A trip to Salem, a Steve Lacy concert, and a late-night stop at Felipe’s rooftop. Yes, Harvard students do in fact leave the library. While studying is part of life at Harvard as it is at every other university, there’s plenty happening once we close our laptops. So…what do Harvard students actually do for fun? 

One of my favorite parts about Cambridge is how easy it is to explore beyond campus. Whether you have a free afternoon or want to make a whole day of it, there are so many reasons to hop on the T. 

For a quick shopping day, Newbury Street is a great place to start. You can browse stores and walk around with friends without needing much of an itinerary. While Newbury Street has plenty of food options, Boston’s North End takes the crown when it comes to Italian food. As the seasons change, Massachusetts is the place to be. A quick ride on the commuter rail takes you to Salem, a great place to get into the Halloween spirit. By December, Snowport in Seaport (basically a mini Christmas village) brings winter treats and holiday shopping to Boston. 

If you’re looking for plans on a night out, there is always some sort of concert going on near Boston. Just a few weeks ago, I saw Steve Lacy live at MGM Music Hall. It was my third time seeing him perform, but my first time seeing him in Boston, and easily my favorite performance. A few months ago, I also saw Mariah the Scientist and Giveon live at MGM as well! 

If you don’t really want to leave campus, you don't have to go far to find something fun to do. Felipe’s rooftop is a great spot to grab food and catch up with friends when the weather is nice. It is constantly buzzing with conversation, to the point where you can practically hear the laughter from a few streets away. 

There’s also so much student talent to celebrate on campus. Events like Eleganza and Cultural Rhythms bring students together to showcase everything from fashion to dance. With so many student organizations putting on performances throughout the year, there’s always a reason to take a break from an assignment. 

And of course, there are the sports games. Home games are especially fun, where you don’t have to know every rule to get caught up in excitement. Harvard-Yale is one of the most anticipated games of the year, and this November, it’s happening at Fenway Park! There’s no typical weekend at Harvard, and that’s one of my favorite things about being here. Some plans turn into favorite memories, while others are just a chance to catch up with friends after a long week. Either way, when I look back on college, I know I’ll remember much more than the time I spent in the library.