What is there to do that Harvard?
That was a tough question to answer last year before I had gotten to explore Boston. Over the course of the year and the summer, I got to try out so many things in Boston.
Did you know you can go sailing? Go to a beach? See Cambridge and Boston from above (kind of…)?
TLDR, yes you can.
Harvard is situated in the heart of Cambridge, a quaint college town beside the great city of Boston. That is to say, there is so much to do right at the doorstep of campus. Are you looking for interesting things to do? If so, here are 8 of my favorite things to do at Harvard!
8) Go sailing!
Are you a fan of sailing? Have you ever sailed before? Whether you’re interested in joining the Harvard sailing team or trying sailing for the first time, there are ways for you to do it! I, for one, went sailing for the first time this past summer. One of my buddies took me out on the waters, and, wow, was it awesome!
My pal is an avid sailor now and cannot say enough good things about it. The best thing is? He learned how to sail this summer! Like kayaking, sailing is another fun thing to learn how to do, especially since the Charles River is right there. Did I mention, Boston is one of the windiest cities in the U.S., too? I have to thank my friend for this experience!
7) Go kayaking!
Like sailing, kayaking is a great way to enjoy Harvard’s proximity to the Charles River. My friends and I went kayaking this past summer, starting at the MIT stop and ending our voyage at Harvard. It’s not only a great sightseeing experience but also a great way to get outdoors. Plus, there are so many great restaurants right next to the many kayaking stops, from vegan cafés to affordable diners.
A Nature Ride
Kayaking on the Charles River was the right move on the right day. John Lin '25
I went kayaking for the first time this summer, and I loved it! If you have a few hours when the weather is nice, I’d highly recommend it!
6) Go thrift shopping!
Another great thing about Cambridge is it’s on the doorstep of thrift shops! Central Square, a T-stop away from Cambridge, has two great thrift stores: Boomerang’s (so far my favorite) and Goodwill. One of my friends got a nice pair of pants for a few dollars there. They have everything from coats to scarves to cool mugs. It’s a nice place to check out!
Those are just two near the yard. In Boston? There are so many more.
5) Visit the Boston Harbor Islands!
Boston is a coastal city, which means its ferry system is phenomenal. But, did you know there are islands off the New England coast? All you have to do to get a sense of Boston’s New England feel is to stop by Boston Harbor and take a deep breath. Aside from visiting the famous New England Aquarium, what better way is there to immerse yourself in Boston’s coastal wonders than to visit the Boston Harbor islands yourself?
Georges Island
After a warm, breezy ferry ride, we made it to Georges Island.
Right off the coast of the Boston Harbor, the Boston Harbor islands are some of the largest historic national parks in Boston. Many of the Boston Harbor islands house old forts and contraptions and are open for exploration. I went to Georges Island, and it was COOL! We even had a picnic afterward—the possibilities of things to do there are endless!
4) Go rock climbing!
For all of you rock climbers out there, fret not, because there are great rock climbing facilities both at Harvard and right outside of Harvard! My friends have gone many a time to Boston Bouldering, which is only a 20-minute walk from campus and even closer on the bus. Among others, this rock climbing facility has auto belays to help beginners learn the ropes, a gymnasium and weights, a meditation and yoga room, bouldering walls, classic rock climbing routes, and even a tightrope! They also have everything you need to get started, from rental shoes to equipment.
Bouldering
Awkward picture of me trying to complete a bouldering route.
If you’ve never been rock climbing before, this is sure to be a great place to do it for the first time!
3) See Cambridge and Boston (from above)!
There is a secret spot near Harvard where you can see almost all of Cambridge and even some of Boston: the Washington Tower at the Mount Auburn Cemetery. The Washington Tower was built in 1854 in honor of George Washington. From the top, almost all of Cambridge can be seen!
Washington Tower
From atop the tower, even the tip of Memorial Hall can be seen.
If you get the chance to visit, I think this is a spot you should visit at least once in your four years.
2) Explore Downtown Boston!
