from Harvard's campus.
Nigerian Students Association Executive Board at our 9th Annual Independence Day Gala
