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BU in Boston

Urban Campus:

• Boston University is in the heart of Boston allowing students to quickly integrate themselves into the city filled with opportunity and adventure.
• We’re an urban campus and we love it, yet we’re not all buildings and cement blocks. The Charles River flows next to campus and there are plenty of green spaces for finding peace and quiet
• While BU is an urban campus, we’re not all buildings and cement blocks. The Charles River flows next to campus and there are plenty of green spaces for finding peace and quiet from the BU Beach to a vegetable garden on the roof of Warren Towers.
• Our newest building, the Center for Computing & Data Sciences , is a 100% fossil fuel-free building and is one of the greenest buildings in New England. It is a great example of how BU can balance space in an urban environment.

BU has the most central campus in the city of many campuses, and we are the most closely connected to the city. There's an energy to our campus and the hustle and bustle that students love.

Being in the heart of Boston allows me to explore just the multitude of resources that exist. Whether that be through sitting in the Boston Commons, using the public library to study, or just going to the museums and exploring with my friends. Being in the heart of the city allows me to connect with the communities that are in Boston itself, but also at BU in a whole.

We're an urban campus and we love it. Our Center for Computing and Data Sciences is a great example of how BU uses space in an urban environment.

Here at Commonwealth Avenue, we have a couple of different transit options. From the T which is the platform we stand on to the BU Bus, the shuttle and the Blue Bikes. This makes it really easy to get around campus and interact with the greater city of Boston, through job opportunities, internships, and just general exploratory activities.

Along with unique buildings comes beautiful views of BU. Be sure to check out some of BU's awesome views at the College of Arts and Sciences observatory, and the fourth floor garden at Warren Towers.

We have a ton of green spaces and even a river running up and down it.

BU Beach is a have beautiful versatile green space on campus. On beautiful day, students love to play spike ball or put on a game of soccer do some extra homework or even just chat and have a picnic. Our urban campus does not mean a sea of concrete buildings.

And that does it guys. Thank you so much for joining me on a tour of our beautiful campus.

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Virtual Tour

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Boston University Virtual Tour

Are you considering boston u take a virtual tour of the campus below..

A visit to Boston University is ideal, but virtual tours can act to refresh your memory or as a preview for your on-site tour.

Why a Virtual Tour?

Inevitably, on-campus tours of classrooms, libraries, dorms, and dining halls will start to blend. Jog your memory using the virtual tour and even explore the area surrounding the campus using the interactive mapping tool. If you're just beginning your college search, a virtual tour can be a great way to get a feel for a campus before your visit. Remember, when you do go, be sure to ask current students about their college life. A student perspective can be the most helpful way to gauge your future experience at Boston U.

Use the resources below to start your virtual tour.

Using the Map

Click and drag the little orange person to a location on the map. Locations with panoramas appear as blue lines or blue dots when moving the orange person. The blue dots are panoramic views that you may swivel. The blue lines are paths that you can navigate along.

Panoramic View

You can "pan" or "swivel" the camera around by clicking on the image and dragging your mouse or finger. If you see a white arrow on the picture, you can click or tap on it to move in the direction of the arrow. This will also update the location of the little orange person on the map so you can get a better sense of where you are and what direction you are facing.

Continue Your Research on Boston U

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Accepted students are invited to attend one of several visit days.  Guided tours are not available outside of these visit days.  If you plan on visiting campus on your own, you may want to take a self-guided walking tour. Click on the link below to view the walking tour in PDF format.

• Self-Guided Walking Tour
• Directions, Maps, and Parking

Explore the ideas, artifacts, people, and places that have shaped our history for nearly 400 years.

Tour updates

Harvard visitor center tours.

All tours are 45 to 60 minutes long. Registration is required in advance for both in-person and virtual tours. Weekly tour registration will be available every Friday. You can download the Visit Harvard mobile app on iOS and Android devices. During business hours you may purchase a Self-Guided Tour Map for $3 available in multiple languages.

For information about Harvard College Admissions tours for prospective students, visit their website .

Official Historical Tour of Harvard

The free, student-led public walking tour through Harvard Yard provides a history of the University, general information, and a unique view on the students’ individual experience. 

Register for the in-person tour

Visit Harvard mobile app

Explore Harvard with our free mobile app, featuring a collection of self-guided walking tours. Whichever tour you decide to embark on, you’ll be sure to learn something new.

Download the app on  iOS  and  Android devices.

Historical Tour of Harvard

Learn the history behind well-known spots across Harvard’s campus! Each stop highlights iconic buildings, traditions, alumni, and much more.

