Like most college campuses, MIT events with free food are everywhere, with generally three types: regularly scheduled events, special events, and people getting rid of leftovers. Special events are quite well advertised (Sloan events are great), but won’t always line up with your schedule and the free food mailing list is usually hit or miss. In contrast, regular free food events are reliable and rarely have pizza (despite the above picture). That’s great, though, since you’ll likely have more pizza at other events than the last few years combined.
Wings (spicy and barbecue), vegetable dumplings and an assortment of vegetables (carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers). Enjoy with $6 pitcher of beer. Do note that Wings Night does not normally occur during January, but this year they started in the third week of January.
Tip: If you’re vegetarian, you’ll want to be there right at 8pm as the dumplings are always the first to go.
It’s called Coffee Hour, but I’ve never actually seen anyone drink coffee at this event. People come for the wide selection of fruits, salad, chips, guacamole, cookies, pastries, crackers, cheese, and cured meats. About half an hour in, the empty bowls will get replaced by cake and ice cream (they won’t announce it). If you want free food, this is arguably the best event to be at.
Tip: You’ll want to get there early if you want the fruits (particularly the berries). People will start lining up 15 to 30 minutes early and the fruits are the first to go.
Ashdown and Sidney Pacific Brunch (Sunday, once a month for each residence 12pm)
By far the most popular free food events on campus, the line spans the whole hallway (sometimes across doors) before the event starts. Typical brunch foods such as bacon, waffles, eggs, mashed potatoes, salads, and fruits galore. There’re usually more people than seats available though, so be prepared to go elsewhere or stand to eat if you get there late.
Sloan Evening Classes (varies depending on course schedule)
Sloan evening classes always serve dinner as well. However, registration for Sloan classes is done through a bidding process and you won’t want to use your precious allotted points just to secure free food. If there is a class that you want in the evening though, this serves as a bonus!
Tip: There’s usually leftovers at the end of class. Combined with the special events and free food mailing list, you can likely cover a quarter of your meals with free food. The only question is: will it conflict with your schedule, or could you have so many pizza?
Cambridge, MA is definitely one of the most expensive places on the planet. If you are wondering how to survive in this place on a student’s budget (aka low) and a student’s salary (aka zero), read along and you will be amazed how much is on offer. You will be surprised to realize that the true joys of life are indeed FREE!!!
Reaching MIT from Airport:
Figure 1: Route from Logan Airport to MIT (Courtesy: Google Maps)
This is unbelievable unless you experience it yourself. From any of the terminals, you follow public transportation & look for Silver Line buses (SL1). It has a frequency of 10 mins most of the time. The bus is free and terminates at Boston South station on Red Line, and takes you past the fare gates. Take the train to Alewife, which has a frequency of 5 mins most of the time, and 4 stops later, you are at Kendall/MIT. You can even do it with usual luggage items. This is one of the best incentives any airport has created to reduce cars and promote public transport. Being able to reach MIT without cash, cards, local sim or Wi-Fi is an awesome way to ‘Go Green’!
MIT ID Card:
Your MIT ID card is free and it provides access to amazing places for free.
MIT Museum: Check out this geeky utopia any day of the week. The gestural engineering gallery marries art and science in a novel way and deserves a museum of its own. On weekends, look out for Idea Hub where on-hand science experiments await the young and the old. Other galleries keep changing now and then, so you are sure to see something new in every visit. Don’t miss the museum shop – it has cool nerdy stuff for your nieces and nephews, besides yourself. Entry is free with MIT ID, otherwise it costs 15$ for adults. As a bonus, you can also take one human being (who doesn’t have an MIT ID) for free!!!
Museum of Science: This nugget of knowledge and everything related to science is on a bridge to Boston. It is a pleasant walk from Kendall and also right on the Green Line (E) – but walking takes less time. Entry to the exhibit gallery is free with Student MIT ID (unfortunately Spouse MIT ID is not acceptable), otherwise it costs 28$ for adults.
