Located in the scenic Hudson River Valley, Bard College offers its students a rigorous liberal arts education from a historic 1000-acre campus in Annandale. The campus, spread across parks and woodlands is a mix of charming old buildings, brand new facilities and cutting edge architecture, home to 2,000 undergraduates. Campus life revolves around nearby Tivoli, Red Hook and Rhinebeck. The school is known to be quite progressive with a liberal, artistic student body. 

SHORTCUTS

Stay: Hotel Tivoli |  Breakfast: Bread Alone Café

Lunch: Murray's  | Dinner:  The Corner

Transportation: Amtrak provides service to Rhinecliff, about nine miles south of Annandale. Taxi service is available at the station to take you to campus. Bard is approximately 90 miles north of NYC and one hour south of Albany. If you want to explore the Hudson Valley area, traveling by car is the best option.

Visitor Information: Tour Bard

Stay: When world-renowned artists Brice and Helen Marden converted a 100-year-old building into a hotel in the center of Tivoli (5 minutes from campus) everyone expected it would become the hot place and Hotel Tivoli does not disappoint. The ten guest rooms have been done up with vibrant colors, lush furniture and rugs. There’s fabulous art from the Marden’s friends including works by Robert Rauschenberg and Francesco Clemente. Looking for more of a traditional B&B check in to the Suminski Innski, also in Tivoli. In Rhinebeck, 20 minutes away, dating back to the Revolutionary War, sleep at the historic Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn.  For Parents or Graduation Weekends, consider the rustic chic, charming, Barn in Tivoli featured here on And North. 

Coffee: Enjoy a cup of coffee at Tivoli General, using beans from local Hudson Valley roaster Monkey Joe. 

Breakfast: Grab a quick croissant, pastry or brioche at Tivoli Bread and Baking. Enjoy the classic breakfast menu, and their freshly made, organic bread at Bread Alone Café in Rhinebeck. 

Lunch: Everybody loves Murray's Tivoli, located in a renovated church right in the center of town, serving the best in local, fresh, and seasonal foods. (Murray’s is also an excellent breakfast choice.) In Red Hook, student’s favorites include Bubby’s Take Away Kitchen for Mexican and Taste Budd’s Café for soup and sandwiches. 

Dinner

Casual: In Tivoli, Osaka is popular with both students and locals alike for its excellent sushi and Japanese dishes. Also in Tivoli, enjoy tacos and other Mexican bites at popular Santa Fe. A friend of ours who has the wonderful antique and home furnishings store Spruce in Rhinebeck loves Le Petit Bistro, Rhinebeck’s long-standing cozy French bistro, Cinnamon for Indian dishes, and Aroi for Thai and Sri Lankan fare. 

A Step Up: Savor a cocktail on the porch of the Hotel Tivoli before heading inside to dinner at The Corner Restaurant, with an eclectic, global farm to table menu from chef Devon Gilroy. Gaskins in Germantown has a fresh-from-the-farm vibe, started by two Brooklyn chefs committed to using local ingredients from local farmers. Market Street in Rhinebeck specializes in contemporary Italian cuisine featuring an extensive menu of pizzas, pasta and creative market driven entrees and salads. Terrapin, also in Rhinebeck, offers a kitchen to table holistic dining experience. Mercato is another favorite Italian over in Red Hook. 

Local Attractions: Visit Blithewood Garden, the formal Italianate walled garden located on the main campus of Bard. You couldn’t ask for a better setting: with the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains. Artists, musicians, and poets draw inspiration on the 2 miles of trails at Poets' Walk, located in Red Hook, on the scenic River Road. Two other beautiful spots for hiking include Ferncliff Forest and Clermont State Park. You can’t miss, at least a visit, to the dazzling Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College designed by Frank Gehry. Summer brings SummerScape and the Bard Music Festival, while the rest of the year there are original productions and concerts by acclaimed artist and various student productions. Check the schedule here before you plan your visit. If you’re in town on a Sunday, Rhinebeck has an excellent Farmers Market, and the town is a lovely place to stroll and browse.  

Before You Leave: Stop by SawKill Farm and bring home some pasture-raised meats, homemade soaps, wool from the farm’s sheep and artisanal goods from the Hudson Valley.  

— Quotes From Campus —

BARD FAST FACTS

Established

1860

School Colors

Red & White

Acceptance Rate

56%

Common Application

Yes

Supplement Essays

Yes

Early Action/Decision

Early Decision

SAT

Average - 1350

ACT

Average - 29

Type

Private

Size

Small - 1,946 Undergraduates

Website

bard.edu

Region

Mid-Atlantic

Admissions Office

30 Campus Road
Annandale-on-Hudson, New York 12504

(p) 845-758-7472
admissions@bard.edu

Sports Divisions

NCAA Division III

Greek Life

No

Noteworthy Alumni

Robert Redford
Chevy Chase
Mia Farrow

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BARD COLLEGE

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Barnard is a private women’s liberal arts college located in New York City directly across the street from the Columbia University Campus. Barnard is affiliated with Columbia University, a unique partnership that allows students to take classes at both schools. It’s the best of both worlds; Barnard students experience the advantages of attending a small college, yet have the resources and opportunities of one of the world’s best research universities at their fingertips.

SHORTCUTS

Stay: Beacon Hotel |  Breakfast: Community Food And Juice

Lunch: Friedman's  | Dinner:  The Tang

Visitor Information: Register for The Barnard College campus tour. 

Transportation: New York City is served by three major airports, LaGuardia, JFK and Newark, and several small regional airports. LaGuardia Airport is the closest to campus, approximately 35 minutes without traffic. Taxis and Uber is the most efficient means of transportation, but car services and buses are also available. Amtrak trains arrive into Pennsylvania Station and you can travel by subway, bus or taxi to campus. For detailed directions click here. 

Stay: A short walk from Barnard, check in to Aloft Harlem, the neighborhoods first boutique hotel. Manhattan has endless hotel choices all just a short cab or subway ride away, but the Upper West Side is undoubtedly the most convenient choice. Good options include the Hotel Beacon, Hudson New York, Courtyard by Marriott Central Park, 1 Hotel Central Park or the boutique Arthouse Hotel. If you feel like splurging, the Mandarin Oriental located at the top of the Time Warner Center offers incredible views of Central Park.

Coffee: You’ll find students getting their morning fix at Oren’s Daily Roast or Joe’s Coffee. Liz’s Place, the cafe in Barnard’s Diana Center, also serves good coffee.

Breakfast: One student raves about the yogurt parfait at Le Monde while others state that hands down the best brunch/breakfast place is Community Food and Juice. (Community is a popular all day spot—great for lunch and dinner as well!) Order the peach pancakes and a slice of homemade pie at retro diner Kitchenette.

Lunch: Serving the most unique pizza, Mama’s Too has a serious cult following. There’s always a long line at uber-popular Sweetgreen, a healthy mini-chain that has been expanding across NYC. Choose one of their excellent signature salads or design your own--we suggest the spring chicken with pesto vinaigrette. Friedmans is popular for American comfort food—think burgers, sandwiches, and veggie bowls. More than one student told us we must try the burritos and tacos at tiny, no frills Taqueria y Fonda la Mexicana where everything is made fresh daily. Weather permitting; pick up one of the killer sandwiches at Milano Market and picnic on the Barnard quad.

Dinner

Casual: The Tang offers an authentic Chinese experience with an emphasis on noodle dishes. We think it’s one of the best restaurants near Barnard. On a cold night, brave the line at Jin Ramen, one of the better ramen joints in Harlem. Try Lolo’s Seafood Shack’s flavorful Caribbean food, brick oven pizza at under the radar Sottocasa or head to Harlem Shake for their classic burger and an addictive red velvet milkshake. (Trust us, it’s that good!) One Barnard student, a lifelong New Yorker, raves about the Italian food at Celeste, lower down on Amsterdam at 84th St.

A Step Up: They don’t take reservations at Pisticci’s, a longtime Columbia favorite offering solid Italian fare, so expect to wait or go early. Marlow Bistro serves up a modern Mediterranean menu on Amsterdam. Clay, located in the heart of Harlem, serves deceptively simple farm to table fare showcasing ingredients in inventive pairings. They have an excellent selection of cocktails – we highly recommend the Lazy Bird.

Late Night Snack: Toast, a popular Barnard, and Columbia hangout is open until 11 PM weeknights and midnight on the weekends serving elevated diner food in a bare bones, lofty setting. Students take a well-deserved study break at cozy Kitchenette indulging in cupcakes, peach pancakes or a slice of homemade pie. Hungarian Pastry Shop is a classic old-world bakery, a neighborhood institution. City Diner, at Broadway and 90th, is open 24 hours for those embracing the lifestyle of the city that never sleeps.

Local Attractions: One student tells us: “If it’s springtime make sure to see the magnolia trees in Central Park and venture to as many museums as you can throughout the city, especially MoMA--that’s my favorite.” Close to campus visit Grant’s Tomb, the resting place for President Ulysses Grant and his wife, Julia.

Even More: For more great places to eat on the Upper West Side including the iconic Barney Greengrass dive into this curated guide on Daytripper 365 here.

— Quotes From Campus —

BARNARD FAST FACTS

Established

1889

Mascot

Millie the Dancing Barnard Bear

School Colors

White & Blue

Acceptance Rate

16% (2016)

Common Application

Yes

Supplement Essays

Yes

Early Action/Decision

Early Decision

SAT

Average - 1480

ACT

Average - 32

Type

Private

Size

Small - 2,536 Undergraduates

Website

barnard.edu

Region

Mid-Atlantic

Admissions Office

3009 Broadway
New York, NY 10027

(p) (212)854-2014
admissions@barnard.edu

Sports Divisions

NCAA Division I
Ivy League

Greek Life

Not Very Strong

Noteworthy Alumni

Martha Stewart
Joan Rivers
Anna Quindlen
Cynthia Nixon
Margaret Mead

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BARNARD COLLEGE

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Located in Lewiston, Maine’s second-largest city, Bates College is a private liberal arts college set along the Androscoggin River. Bates is a small school with a total undergraduate enrollment just under 1,800 set on a 133-acre campus. It is equidistant from the state capital, Augusta, to the north, and the seaside, cultural city of Portland some 45-minutes south. The local area is often referred to as L-A, in reference to the two "Twin Cities" of Lewiston & Auburn, split by the Androscoggin River.

