He Doesn’t Even Go Here: MIT

Who’s that? Does he go here? Nope! He Doesn’t Even Go Here is a weekly column devoted to exploring the lifestyle, culture and atmosphere of the various institutes of higher education around the city of Boston from the point of view of a student who attends none of them. Keep your eyes peeled, fellow academics—your campus might be next!

"Alchemist" by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa | Photo by Joseph Martelli
“Alchemist” by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa | Photo by Joseph Martelli

Ever since relocating to Boston, I have loved every little thing about college life. The dining halls serve nothing but the highest quality food each night, and the dorms always seem to be at the perfect temperature. The library is a magical place that makes even the most drawn out all-nighers feel refreshing, and I can’t even complain about the campus shuttle, which is always promptly on time making it impossible to be late for class ever. Ok, newsflash…everything you just read is a lie.

I do love where I attend college, and there are certainly qualities about it that are more than redeeming. However, as with any new place that requires settling in, there will always be drawbacks. Sometimes the burgers look like they’ve been stepped on a little, but no matter! They still taste good. The library really is a great place to study, but occasionally it gets creepy when your study session turns into the plot of a B-Rated horror film starring you and the creepy maintenance person vacuuming—especially when you’re the only two there. The campus shuttle is a little late, but hey! Everyone could use a little exercise and running to class beats trudging to the gym. My point is this: there is only one place for me. But I’m a curious cat, and instead of letting it kill me, I want to see what college life is like everywhere and anywhere else, just for kicks.

Upon crossing the bridge from Boston over to Cambridge, I couldn’t help but notice all of the graffiti on the ground as one piece in particular stuck out among the rest like an omen of what was to come. In big yellow and purple letters, it read “Halfway to Hell.” Very comforting. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s campus is far from hellish, however. From the MIT bridge you can get a pretty clear view of the trademark dome-shaped alumni center on Killian Court. Upon venturing further into campus you’ll come across the school’s student center which, unfortunately, puts ours to shame. The Stratton Building and student center within are from the exterior nothing to talk about. After walking inside, however, chances are you’ll be enticed to spend the better part of your afternoon there. From convenience stores to a well-positioned Dunkin Donuts, the Stratton building has it all—even a couple of nifty street lamps! Seriously.

MIT1
The MIT Green Building. | Photo by Joseph Martelli.

Be cautious when sitting in the Dunkin however, because after about the fifth inquisitive stare I was pretty sure I’d been made. I bet they’ve already engineered some way to tell when one is not of their kind…for sure. In any event, when exiting the Stratton building you’ll be greeted by the interesting architecture of the Kresge Auditorium, which is more or less right next to the Steinbrenner Stadium—which, I must say, has nothing on our campus’s athletic venue. Back to the architecture, though. Many of the buildings at MIT seem to share a pleasant mix of traditional collegiate elements positioned next to some of the most interesting buildings you may ever set eyes on, such as the bizarre and surreal Stata Center.

Unfortunately, I was not able to access many more areas than the ones I have described thus far, but be assured—the future of this column holds much in store for you guys. I’m talking dining hall invasion, library intrusion, the works…oh yes, be ready. For now, though, the verdict on MIT stands at it being a much more aesthetically pleasing environment than the one which I traverse up and down each day and night. It’s not all about the looks, though! It’s about what inside, isn’t it? Sure! They have geniuses, but we have…well, we have Pinkberry. Until next time!

 

About Joseph Martelli

Joseph Martelli (COM '15) is a New Jersey native by way of Pennsylvania. He majors in Public Relations with a concentration in Political Science. He enjoys music from the 1940s, direct-to-DVD sequels and anything crafted by Shonda Rhimes. He can be contacted by emailing jmartelli@buquad.com.

View all posts by Joseph Martelli →

2 Comments on “He Doesn’t Even Go Here: MIT”

  1. Photo caption is wrong. Green Building is tall and narrow. Kresge Auditorium (what’s in the photo) is short and wide.

    Also not quite sure what the “trademark dome-shaped alumni center on Killian Court” is. The dome (well, there’s two; the smaller one right on Mass Ave, and the large one at the center of the main MIT building) has a lot under it. The main campus building is the boundary of Killian Court.

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