Museum of Fine Arts: Enjoy an awesome collection of art galleries in an equally awesome building. Entry is free with MIT ID, otherwise it costs 25$ for adults. There are other free times worth checking out if you are visiting with friends and family. It is right on the Green Line (E), so you can take the Red Line from Kendall and change at Park Street.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: A great place to visit for the art connoisseurs. It is a 5-minute walk from Longwood on the Green Line (E), so you can take the Red Line from Kendall and change at Park Street. Entry is free with MIT ID, otherwise it costs 28$ for adults. Of course, if your parents were wise enough to name you Isabella, you don’t need this tip!
MIT ID Card for your Spouse: If you are staying on campus, your spouse ‘needs’ the ID card to access the residence. This implies that they get MIT ID card for free (usually it costs 25$). Just submit the online application and wait for Grad Housing to verify the residential status and approve it before you go to Atlas Center.
MIT Account:
Your Kerberos ID and/or MIT email address provides access to many events for free.
Concerts: Look out for MIT symphony and other musical events in MIT event calendars. If you book them through your MIT account, access is free (usually 5$ for public).
Seminars and Speaker Series: Check out MIT event calendars for mind-blowing and mind-bending topics covered by professionals and academics. Most of them are free when booked through your MIT account, though some may require you to join some clubs (mostly for free) as a pre-requisite.
MIT Shuttles: Enjoy the nice and spacious vans with courteous drivers happy to move you around the campus and beyond. Use the MIT Mobile app to check routes, timings, live tracking & set alerts for arrival.
Tech Shuttle covers the entire campus during mornings and evenings. The route changes slightly in the afternoon, as it skips Kendall & turns at Ames St.
SafeRide Shuttle is another version of Tech Shuttle with reduced frequency after evening hours. There is also an on-demand version when it is really late.
Grocery Shuttle is available during Sundays. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods beyond west end of the campus are covered multiple times every Sunday. Costco and Target (at Everett) are covered twice during first three Sundays every month
Graduate students can borrow a Costco card from MIT Copytech office (in Main Building basement 11-004) for free. Only catch is the availability – you can check before going there, but they won’t hold the card for you. If you take it on Thu/Fri, you need to return it on Monday. Fines are steep, so make sure you don’t splurge the savings on lack of discipline.
MIT Medical:
Your basic student health coverage is part of tuition fee and gives you access to non-emergency services at MIT Medical (Building E18). Here are some additional free services you may not be aware of:
Access to most of the sports and recreation facilities is free for the student (families need to pay a separate fee). You just need to enroll and sign the liability waiver. You can access the services at Z-Center and Alumni/Wang Center.
This place is not only for getting your MIT ID. You can also get free tea/coffee/hot chocolate inside waiting area. You also have access to hardware/software support services here for free. Make sure to enjoy the 3-D printed model of entire MIT campus on display.
MIT Tunnel Network:
This is a life-saver during the harsh winters of north-east. The tunnel network covers most of the main building area and goes east till E17. It is easy to navigate once you have the map: http://web.mit.edu/facilities/maps/mit_Tunnel_map.pdf. While under the Infinite Corridor, you might be lucky enough to see the glass blowing lab in action.
MIT Compton Lounge:
You can enjoy this innovation in stress-relief managed by UnderGrads (in Building 26-110). You need your MIT ID to access the room, which is full of Legos, tea/coffee, craft material, and bananas!
MIT FX:
MIT Furniture Exchange is a non-profit setup run by women at the far west end of the campus. You can pick up some great deals on furniture and kitchen items, as long as you bring your MIT ID. The table at exit contains amazing stuff such as books, crockery, chairs, etc. that you can take for free!
Cambridge Public Library Stone Building Image Courtesy: CPL Website
You need a proof of residence to become a library member for free. MIT ID is not enough, but Housing is happy to give you a letter that serves the purpose. Here are some useful tips:
No one needs a card to enter the library or read anything within the library.