SHORTCUTS

Stay: Inn at the Agora |  Breakfast: The Italian Bakery

Lunch: Forage Market  | Dinner:  Fish Bones

Visitor Information: The visit will begin at Lindholm House, 23 Campus Avenue. Parking will be available next to Lindholm House, along Wood Street.

FYI: Bates has a unique academic calendar that includes a five-week spring term from late April through May during which students can focus on a single subject or participate in an off-campus program.  

Transportation: The closest airport to Bates is the Portland International Jetport, about one hour campus. From Portland, bus service to Lewiston is provided by Greyhound Bus Lines. Ground transportation from the Portland Jetport is available via taxi, rental car, or private van/car. Boston is about two hours away from campus and Amtrak’s Downeaster links Boston and Portland.

Stay: Popular close by options include the Inn at the Agora, Hampton Inn Lewiston-Auburn, and the Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch. In Freeport, we recommend The Harraseeket Inn.

Coffee: On campus, head to Bobcat Den, part of Bates Dining Services where students grab a quick bagel, yogurt, or coffee before class. Staying in Auburn, Aroma Joe’s has a coffeehouse with a drive-thru that opens at 5 am for all of you early risers. There is also a Starbucks in Auburn. In Lewiston, Forage Market is your best choice for a morning brew accompanied by hot bagels out of the brick oven.

Breakfast: Dating back to 1960 and still run by the same family, the Italian Bakery is a beloved Lewiston institution. Come for hot out of the oven pastries, pies, doughnuts or delicious breakfast sandwiches. Lunchtime is equally popular featuring a menu of sandwiches, pizzas, calzones, and salads. Other good choices include Dubois Café or The Cupcakery. In Auburn, Center Street Café and Rolly’s Diner are both favorite breakfast spots. One student mentioned Rolly’s crepes help him get through finals week and he always looks forward to their festive seasonal decorations.

Lunch: On campus dine with the students at Commons, Bates dining hall. It’s open starting at 11 and closes to the public at 1:30. Students steered us to popular Forage Market, a combination grocery shop, takeaway and in-store dining spot that serves homemade soups and sandwiches served on fresh hearth-baked bread with many ingredients from local farmers. (Forage Market is also a good breakfast choice for bagel sandwiches.) Also in Lewiston, Mother India has an all you can eat lunch buffet on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday that’s a great deal, priced at under $12.00 a person. And then there’s Luiggi’s Pizzeria, where one alum told us that "any Batesie will tell you that you need to go to Luiggi’s to get a Fergy!”

Dinner

Casual: In the mood for Italian, head to DaVinci’s for brick oven pizzas and pasta served in a charming and eclectic former mill in Lewiston. The city is not lacking in Asian fusion—in Lewiston head to Orchid or Boba and in Auburn to Jasmine Cafe. If your family likes a hibachi show book a table at Sea40, also with an extensive Japanese menu.

A Step Up: Book at table at Fish Bones, housed in an old brick mill in Lewiston, scenically perched on the canal. The seafood-centric menu has everything from Margarita mussels and crispy calamari appetizers to larger entrees such as fish tacos or a seafood mixed grill. Don’t let the name fool you there are plenty of meat and vegetarian options to keep everyone in your group satisfied and happy.

Sweets: Since 1940, Lewiston’s favorite ice cream pit stop is the Dairy Joy stand. Though they have hard serve ice cream, it’s the soft serve twists that they are most well-known for.

Local Attractions:  On campus stop by the Bates College Museum of Art to view their latest exhibit or the permanent collection. Lewiston and Auburn are home to many parks and walking trails, along with natural gems such as Lake Auburn. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy all the area has to offer from skiing in the winter to canoeing in the summer all within an easy drive. The 357-acre Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary has various hiking trails and many bird species in a nature preserve with woods & meadows. Lewiston’s Public Theatre is considered one of the best in the state, check the schedule to see if anything interesting is happening while you're in town. Shoppers don’t miss a visit to the outlet shops in Freeport, the home of outdoor outfitter L.L. Bean.

Tour Bates

— Quotes From Campus —

BATES FAST FACTS

Established

1855

Mascot

Bobcat

School Colors

Garnet & White

Acceptance Rate

17.8%

Common Application

Yes

Supplement Essays

Yes

Early Action/Decision

Early Decision

SAT

Average - 1400

ACT

Average - 31

Type

Private

Size

Small - 1,800 Undergraduates

Website

bates.edu

Region

New England

Admissions Office/Lindholm House

23 Campus Ave
Lewiston, Maine 04240

(p) 855-228-3755
admission@bates.edu

Sports Divisions

NCAA Division III

Greek Life

No

Noteworthy Alumni

George Mitchell
Bryant Gumbel
John Shea

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BATES COLLEGE

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One of the nation's top 50 public universities, Binghamton is located in upstate New York in a suburb called Vestal. Binghamton offers rigorous academics, dedicated faculty and state-of-the-art facilities to over 13,000 undergraduate students. There are more than 250 student organizations, including about 50 recognized fraternities and sororities. There are many opportunities for outdoor activities, especially in the winter with many nearby ski areas.

SHORTCUTS

Stay: Marriott |  Breakfast: Chroma Cafe

Lunch: Binghamton HOTS | Dinner: Lost Dog

Visitor Information: Binghamton invites all prospective students and their parents to schedule a campus visit, which lasts approximately two hours.

Stay: The Courtyard by Marriott and Holiday Inn both provide easy access to campus. The DoubleTree is located in the heart of the business district, just 10 minutes from Binghamton University and 20 minutes from the Greater Binghamton Airport.

Coffee: Open bright and early, go to Chroma for good coffee, pastries and breakfast sandwiches. Tom's Coffee, Cards and Gifts is a great little boutique selling coffee ranging from Colombian bean to the fabulously flavored Snicklerdoodle and Hazelnut.

Breakfast: Nezuntoz (pronounced knees and toes) keeps people happy with great breakfast (and lunch), coffee and good company! Grab a blueberry muffin and coffee at The Park Diner.

Lunch: Order the kale salad or the grilled cheese sandwich at family owned, CopperTop Tavern. Garage Taco Bar offers great tacos, salads and soups. Binghamton HOTS serves a variety of hot plates including burgers, hot dogs and mac and cheese. The Shop is a good choice for either breakfast, lunch or brunch.

Dinner

Casual: Both Lost Dog and Burger Mondays serve contemporary comfort food along with handcrafted beer. The Penne a la Vodka is a classic at Lost Dog. Nirchi’s Pizza specializes in sheet pizza. With a huge selection of toppings, you can’t go wrong.

A Step Up: Go to Social on Slate for delicious small plates. One parent says the Ahi tuna is a must! Right in downtown Binghamton, Number 5 offers local, electric fare as well as an extensive wine list! For excellent seafood, head to Remliks. A short ride away, in Conklin, Moxie offers a trendy menu in a very warm and comfortable space. Fifteen minutes away, in Endicott, is Lampy's owned by Jim McCoy, owner of Number 5. The ambiance here is similar to a French bistro- cozy, relaxed and warm.

Views From a College Counselor: Stuart Nachbar of Educated Quest remarks on his recent visit to Binghamton: “Binghamton University does everything that people who follow education would expect of a flagship state university: maintain achievable admissions for excellent students; be affordable to residents through reasonable tuition and fees or generous scholarship programs; successfully retain and graduate its freshmen classes; be able to offer reasonably priced housing options on or near campus for students who are unlikely to commute, and have strong connections into the job market for students and alumni. Binghamton is one of the best buys in American higher education. New York residents are assessed less than $10,000 in tuition and fees; those who qualify for the state’s Excelsior program pay no tuition at all. Non-Residents are charged just over $22,000 in tuition and fees. “ To see Stuart’s full profile of Binghamton click here. Be sure to click on the extended profile link at the bottom of the page to see a comprehensive guide that includes facts on SAT and ACT mid ranges, comparable colleges, curriculum, the alumni network, safety on campus and costs—just to name a few. 

Local Attractions

Fall/Spring: Be adventurous and walk through Binghamton's Nature Preserve which encompasses 120 acres of undeveloped land. If you're looking to fish, Roscoe is an hour away and offers world class Trout fishing. Check out the "world famous" Roscoe Diner while there.

Winter: Looking to ski? Look no further than Greek Peak Mountain Resort.

Move In Day

— Quotes From Campus —

BINGHAMTON FAST FACTS

Established

1946

Mascot

Bearcat

School Colors

Dark Green, Black, and White

Acceptance Rate

41% (2016)

Common Application

Yes

Supplement Essays

No

Early Action/Decision

Early Action

SAT

Average - 1370

ACT

Average - 29

Type

Public

Size

Big - 13,179 Undergraduates

Website

binghamton.edu

Region

Mid-Atlantic

Admissions Office

4400 Vestal Parkway East Address Line 1
Binghamton, NY 13902-6000

(p) (607) 777-2171
admit@binghamton.edu

Sandra Starke, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management

Sports Divisions

NCAA Division I

Greek Life

Yes

Noteworthy Alumni

Paul Reiser

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BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY

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Boston College is a private Jesuit University located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, part of the city of Newton and just 6 miles west of Boston. The beautiful campus is nicknamed “The Heights” due to its hilltop setting. Though its name dates back to its early days as a liberal arts preparatory school, BC is now home to just over 9,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students.