Harvard Public Art & Culture Tour: Allston

Explore vibrant public art in Allston! You’ll encounter can’t-miss installations along Western Avenue and learn the stories behind them and their artists.

Harvard Public Art & Culture Tour: Cambridge

Discover a new side to our campus through an art-filled adventure! Explore outdoor art, famous architecture, renowned cultural institutions, and more.

Discover more Harvard tours

From nature walks to art galleries, these tour offerings include virtual options, in-person experiences, student and staff-led excursions, and more.

Tour spotlight

Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery

The Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery Walking Tour Experience explores Harvard University’s entanglements with the institution of slavery through a 10-stop tour around Harvard’s campus.

Learn more about the tour

Prospective students

Harvard College In-Person Campus Visit Options: in-person, student-led

Harvard College Virtual Tour Options: virtual

SEAS Tours Options: in-person, student-led

Harvard Business School Options: in-person, virtual, student-led, mobile

Harvard Law School Virtual Tour Video Options: virtual

Arts and culture

Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery Options: mobile

Harvard Art Museums: Student Guided Tours Options: in-person, student-led

Harvard Forest Field Trips & Tours Options: virtual, in-person, staff-led, self-guided

Arnold Arboretum: All Tours Options: in-person, virtual, staff-led, self-guided

Museums and libraries

Peabody Museum: All Tours Options: in-person, virtual, self-guided, staff-led

Houghton & Widener In-Person Tours Options: in-person, staff-led

Widener 360-Degree Virtual Tour Options: virtual, self-guided

Houghton Library Virtual Tour Options: virtual

Harvard Art Museums: Gallery Tours Options: in-person, self-guided, staff-led

Harvard Museums of Science & Culture: Virtual Tours Options: virtual, self-guided

Frequently asked questions

General tour information.

The Harvard University Visitor Center offers several different types of tours. For our in person tour offerings on campus, we provide the Official Historical Tour of Harvard. All tours are provided to the public for free and to private groups for a fee. Our tours typically run 45-60 minutes.

To view the schedule and register for our free public tours (virtual and in person), please visit our Eventbrite page . To request a virtual or in person private tour, visit this link .

We also offer a free self-guided historical tour through the Visit Harvard mobile app, which you can download on iOS and Android devices. You can take this self-guided tour on campus or from the comfort of your own home.

Information About Free In Person Tours

The in person Historical Tour of Harvard explores Harvard Yard. Tours depart from the Visitor Center which is located at the front desk in the Smith Campus Center. Our address is 1350 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138.

Registration for our in person tours must be made in advance. Registration is made available starting the Friday before your tour week. Parties of up to 14 persons can register for a free in person tour. Parties of 15-60 are encouraged to submit a request for a private tour .

Registered tour goers should arrive at the Visitor Center at least 15 minutes before your tour to check-in. Tours depart from the Smith Campus Center and end in Harvard Yard.

Information About the Visit Harvard Mobile App

Visit Harvard is a free mobile app by the Harvard Visitor Center that features a collection of self-guided tours centered around the Harvard University experience. The Visit Harvard mobile app can be downloaded by anyone with a smartphone, tablet, or desktop, to be enjoyed from wherever you might be visiting, whether it’s in-person at Harvard or from the comfort of your own home.

What tours are being offered in the mobile app? Currently on the app, visitors can take a mobile version of our popular in-person and virtual tour, the Historical Tour of Harvard.

How long is the mobile tour? This self-guided tour takes place across 14 mapped stops through Harvard’s campus. At a standard walking pace, it will take between 45-60 minutes to complete the 1 mile long tour.

Can I take the mobile tour in-person or virtually? The mobile tour is designed to be accessed in-person on Harvard University’s campus, starting at the Harvard Visitor Center, located at the Smith Campus Center in Harvard Square (1350 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA). It can also be viewed from the comfort of your own home. Simply download Visit Harvard in the app store, select the Historical Tour of Harvard, and begin your journey!

Where can I download the Visit Harvard mobile app? You can download the Visit Harvard mobile app on the Apple App Store and Google Play . There is also a desktop version of the app you can access here .

Learn More About the Harvard College Admissions Process

For more information about Harvard College Admissions, please visit their official website . Their contact information can be found here .

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UMass Boston

Explore Our Campus

Experience UMass Boston firsthand by visiting our campus. Discover the dynamic community, state-of-the-art facilities, and engaging academic programs that make UMass Boston a top choice for students.

