The perks of being a student

As we all adjust during this beginning-of-semester state, with first years still learning the ways of Wellesley and upperclasswomen getting back into the swing of things, let us not forget to take breaks from our busy schedules and remember to enjoy being college students. One of the perks we should take advantage of as students is College Nights.

College Nights are held every year at a Boston museum that opens its doors for all college students to mingle and enjoy what the museum has to offer. This year, the Museum of Science is hosting its 16th College Night on Monday, Sept. 24. from 5:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m. Students with a college ID will have free admission to the exhibit halls, as well as their choice of any two of the following: the Butterfly Garden, the Mugar Omni Theater, the 3-D Digital Cinema or the Charles Hayden Planetarium.

Not only will this event give you the opportunity to explore various aspects of the museum at no charge, there will also be different performances during the evening, including the Theater of Electricity and a live animal show. But the entertainment and fun doesn’t just stop with science; KISS 108 F.M. will play your favorite music all night long.

If you’ve ever wanted to take a tour of Boston—especially one on the back of a giant bird of both land and water—then this is the perfect opportunity for you; through this event the museum is also offering free Boston Duck Tours.

Although you can get to the Museum of Science pretty painlessly through public transportation, free parking will also be available at the museum for those who prefer to drive.

Because Boston is such a college-oriented city, hosting great events for college students is very popular. The Museum of Science is not the only venue that holds College Nights for Boston-area students; another place that is hosting a College Day is Fenway Park. 

This event at Fenway, which will take place on Saturday Sept. 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. includes free access to the park, giveaways, raffle prizes and free food. This year, in honor of Fenway’s 100th anniversary, students will also be given free access to the Royal Rooters Club, which was created just this year for season ticket holders and displays historic Red Sox memorabilia.

Other places that have hosted College Nights in the past include the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) and the New England Aquarium. 

Last fall, in its 7th year of hosting College Night, the MFA opened its galleries, including the new Art of the Americas wing. Live music, a DJ, a dance floor and free food added a party to the art-viewing experience. 

Jamila Michael ’15 said of her experience at last year’s MFA event, “It was great to see old art and meet new people. The exhibits were really awesome, and I can’t wait to go back!”

Last October, the New England Aquarium also hosted a large, exciting College Night, attracting thousands of students with free admission and IMAX tickets. And what college night would be complete without music, dancing and food? The aquarium offered all of these perks.

Although they will not be hosting their College Nights this year, MFA and the aquarium are both great places to visit, particularly with college IDs. Students should keep close watch on these places for future college deals and events. 

College Nights are a great way to explore museums without stretching our student budgets while meeting other Boston-area students. So, as you are looking for a fun break as the semester gets underway, keep in mind the amazing opportunities that we are privy to simply for being college students in this great city.