You can issue as many books as you wish as long as you can keep track of them.
You can request books anywhere in the Minuteman network to be held at the library closest to you.
You can avail free/discounted passes/coupons to attractions in Cambridge/Boston.
You can access free Wi-Fi throughout the vicinity of the library.
Cambridge Public School District
If your kid is 4 years and above, you can enroll them in free public school starting at Pre-Kindergarten. All public schools within the district are grouped together and you can access them in your preferred order. Make sure to get the immunizations in order, and have relevant documentary evidence during registration. For proof of residence within Cambridge, you can request Housing to issue a standard letter. School bus eligibility depends on travel distance, and is free if provided. Breakfast is free for students.
CambridgeSide Shuttle Service:
The CambridgeSide mall is home to many retail outlets and restaurants/food court. While it is a short walk to the mall, the free shuttle service from/to Kendall square is much appreciated during bad weather or hands full of shopping bags.
USS Constitution:
USS Constitution Ship Image Courtesy: US Navy Website
Charlestown Navy Yard is home to the USS Constitution ship that you can visit for free. Make sure to carry your State ID or Passport (MIT ID will not suffice) to enter the ship. Guided tours by Naval officers are really worth waiting for. You can also check out the USS Constitution Museum nearby which has lots of fun activities for kids. Access to museum is free if you book an online pass via Cambridge Public Library. Otherwise, you can enter for free and donate what you can afford.
What you could get from Harvard
Harvard Semitic Museum:
This boutique museum set in a three-story house and covers history of Israel, Egypt and Mesopotamia. Entry is free and it open on Sundays. You can park your MIT ID card to get an iPad loaded with some of the interactive features within the galleries. You also get free Wi-Fi within Harvard campus once you register.
Harvard Art Museums:
This represents a collection of three museums in the Harvard campus. Entry is free if you have a student ID (such as MIT ID) or you have a Cambridge residence proof, otherwise it is 15$ for adults.
Harvard Museum of Natural History
This museum is sure to charm the young and old alike as long as they stay curious. You can see lots of amazing exhibits in a very small space (one would wish they had twice the display space). Entry is free on Sundays if you enter between 9am to 12 noon as long as you have Cambridge residence proof; otherwise, it is 15$ for adults.
MIT student could visit the Widener Library’s privileges office for a Harvard library card. You could enjoy the environment of oldest university libraries in North America.
Going to Boston:
There are two bridges (Longfellow Bridge near Sloan & Harvard Bridge near MIT little dome) connecting Cambridge to Boston that are very close to MIT. Depending on which part of the campus you are at, a walk along the bridge is your free ride to Boston.
Boston Children’s Museum:
OK, this museum is not really free, but if you go on Fridays after 5PM, it costs 1$. For all the fun you can have with your kids till 9PM, I would say it is a wonderful deal. Remember that you need to enter with a kid, otherwise you need to deposit your ID at reception.
Hope you make the best of your time at MIT & Cambridge, while enjoying the good life for free!
Talk of MIT and I visualize a place of academic rigor where knowledge is created every moment, a place where top minds come together and work hard to contribute and deliver. On the other hand, talk of Boston, and, as a sports freak, I instantly recognize New England Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, Boston Marathon and so on. When I got the admission offer from MIT and I realized I was going to Boston, I wondered if I was going to a place where both worlds of academics and sports co-exist, and whether I would have time to experience both at the same time.
Journey begins
Within the first couple of weeks on campus, I could sense what “drinking from the firehose,” a term commonly used by cohorts, means. True to my expectation, I could feel the heat of assignments, deadlines and deliverables. While I was swamped by the class or social activities, I needed to resume my work-out regimen, which has worked as an excellent stress blaster for me during the 19 years of my career.