Join us for a campus tour, explore our beautiful waterfront location, and meet our faculty and staff who are dedicated to your success. Plan your visit to UMass Boston today and take the first step towards an exceptional educational journey.

During your visit, get a taste of student life through student-led tours, campus events, and dining options. Don't miss the opportunity to explore our modern classrooms, research labs, and collaborative spaces designed to foster innovation and academic excellence.

Experience UMass Boston

Undergraduate in-person campus tours.

Schedule an in-person tour of UMass Boston's campus to experience the vibrant community firsthand.

Online Admissions Info Session

Connect with our admissions counselors and current students to discover if UMass Boston is the right fit for you.

Transfer Events

Attend an event designed specifically for transfer students. Both virtual and on-campus options!

Graduate Student Campus Tours

Schedule an in-person tour of UMass Boston designed specifically for graduate students.

Plan Your Visit

Navigate your way to UMass Boston with ease by accessing our directions page, which provides detailed instructions on how to reach our campus. Find the perfect accommodation for your stay by exploring our recommended hotels in the area. If you're planning a group visit, we're here to assist you.

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Visit Campus

Experience northeastern.

Interested in learning more about Northeastern? Schedule an in-person tour of our Boston or Oakland campus! Attending an upcoming tour? Please review this page carefully for location-specific information regarding arrival, parking, and other helpful tips to prepare for your visit.

Schedule a Visit

Register for an in-person information session and tour of our Boston or Oakland campus.

Led by admissions staff and a current student Husky Ambassador, your visit will provide you and your family with a firsthand look at life as a Northeastern student. Your information session will be 30 minutes long, and campus tours take 45-60 minutes.

Guests visiting our campus are expected to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 but are not required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test. For more information about our COVID-19 policies for events, click here .  

Interested in requesting a group tour for your school or organization? Scroll down for additional details .

Arrival and Parking

Both our Boston and Oakland campuses are located in busy urban areas. Whether you are driving, using a ride share service, or taking public transit, we encourage you to plan ahead for traffic and other slowdowns. Thank you for doing your best to arrive on time for your scheduled campus visit.

Boston tours depart from our Visitor Center located in West Village F at 40 Leon St., Boston, MA. Note that from September 12 through September 30, weekday tours will depart from the Raytheon Ampitheater in the Egan Research Center. Validated parking is available in the West Village Garage at 30 Leon St. If this garage reaches capacity, overflow parking is available in the Columbus Garage at 795 Columbus Ave. Please bring your ticket to the Visitor Center for validation during check-in.

If you are arriving using a ride share provider such as Uber or Lyft, we recommend entering 40 Leon St. as your destination. If you plan to use public transit, please visit the city of Boston’s MBTA website for the latest service updates and plan accordingly.

All visitors enter our Oakland campus through the main gate at 5000 Macarthur Blvd., Oakland, CA. When you arrive, check in with security at the main entrance and let them know you are visiting for an admissions tour. They will provide you with additional parking and arrival instructions. Tours begin at our Visitor Center located in Lisser Hall, and free parking is available along Richards Road as you drive into campus. Additional parking is also available behind Cowell Hall.

If you are arriving using a ride share provider such as Uber or Lyft, we recommend entering 5000 Macarthur Blvd. as your destination. If you plan to use public transit, please visit the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) website for the latest service updates and plan accordingly.

School, community-based organization, or other group visits

We welcome group tour requests for high schools, community-based organizations, or other groups of 10-50 visitors. The visit will consist of a tour of campus led by one of our tour guides. All groups are required to be accompanied by a chaperone. These visits must be approved by Admissions staff and further details regarding the visit will be provided upon tour request approval. Please note: Group visit requests must be made at least two weeks in advance and are not available on weekends. If you are interested in booking a group tour, please contact us at [email protected] .

What to Expect

Information sessions.

All campus visits begin with a 30-minute information session hosted by a member of our admissions staff. This session will offer a high-level overview of Northeastern’s experienced-powered approach to education and admissions process.

Campus Tours

Tours of our Boston and Oakland campuses showcase our academic facilities, university housing, and award-winning green space. We encourage guests to check the weather and dress accordingly.

If you have questions about your upcoming visit, please email us at [email protected]. Note that if you need to cancel or reschedule your tour, follow the link in your confirmation email to do so.

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Virtual Experience

There’s nothing like stepping foot on campus—but our interactive, engaging virtual experience is a close second.

Connect on Social

Follow us on Instagram for an inside look at the undergraduate experience. Watch live takeovers with current students, have your questions answered by the college deans, and learn more about life as a Husky.

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Visit northeastern.

