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.
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.
BEST RESTAURANTS IN BOSTON
— Quotes From Campus —
“Boston College is my home away from home. It takes a large city and makes it familiar and safe. The student body, the athletics, the academics, and the extracurricular activities create a well-balanced environment that has a place for everyone.
”
“Boston public transportation is very easy. The Green Line easily takes you to and from the city – however the B Line has an additional amount of stops. It is more efficient to walk to the D Line “Reservoir Stop” than it is to take the B Line “Boston College Stop”. The C Line will also bring you close enough to campus to walk (view on a map top gage distances).”
“There is no greater college town than the city of Boston. There is always so much to do and all just 20-30 minutes away. My classes and professors have all been excellent. ”
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
Region
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
SHOP
BOSTON COLLEGE
Just toured the BC Campus? Are you a Boston College student, parent or Alumni? Fill out this 2 minute survey to supplement our Daytripper University Guide for BC!