Get Off Campus with the Commuter Rail

When class is over, get on the train and explore

As a college student, you’ve got a lot on your plate, so it’s important that you take the opportunity to have fun and explore the off-campus world. Rather than hanging around your dorm, start with a weekend outing with the Commuter Rail. Many colleges offer semester train passes, or you can buy a $10 all-you-can-ride Weekend Pass so you can hop on and off the train as much as you want Saturday, Sunday, and holidays.

Inbound

Sports

If you love watching the game, turn off the TV and hit the Commuter Rail to see it live! Take the train to North Station and you’ll be delivered right to TD Garden (0.1 mile). It’s where you can watch the Celtics and the Bruins during their home games, as well as numerous concerts and other live events. It’s an awesome way to spend the night out with your friends, and with the Commuter Rail, you won’t need to fight for parking.

If you and your friends love baseball, head to Lansdowne Station to visit Fenway Park (0.1 mile), which is right across the street from the Commuter Rail. Students can get to Red Sox games from South Station for just $2.40 one-way. That’s the same price as the subway, but a much faster trip. It’s perfect for a student budget. 

Dining

Tired of dining hall food? Boston is full of incredible restaurants, but for the most variety in one spot, you should head to North Station. There you’ll find Faneuil Hall Marketplace (0.5 mile). Home to Quincy Market, the oldest and largest food hall in the country, you’ll enjoy everything from seafood to Asian cuisine to Italian to sandwiches. Don’t forget to treat yourself to dessert!

Museums

Whether you’re in school to study art or you just want to see some incredible pieces on a day out, take the train to Ruggles Station. The Museum of Fine Arts (0.7 mile) is a must-visit attraction in Boston. You can learn about art history, see how pop culture has influenced contemporary art, and more with the expansive exhibits. The MFA offers free admission for students at participating universities, too.

Breweries

There are so many great breweries to check out in Boston. However, if you get off at JFK/UMass, Dorchester Brewing Company (0.6 mile) isn’t just a great place for you and your friends to grab a beer. It also features the Museum of Bad Art, where art too bad to be ignored is on display. It’s a great way to get a laugh, especially if you’re an art major. As a bonus, you can impress your parents and professors by telling them that you visited an art museum over the weekend while sharing a wink and a nod with your friends.

Outbound

Sports

If you go to college in Boston, head outbound on the Framingham/Worcester Line for a fun off-campus experience. Minor league baseball fans flock to Polar Park (0.5 mile) so they can watch the Worcester Red Sox AKA the WooSox in action. Grab your buddies and cheer on the popular minor league baseball team on their home turf.

Beaches

Planning some fun in the sun to celebrate the end of the school year, or just because you need a break from class? Hop on the Newburyport/Rockport Line so you can hit one of the many beaches. Get off at Manchester Station to visit Singing Beach (0.6 mile). If you’re interested in visiting Good Harbor Beach (2.5 miles), you’ll want to grab a rideshare from Gloucester Station. Or head out to Rockport Station where you can take your pick of four nearby beaches – Back Beach Landing (0.5 miles), Front Beach (0.4 miles), Cape Hedge Beach (1 mile), and Old Garden Beach (1.2 miles).

Breweries

Of course, breweries are a popular college hangout for the 21+ crowd, and there are two near Worcester Station. Wormtown Brewery (0.3 mile) features a two-floor space featuring bright colors, wooded high-tops, and two bars making it funky and fun. Meanwhile, Wachusett Brew Yard (0.6 mile) has a trendy and unique bar built in a custom Airstream trailer.