Boston is a beautiful city with many sites, history and excitement. Going to college in such a booming city is both exciting and overwhelming. With so much to see and do, it is important to find time to explore and discover new places. Navigating the city can be tricky, but with some simple tips, you'll be an expert in no time!

1. Get a Charlie Card.

Riding the MBTA or "the T" is essential to navigating Boston. A Charlie Card can get you onto all of the subway lines and the city buses. It also saves you loads of money! Be sure to go to the customer service booth at the nearest T stop and ask for a Charlie Card then add money to it at the machines in the station! The T is the easiest way to see the city and all it has to offer.

2. Go to the local museums.

Boston is a hub of history and many museums. The famous Museum of Fine Arts features beautiful paintings from Monet and Van Gogh and often has different exhibits. The Boston Museum of Science features a planetarium and an IMAX theater that shows many scientific films each day. It also has seasonal exhibits that are a must in Boston! With your student ID you can get into many museums for free or for a discounted rate!

3. Walk the Freedom Trail.

Boston's famous Freedom Trail features many historical stops and sites along the way. The well-known brick path is a great way to see Boston on foot and to learn about the history. Along the way, many stops have people dressed in period clothing who can teach you about the history of the spot where you are standing. The Trail contains history from the Boston Massacre, Battle of Bunker Hill and Paul Revere's Ride. This walk is essential for students in Boston.

4. Learn the Boston slang.

When you come to Boston, you will constantly hear the various slang of the city. Bostonians constantly use the word "wicked" to mean "very" and, of course, "blinkah" to mean "turn signal." Looking for a water fountain? Be sure to ask for the "bubblah!" The Prudential Center, or the "Pru" is a famous site in Boston that features shopping and restaurants and Bostonians rarely use the full name. Also make sure to learn how to pronounce the Massachusetts cities like Worcester and Woburn. Bostonians will instantly know you're not a native if you don't know the lingo!

5. Try new foods.

Boston features many different locations with different types of foods. From the Italian cuisine in the North End to Chinese food in Chinatown, you will never be disappointed by the wide range of options offered in the city. When you walk along Newbury Street you will find Italian restaurants, bars and of course, bakeries (Georgetown Cupcakes is a must)!

6. Go to sporting events.

Sports in New England are like no others. The fans at Fenway Park or at the Garden create an energy that you have never felt before. Part of the college experience is attending these sporting events and cheering on the great Boston teams. Whether it's going to a Celtics game at the TD Garden, a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, or adventuring down to Foxboro to watch the Patriots play, I can promise that you will not be disappointed.

7. Shopping

Boston is full of streets and shops with so much to be discovered. From the Pru, to Faneuil Hall, to Newbury Street, there is always somewhere to walk to go shopping. These places all feature shopping ranging in prices and styles, so there is always something for everyone. Finding a gift is never a challenge in the city since there are so many choices and places to look.

8. Take Advantage of Student Discounts.

Your college student ID is your secret weapon. Showing that at many stores and restaurants in Boston can get you decent discounts. With your student ID you can get $9 standing room tickets at Fenway for Red Sox games. Your ID also gets you 15% off at J. Crew, Vineyard Vines, Banana Republic and Madewell so maybe you can afford that shirt you have been eyeing online! You can also get Amazon Prime free for 6 months and then for only $50 a year after that! Definitely a huge savings!

9. Do Homework at Boston Public Library.

The world-famous Boston Public Library is a beautiful place to do homework off-campus. Taking the Green Line to Copley gets you right in front of the library. Inside you will find over 23 million items available for borrowing and research. With all of its resources, the Boston Public Library is the third-largest library in the country only behind the Library of Congress and the New York Public Library. The library also has branches around Boston in places such as the North End and Jamaica Plain.

Boston is a city with so much to see and discover. With so many colleges and universities, there are students everywhere itching to explore. Walking around this incredible city promises to reveal endless sites and hidden places. So go and find your favorite place in Boston!