SHORTCUTS

Stay: Marriott |  Breakfast: Johnny’s Luncheonette

Lunch: Eagle's Deli  | Dinner:  Barcelona

Visitor Information:  The Eagle Eye Campus Visit includes an Eagle Eye Information Session and a Campus Tour. Click here to learn more about these programs, view the calendar, and register for your visit. 

Transportation: Boston Logan International Airport is the closest airport to Boston College. The most common types of transportation used from the airport, are taxis, hotel shuttle and by the public transportation system called the “T.” Most trains and buses arrive and leave from South Station or Back Bay Station such as Amtrak, Greyhound, and Peter Pan.

Stay: Many parents tend to stay in Boston proper, it’s not far, but depending on the traffic it can take 20-30 minutes to drive to campus. Closest to BC, the Courtyard by Marriott and Holiday Inn are just two miles away in nearby Brookline. Located in Newton, the Hotel Indigo is 5 miles from campus. Cambridge is also 5 miles away and another option as a home base. For Cambridge lodging and dining options see our itinerary here.

Coffee: Hillside Café is a busy spot on BC’s campus; join the students in Maloney Hall, right next to Conte Forum plaza as they start their day. Close to school, start the day right at Fuel America in nearby Brighton.

Breakfast: For a quick morning fix, Jim's Deli is a staple in Brighton, serving breakfast fare cafeteria style. Students flock to retro Johnny’s, serving breakfast fare all day. In Brookline, Tatte’s Bakery and Cafe tempts with delicious croissants, muffins, or even better a chocolate hazelnut twist, but if you’re hungry order the shakshuka, a Middle Eastern dish of eggs poached in a spiced tomato sauce.

Lunch: BC has a shuttle to nearby Cleveland Circle where you’ll find family-owned Eagle's Deli serving students and locals alike their award winning burgers along with sandwiches and hot dogs.  Also at Cleveland Circle, students gather for drinks and grub at Cityside, a sports bar with a rooftop deck. Crazy Dough's Pizza borders campus and is a good option. You can also try Pino’s Pizza just a short drive away. Looking for something green; Sweetgreen in Chestnut Hill Square, near the mall at Chestnut Hill, is good for a healthy salad fix.

Dinner

Casual: Enjoy authentic Mexican at El Pelon Taqueria. In the Newton Centre, Sycamore has loyal fans showcasing seasonal well-executed American fare. Share a bunch of small plates with a global twist at Central, washed down with creative cocktails. Also in Newton Centre, East meets west at Little Big Diner, where rice bowls and ramen reign. In Brookline, The Abbey, a contemporary American bistro, is perennially busy thanks to a cool vibe and delicious comfort food.

A Step Up: With numerous branches in Connecticut, Barcelona Wine Bar in Brookline brings Spanish tapas to Boston, open late night till 1 am weekdays, and 2 am on the weekends. Less than a mile from BC, Oishii is a favorite for sushi. Over at The Street, popular choices include Aquitaine, Davios’s Cucina and Del Frisco’s Grille.

Local Attractions: The city of Boston has so much to offer, try and allow some time for exploring! Take a tour of Fenway Park, one of the most famous baseball stadiums in the country. Wander Quincy Market, walk along The Freedom Trail, or browse the shops on Newbury Street. You need an afternoon to see the extensive collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the largest museums in the country. The charming Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is another must see, with a wing built in the style of a 15th century Venetian palazzo to hold her impressive art collection.  A short drive from downtown the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library is a must for history buffs.

— Quotes From Campus —

DONT MISS THE BEST RESTAURANTS
IN BOSTON

BC FAST FACTS

Established

1863

Mascot

Baldwin the Eagle

School Colors

Maroon & Gold

Acceptance Rate

31%

Common Application

Yes

Supplement Essays

Yes

Early Action/Decision

Early Action

SAT

Average - 1440

ACT

Average - 31

Type

Private

Size

Medium - 9,309 Undergraduates

Website

www.bc.edu

Region

New England

Admissions Office

140 Commonwealth Avenue, Devlin Hall 208
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

(p) (617) 552-3100
(f) (617) 552-0798

Sports Divisions

NCAA Division I

Greek Life

No

Noteworthy Alumni

Elisabeth Hasselbeck
Doug Flutie
John Kerry
Amy Poehler

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BOSTON COLLEGE

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Boston University’s main Charles River Campus stretches for over a mile and a half in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts. The large, linear campus is situated along the Charles River in the Fenway-Kenmore and Allston neighborhoods. BU, as it’s commonly referred to is a big school with over 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students who come to study from all over the world. BU’s urban campus is inseparable from the city of Boston, the ultimate college town home to more than 250,000 students. Students take full advantage of everything Boston has to offer, especially as getting around the city is as easy as jumping on the T. 

SHORTCUTS

Stay: The Hotel Commonwealth |  Breakfast: Flour Bakery

Lunch: GSU  | Dinner:  SRV

Visitor Information: Reservations and advance notice are required for some program tours. BU Admissions is located at the Alan and Sherry Leventhal Center at 233 Bay State Road.

Transportation: The closest airport to BU is Logan International Airport (BOS), which is about eight miles from campus. From the terminal, take a taxi, uber or the Silver Line bus to South Station. Don’t be late for your tour looking for a parking spot; we learned from experience that finding a parking spot at BU is not easy; with only a limited number of meters and very few garages near campus. Your best bet is public transportation; the Massachusetts Bay Transit System (MBTA), called the T, is color-coded by line: Red, Blue, Orange, and Green. The Green Line “B” train passes right through the campus, continuing from Kenmore Square up along Commonwealth Avenue on street level. Boston University’s Charles River Campus is large; get off at the Central stop, closest to the admissions office. Traveling by train, take Amtrak to the Back Bay train station.

Stay: Closest to BU, at the gateway of East Campus is The Hotel Commonwealth, situated in Kenmore Square. The hotel is often referred to as the University’s go-to hotel; with many of the staff themselves graduates of BU’s School of Hospitality. On a recent visit, we checked into the Terrier Suite, decorated collegiately with the school logo and many terrier design elements, BU’s mascot. It’s a unique room that would be perfect to celebrate your child’s acceptance or graduation. Otherwise, we suggest booking a room in the new wing. Just down the street check in to The Eliot, a small boutique hotel also on Commonwealth Ave. A short (10 min) drive from campus; many families stay at the Marriot Copley Place, Westin Copley Place or the Sheraton Boston. Looking to splurge, a stay at The Newbury, The Four Seasons, Fifteen Beacon, or The Mandarin Oriental guarantees you award-winning service and classic style. For a full list of hotels that offer visitors to BU a discounted rate including the Courtyard by Marriot, Holiday Inn Brookline and the Hyatt Regency Cambridge click here.

Coffee: There is a Starbucks conveniently located in the George Sherman Union Student Center, known as GSU. (It opens weekdays starting at 8 am and weekends at 10 am.) We love Boston’s Pavement Coffeehouse, and there is one branch right at the center of campus on Commonwealth Avenue. In addition to coffee, we are big fans of their seasonal iced tea, when we stopped by they were serving a blueberry hibiscus that drew us back for seconds. There’s a good chance you’ll find tons of students studying at Blue State Coffee, just around the corner from the West Campus Dorms.  Along with good coffee, they also offer healthy breakfast fare.

Breakfast: Enjoy a diner-style meal at Thornton’s, directly across from the Prudential Shopping Mall, close to Copley Place. Serving breakfast all day in their café, Trident Booksellers and Café is a popular choice over on Newbury Street. In Brookline, which borders campus on one side, Zaftigs is an old world delicatessen known for a great nosh at breakfast or brunch. Also in Brookline, Tatte’s Bakery and Cafe tempts with delicious croissants, muffins, or even better a chocolate hazelnut twist, but if you’re hungry go for the shakshuka, a Middle Eastern dish of eggs poached in a spiced tomato sauce. With a few locations throughout Boston, James Beard award-winning chef, Joanne Chang, serves up delicious pastries such as sticky buns and croissants at Flour Bakery and Cafe. (Flour Bakery should also be on your list at lunchtime for excellent sandwiches, salads, and stuffed loaves of bread.) 

Lunch:  Join the students on campus, at one of the fast-casual restaurants in Union Court located in the GSU, the center of student life on campus and a great place to observe campus culture. On Commonwealth Ave., BU's main drag, students suggest Scoozi and rave about take away sandwiches at Roast Beast, started by a BU grad. (Be careful, the thermonuclear sauce is notoriously deadly!) The scallion pancake sandwich might just become your new addiction at Mei Mei, featuring Chinese American street food in a cool, casual space, just a few short blocks from the central campus. In Fenway, a short walk or quick uber ride from BU, there’s a new spot to get lobster rolls and oysters now that Eventide Oyster Company, one of our favorite restaurants in Portland, Maine, opened Eventide Fenway. Also in Fenway, there’s a branch of Tasty Burger and Sweetgreen for salads, or try the new concept from star chef Jody Adams who is serving customizable pitas and Greek plates at Saloniki. Next to the Prudential Center, there’s pizza and pasta, and everything Italian at the Piazza at Eataly’s Boston outpost, a food lovers temple spread across three floors. One street over Stephanie's on Newbury is a longtime BU favorite for lunch or brunch. Also on Newbury Street, Joe's American Bar and Grill is the place to go for burgers or head to Cafeteria for a modern take on American comfort food, featuring locally sourced meals served “tray chic.”

