Fun classes, branded speakers and luxurious amenities for everyone (not just students).
Getting into Harvard isn't as hard as you think. / Photo by Tim Sackton/Creative Commons via Flickr
Extracurriculars for All
You do not need a student ID to take advantage of these campus amenities.
By Angela Athena Mats
Planetarium
Framingham State University
On the third Friday of every month, you can trade Netflix for a different kind of star-studded show inside this 30-foot-long digital theater, part of the Christa McAuliffe Center for Integrated Science Learning. November's film delves into the spectacle of supernovae.
ice rink
Boston University
Practice your axels and lunges at BU's Walter Brown Arena, which invites non-students to the ice several times a week. Need help keeping your balance? The school offers skating lessons for aspiring Olympians young and old.
botanical gardens
Wellesley College
You'll pass berries and holly, pine-scented conifers and the late American artist Nancy Holt's Wild Spot sculpture on a clear nature walk in late fall at the Wellesley College Botanical Gardens. Come back in spring when the gardens are lush and butterflies abound for a completely different perspective.
Gym membership
Regis College
Looking for a fully loaded gym without the price tag? For less than the monthly fee at most major gyms, you can get high in the Regis College Athletic Center, which features an NCAA-compliant gymnasium, a race-length pool, an eight-lane outdoor track and a new weight room.
Art museum
Harvard University
Head to the Harvard Art Museums for Crossing Lines, Constructing Home: Displacement and Belonging in Contemporary Artan exhibition that explores migration through more than 40 works in various media, from sculpture to photography.
Historical Library
Boston College of Architecture
Google can't find everything. Specialized interests are well served by the many school libraries that are open to the public: Boston Architectural College's Memorial Library, for example, connects architects and architectural history with 2,000 volumes—including plan books and European editions—dating since 1883.
Civil rights activist Tarana Burke is visiting Tufts this month. / Photo: Kris Connor/Getty Images
Academic calendar
Do you have a free period? Fill it up with one of this semester's buzzing school-sponsored events.
By Scott Kiernan
GREAT SPEAKERS
Tarana Burke at Tufts University
Before her new book is released, Where the light enters, the civil rights activist and founder of the #MeToo movement will educate—and inspire—guests as part of Tisch College's ongoing Distinguished Speaker Series. Next month: chef-philanthropist José Andrés.
November 7, tischcollege.tufts.edu.
Yalitza Aparicio at Wellesley College
She is barely older than most undergraduates, but Aparicio—he was named year 100 Most Influential People list—she's already nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in last year's Roma, the first indigenous woman to receive the honor. Catch the campus screenings on November 7th and 10th, then come back for a live interview with the remarkable actor.
November 12, wellesley.edu/events.
Joanne Chang at Northeastern University
How does makes those famous sticky buns? This month, Joanne Chang of Flour Bakery is stopping by Northeastern University's Xhibition Kitchen to sign copies of her cookbook Love of confectionery—and show off her James Beard Award-winning baking skills.
November 13, nudining.com.
BIGTIME PRODUCTIONS
“Bright Lights” Film Series at Emerson College
No tickets are required for these free events, which feature weekly genre screenings and enjoyable film screenings. I'm coming soon: Time for Ilhana Boston Women's Film Festival selection for the first Somali-American Muslim woman in Congress.
November 5, web.emerson.edu/brightlights.
Noises are disabled at Boston College
The Theater District isn't the only place to catch a show in Boston—the city's next generation of thespians are ready to entertain you with on-campus productions at low prices. BC's crowd-pleasing game-in-a-play Noises are disabledfor example, follows the backstage antics of a show where everything goes wrong.
November 21-24, BC edu.
Musical Theater Orchestra at Berklee College of Music
Listen up! The alma mater of musicians like Quincy Jones maintains a super-active concert calendar with visiting artists and great students—including this 25-piece orchestra, which will soon cover Evita, Miss Saigonand more as part of the “Golden Age of Broadway” exhibition.
December 12, berklee.edu/bpc.
Open skate is underway at BU's Walter Brown Arena. / Photo by Janice Checchio for Boston University Photography
Back to school
No late-night huddles, no grades—and subjects you actually care about? These local lessons for adults make learning fun again.
By Angela Athena Mats
SO YOU WANT TO…
Start your startup
It was held this year from November 1 to 3, Endicott CollegeSparkU's annual startup bootcamp teaches Shark tank fans about marketing strategies, revenue models and more before letting them pitch their next big idea to a panel of entrepreneurs.
Get in touch with your inner artist
If you want to spark some creativity before the winter oblivion sets in, there's no shortage of workshops at MassArt this month. In the school's Copper Bowls class on Nov. 2, for example, you'll explore ancient metalworking techniques and create an elegant statement piece guaranteed to stand out on your Thanksgiving table.
Make the most of retirement
Every college student knows that seniors have more fun. Fifty and over? Join the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UMass Boston for access to international travel (Morocco awaits), Harborwalk tours, and classes in everything from business to technology to the arts.
Be the favorite host of all parties
You've come a long way since the days of keggers and beer pong. Show it! Impress thirsty guests with an impeccably stocked bar, not to mention a variety of well-mixed classics and frozen libations, after you've mastered the bartending course at Bunker Hill Community College.
Start the new year on a high note
Always wanted to start your own band? All it takes is one night a week to learn a new instrument. Sign up now for Tufts Universitywinter community music lessons, which give students the opportunity to learn piano and West African drumming.
I tried it
The 6-pound “Challenge Burger” at Eagle's Deli
By Scott Kiernan
Mona Miri's photo
Back in my undergraduate years at Boston College, a greasy cheeseburger was my hangover cure. But I can't imagine the bender the famous “Challenge Burger” at nearby Eagle's Deli would take: a 6-pound tower of 12 patties with 22 slices of bacon and cheese each, accompanied by 6 pounds of French fries. He became famous from an appearance on the Travel Channel's Man v. Food, the gluttonous look has been achieved by only eight people—including Joey Chestnut, America's top competitive eater. In the name of research, I returned to my old stomping grounds to see if I could become ninth.
After signing a disclaimer, I began dissecting the mountain of meat with fork and knife, periodically lubricating my instrument with soda and ketchup. Alas, it was not to be: Over two pounds, I waved the white flag. Maybe I should have entered a beer pong tournament the night before? Then me Really would give it the old college try.
