Emerson College is the only four-year college in the States dedicated solely to the comprehensive study of communication and the arts. Located in the heart of Boston’s Theatre District at the southeast end of historic Boston Common, the urban campus is spread across a few city blocks; anchored by the Paramount Center, a three story arts –residence complex. Students have the opportunity to spend a semester at the Los Angeles satellite campus, a 110-million-dollar center that opened in 2014 on Sunset Boulevard enabling students to work with professionals within the industry of their chosen field.
Visitor Information: Tour Emerson
Stay: You can’t beat The W for convenience and comfort, less than a five-minute walk from the admissions office. Book early, as this is the most popular choice for Parents Weekends and Move-In Day. Other close options include Boston Park Plaza, The Ritz Carlton Boston Common, Revere Hotel and the Courtyard by Marriott. Slightly further, approximately a 15-minute walk from Emerson, splurge at the Taj Boston or the Four Seasons.
Coffee: Running late for the tour…Starbucks is the closest option with two nearby locations on Boylston and Charles Street South. For a more local feel, grab a Stumptown Coffee and pastry at Thinking Cup on Tremont Street, just a 5 min walk from campus. George Howell Coffee is perhaps one of the best brews in Boston. Close by, on Washington Street head to Boston Common Coffee Company or Jaho Coffee Roaster, both student favorite morning spots.
Breakfast: A quick walk from Emerson, in Bay Village, students grab and go breakfast sandwiches from beloved tiny sandwich shop Mike and Patty’s. Order your pick online, and your sandwich will be ready and waiting for you. We hear it’s worth waiting in line for breakfast at The Paramount, a Boston institution that has been serving Bostonians since 1937. This is one of the city’s favorite breakfast spots, try the Texas French Toast or Banana Pancakes. You can't beat the cool ( and quirky) atmosphere at The Friendly Toast. Try the Caramel Apple Waffle or the Vegan Pancakes!
Lunch: Don’t have much time? Do as the students do and head to fast food chain Maria’s Taqueria for a Mexican fix. Students and locals congregate at Genki Ya, right near campus, for fresh and affordable sushi. Artisan Bistro in the Ritz Carlton is a solid choice at any time of the day, serving new American fare at breakfast, lunch or dinner. Just outside Chinatown, Gene’s Chinese Flatbread Café offers Xian-style Chinese cuisine—don’t skip their excellent hand pulled noodle dishes. In the mood for burgers and fries? Try Griddlers.
Dinner:
Casual: For Texas BBQ, served at family style long tables, head to Sweet Cheeks from Bravo’s Top Chef Tiffani Faison. Do not even think of skipping the biscuit doused in honey butter, big enough for a meal on its own. Follow it up with trays of pulled pork or chicken served with sides such as mac and cheese or collards. Tip Tap Room is a casual gastropub—perfect for a fun, lively night out featuring a creative menu that has turned it into a neighborhood darling. Modern French bistro Troquet is considered one of America’s top wine restaurants, known for its impressive wine list, rare vintages and 2 or 4 oz wine flights by the glass. Chinatown’s Shojo is a modern, lively Asian fusion restaurant packing in crowds for chef Mark O’Leary’s chicken and waffles and duck fat hand-cut fries. (Ramen fans note: Shojo is considered to have Boston’s best bowl of the noodle soup, only served at lunch.)
A Step Up: Yvonne’s is perfect for a celebration or just a stylish, fun night out -- a combination of speakeasy and supper club with an eclectic menu. Terra located on the top floor of Eataly, a gourmet Italian food emporium like no other, is a sky lite jewel with a wood grill as a centerpiece. Locals love Lucca Back Bay for Italian cuisine served late night till 1 am. Also serving top-notch Italian fare is SRV. It’s worth the quick 15-minute ride to Oleana in Cambridge, where on a recent visit we shared an assortment of delicious Middle Eastern mezze including a standout spinach falafel and fatteh. For a gourmet eating experience try and snag one of the tables at tiny O Ya, located off the beaten path in the leather district. This is omakase on another level, served artfully and inventively, a meal you’ll remember for a long time.
Late Night Snack: Emerson students’ benefit from having Chinatown in their backyard. One student states “nothing beats a late night study break than soup dumplings at the Dumpling Café.”
Local Attractions: Boston has an abundance of worthy attractions if you have more time. Walk the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail from Boston Common to Bunker Hill. Visit Quincy Market, Top of the Hub, Newbury Street, and the New England Aquarium. Baseball fans can tour one of America’s most famous stadiums, Fenway Park, home to the Green Monster. A short drive from downtown the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library is a must for history buffs. Other noteworthy museums include: the Institute of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Museum of Science.
— Quotes From Campus —
“Emerson offers you real world experience like no other—there are incredible internship opportunities and many of your teachers are well known industry professionals. Spending a semester at the LA campus was a highlight of my four years at Emerson!”
“As a freshmen I had a camera in my hand from the first semester—something that I would have had to wait till I was an upperclassman at other film schools.”
“They call the alumni the Emerson mafia—a big plus once you graduate!”
“I love my fellow students, the most creative, dynamic artists I have ever met—they inspire me on a daily basis. Everyday I’m involved in a new collaboration—whether it be shooting my friends music video, being part of the crew on a friends movie or writing a script with my writing partner.”
“Being in Boston, one of the world’s greatest college towns is worth the price of tuition.”
DONT MISS THE BEST RESTAURANTS
IN BOSTON
EMERSON FAST FACTS
Established
1880
Mascot
Lion
School Colors
Royal Purple & Gold
Acceptance Rate
48%
Common Application
Yes
Supplement Essays
Yes
Early Action/Decision
Early Action
SAT
Average - 1310
ACT
Average - 28
Type
Private
Size
Small - 3,735 Undergraduates
Website
Region
Admissions Office
120 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
(p) (617) 824- 8600
admission@emerson.edu
Sports Divisions
NCAA Division III
Greek Life
Yes
Noteworthy Alumni
Jay Leno
Bobbi Brown
Norman Lear
SHOP
EMERSON COLLEGE
Just toured the Emerson College Campus? Are you an Emerson College student, parent or Alumni? Fill out this 2 minute survey to supplement our Daytripper University Guide for Emerson College!