Dinner

Casual: The Fenway area, close to campus, has become a hot eating destination. For Texas BBQ, served at family style long tables, head to Sweet Cheeks from Bravo’s Top Chef Tiffani Faison. Do not even think of skipping the biscuit doused in honey butter, big enough for a meal on its own. Follow it up with trays of pulled pork or chicken served with sides such as mac and cheese or collards. Funky Tiger Mama, also from Faison, is on the same street. With fun cocktails and delicious Southeast Asian fare, it makes for a fun night out. Citizen Public House and Oyster Bar is known for bourbon and oysters, but there ’s plenty on the menu to satisfy all at this neighborhood tavern. Satisfy your seafood cravings, this is Boston after all, at Back Bay’s Select or Island Creek Oyster Bar. Legal Sea Foods (Boston's popular chain) has a location in nearby Copley Place.  A drool-worthy menu of small Italian plates awaits you at Coppa, while their sister restaurant Toro serves the best tapas in town. (Toro is one of Boston’s most popular restaurants—be aware they do not accept reservations.) 

A Step Up: Right in Kenmore Square, next to the Hotel Commonwealth, book a table at Eastern Standard a lively restaurant serving brasserie fare. Terra on the top floor of Eataly is a skylight jewel with a wood burning Italian grill as a centerpiece. Sushi lovers will be in heaven at small, intimate O Ya, an artful, delicious meal, slightly off the beaten track in the leather district. In Boston's South End, dine at SRV for excellent Italian cuisine. Yvonne's is a supper club meets speakeasy with a great vibe, fun cocktails and an eclectic menu. It’s across the bridge in Cambridge, but we’d drive the 15 minutes any night to graze on small plates at Oleana’s , chef Ana Sortun’s celebration of Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine. 

Late Night Snack: T Anthony’s pizza is a BU go-to. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights it's always packed with a line out the door between the hours of 12am-2am. Dessert lovers will be happy with the Italian pastries served at Cafe Vittoria (don't miss their Cannoli.)

Local Attractions: Right on campus the Mugar Memorial Library is a must visit, a throwback with rows and rows of old books, the kind of library that will make you nostalgic for your college days. In the back is where you’re headed to see museum-worthy displays from The Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center, a fascinating look at manuscripts from Martin Luther King, JFK and Robin Williams to name a few. Then get out and explore Boston - there's so much to do any time of the year! In B.U.’s backyard take a tour of Fenway Park, one of the most famous baseball stadiums in the country. Wander Quincy Market, walk along The Freedom Trail, or browse the shops on Newbury Street. You need an afternoon to see the extensive collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the largest museums in the country. The charming Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is another must see, with a wing built in the style of a 15th century Venetian palazzo to hold her impressive art collection. 

Students Speak: Visit any college campus, and you’ll notice that students take their coffee seriously with coffee shops as favorite places to study and fuel up. We love this BU video where the debate is whether the campus favorite is Dunkin or Starbucks.

Q and A With The Class of 2020

— Quotes From Campus —

DONT MISS THE BEST RESTAURANTS
IN BOSTON

BU FAST FACTS

Established

1839

Mascot

Rhett the Boston Terrier

School Colors

Scarlet & White

Acceptance Rate

29%

Common Application

Yes

Supplement Essays

Yes

Early Action/Decision

Early Decision 1 and 2

SAT

Average - 1400

ACT

Average - 30

Type

Private

Size

Large - 16,198 Undergraduates

Website

bu.edu

Region

New England

Admissions Office

233 Bay State Road
Boston, MA 02215

(p) (617) 353-2300
(f) (617) 353-9695
admissions@bu.edu

Sports Divisions

NCAA Division I

Greek Life

Yes

Noteworthy Alumni

Martin Luther King, Jr.
Howard Stern
Bill O’Reilly

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BU

Just toured the BU Campus? Are you a Boston University student, parent or Alumni? Fill out this 2 minute survey to supplement our Daytripper University Guide for Boston University!

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Bowdoin is a highly selective liberal arts college located in Brunswick, Maine. Home to a small student body of approximately 1,800, the campus is adjacent to Brunswick, a charming coastal town abundant with New England charm. Along Maine Street are many restaurants, B&B’s and shops. In warmer weather students are active biking, hiking and in the winter, skiing at Sunday River, Sugarloaf, and Saddleback.

SHORTCUTS

Stay: Brunswick Inn |  Breakfast: Brunswick Diner

Lunch: Wild Oats Cafe  | Dinner:  Tao Yuan

Visitor Information: Tour Bowdoin 

Transportation: The closest airport to Bowdoin is the Portland International Jetport, about 30 miles south of campus. Taxis from the airport to school are available and cost around $60-70. You may also fly into Logan Airport and take the Concord Coach Lines bus to Brunswick. Concord Coach Lines operates a bus service to Brunswick from Logan Airport in Boston, South Station in Boston, and the Transportation Center in Portland. The Amtrak Downeaster runs from North Station in Boston to Brunswick. Both the bus and train stops are about a five-minute walk from campus.

Stay: The Brunswick Hotel boasts a phenomenal location, thoughtfully appointed rooms, and excellent service. Another good option, the Brunswick Inn, is a short three-minute walk to school. Both are simple, comfortable and super convenient.

Coffee: The Cafe right on campus is an excellent place to grab a coffee on your way to your tour. The Little Dog Coffee Shop is right in the middle of town serving delicious coffee and other morning drinks. Winner of the “best coffee in mid-coast Maine,” Bohemian Coffee serves excellent fresh roasted coffee, espresso drinks and pastries.

Breakfast:The Little Dog Coffee Shop is good for quick breakfast options—bagels, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and smoothies. Noble Kitchen and Bar serves a fantastic brunch on the weekends and their weekday breakfast is delicious and quick. The iconic Brunswick Diner, open 24 hours, is housed in a vintage rail road dining car dating back to 1946.

Lunch: Located on Maine Street students head to Big Top Deli for great sandwiches and Wild Oats Cafe for their hot soups, fresh salads, smoothies and baked goods. Family run, Scarlet Begonias has something on their extensive menu for everyone featuring salads, sandwiches, pasta, burgers and personalized pizzas.

Dinner

Casual: Thanks to Brunswick's proximity to the water, student hot-spot Little Tokyo serves some of the freshest sushi and sashimi Maine has to offer. Popular with students and locals alike, Frontier Café has some of the best organic meals in town overlooking the Androscoggin River. More than a café, Frontier is also a cinema that hosts live music, readings, theatre, and lectures. Check their schedule to see up-to-date information for your visit. The Great Impasta is Brunswick’s Italian option, with delicious pasta dishes and a "just like home" feel. New in town, Taverna Khione is an authentic Greek tavern with a menu that changes monthly reflecting what is in season. 

A Step Up: Tao Yuan is considered by many to be one of the best restaurants in Maine, garnering killer press for its inventive Asian fusion menu. Named Best New Chef in 2014 by Food and Wine Magazine, Chef Cara Stadler works alongside her mother Cecile, creating dishes based on her experiences in French and Asian kitchens. The meal is casual, with many small plates to choose and share. We hear the pork buns are to die for. Reservations are recommended and often necessary. For upmarket Greek and Italian specialties in a cozy, bright space make a reservation at Trattoria Athena.

Late Night Snack: Gelato Fiasco is a must-have when visiting Brunswick, and possibly the town's most-prized possession! Its packed on weekends, but don’t worry the line moves quickly and is well worth the wait. It’s on every student's bucket list to be at Frosty's Donuts when it opens at 4 am to savor fresh-out-of-the-oven donuts. 

Local Attractions:  Bowdoin has two museums right on campus that are worth a visit: The Bowdoin College Museum of Art, a small treasure chest related to Bowdoin's rich history, and the Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum, a unique space filled with artifacts from Arctic expeditions in the early 1900’s.  Stroll Brunswick’s Maine Street, peeking into the local shops.  Antique lovers could easily spend hours wandering the stalls at Cabot Mill Antiques, a multi-dealer emporium located in Fort Andross, a restored textile mill on the scenic Androscoggin River. Outside of Brunswick, Freeport is about 15 minutes away, home to the famous L. L. Bean store and many outlets and boutique shops. One student said: "If you have time I would recommend exploring the area, taking a hike or walk, going to Thomas Point Beach—just experiencing the beauty of Maine!"

Why Bowdoin?

— Quotes From Campus —

BOWDOIN FAST FACTS

Established

1794

Mascot

Polar Bear

School Colors

Black & White

Acceptance Rate

14.3%

Common Application

Yes

Supplement Essays

Yes

Early Action/Decision

Early Decision 1 and 2

SAT

Average - 1480

ACT

Average - 32

Type

Private

Size

Small - 1,798 Undergraduates

Website

bowdoin.edu

Region

New England

Admissions Office

5000 College Station
Brunswick, ME 04011-8441

(p) (207) 725-3100
admissions@bowdoin.edu

Whitney Soule, Dean of Admissions and Student Aid

Sports Divisions

NCAA Division III

Greek Life

No

Noteworthy Alumni

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Alfred Kinsey
Nathaniel Hawthorne

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BOWDOIN COLLEGE

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Brown, an Ivy League University and one of the oldest schools in the U.S., is located on a beautiful and historic campus in Providence, the capital of Rhode Island. Providence may be small, but it rivals many bigger cities with an abundance of art, architecture and exceptional restaurants. Brown shares the neighborhood known as College Hill with the Rhode Island School of Design, known as RISD, one of the foremost art and design schools in the country. Johnson and Wales considered a top culinary institution is nearby, a catalyst behind the growing food scene in Providence. Both Thayer Street, basically an extension of campus, and nearby Wickenden Street serve as two mini restaurant rows catering to students and locals alike.  

SHORTCUTS

Stay: Graduate Providence |  Breakfast: Brickway

Lunch: Cafe Pearl  | Dinner:  Persimmon

Visitor Information: Register for the campus tour here.  Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the start of a session or tour. 

