Freeze College Magazine

College Life

Your Summer CUE Guide to Cambridge

By Olivia Ford

Summer 2009

Staying at Harvard this summer? Worried that you're going to be bored out of your mind? Listen up! Freeze's summer school is about to be in session, and if you're living in Cambridge this vacation, this is one course you don't want to fail!

Life Sciences: You may think you know the ins and outs of Cambridge life. And maybe you do...during the school year. Chances are you're in for some studying—Cambridge is an entirely different place during the summer: fewer students, earlier hours, more tourists. How to pass this class?

Spend time in the Square: there's an entirely different atmosphere during the summer—explore it, both night and day!

Enjoy the Yard: whether you prefer people watching, reading, or working on that tan you wish you were on the beach getting, the Yard is beautiful, and it's one of the only times of the year you're actually going to see it lush and green.

Poke your nose outside of the Square: we know, we just said to check out the Square...and you should! But just as dynamics in the Square are going to change, so are they in other areas of Cambridge (yes, they do exist).

Astronomy: This just might prove to be your favorite course: night life! Want a break from the typical dorm party? Or maybe you can't find one going on? Take a break from the norm! This p-set requires some thinking beyond the bubble.

Check out the concerts: Boston's new House of Blues is sure to bring in performers that will make you want to dance the night away...plus it has a great (albeit pricy) bar! If you want something closer, check out the Kendall Square Summer Concert Series. Berklee will be bringing in artists too...anyone remember Ryan Cabrera?

Make a theme: assuming you're of age, check out the local bars…but with a twist! Go out with a few friends dressed as a theme…the beach, Mexico, Eskimos, whatever and order food and drinks accordingly! If you're not 21 just yet, try this without the alcohol.

Earth and Planetary Sciences: despite the fun you can have just staying in Cambridge, sometimes you just have to get out for a bit. So, get some field work done and go exploring!

Grab a bus: take a trip on the weekend. Try hopping on a bus to a (relatively) nearby city: NYC, Providence, DC, maybe even Montreal. Visit friends there: they'll all have the insiders scoop on great things to do in the summer!

Test the waters: we often forget just how close we are to the Boston Harbor. Ok, so maybe it isn't the tropics, but take a day cruise! Or if you're really into it, go whale watching. While you're at it, check out what's under the water at the New England Aquarium.

Economics: trying to save a little and earn a lot? You're sure to ace this one! But don't sacrifice fun for funds...there's still plenty to do!

Check out the local wildlife: Grab a cheap cup of coffee and just relax. Watch people in the square. Try counting how many different languages you hear. Make up games like this to play with your friends in the Square. It may seem silly, but we bet it'll be a lot more fun than you think, and a great source of inside jokes.

Explore the actual wildlife: one of Harvard's best kept secrets is the Arnold Arboretum. It's huge, free, and absolutely gorgeous in the summer!

History and Literature: Boston and Cambridge are some of the most historic places in the country…yet we're always so busy that it's easy to forget! Do a little research and have fun with this one!

Get spooky: visit the graveyard just across from the Yard. Seem creepy? Go during the day and read the tombstones…there are several that date back to the American Revolution!

Walk it out: grab a friend and stay in shape over the summer while learning something! Walk Boston's Freedom Trail. It's not only free, but you'll exercise both your brain and your body.

Read something besides textbooks: you've been meaning to get to that pile of books for how long? In addition to Harvard's great library system, check out the public libraries. There's a lot of great info floating around…you just might get some ideas as to what to do! That, or you'll at least have a good book to curl up with!

Even though you'll be in the same place this summer, you're sure to have a completely different experience! Follow this course guide, and you're sure to have an awesome summer; you can still feel as though you went away, even though you're staying right here in Cambridge!