A trip to MIT Sports Center
Z-center a sneak peek
Boston’s winter doesn’t offer a motivating environment for an outdoor work-out, but I was sure that MIT would have excellent indoor sports and fitness facilities. Walking from Ashdown (my residence at MIT) to the SCM lab, I used to pass the Al and Barrie Zesiger Sports and Fitness Center, popularly known as the “Z-center”. On a Friday evening, I casually walked through the Z-center and I was amazed by the sports facilities. Covering over 11,600 m2, the three-storied building includes multi-lane 50-meter lap pool, multi-activity courts, squash courts, ice-rink, and highly advanced work out equipment. And at 9 PM on a Friday evening, it was bubbling with activity!
Can’t wait to start
I inquired at the Reception Desk and realized that it’s free for MIT students. No – not free – I have already paid for the membership as part of the admission fee. And it’s open from 0630AM till 1100 PM, which means that there can’t be any conflict with my schedule. Next Monday, I started my day with a trip to the Z-center, did a 30-minute workout on the treadmill and 30 minutes of swimming. Wow! What a start to the day. The Z-center has excellent showers and locker facilities and even provides towels, and I ended up using the shower more here rather than at my residence.
Strategy that works:
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”- Will Durant
My morning work-out helped me set the pace for the day and I could feel the energy lasting me throughout the day. Soon it became a part of my daily routine, a habit that I would like to keep. Anders Hansen in his book The Real Happy Pill has offered a scientific explanation of how physical exercise produces a more efficient brain. He says that a regular exercise habit benefits “the amount no less than a mental upgrade.” The book highlights that the impact is far more pronounced when you are aging and being in your forties. I felt this was a prescription for me. While I wouldn’t have known how I perform otherwise, the realization that I can sustain the pressure and stay active till late evening prompts me to endorse that this strategy works.
Bonus – learn new sports and be part of amazing clubs (for free): –
Then I also learnt that MIT Physical Education & Wellness office offers a variety of courses to students and I can earn credit while learning new skills. A variety of courses are available, spanning from archery to running, but I could select only one per term. I ended up with ice-skating and tennis classes in the last two terms – Wow! :). I also realized there are multiple sports clubs which offer a team-based training environment mixed with fun. I enrolled in a triathlon club and was able get a chance to train with an amazing team and get valuable tips from the team coach.
All good things must come to an end and as I walk towards the end of the semester, I feel blessed to have had an opportunity to experience MIT student life, which is full of action (literally). I’ll sign off with the realization that a simple time-tested strategy — “Work hard, play hard” — really works.
What do you want to do if you feel exhausted after a hectic day? Do you want to do something to kill your stress? Our suggestion is to seek a sport that interests you at MIT.
We are here to share with you some interesting activities!
Volleyball: This sport is not as commonly played in America as in other countries, but if you have a strong passion for it, we have good news! There is a club at MIT where you can be trained by coaches in all the basic techniques, ranging from reception to serving skills. If you want to become an outside spiker, you will find that there are many opportunities for you to improve your jump height or attack skills. One thing to remember is to keep a regular schedule to practice with your team to ensure the best cohesion!
Picture: Volleyball Court at Z-Center
Soccer: There are plenty of fields at MIT. If you just want to play soccer for fun, you can simply join a pick-up game. If you want to play in a more formal way, you can team up with others to join a league. Based on the size of the team, there are two types of league: 11 v 11 and 7 v 7. Each type of league is divided into A, B and C categories based on skill level. Level A is for more competitive players, B is the intermediate level and C is for those who just want to have fun. In addition, the teams are co-ed. Both men and women are welcome to join!
Picture: SCMr 2019 Soccer Team
Fitness: If you like to work out, there are also several options. You can do so in your dormitory. Most of the dormitories have fitness rooms. However, we would say that the best place is the Z-center, where you can find almost every type of equipment you want. What’s more, the space is large, 125,000 square feet in total. You do not usually need to wait for the equipment you want to use.
You can also swim, run, or play basketball at the Z-center. It is such a great place! Do not overlook it!