Transportation: T.F. Green Airport (PVD) located in Warwick, Rhode Island, is approximately 9.4 miles from Brown, served by most national and regional airlines. The Airport Van Shuttle is a good way to travel and will drop you off at Faunce Arch, near the corner of Brown Street and Waterman Avenue. Cabs are also available at the airport. Boston's Logan Airport (BOS) is another option. Boston is 51 miles from Providence, with multiple transit options: the bus, which leaves directly from Logan, or train, which requires you to get to South Station by MBTA or cab. Kennedy Plaza, the bus service hub, and the Providence Train Station, home to Amtrak and Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) service, are both downtown, just a short walk or taxi ride away from campus. The ride from New York Penn Station to downtown Providence averages three and a half hours, while some Providence - NYC bus routes can take over five hours due to traffic. The high-speed Amtrak Acela Express train will get you there in less than three hours, but it is a more expensive option.

Stay: Newly opened, Graduate Providence is located in the center of downtown, close to campus. We enjoyed our stay at the boutique The Dean Hotel, located in an old historic building downtown, furnished with antique finds and retro touches. The rooms are simple and small but well equipped and comfortable. For those who prefer a more traditional stay, book a room at The Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel housed in an impressive 1920’s building just steps from the Capitol. The Omni, also downtown, is a big hotel attached by a walkway to the Providence Place Mall. Other choices include the Hilton Providence, Hilton Garden Inn and the Hamptons Inn and Suites.

Coffee: Tours meet at the Stephen Robert Campus Center, conveniently home to Blue Room café, a full service all day spot that opens at 7:30 am serving coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and baked goods. Blue Room is also a good choice for breakfast or lunch-- an excellent place to sit back and watch student life in action. Nearby on Thayer Street students hang out on the patio at popular Blue State Coffee, with a second cafe inside the Brown bookstore. Over on Wickenden, laptops abound at bustling Coffee Exchange, an old style college coffee shop we would have lived in back in our day.

Breakfast: Enjoy lighter fare and healthy smoothies and juices at Benefit Juice Bar, a cheery spot nestled amongst the historic colonial homes on Benefit Street. Around the corner on Wickenden, every student we spoke to told us to head to Brickway Under Wickenden, (equally adored at lunch) for classic breakfast fare served in a colorful room lined with murals. Amys Place, is another student favorite for its breakfast sandwiches such as the aptly named Hangover. Downtown, on the West Side, it’s a hard choice between the eclectic menu (we loved our vegan pancakes) at funky Julian's or the more classic breakfast fare at Nick's on Broadway. Both are favorite local hot spots so there may be a wait, especially on weekends. Running late for the tour, grab a quick bite at Bagel Gourmet on Thayer.  

Lunch: Thayer Street has a ton of quick, casual restaurants catering to students. The most popular student spots include Chipotle and East Side Pockets for falafel. New to the street are Durk’s Bar-B-Q and Denden Korean Fried Chicken. Last year saw the opening of hot vegan NYC café BY Chloe, and Shake Shack. A few streets away, Geoff’s represents old-school Brown, a sandwich lover’s dream with an authentic college feel. On the edge of campus, Café Pearl at the RISD Museum is an excellent choice for salads and sandwiches, especially if you have time after to explore the museum.

Dinner    

Casual: Den Den, bordering campus, serves casual and tasty Korean food; highlights include the bibimbap, cucumber salad, and soy marinated bbq short ribs. In the mood for a burger? Head to Harry’s Bar & Burger with a location on Main Street. Farm centric Salted Slate over in Wayland Square mixes American classics with global nuances. Downtown, family Style Italian, Rosalina, keeps their fans happy with staples such as chicken parm, and the must order fried dough pizza.  

A Step Up: Our group of six loved our meal at Persimmon, sharing small plates packed with flavor and creative twists. Al Forno has been a Providence institution for over 30 years, serving seasonal Italian food, with many dishes cooked over a wood fire or grill. Al Forno only takes reservations for parties of 6 or more; otherwise it’s first come, first served. We visited Providence on a Wednesday, and sadly Oberlin was closed, as it is consistently named one of the top tables in town we were anxious to give it a try.  (Oberlin is open Thursday-Monday) Oberlin’s sibling, Birch, also garners high praise and features a tasting menu served around a U-shaped bar. Other top choices include Bacaro, at the city’s historic waterfront and in its new location in The Dean Hotel, Asian inspired North and Circe. Book well in advance at Enoteca Umberto, with only 18 seats reservations are hard to come by, but everyone lucky enough to have the foresight raves about their meal. Featured in The New York Times and in G.Q.’s “Best New Restaurants in America, 2019, Big King offers a set menu rich in fish, vegetables, and meat sourced from local farmers.”

On Our Radar: Other notable restaurants garnering a lot of buzz include Kleos, Jahunger, Safehouse, and the Bayberry Beer Hall.

Sweets: A restaurant called The Duck and Bunny, a snuggery, better be cute, and this creperie and tearoom on Wickenden does not disappoint. Come for afternoon tea or coffee, sweets and an excellent selection of cupcakes. There are two lovely rooms and a nice back garden. Aleppo Sweets was just selected as one of Bon Appetit’s top new restaurants 2019, citing “best-in-class baklava at a homey Syrian café.” There’s savory dishes as well such as kebabs, falafels, and mezze plates, but it's the pastries that are the big draw.

Late Night: The Eddy downtown is an inspired choice for craft cocktails and snacks such as oysters or cheese and meat boards.

Local Attractions: It’s worth a visit to the RISD Museum with a collection ranging from ancient to mid century modern. Don’t miss the newest addition; the 6000 square foot Chace Center. Across the street be sure to pop in for a peek at the Providence Athenaeum, an atmospheric library dating back over 200 years. Explore downtown Providence’s shops and cafes and don’t miss a look at The Arcade, our nation’s oldest indoor shopping mall. History buffs will enjoy a self-guided walking tour of downtown provided by the Providence Preservation Society. Go see Waterfire, an award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans, is an installation on the three rivers of downtown Providence. Booklets for four different walking tours are available to purchase for $3.00 each at their office on Meeting Street. We highly recommend walking Benefit Street; the concentration of colonial homes is quite impressive—a true architectural showcase.

TEN REASONS TO LOVE BROWN

— Quotes From Campus —

BROWN FAST FACTS

Established

1764

Mascot

Bruno the Bear

School Colors

Red & Brown

Acceptance Rate

9.3%

Common Application

Yes

Supplement Essays

Yes

Early Action/Decision

Early Decision

SAT

Average - 1520

ACT

Average - 32

Type

Private

Size

Medium - 6,556 Undergraduates

Website

brown.edu

Region

New England

Admissions Office

Box 1876
Providence, RI 02912

(p) (401) 863-2378
(f) (401) 863-9300
admission@brown.edu

Sports Divisions

NCAA Division I
Ivy League

Greek Life

Yes

Noteworthy Alumni

Emma Watson
John F. Kennedy Jr.

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BROWN UNIVERSITY

Just toured the Brown University Campus? Are you a Brown University student, parent or Alumni? Fill out this 2 minute survey to supplement our Daytripper University Guide for Brown University!

— PROVIDENCE SNAPSHOTS —

Photographs by Christian Harder

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Founded in 1948, Brandeis University is one of the youngest private universities in the United States. Named for the late Supreme Court Justice Louis Dembitz Brandeis the school is spread across 235 acres in Waltham, Massachusetts, just 9 miles west of the city of Boston. Brandeis is the only nonsectarian Jewish sponsored university/college in the U.S., with an increasingly diverse and international student body.

SHORTCUTS

Stay: Marriott |  Breakfast: In a Pickle

Lunch: Moody's  | Dinner:  La Campania

Visitor Information: Although walk-in visitors are always welcome, Brandeis recommends scheduling ahead. Visits begin at the Carl & Ruth Shapiro Admissions Center.

Transportation: The closest airport to Brandeis is Logan International Airport. Once in Boston, the MBTA subway system (referred to as the “T”) is a great way to get around. It consists of five transit lines — Red, Green, Orange, Blue and Silver, the closest “T” stops to Brandeis are the Porter Square "T" stop on the Red Line and the Riverside "T" stop on the Green Line. Amtrak, which operates a nationwide system of trains, offers services from South Station. (on the Red Line) Brandeis students often use Greyhound and Peter Pan buses. Buses also arrive and depart from South Station in Boston.

Stay: Close to campus, your best options are the Boston Marriott Newton, The Westin Waltham, Hyatt House or the Hotel Indigo Boston.

Coffee: Students love Einstein Bros. Bagels, located in the campus center, it’s the most convenient option before your tour, and a student go-to for a good bagel before class.

Breakfast: In A Pickle is within walking distance to campus on Moody Street, and it is always packed with Brandeis students and faculty. In A Pickle is the #1 breakfast restaurant in Waltham and is famous for its amazing pancakes, some filled with Snickers, Oreos or M and M’s!

Lunch:  One of Brandeis students favorite lunch spots for Thai and sushi is Baan Thai located on the main street in Waltham. For empanadas, soups and salads plus traditional Cuban entrees head to Gustazo Cuban Cuisine. Moody’s Delicatessen and Provisions is on every top Boston list for classic and specialty sandwiches.

Dinner

Casual: Margaritas Mexican Restaurant has a fun vibe and delicious Mexican dishes. Masao’s Kitchen will make the vegan in your group happy. Tempo is a favorite neighborhood spot offering a creative bistro menu. Backroom is the new debut from chef Joshua Smith of Moody’s Deli fame. In addition to his signature charcuterie, there’s a full locally grown eclectic menu of seasonal dishes. There are three kosher restaurants in nearby Brookline: Café Eilat, Rami’s, and Taam China.

A Step Up: Two popular Italians restaurants are Il Capriccio and La Campania.

Late Night Snack: The Gaff is a cozy pub with live music and open-mike nights that stays open till 1:00.

