Visit Seven Top Boston Universities from One Perfect Location

If you’re visiting Back Bay universities with a prospective student, for graduations, reunions, the big game, or other college events, location matters.

Boston is the textbook definition of a “college town.” It’s home to some of the oldest and best-known universities in the country. Seven of them are within easy walking distance of Newbury Guest House.

Boston Conservatory at Berklee

Opened in 1867 just across from Boston Common, the “Boston Conservatory of Music” helped start a new era of music education in the city.

Today, Boston Conservatory at Berklee offers top undergraduate and graduate programs in:

• Music
• Dance
• Theater

More than 300 Grammy Awards have gone to Berklee alumni.

The conservatory hosts over 1,500 events each year, including:

• Concerts
• Master classes
• Special performances

These feature students, alumni, faculty, and many visiting professional artists.

Book early for:

• The Berklee Popular Music Institute (BPMI)’s Epic Event
• A spring showcase where six student artists are chosen to perform at major summer festivals

bostonconservatory.berklee.edu

📍 Distance: About a 10-minute walk from Newbury Guest House.

Boston University

Founded in 1839, Boston University (BU) sits along the Charles River and houses about 80% of its undergraduates on the main campus.

BU is known for strong programs in:

• Law
• Management
• Medicine
• Engineering
• Education

The university was an early leader in study abroad and now runs more than 90 international programs.

In 1872, BU became the first university to open all divisions to female students. Notable alumni include Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Game days are a big deal at BU. The Terriers compete in more than 20 NCAA Division I sports and have multiple national hockey championships.

Book early for:

• The Green Line Rivalry – BU vs. Boston College in men’s hockey

www.bu.edu

📍 Distance: About a 17-minute walk from Newbury Guest House.

Northeastern University

Founded in 1898, Northeastern University (NU) is a major research school focused on:

• Health
• Security
• Sustainability

Northeastern is known for:

• A competitive acceptance rate (around 6.7%)
• A 100-year-old co-op program that blends classes with real work experience
• Over 270 majors students can mix and match

Like BU, Northeastern’s Howlin’ Huskies are strong in hockey and have beaten Boston University, Boston College, and Harvard in recent years.

Book early for:

• The Beanpot – the famous February hockey tournament between BU, BC, Northeastern, and Harvard
• The fall Underwear Run (exactly what it sounds like)
• The Husky Hunt, a citywide scavenger hunt for 50 qualifying teams

www.northeastern.edu

📍 Distance: About a 15-minute walk from Newbury Guest House.

Suffolk University

Founded in 1906 as a law school, Suffolk University has produced many:

• Federal and state judges
• Members of Congress

Today Suffolk is known for:

• Strong career-focused programs
• Highly rated leadership, business, and engineering degrees

Students love Suffolk’s Beacon Hill location for:

• A true downtown city feel
• Internships
• Easy access to cultural events and nightlife

Book early for:

• SpringFest – Suffolk’s annual April variety show and 100-year-old arts event
• Held at Royale nightclub, showcasing student and staff performances

www.suffolk.edu

📍 Distance: About a 30-minute walk from Newbury Guest House.

New England Conservatory

Founded in 1867, New England Conservatory (NEC) is the oldest independent music conservatory in the U.S. and one of the most respected in the world.

Located near Boston Symphony Hall, NEC is:

• The only U.S. music school named a National Historic Landmark
• Home to Jordan Hall, known for its world-class acoustics

NEC focuses on classical training but also offers degrees in:

• Composition
• Contemporary improvisation
• Music theory
• Jazz
• Musicology

Graduate degrees are available in:

• Conducting
• Accompaniment
• Voice instruction

NEC partners with Tufts and Harvard for double-degree programs, letting students combine music with broader academic study.

Fun fact: NEC faculty and alumni make up almost half of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Book early for:

• Any style of music you love
• NEC’s packed calendar of recitals and major concerts every week

necmusic.edu

📍 Distance: About an 18-minute walk from Newbury Guest House.

Emerson College

Founded in 1880 as a “school of oratory,” Emerson College is a leader in:

• Performing arts
• Communication
• Liberal arts

Emerson sits in Boston’s Theater District, next to the Boston Common. It owns and manages several historic theaters, including:

• Cutler Majestic Theatre
• Paramount Theatre
• Colonial Theatre

In 2003, Emerson opened the Tufte Performance & Production Center, which includes:

• Two TV studios
• Two theaters
• Makeup and costume labs

Emerson also has a strong comedy tradition:

• One rising senior receives the Emerson College Comedy Scholarship each year
• The school houses the American Comedy Archives
• Famous alumni include Norman Lear and Jay Leno

Book early for:

• The EVVY Awards – the largest student-run, multi-camera award show in the country
• Held every May and judged by industry professionals

emerson.edu

📍 Distance: About a 20-minute walk from Newbury Guest House.

Simmons University

Since 1899, Simmons University has focused on opening doors for women.

It was founded to give women a strong liberal arts education they could use in their careers. Today:

• The undergraduate program is still women-centered
• Graduate programs are co-ed

Simmons offers around 60 majors, including:

• Nursing and health sciences
• Public health
• Liberal arts and communications
• Social work
• Business
• Library and information science

The school has a long record of inclusion:

• It graduated its first Black scholar in 1914
• It refused to set quotas on Jewish students when many private schools did

Book early for:

• Homecoming weekend – a fall celebration that merges:
• Class reunions
• “Simmtober”
• Friends & Family Weekend
• Events include talks, cookouts, outings, and lots of “Shark pride”

simmons.edu

📍 Distance: About a 30-minute walk via the beautiful Emerald Necklace from Newbury Guest House.

Why Stay at Newbury Guest House for Your Campus Visits?

Newbury Guest House is a top pick for:

• Campus tours and prospective student visits
• Sporting events and big games
• Reunions
• Commencements
• Parents’ weekends
• Other major school events

Our boutique hotel fills early for big dates, so book your stay soon.

Unlike college, it’s a no-brainer.