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Articles / Preparing for College / Visiting Northeastern: An Insider's Guide

Visiting Northeastern: An Insider's Guide

Delaney Roe
Written by Delaney Roe | Feb. 21, 2023
Northeastern_University
Photo courtesy of Northeastern University

Visiting a college campus is about so much more than the hour long student-led tours. It’s important to be able to envision yourself actually living wherever you may attend. For Northeastern, that means living right in the heart of Boston. Being an urban campus, there's a lot to see when visiting that you may not think to add to your itinerary. Northeastern is unique in the sense that it has a distinct campus feel while still being in a true urban setting. And so, students often create an extended campus for themselves throughout the surrounding city. Below you’ll find a list of spot frequented by Northeastern students that you may won't want to miss when visiting campus.

1. Tatte

northeastern tatte

To start, grabbing something from Tatte is a must. From coffee and pastries to breakfast served all day, you’ll be sure to have a nice treat here. Located right on Huntington Ave in the center of campus, this café is busy 24/7. This stop also gives you an inside look at students hanging out or doing work. You’ll only find Tatte in Massachusetts and Metro DC, so be sure not to miss it!

2. Wollaston’s

northeastern wollastons

Right next door to Tatte you’ll find Wollaston’s, our local campus grocery store. Conveniently located right by a majority of the Freshman dorms, it's a super convenient stop– especially if it's raining or snowing–which could be often in Boston! While not a full-size grocery, they have all of the basics you could need as far as food, school supplies, household items and health and beauty. They also have a really good deli which students frequent for lunch. And the best part, they accept NEU dining dollars!

3. Huntington Ave

northeastern huntington ave

Be sure to walk down Huntington Ave towards Massachusetts Ave, which is the main road Northeastern’s campus is on. This is definitely a great street to check out and takes you straight to the shops and restaurants in the Prudential Center, as well as many local hotels, stores and restaurants, most of which accept dining dollars as well.

4. Christian Science Plaza

boston christian science plaza

If you keep walking in that direction, you’ll come across the beautiful building of the Christian Science Plaza and a big reflecting pool. This is such an unexpected scene on a main city street and is so peaceful. There are always people walking their dogs or hanging out around the water. This path is where I personally walk most frequently, as it takes you right outside the Prudential Center.

5. The Prudential Center

boston prudential center

Home away from home! One of my very regular destinations near campus. In the Prudential Center, you’ll find great shopping and even more restaurants. Some of my favorite shopping spots are Aritzia, Oak + Fort, and the newly opening Alo. There is also an Apple store in case you need any new technology or the genius bar. There is a variety of dining - from faster food and coffee shops to sit-down restaurants. My go-tos are Pressed Cafe or Sweetgreen for lunch, or Eataly for delicious pizza, pasta and any Italian grocery item you can imagine. Being only a 10 minute walk from campus, The Prudential becomes a common hangout spot both during the week and on the weekends.

6. Newbury Street

boston newbury street

The infamous Newbury Street is also a must see for your visit. From shops to restaurants and cafes, Newbury Street is a go to spot for Northeastern students, especially on the weekends, however I especially love to shop here when my parents are visiting. You won’t find mass department stores, but smaller shops, local boutiques mixed with stores like Lululemon, Zara, Brandy Melville… and for clothes to match the weather - North Face and Patagonia also are located here. One Sunday each month the streets are closed to all cars so the whole road is taken over by people. There’s always lots of people out and it’s a super fun way to spend the day.

7. Fenway Park

boston fenway park

If time permits, I highly recommend going to a Red Sox game if they’re in season or doing a tour of the iconic Fenway Park. Students frequent the games with $9 student pricing and the field is walking distance from campus as well. A fun fact about Fenway is that graduation is actually held there for Northeastern Students!

7. Hockey Game

northeastern hockey

Another sporting recommendation - catch a Northeastern hockey game if you can! If you love football, you will have to try a hockey game - super fast paced and lots of action. You’ll get to see our student section, The Doghouse, in action too.

I hope this guide provides some insight to maximize your time spent visiting Northeastern and helps you better envision yourself as a student there!

📚 How I Wrote My College Essay: See Tips and Read the Essay That Got Me Into Northeastern

📚 Don’t forget to join the CC Community for more discussion about applying to and attending Northeastern!

Written by

Delaney Roe

Delaney Roe

Delaney is a first-year student at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts where she is majoring in Business Administration with her concentration still to be determined. She is originally from Phoenix, Arizona but spent some time as a child living overseas in both Shanghai, China and Taipei, Taiwan. Delaney is super excited to explore all the opportunities available to her at Northeastern and is eager to help other students navigate college admissions in general.

  • CC Name: @delaney.roe
  • Instagram: @delaney.roe13

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