Local Attractions: Visit the Rose Art Museum, right on the Brandeis campus, whose legendary first curator, Sam Hunter, built a permanent collection of works that include important works by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Helen Frankenthaler, Jack Whitten and other stars of modern art. The city of Boston has much to see if you have more time. Some ideas: walk the 2.5 mile Freedom Trail from Boston Commons to Bunker Hill, visit Quincy Market, stroll the shops of Newbury Street, or head to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, a short drive from downtown. Baseball fans must tour Fenway Park, one of America’s most famous stadiums, home to the Green Monster. For a detailed itinerary of Boston’s best attractions see our specialized itinerary here. 

Watch students tell you why they love Brandeis

— Quotes From Campus —

DONT MISS THE BEST RESTAURANTS
IN BOSTON

BRANDEIS FAST FACTS

Established

1948

Mascot

Ollie the Owl

School Colors

Blue & White

Acceptance Rate

33%

Common Application

Common App or Brandeis App

Supplement Essays

Yes

Early Action/Decision

Early Decision 1 and 2

SAT

Average - 1430

ACT

Average - 31

Type

Private

Size

Small - 3,608 Undergraduates

Website

brandeis.edu

Region

New England

Admissions Office

415 South Street
Waltham, MA 02453

(p) (781) 736-3500
admissions@brandeis.edu

Sports Divisions

NCAA Division III

Greek Life

No

Noteworthy Alumni

Debra Messing
Mitch Albom
Nelson Figueroa

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BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY

Just toured the Brandeis Campus? Are you a Brandeis student, parent or Alumni? Fill out this 2 minute survey to supplement our Daytripper University Guide for Brandeis!

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Bryn Mawr is a small women’s college located on a historic suburban 135-acre campus just 11 miles from Philadelphia. Founded as a Quaker institution in 1885, Bryn Mawr is one of the Seven Sister colleges and part of the Tri-College Consortium, home to 1,350 undergraduate women and more than 400 graduate women and men.  Considered one of our country’s most beautiful campuses the majestic stone buildings are some of the finest examples of Collegiate Gothic, in fact serving as the template for dozens of other schools. Longstanding partnerships with Haverford and Swarthmore Colleges, and the University of Pennsylvania provide Bryn Mawr students with many options to balance a single-sex education by taking courses, joining organizations and attending social events at these nearby institutions.  

SHORTCUTS

Stay: The Wyndham |  Breakfast: Turning Point

Lunch: Uncommon Grounds  | Dinner: White Dog Cafe

Visitor Information: Visit Bryn Mawr

Transportation:  The nearest major airport is Philadelphia International Airport (PHL / KPHL). This airport is 26 miles from the center of Bryn Mawr College. Amtrak has frequent service to Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station. At 30th Street Station you can transfer to a direct commuter train to Bryn Mawr on the area’s mass transit provider Septa. Take the (Paoli/Thorndale line) to the Bryn Mawr station, which is about 350 yards from campus. The Norristown High Speed Line stops about three-quarters of a mile from campus.

Stay: With only seven rooms it’s not easy to get a reservation at the Wyndham Alumnae House located in a historic building right on campus.  Two other alternatives close by that families highly recommend are The Radnor Hotel and The Wayne.  Looking for value, book a room at The Americas Best Value Inn in Norristown or the Motel 6 Philadelphia - King of Prussia. If you want to stay in Philly to enjoy all of the city’s attractions and excellent restaurants we recommend The Rittenhouse Hotel, AKA Rittenhouse Square, Kimpton Palomar, or fresh off a 25 million dollar renovation the luxurious Ritz-Carlton.

Coffee:  Right in town in the Bryn Mawr Village shopping center start your day right at Philly's hip local chain, La Colombe. Once a garage this is a visually striking, industrial space with excellent coffee and pastries. Other favorite spots include Starbucks and Hothouse Coffee, both on Lancaster Avenue. 

Breakfast: Turning Point is a perennial favorite amongst students’ known for its extensive menu with everything from pancakes to fried chicken and waffles to tons of “eggstraordinary dishes.” It is also a good choice for brunch and lunch.

Lunch: On campus, the restaurant at Wyndham Guest House is a great place to dine alongside Bryn Mawr alumni and faculty located inside a fieldstone farmhouse built in 1796 for Patience Morgan, a Quaker widow. For a more casual and quick meal join the students at Uncommon Grounds in the Neuberger Centennial Campus Center for salads, sandwiches, and burgers. Right in town its fun ordering from a digital wall menu at healthy quick-serve Bryn & Dane's or enjoy custom made pizza and salads at Snap Pizza. 

Dinner

Casual:  In nearby Haverford and Wayne are branches of uber-popular White Dog Café where the whimsical dog décor accompanies a varied seasonal menu with something to satisfy everyone in your group.  For burgers and BBQ platters head to Tin Lizard Brewing Company. In the mood for sushi and Japanese favorites head to Samurai Japanese. Local Taqueria El Limon serves authentic flavors of Mexico, try their sopes and tacos al pastor in fresh corn tortillas. 

A Step Up: The food matches the soaring, beautiful room at high style Italian Enoteca Tredici, and a top pick for dining in the Main Line. For creative, Italian fare, BYOB Fraschetta delivers rustic Roman fare, Start with the cacio e pepe ravioli before moving on to the more substantial entrees.

Sweets: It’s hard to choose from the extensive menu of treats at Sweet Freedom Bakery, but we were told the magic bars, and cupcakes are must orders. Hope’s Country Fresh Cookies is a quaint shop serving muffins, ice cream, and assorted homestyle cookies.

Local Attractions: If you haven't visited the Liberty Bell since an elementary school trip, it's time for a repeat visit. And stop by the nearby National Constitution Center; an engaging, interactive and surprisingly stirring museum devoted to the U.S. Constitution.  If you a fan of Renoir, Cezanne, and Matisse you must visit the Barnes Foundation, home to one of the best collections of French Impressionists in the world. Philadelphia Art Museum is another worthy art stop. Eat your way through Reading Terminal Market, the country's oldest farmer's market with more than 80 merchants.

Campus Tour

— Quotes From Campus —

BRYN MAWR FAST FACTS

Established

1885

Mascot

Predator D. Owl

School Colors

White and Gold

Acceptance Rate

38%

Common Application

Yes

Supplement Essays

Yes

Early Action/Decision

Early Decision

SAT

Average - 1410

ACT

Average - 31

Type

Private

Size

Small -1,350 Undergraduates

Website

www.brynmawr.edu

Region

Mid-Atlantic

Admissions Office

101 North Merion Avenue
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010

(p) 610-526-5152
(f) 610-526-7471
admissions@brynmawr.edu

Sports Divisions

NCAA Division II

Greek Life

No

Noteworthy Alumni

Katherine Hepburn
Edith Hamilton

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BRYN MAWR

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Bucknell University is a small liberal arts school located on the banks of the Susquehanna River in the town of Lewisburg, in central Pennsylvania. The beautiful campus is filled with rolling green lawns and traditional red-brick buildings. The isolated location contributes to a strong sense of community on campus, even garnering a nickname of the ”Bucknell Bubble."

SHORTCUTS

Stay: Lewisburg Hotel |  Breakfast: Amami

Lunch:  Towne Tavern  | Dinner:  Reba and Panchos

Visitor Information: Register to tour the Bucknell campus. 

Stay:  The Lewisburg Hotel opened its doors in 1834 and has been welcoming guests ever since. Located in downtown Lewisburg, the hotel prides itself on excellent service and spacious rooms. The Pineapple Inn is a sweet B&B situated in the historic part of Lewisburg, just six blocks from Bucknell. Minutes away from campus book a room at the Comfort Suites.

Coffee: Amami, a coffee shop and espresso bar brings Italian style coffee to Lewisburg. The menu also offers innovative dishes for breakfast and lunch. The Kind Cafe is open from 7:30am and offers delicious coffee, breakfast and paninis. 

Breakfast: Try the bagel sandwiches at newly opened, All Star Bagels. Known as the "un-fast food place," Cherry Alley offers traditional omelets, granola, and bagels along with savory crepes, tofu scrambles and breakfast burritos. Serving home cooked breakfast classics, Street of Shops is open seven days a week. Students rave about their specialty pancakes - the apple cinnamon and chocolate chip are favorites.

Lunch: You can organize a meeting at Bostwick Marketplace, Bucknell’s main dining hall. You’ll eat, enjoy a casual conversation and experience everyday student life. Lunch visits are for prospective students only, but your family or other guests can have lunch in the Bison. Another option is Towne Tavern for burgers, and bbq. Pizza lovers will be happy at OIP. Get your fill of wings, burgers, nachos or healthier salads at traditional American Bull Run Tap House.

Dinner

Casual: Fresh off the college tour, one parent raved about the Thai food at Siam. In the mood for sushi - SushiHana is a good choice for classic Japanese. Another good dinner option is La Primavera for solid Italian food. The penne alla vodka is a specialty. Mercado Burrito specializes in burritos, tacos, quesadillas, salads, soups and more and only feature fresh, delicious ingredients. Take a trip back in time and experience Fence Dine In  - you'll be dining in your car while enjoying the friendly car-hop service. Locals and students rave about the pulled pork at Skeeter's BBQ. 

A Step Up: The atmosphere is intimate at Elizabeth's with an extensive wine list and food that never disappoints. Students say this is the best restaurant on Market Street. Reba and Poncho's is where Mediterranean meets Mexican cuisine and everything is cooked to order. Take your time and enjoy the warm, fun atmosphere. At Ards Farm, you will find experienced chefs crafting beautiful plates from the freshest ingredients.

Late Night Snack: Open till 10PM, Sweet Frog delivers Fro-Yo at its best. Their new cappuccino flavor is divine. Open March thru September, The Freez is worth visiting for their delicious ice cream treats.

Local Attractions: On campus stop by the Samek Art Museum. From June till August, you can enjoy Music in the Park. For more things to do during your stay, visit the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau.

