When I go back home, it’s easy to say, “I spend all my time on campus,” but in reality, I actually spend a lot of time across the river. Whether it is to my fraternity, Boston Commons, or Chinatown, I actually make frequent trips outside the physical bounds of campus.

My main reason for leaving the comfort of campus is the lack of good food options. The dining halls and the fast-food restaurants/food trucks can satisfy my cravings during the weekday after practice. However, once the weekend hits, I really can’t stand the buffet served on campus. That’s why I love going off campus to get food in Chinatown.

One of my favorite places is Hei La Moon which is a dim sum restaurant near South Station. It’s relatively cheap for the amount of food we get. Also, it’s a great excuse to hang out with a group of people off-campus on a Saturday or Sunday. The only caveat is that you have to convince people to actually leave campus. Some people may not want to lose 3 hours of their precious time to go to Chinatown. But don’t listen to them; it’s probably their fault for deciding to take too many classes (I don’t blame them though).

Surprisingly, Ubering is usually the same price as taking public transportation while also taking less time. Taking public transport usually entails a 20-minute walk to Kendal Square before I can get on the subway. But it is cheaper and more reliable when the traffic is terrible.

Leaving campus has a therapeutic effect on me as well. Looking from across the river distances me from the campus while also providing a beautiful view of the institute. Not only does it allow me to stop worrying about homework, but also it makes my weekends noteworthy and memorable. I get to see tall buildings and bustling streets instead of sparsely filled courtyards and crowded libraries. 

If I would do if I did it over again: 

I spent most of my first and second years on campus, especially during the school year. I did manage to explore Boston over the summer, however. If you can do it over the school year as stress relief, you’ll appreciate it a lot!

Don’t ever be that person who has never left campus because you really are missing out.