Nestled in Boston’s Downtown, the Boston Chinatown has some amazing restaurants with everything from traditional Chinese food to region-specific delicacies. Many restaurants even cater to the food from the specific part of China my family is from! Aside from the diners, the bakeries, boba and dessert shops, and dim sum places are all spectacular eateries to try.
Chinese Bakeries
Fresh Chinese pastries and a cup of soymilk in the morning hits differently.
There is also so much history and culture in Chinatown inscribed into the gate and into plaques scattered throughout the vicinity. Watch a traditional Chinese dance! Join in on a mahjong game! Visit a craft shop or supermarket—or even get a haircut! There are so many things to do and try in Chinatown. I think it’s a wonderful place to visit!
1) Go to the beach!
Boston? Beaches? No way.
Yes, way. While not right outside of Harvard, there are many beaches that aren’t too far away. Boston’s Revere Beach is one of the most popular beaches right in Boston, and Boston is located close to many great beaches. Cape Cod is a few hours' car ride away, and there are numerous beaches just out of the state in Rhode Island, also a few hours away on the commuter rail. My friends and I have gotten the chance to visit both Provincetown (at Cape Cod) and Providence (in Rhode Island), both of which were stunning.
Snapshot of Cape Cod
Provincetown was beyond beautiful, and Cape Cod in general was beyond fun.
When the weather gets nicer, maybe rent a Zipcar and schedule a day away at the beach. If you’re a beach person like me, you won’t regret it!
Conclusion
These are some of my favorite things to do off campus when the weather is nicer, but there are many other things to do. For sure, Cambridge and Boston do not lack things to do!
A photo of the 2026 Summer Recruitment Ambassadors on the Weeks Bridge
Weeks Bridge has one of the best views of the Cambridge skyline, especially at sunset.
The inside of The Coop from the second floor view
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
A hand holding a card featuring a Harvard ID with the Harvard crest
The Garment District is a thrift and costume shop just outside of Harvard's campus.
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
My daily walk during the winter
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
Me and my friends showcase similar styles
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)
A picture of some of my blocking group members and I on Housing Day!
Harvard Yard
Lizbeth and friends at the Latinx Senior Thesis Forum, where they presented on their year-long projects.
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.
This is the opening page of Harvard's Office of International Education, where you can find plenty of resources in your study abroad journey.
Quinn Ewanchyna '26 stands with platoon members during a training exercise in the Mojave Desert, 2020
Secquoia and her fiancé after running the Cambridge Half Marathon
Secquoia with her mom and sister at a family weekend event!
Pforzheimer House at night with its beautifully lit belltower.
Some friends and I took a coach bus from Boston to New York City and visited Times Square as a part of this trip!
CS50 Hackathon IHOP Breakfas
A view with my food from my first year, eating in the famous Annenberg Hall.
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.
A selfie with six of my block mates, two of which performed in this dance show!
My friends and I celebrating our last first day of classes this semester.
Ana's Harvard (Friends)
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
Intermediate Filipino Class
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
A photo taken in my last class at Harvard with one of my closest friends my senior year.
Hana Rehman in Gloucester
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
My blocking group and I after being dorm stormed
Cheering you on in your scholarship application journey!
Harvard Foundation interns in the spring of 2024, dressed up before the event of Cultural Rhythms.
My friends and I before our last Eliot Fall Formal
My room in the wonderful Stoughton Hall!
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.
Eliot First day of class BBQ
Our first day we were taken on a city tour to explore!
My bookshelf in my dorm!
Malika Umar and Samia Afrose Celebrating Eid-al-Fitr
Seniors at the Harvard Islamic Society Send Off
16th St Baptist Church Birmingham, AL
RAZA's Board on the last Mesa (social event) of the 2023 spring semester.
Some of the many great friends I made during my first-year!
Dining with the Harvard Muslim community, my junior year
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
I passed through Cañar on my trip to my hometown, where I got to visit the Ingapirca Ruins!
MEDLife volunteers posing for picture with MEDLife Logo
Display of butterflies at the Harvard Natural History Museum.