— Quotes From Campus —

BUCKNELL FAST FACTS

Established

1846

Mascot

Bucky the Bison

School Colors

Orange & Blue

Acceptance Rate

28.9%

Common Application

Yes

Supplement Essays

Not Required

Early Action/Decision

Early Decision 1 and 2

SAT

Average - 1370

ACT

Average - 30

Type

Private

Size

Small - 3,525 Undergraduates

Website

bucknell.edu

Region

Mid-Atlantic

Admissions Office

1 Dent Drive
Lewisburg, PA 17837

(p) (570) 577-3000
admissions@bucknell.edu

Sports Divisions

NCAA Division I

Greek Life

Yes

Noteworthy Alumni

Leslie Moonves
Jay Wright
Philip Roth

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BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY

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Located in San Luis Obispo, a coastal California town halfway between San Francisco and L.A., Cal Poly is a nationally ranked public university that prepares students for today's scientific and technical world. The historic downtown is full of charming shops, galleries, and restaurants. Just minutes from beautiful beaches, parks and the wine country students enjoy California living at its best.

SHORTCUTS

Stay: Madonna Inn |  Breakfast: Splash Cafe

Lunch: Firestone Grill  | Dinner:  Novo

Visitor Information: Tour Cal Poly

Stay: Located right in downtown, the Granada Hotel and Bistro is a comfortable boutique hotel. If you are turning your visit into a mini vacation, you may want to check in to the Madonna Inn.

Coffee: Start your day at Scout Coffee, owned by a husband and wife team, this bright, airy space is also known to have killer milkshakes. Started by two Cal Poly grads, Kreuzberg Coffee Company has a few good breakfast items and even better cappuccinos.   

Breakfast: Cinnamon rolls are a real California tradition so don't miss eating at Old West Cinnamon Rolls located in nearby Pismo Beach. Popular Big Sky Café specializes in local and seasonal produce; the eclectic menu is also good for lunch and dinner. If you love a hippie granola spot, head to Sally Loo’s and get the açaí Bowl. Splash Bakery is quick and easy with amazing pastries and breakfast sandwiches.

Lunch: You will find the best tacos in Pismo Beach at Papi's Grill. Located in the heart of downtown San Louis Obispo, Firestone is the place to go for tri-tip, bbq, and burgers. Another favorite spot for BBQ is Old Slo Bbq Co. Jaffa is a good choice for Mediterranean, order the gyro plate. For a taste of Italy, check out the Harmony Café.

Dinner

Casual: For their award winning clam chowder, head to Splash Café in Pismo Beach.  If you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere, Mama’s Meatballs serves good, old-fashioned Italian fare. If you are craving BBQ, head to Old San Louis BBQ Company. Mint+Craft is a central SLO spot to enjoy a casual dinner. SLO Provisions offers all-day take-away and dine-in options with house-roasted rotisserie meats, family-style dinners, specialty sandwiches.

A Step Up: SLO county boasts 17 farmers’ markets - every week! Novo supports local farmers by using only seasonal produce in their daily menu. With a large selection of wines and a beautiful outdoor patio, this restaurant is at the top of our list.  

Worth the Drive: After graduating from California Culinary Academy, Chef Brian Collins landed a job at Alice Waters’ Chez Panisse. Today, Chef Collins owns Ember in nearby Arroyo Grande. Ember showcases farm to table “hand crafted food cooked by a wood fire.” Another special spot, perfect for celebrations and graduation weekends is The Grill at Cass House, located beachside in nearby Cayucos.

Local Attractions: Totally outrageous, Bubblegum Alley is an ideal place for you to take selfies. A whole alley completely filled with wads of gum, creepy and funny at the same time. SLO is world famous for its Farmers’ Market. On Thursday nights, farmers, restaurateurs, and entertainers come together in a 6-block section on Higuera Street. Considered one of the prettiest missions in California, SLO Mission still actively serves the community. Visitors can go alone or reserve a guided tour. Hearst Castle, the famous estate of William Randolph Hearst, is located in the northern part of the county and attracts visitors from around the world. If you are in SLO for more than a day, book a wine tour with 101 Wine Tours.

— Quotes From Campus —

CAL POLY FAST FACTS

Established

1901

Mascot

Musty the Mustang

School Colors

Green & Gold

Acceptance Rate

30.9%

Common Application

No

Supplement Essays

No

Early Action/Decision

No

SAT

Average - 1320

ACT

Average - 29

Type

Public

Size

Big - 19,650 Undergraduates

Website

calpoly.edu

Region

West

Admissions Office

Admissions Office, Cal Poly
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0031

(p) (805) 756-2311
(f) (805) 756-5400
admissions@calpoly.edu

Sports Divisions

NCAA Division I

Greek Life

Yes

Noteworthy Alumni

John Madden

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CAL POLY

Just toured the California Polytechnic State University Campus? Are you a Cal Poly student, parent or Alumni? Fill out this 2 minute survey to supplement our Daytripper University Guide for California Polytechnic State University!

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The University of California, Los Angeles, is a public research university and one of the highest ranked schools in the U.S., receiving more applications last year than any other school. The picturesque, bustling campus is located in the heart of LA in the Westwood neighborhood, bordered by the iconic neighborhoods of Bel-Air, Brentwood and Beverly Hills. Home to approximately 31,000 undergraduates, this is a large school with a diverse, enthusiastic population from all over the world.

SHORTCUTS

Stay: Luskin Conference Center |  Breakfast: Plateia

Lunch: 800 Degrees Pizza  | Dinner: Napa Valley Grille

Visitor Information: Tour UCLA

Transportation: The closest major airport to UCLA is the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), located approximately 15 miles south of the campus. Take a taxi or ride the Culver City Bus to and from LAX.  Amtrak has service to the to the Van Nuys or Bakersfield Amtrak stations.

Stay: Right on campus, check in to the new Luskin Conference Center with 254 guest rooms and Plateia, a full-service California and Mediterranean-inspired restaurant good for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Another convenient option is the W-West Beverly Hills located right across from the UCLA campus in Westwood.  After a recent 25-million dollar refurbishment everything is looking brand new and refreshed. Situated on seven lush acres between Bel-Air and Brentwood check in to the Luxe Hotel on Sunset Blvd.

Coffee: On campus, Kerckhoff is a popular spot with a lovely patio, perfect for student watching. In Westwood Village students like to meet and linger on the leafy patio of Espresso Profeta.   

Breakfast: For a quick meal before your tour, head to Nekter Juice Bar for açaí bowls, smoothies and healthy snacks to go. Also in Westwood, there is a branch of Le Pain Quotidien, always a reliable choice. If you have the time, and a car, it’s worth it to venture to nearby Farmshop, at the charming Brentwood Country Mart. This restaurant and gourmet market is one of our favorite places in LA for breakfast or lunch. Browse the boutiques afterward for some retail therapy. 

Lunch: Students rave about the Neapolitan thin crust pizzas at 800 Degrees Pizza, serving the best pies in Westwood. Order a double-double at In-N-Out, and see why this West Coast burger chain has legions of fans. Some students compare Cava to a Mediterranean Chipotle for high-end fast food. Looking for a quick Korean fix, head to either Gushi or Bibigo. Attari Sandwich Shop serves Iranian soups, sandwiches, and kabobs. Next door, Attari Grill serves a more extensive menu; we hear the abgoosht, a stew of lamb and chickpeas is delicious.

Dinner

Casual: Enjoy boiled in the bag Cajun spiced shellfish at The Boiling Crab, you’ll feel like you’re at a friends backyard crab fest. Stock up on the napkins, this is messy food! Fat Sal’s keeps everyone happy with inventive massive sandwiches and sides, open late night till 3 am. Serving seasonal, Californian food Tuesdays-Saturdays, Fundamental LA is a tiny, sandwich shop by day that serves small plates at night. The tea rubbed ribs and mapo tofu are two of the highlights at Sichuan Impression, considered by many to be one of the best Chinese restaurants in town. Pizzana is a must for some of LA’s best pies and excellent salads, located in nearby Brentwood. For more great pizza, pasta and delicious salads head to the new Brentwood branch of West Hollywood’s beloved Jon and Vinny’s. We love their signature “LA Woman" pie and the meatballs served with garlic bread and ricotta!

A Step Up: One of the best choices in Westwood, is Napa Valley Grille serving local, seasonal California cuisine with an excellent regional wine list. Just opened in the newly rebranded W is STK, a club like steakhouse. In nearby Beverly Hills, Wolfgang Puck’s Spago is still one of LA’s best restaurants with stiff competition from newcomer Maude from chef Curtis Stone of Food Network fame. For our favorite restaurants in Santa Monica and Venice (worth the quick drive) see our Daytripper365 itinerary here. Los Angeles is one of our favorite restaurant cities; click here for the best places to eat beyond the Westwood vicinity. 

Sweets: One student says: “You must go to Diddy Riese, it’s UCLA’s famous ice cream shop for custom made ice cream sandwiches, right on the border of campus. There is always a line down the block, but it’s worth it--it’s incredibly cheap and delicious, anyone who visits UCLA has to go!” Another told us: “Bigg Chill frozen yogurt is every UCLA sorority girl’s go-to froyo. You will spot at least 10 Greek letters at any time. Stan’s Doughnuts is another favorite for amazing doughnuts--it’s been around forever, even my Dad talks about it, and he’s class of 1985.”

Local Attractions: In nice weather, the beaches of Santa Monica and Venice are a short drive away. There is world class shopping in nearby Beverly Hills, Robertson Blvd and Melrose Avenue with big name designers mixed in with smaller, more independent boutiques. Art lovers should head to the Getty Center, LACMA or the brand new Broad Museum.  Great hikes can be found in Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park. See more of what to do in LA here.