Picture: Gymnasium at Z-Center
Badminton: This is a super fun activity since both pairs will try to gain and maintain the attack, smashing downwards when the opportunity arises. There are approximately 6 members in our group, and we find that playing this sport is an effective way to relieve stress and tighten your friendships at MIT. However, the courts at the Z-center are often crowded on the weekend, so we must have a good “strategy” to reserve a court for our group!
Picture: SCMrs at Badminton Court at Z-Center
Running: Running along the Charles River is an appealing activity to help you “recharge your batteries” for a new day! It is good for both your physical health and mental health. When we are struggling with some problems, it is frequently our choice to run along this wonderful river. You will feel relieved after enjoying the spectacular views. And, for those who like endurance running, you could consider participating in one of the annual running events in Boston, for example The Boston Marathon. The Charles River is a perfect place to practice!
Picture: Running and Biking Trail along Charles River
All in all, physical activities can add to your wonderful experiences at MIT and help you build long-lasting relationships with others from different departments who have similar interests! Physical activities will change you for the better. Make exercise a regular part of your life at MIT!
Left: Fancy vacation resort somewhere in the world. Right: MIT Dome
Wait! Wow! Is this how it feels to be a student at MIT? No projects? No assignments? No stress?
Well, yes, being a student is a richness by itself; moreover, a semester at MIT is a stupendous luxurious journey.
All that time I had a luxurious feeling. You want to know what triggered this feeling. Join me for a week of my life at MIT.
Monday: how do I start my week? A full schedule of classes from 11 to 7 pm. What is special about my 11 am class? It is a physical education class for 2 credits, I selected jogging (biggest achievement before class was running for 5 minutes continuously). It is a pass/fail. Can’t skip any sessions. Who can afford to fail at MIT? Now I run the 5k.
Tuesday: it was a long day at school, tired. Go home and rest? This is not an option. It is Chinese New Year; we will make dumplings and watch movies to celebrate this tradition.
Wednesday: I took no morning classes, but I could not fit the bi-weekly group meeting for system dynamics class into my schedule, so I have to start my day at 8 am with brainstorming and discussing systems behaviors. My biggest support for this time is the giant complicated coffee machine in the Lab.
Thursday: it’s 4 pm. I have to run to Harvard. I am taking an elective on political economy. If you are curious about a topic not available at MIT, cross register for an elective at Harvard.
Friday: public speaking and writing classes. Oops! I cannot do only modeling. I have to speak up. Hard task done; now it is music time! There is a jazz concert with a special guest a famous trumpeter. You don’t like jazz, wait for next week: the MIT Symphony Orchestra is performing Beethoven’s “Piano Concerto No.5 in E-Flat Major.”
Saturday: got to get new data for my capstone. Yes, in addition to all the courses, I work on a capstone with a randomly assigned partner who became a close friend. We worked hard, but we indulged ourselves with an outing to try a new restaurant with new cuisine every week. The only constant is the Italian glass of wine (only if you carry your ID to show that you are not forever less than 21).
Sunday: is this my day off? Well that was my plan, but oh no! I have to take care of my room, do laundry, fill my fridge and catch up on the assignments.
They say MIT is drinking from a firehose. I say it is a Sunday Lebanese Meze.
Sunday Lebanese Meze.
As a learner, knowledge is my Ferrari; as an explorer, a diverse environment is my mega yacht; as a relator, friendship is my Monaco summerhouse.
During this semester, the confidence I gained and the people I met are a lifetime gain that outweighs Boston schizophrenic weather, late night work, and the 6 months away from family.
Long story short: the MIT experience is MY NEW PRIVATE JET.
When you’re at MIT, there is always some assignment to submit, a paper to write, or a test to study for. But it’s not all work and no play. In a few years, when I look back at my time at MIT, I’m going to fondly remember all the memories made here on campus.
Orientation
While the first two weeks at MIT will be filled with workshops and classes, there’s plenty of events organized by the Graduate Student Council that help you get to know your peers better. Some of the highlights for us include a hiking trip to New Hampshire and a Boat Cruise Dance Party by the Boston skyline.