Food provided by Harvard University Dining Service Workers on Thanksgiving Day
My fellow HFAI coordinators and I at Sufra!
My friends and our Thanksgiving dinner.
Harvard's course search page allows you to browse the 3,500+ courses offered each semester
The SCC
After weeks of preparation, my hard work paid off when I was elected as the queen of my tribal organization in the US, SarUSA (Saraguro Residents in the USA).
Sunrise during our first morning at sea.
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.
I officially declared Sociology as my concentration this fall!
My friends and I love attending the socials that are hosted by the affinity groups!
I love catching the crisp morning breeze every Saturday morning!
The sunrise on the morning of Housing Day this year.
My first cookout at Harvard was successful!
My First Harvard Yale Game
An empty room? More like a clean canvas!
The Fall 2021 HFAI Student Coordinator Team!
Adding as thumbnail for blog
The brochure given to us on Convocation, a day before the start of classes
A picture of a white poster with "Adams House is the Best House" written on it.
Sitting in front of Widener with my first friends at Harvard in fall 2018. None of us could have predicted that we would end up taking a leave of absence together two years later.
So grateful to have worked with these amazing student leaders this past year!
hey, what's that--a liminal space?
My one of my Floridian roommates in the snow last year looking warm in a coat and jeans!
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!
The front of Claverly Hall on Mt. Auburn Street.
This is our entryway ready for their convocation!
A snapshot of my room in the afternoon
A picture of the Charles River overlooking Harvard's River Houses
One of my favorite parts of Cambridge summers is how beautiful the sky gets as the sun starts to set. I've dubbed them "cotton candy skies" due to the vibrant pinks, blues, and purples that the sky takes on during this time.
This was during our first few weeks at Harvard!
A group of PAFs after an evening of games during orientation.
I got to take photos with my thesis (or at least the first 25 pages of it) on the steps of Widener Library!
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!
The finale act of the 2020 show!
Mt. Auburn Street Side of Harvard University Health Services/Smith Center
Here is a picture of my family, including my mom, brothers, grandma, uncle and aunt, and cousins.
The SEF is just one way for low-income students to receive extra support towards the cost of attendance at Harvard
trips into Boston are worth it!
Photo of side of Apley Court
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.
My family and I during my move in.
Pictured with me (on the left) are Louisa (student at the Center for Research and Interdisciplinarity in Paris), TJ (Harvard Class of 2020), and Gabi (Harvard Class of 2021) from left to right.
Here is the full cast (and some of our crew) for the Hyperion Shakespeare Company's production of Macbeth!
Walking to Class
Here's a collage of all the outfits I'll be featuring in this blog.
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 miss doing reading for my English and creative writing classes on my Winthrop House dorm room!
A list of just some of the possible concentrations offered at Harvard
Weld Hall, the first-year dorm where I am a PAF!
A snap of an empty Tercentenary theater as I worked on my homework
My friends and I love hanging out in the roof-top common room in Winthrop House!
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.
Selfie in the Seattle Airport.
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've gotten to make some incredible friendships during my time here, and these lovely people are some of my closest friends.
My view out the window as I flew to Europe for the first time
Lowellians ready to welcome first years to our home!
Snow falling outside Wigglesworth Hall, one of 17 first-year dorms.
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!
A photo of me and friends in front of the Carpenter Center my freshman year
Veritaffle
Kirkland House Opening Days 2018
Another spot to rest with great views of New Hampshire!
A view of the city of Boston from Harvard's campus.
Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich
Harvard's dining hall for first-year students.
Harvard Undergraduate UNICEF Club
Nigerian Students Association Executive Board at our 9th Annual Independence Day Gala
My favorite place to read at the Public Garden is in the shade by one of the ponds!
My mom and I in a lecture hall for the Junior One Ring Ceremony.
Dining in at By Chloe in Fenway
Me and my friends at Fenway during this year's game
Photograph of Dan Lobo
Annenberg or The Berg or The Great Hall of Hogwarts