— The Best of LA —

— Quotes From Campus —

UCLA FAST FACTS

Established

1919

Mascot

Joe/Josephine Bruin

School Colors

Hero Blue & Gold

Acceptance Rate

18%

Common Application

No

Supplement Essays

N/A

Early Action/Decision

None

SAT

Average - 1380

ACT

Average - 30

Type

Public

Size

Big - 31,000 Undergraduates

Website

ucla.edu

Region

West

Admissions Office

405 Hilgard Avenue Box 951436
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1436

(p) (310) 825-3101
(f) (310) 206-1206
ugadm@saonet.ucla.edu

Sports Divisions

NCAA Division I

Greek Life

Yes

Noteworthy Alumni

Leonardo DiCaprio
Emily Ratajkowski
Kristen Stewart

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UCLA

Just toured the UCLA Campus? Are you a UCLA student, parent or Alumni? Fill out this 2 minute survey to supplement our Daytripper University Guide for UCLA!

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Carnegie Mellon University is a highly prestigious, private research institution located in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, just 3-miles from downtown. Founded in 1900 by steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie as Carnegie Tech, the school merged with the Mellon Institute in 1967. CMU’s 148-acre campus is home to approximately 14, 500 students. The city itself has experienced a renaissance in the last few years, attracting artists, chefs, and young millennials, and an influx of new restaurants, bars, and boutique hotels—all while still retaining its Rust Belt roots. There are city bus stops right on campus, and students can ride public transportation into the city for free with a school ID.

SHORTCUTS

Stay: Marriott |  Breakfast: Pamela's Diner

Lunch: Primanti Bros.  | Dinner: Whitfield

Visitor Information: CMU offers campus tours on weekdays as well as weekends from mid-February through mid-November, except during university holidays, semester breaks and finals testing. Please note that weekend tours do tend to be much larger than than weekday tours. Register here!

Transportation: Pittsburgh International Airport is an approximate 45-minute drive to campus.  Uber, Lyft and taxi services are available at the airport. The 28X Airport Flyer Bus, sponsored by the Port Authority Transit, is one of the more popular and affordable options for visitors--with stops in the heart of the Carnegie Mellon campus. (Typically the ride takes 40 minutes from the airport.) The Greyhound Trailways Bus Terminal is located five miles from campus in downtown Pittsburgh. The Amtrak Train Station is located at 1100 Liberty Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh and just four miles from campus. 

Stay: The hotels closest to the CMU campus are in Shadyside, East End and Oakland, all within two miles or less from campus. In Oakland top choices include the Hampton Inn Pittsburgh-University Center, Hilton Garden Inn - Pittsburgh University Place, Hotel Indigo Pittsburgh - Technology Center, Residence Inn by Marriott and the Wyndham Pittsburgh - University Center. In Shadyside families like to stay at Courtyard by Marriott Shadyside/Oakland, Hyatt House Pittsburgh/Bloomfield/Shadyside, SpringHill Suites Bakery Square or the ShadySide Inn All Suites Hotel. Many of the above hotels offer discounted rates to university visitors and a free shuttle service to campus. If you prefer boutique hotels, check into the Ace Hotel, in the recently hip East Liberty area of Pittsburgh. Giving the Ace some healthy competition is the new Kimpton Hotel Monaco housed in the iconic Beaux-Arts James H. Reed building. Downtown, many families like to stay at the Fairmont Pittsburgh in the PNC Plaza or the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown.

Pittsburgh Fun Facts: Did you know there are over 440 bridges in Pittsburgh, a large number for a city of just over 300,000 people, hence it’s nickname “City of Bridges.” Pittsburgh is also often referred to as “The Steel City”, dating back to when the city was the steel-making capital of the world. Though the industry collapsed in the ’80s the common nickname still remains.

Campus News: A new chapter begins in CMU’s history with the opening of a new section of campus, the David A. Tepper Quadrangle. Tepper Quad is the home for the Tepper School of Business, the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship, a fitness center, a new dining commons, and the Coulter Welcome Center. 

Coffee: Before the tour head to Au Bon Pain, on campus in the Cohon Center. A homegrown Pittsburgh institution known for its artisan coffee, Tazza D'Oro is located in the new Rohr commons on Tepper Quad. Off campus, start your day at popular Crazy Mocha, a favorite of students and locals with numerous locations throughout the city. The Oakland Ave. spot is easy to get to when on campus. Other popular spots include Redhawk Coffee and Commonplace Coffee, a mini-chain with six locations throughout the city. (The Julius Street location is not far from campus.)

Breakfast: Pamela’s Diner is a must, a beloved Pittsburgh staple famous for crepe-style pancakes-- so good covered with fruit and whipped cream!

Lunch: Carnegie Mellon's dining program is globally inspired and locally sourced with food that is eclectic, tasty and healthy. In the mood for Indian, Pan-Asian, Mexican, or Mediterranean, head to the Cohon University Center also home to the Schatz dining hall. In the new Rohr Commons, Pure has options that include build your own sandwiches made with house-roasted meats, specialty burgers, brick oven pizza and organic salads. To experience a Pittsburgh institution a must is Primanti Brothers, a counter service sandwich chain that dates back to the 30’s, famous for their French fry-stuffed creations. One alumnus said she still dreams of late night visits for a roast beef and cheddar, stacked with fresh-cut fries, coleslaw, and tomatoes. Another college tradition is to get a hot dog at the “O”, The Original Hot Dog Shop, an Oakland neighborhood fixture for over 52 years. Other student haunts include tacos at Las Palmas, pub food at Fuel and Fuddle, burgers at Stack’d, pizza at Sorrento’s, Malaysian and Thai fare at Spice Island Tea House and sushi at Oishii Bento. Located in Schenley Plaza, enjoy sandwiches, salads, and pizzas all made from fresh local ingredients at The Porch at Schenley. (There’s a popular walk-up window for quick breakfast fare.) For a unique Pittsburgh dining experience in the Strip District check out the Smallman Gallery, a 6,000 square foot food hall and a launch pad for new restaurant concepts with four innovative restaurants, a full bar, plus a coffee & espresso bar. It’s been so successful they just opened another one called Federal Gallery. The Vandal in nearby Lawrenceville is an elevated all-day counter café, we hear it is well worth the wait for the fried chicken sandwich or the cheeseburger.  

Dinner

Casual:  Students debate who has better pizza: Aiello's Pizza or Mineo's Pizza House, but Driftwood Oven, in the Lawrenceville neighborhood is a new contender after being named to Bon Appetit’s best restaurants 2018 list. Enjoy soup, sushi, salads, and seafood-focused dishes at the Penn Cove Eatery. Another popular seafood spot is the Merchant Oyster Co. where the lobster rolls and crab cakes are the house specialties. Other popular student eateries, include Everyday Noodles, Mad Mex, Urban Tap and Smoke BBQ Taqueria for delicious tacos. 

A Step Up:  The Whitfield in the Ace is a great dinner choice, and also extremely popular for brunch, known for its locally sourced beef and in-house butchery. There is also a full vegetarian tasting menu. In Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood, Cure serves Mediterranean-inspired plates. Spanish stunner, Morcilla, from the same team as Cure, is one of Pittsburgh’s hot spots for pincho style small plates and larger platters meant for sharing.  Tiny Legume’s daily menu is posted online every day at 5:00 p.m., known as one of the city’s best for upscale eats. Or The Whale, located in a soaring bi-level space downtown serves French Inspired seafood-centric fare, much of which is cooked over a wood-fired grill. Superior Motors, located in an old Chevy dealership, was just named one of the ten best new restaurants in the country by Food and Wine Magazine. It’s well worth the drive to nearby Braddock, about a 20-minute ride from the university.

Sweet Treats: Prantl's Bakery's cake has been a local icon for 45 years. Last year, the Huffington Post declared their Burnt Almond Torte to be “probably the BEST cake America has to offer." Do not leave town without bringing some home! Make a stop at the Pittsburgh Popcorn Company with many locations throughout the city and a branch right in Oakland. It’s worth the short drive for a scoop or two at Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream in Shadyside. 

Student Spotting: The Fence is CMU’s unofficial university billboard, painted between midnight and dawn by students who then must guard their message if they want it to remain. The original Fence was supposedly the "most painted object in the world" until it collapsed, ultimately replaced by a steel-concrete fence.

Local Attractions: The city is home to powerhouse professional sports teams, such as the Steelers and Penguins, and countless worthy cultural institutions, such as the Andy Warhol Museum.  A short walk from the Warhol is the Senator John Heinz History Center, Pennsylvania's largest history museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. Another worthy stop is the nearby August Wilson Center, named for the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and Pittsburgh native, is also worth a visit. The center contains performance and gallery spaces. There are four Carnegie Foundation museums in Pittsburgh, art lovers head to the Carnegie Museum of Art while science fans should allow time for a visit to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.  Founded in 1977, the Mattress Factory is a contemporary art museum and experimental lab featuring site-specific installations created by artists in residence from around the world. Explore the outdoor gardens and Victorian glasshouse at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, set in Schenley Park. As Pittsburgh is bordered by three rivers, sailing, kayaking, and fishing opportunities are also plentiful.

CMU OVERVIEW

— Quotes From Campus —

CMU FAST FACTS

Established

1900

Mascot

Scotty Dog

School Colors

Cardinal, Gray, and White

Acceptance Rate

22%

Common Application

Yes

Supplement Essays

Yes

Early Action/Decision

Early Decision

SAT

Average - 1500

ACT

Average - 34

Type

Private

Size

Medium - Over 6000 Undergraduates

Website

www.cmu.edu/

Region

Mid-Atlantic

Admissions Office

5000 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3891

(412) 268-2082
undergraduate-admissions@andrew.cmu.edu

Sports Divisions

NCAA Division III

Greek Life

Yes

Noteworthy Alumni

Ted Danson
Judith Light

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CMU

Just toured the CMU Campus? Are you a CMU student, parent or Alumni? Fill out this 2 minute survey to supplement our Daytripper University Guide for CMU!

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