A trip to Boston wouldn't be complete without visiting the prestigious University of Harvard.
The capital of Massachusetts, takes pride in a plethora of its emblematic features – the city's long educational history is undoubtedly one of them. Some of the most prestigious universities in the world are based in Boston with some of the greatest minds and leading personalities graduating from them. Harvard University, as well as the MIT are both located in Boston and more specifically in Cambridge – an otherwise suburban area connected with downtown Boston with the same Red Subway line that connects the rest of the city – even with it being on the opposite side of Charles river.
Arriving at Harvard Square, makes you instantly wonder: "Where is that evergreen school yard we' ve all seen in movies? And how can it be for a single university to be so busy and loud?" - mainly because the popular belief is that the university is located in a rather deserted area away from the city buzz.
But that is not the case with Harvard.
Harvard is the oldest University in the United States, established in 1636, following the English university models. The college was named after the deceased John Harvard who left the school and its library money and over 400 books and up to this day counts more than 270.000 graduates. To be admitted to study in Harvard might be quite difficult but there's no restriction in you entering the college as a visitor or a traveler and so did I.
And that was where my Instagram and Snapchat(marykalymnou) feeds took their academic looks a few days ago.
Αfter entering the school's impressive iron gate, you'll forget everything about the city noise and you'll feel like entering a whole other dimension – one you've been dreaming about but never thought you could actually experience. The Harvard Yard might just be the most popular and recognised school yard in the world thanks to a great amount of movies having used it as a background.
Truth is that when walking around inside the University, the thought of hw great studying there would be, will definitely pop up in your head – trust me, it will - and you' feel envious of all these people lying on the grass, studying. You'll see a great deal of people walking around or even walking and eating simultaneously – because being a genius means you do not have time to waste in doing one thing at a time.
When in, take some time to enjoy the grass, to lie down and take in all the beauty: the impressive historic buildings with the characteristic red bricks breathing wisdom from their interiors, huge trees, clean pathways and relaxing quiet. The university manages to keep the city's buzz outside its gates.
A visit at Harvard should include the following essentials: coffee on the grass, exploring the Harvard Yard and the majority of the Campus, a visit at the Memorial Church and the many museums the university features, such as the Harvard Art Museums and the Harvard Museums of Science and Culture. You can make your own schedule or you can participate in a Walking Tour organised by Harvard (for more info you can visit the Harvard Information Desk). A visit at the Harvard Science Center, the Memorial Hall and the Widener Library is a must.
You could also participate in one of the Guided Historical Tours of Harvard which are being held by the alumni themselves. They're free too!
Keep a copy of the university's map on hand and enjoy your visit
Well, I might have failed getting accepted in Harvard University as an intellectual genius but I did manage to pass its gate as a well-travelled human being and I feel proud for finally making it! Enjoy the tour!
Photos: Sebastian Hueskes
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