The Muddy Charles Pub
Done with an exam at 11:30 AM and feel like a drink? Head to the Muddy Charles! At this graduate bar, you never know who you may share a table with – an astrophysicist, nuclear engineer or an entrepreneur.
SCM Class of 2019 celebrating the end of the semester at Central Square’s Middlesex Lounge
C-functions
A monthly celebration of Diverse Cultures, organized by the various student clubs at Sloan, ranging from Japan to Latin America to Africa. Festivities may include cultural performances like song and dance put on by members of the student body. Events generally finish up with a can’t miss after-party at some local destination.
Graduate Dorm Events
When you don’t feel like stepping out of the dorm (which is most of the time), head to one of the dance parties where you can dance from 10 PM till whenever your legs give out. Alternately, get together with your friends to enjoy a game of ‘Secret Hitler’ (PS: you will not trust your friends again)
SCM Class of 2019 crashing the photobooth at a Sid-Pac sponsored dance party
Physical Education Classes
MIT has one of the best recreation and fitness centers: Z-centre. Here you can sign up for PE classes with your classmates ranging from golf, squash, Zumba, BollyX, Taekwondo and many more.
Free food!
Once you’re at MIT, you’ll notice that most of the events provide free food. You can head to any of the advertised events or if you don’t want to cook all through the semester, join the free-food mailing list
Brian’s Off Campus Perspective:
While you’ll certainly take part in many of the MIT-related social activities during your time on campus, please don’t forget to get off campus and explore the local area! For many of you, this might be the only time you’ll ever live in Cambridge/Boston. With that in mind, you definitely want to try and enjoy some of the great things that the area has to offer.
Having lived in the area for the past several years, I can attest that there is a wealth of great options on a range of different interests. To help get you started when you arrive on campus, I’ve provided a short list of fun things to see and do during your limited time here:
Into the arts?
Want to see a play, but don’t have the time to go to Broadway? Support Cambridge’s local theater company and catch a play at the Central Square Theater
Enjoy the movies? Take the MBTA Red Line north a couple of stops to Davis Square and enjoy the cinema at the Somerville Theater
More of a live music fan? The Sinclair and The Middle East both host tons of acts throughout the year of various musical genres
Down to exercise?
Hone your urban rock climbing skills at Somerville’s Brooklyn Boulders– and then add that to your resume’s “Skills/Special Interest” section
Take in the Boston skyline while safely walking or jogging along the Charles River Esplanade
Get an annual Bluebikes membership ($35 w/MIT student discount) and cruise the streets in style (also doubles as a faster means to class when you miss the shuttle bus!)
See more of Cambridge by foot (more specifically, sneaker) by running one of the Cambridge 5K Series themed road races
Want to be a Boston sports fan?
Cheer on the city’s teams! Catch a Red Sox(baseball) game (April-Oct) at the iconic Fenway Park or a Bruins(hockey) and Celtics(basketball) game at the TD Garden (Oct-June). (FYI: Venues also double as places to cheer against teams from New York)
Looking for nightlife?
Dance the stresses of student life away at the Middlesex Lounge (First Alternate: Central Square’s Phoenix Landing, Second Alternate: Harvard Square’s Hong Kong)
Grab a craft cocktail at a local speakeasy – Union Square’s backbar, Central Square’s Brick & Mortar, or Davis Square’s Saloon)
Need caffeine to start the day or power you through a capstone working session?
Bring your own thermos for a reduced priced coffee at flour bakery + café! FYI – the snacks and pastries there are dangerously good!
Looking for more of an “Italian café experience” – then look no further than Central Square’s Caffé Nero
Lastly, I’ll close with making a plug for The Boston Calendar. This is a great place to start when trying to figure out fun or interesting things to do for the week/weekend.
We hope you’ve all enjoyed this post, and more importantly, are able to enjoy some of its recommendations. Till next time!
Picture: SCMr 2019 Soccer Team
