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1 day7 stops
All ItinerariesSummer Students
Summer Student Week in Cambridge
The ultimate week for summer program students
1 week
7 stops
Easy
Summer (June-August)
Overview
You're here for a summer program, but Cambridge is your campus! This week-long guide helps you make the most of your free time with student-friendly activities, budget eats, and essential experiences.
Your Day
Weekend 1: OrientationFull day
Get Your Bearings
Harvard/MIT area
Explore your campus, find dining halls, buy CharlieCard, locate CVS/grocery stores, and walk to your classes.
Insider Tips
- •Buy CharlieCard for T (student discount available)
- •Download T navigation app
- •Find nearest CVS, grocery, and laundromat
- •Map out class locations
Monday Evening2 hours
Harvard Square Exploration
Harvard Square
After classes, explore Harvard Square. Visit the Coop for supplies, browse Harvard Book Store, get ice cream.
Insider Tips
- •Harvard Book Store has student discounts
- •The Coop for textbooks and Harvard gear
- •Street performers in the evenings
- •Ben & Jerry's and JP Licks for ice cream
Wednesday Evening2 hours
Charles River Sunset
Charles River Esplanade
Study break! Join other students along the river for running, picnics, or just watching the sunset.
Insider Tips
- •Bring a blanket and snacks
- •Great spot to meet other summer students
- •Free outdoor concerts some evenings
- •Memorial Drive closed to cars on Sundays
Weekend 2: Museum DayHalf day
Student Museum Day
Harvard Art Museums or MIT Museum
Many museums offer student discounts or free admission. Perfect rainy day activity.
Insider Tips
- •Bring student ID for discounts
- •Harvard Art Museums free for students
- •MIT Museum $15 for students
- •Natural History Museum $10 for students
Throughout WeekOngoing
Budget Student Eats
Various
Best affordable eats: Flour Bakery, Area Four pizza, Felipe's burritos, Pinkberry, various food trucks.
Insider Tips
- •Meal plan or cook when possible
- •Food trucks near campuses
- •Chipotle, Felipe's for burritos
- •Flour Bakery for breakfast
- •Area Four for pizza and coffee
- •Save fancy dinners for end of program celebration
Mid-Week Study Break1-2 hours
Coffee Shop Study Session
Various cafés
Find your favorite study café. Try Flour, Area Four, or local coffee shops with WiFi.
Insider Tips
- •Pavement Coffeehouse (good for studying)
- •Render Coffee (specialty coffee)
- •Café Luna (breakfast/lunch)
- •Flour (bakery with good coffee)
Final Weekend: CelebrationEvening
Program Celebration Dinner
Nice restaurant
End your program with a nice dinner celebrating your academic achievement!
Insider Tips
- •Make reservations in advance
- •Russell House Tavern (good for groups)
- •The Hourly (seafood)
- •Alden & Harlow (upscale)
- •Little Donkey (fun small plates)