Guide To A Harvard University Tour In Boston

I don’t see my role as a parent to push my children down certain paths, like going to Harvard University, or any college for that matter, but when I was given a chance to tour Harvard University on our trip to Boston, it was something I couldn’t pass up.

It’s not so much the Ivy League prestige of it all that interested me, but more the history and legacy of this great University, which once nurtured some of the greatest minds on the planet.

Former U.S. Presidents Barrack Obama, John F. Kennedy and Franklin Delano Roosevelt all went to Harvard, as well as technology geniuses Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg.

As a parent, I feel it is my duty to open up doors of possibility for my kids, and help them uncover for themselves which is the right door for them to eventually walk through.

So, I couldn’t pass up the chance to tour of Harvard University just to show them what paths are ahead of them. In this guide, I’ve shared what I learned, what there is to see when visiting Harvard University, and what to expect from the tour.

Is A Harvard University Tour Worth It?

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Harvard University is one of the most prestigious colleges in the world. Of course you have heard of it.

A visit to this university is not just about weighing up the pros and cons of a Harvard college degree and talking with the current students about what you have to do to get in – it’s about learning about its history and legacy.

A chance to learn about the history, famous faces who attended this prestigious institution and to hear about daily life as a student, are all good reasons to visit Harvard University.

Harvard tours can be pre-booked in advance via Get your Guide . They are also on the GO Boston Card, which is worth getting if you intend to visit several attractions in Boston. ( Click here to learn more about the Boston City Pass ).

You can also book a tour directly from The Harvard University Visitor Center, located within the Smith Campus Center.

If you go on a Boston Duck Tour , which we did and is fantastic, you also get free Harvard walking tours on the weekday and 50% off on weekends.

Our Experience Touring Harvard University

On our trip to Boston , I did not want to leave without seeing Harvard for myself and imagining what life as a student in Harvard would be like.

I also wanted the girls to gain an insight into Harvard University Campus life so they could begin to think about their future.

How can I help them see what is possible through that door and path, without me telling them about it?

It’s amazing how much children will learn and gravitate towards things when they hear it, or experience it, from people other than their parents.

If I want my girls to learn something in particular to help them grow into extraordinary young women, I often give them a book about it, or send them to  rock climbing camps, to help them learn it from themselves.

Again, opening the door and letting them walk through it.

We joined a student led walking historical tour of Harvard in the city of Cambridge MA, just outside of Boston, on the last morning of our Dallas to Boston road trip.

The benefit of the 70 minute Harvard University tours are that they are guided by current Harvard students.

Our guide, Tim, graduated with a history concentration (major) just a few days before taking our tour.

When a young boy asked why it was spelt “Hahvahd” on his shirt he switched to a Bostonian accent to show how Bostonian people don’t pronounce their ‘r’s giving a few examples, which sounded exactly like an Australian accent!

No wonder I kept thinking I was hearing a few Aussies in Boston!

Tim was friendly, informative, and clearly loved learning at Harvard. Tim had a very grounded energy and a confident belief about himself and his future.

I got the impression Harvard was largely responsible for this and it made me happy to see the kind of adults it was helping to bring into the world, who will hopefully use that education to make it a better place for all.

Holding people to a higher standard is essential for creating exceptional humans and societies.

That’s what I wanted my girls to see.

Tim had an opportunity to go to Harvard because of football. He was invited to play on the team and took advantage of that opportunity to get an education at one of the best colleges in the world.

An education that has now helped him to pursue a talent and interest in the music recording world in Los Angeles.

It was something he never even knew he wanted to do until his final year.

I loved how my girls heard this story and I hope were able to discover a few clues about each phase of life. It has many twists and turns and new doors to discover.

You don’t have to know all the answers or even which path you want to walk down, but the key is to show up, take adventure of opportunities (or so called luck), work hard, have fun and be passionate, and be a decent person. Y Travel Blog

The world really is your oyster.

Highlights of A Tour Of Harvard Campus

Below are some of the highlights from our Harvard University tour.

We loved learning about the history of Harvard, including the untold stories and lore.

If you’re not familiar with the history of Harvard, allow me to share what I learned. It was founded in 1636, and is the oldest university in the United States.

Its establishment came just 16 years after the arrival of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, signifying its deep roots in American history.

It was originally named Harvard College after its first benefactor, John Harvard, and very quickly solidified itself as THE place of educational advancement and innovative leadership.

Over the centuries, Harvard has expanded from just academic offerings and evolved into a place of research and influence. In 1782, it incorporated medical studies into its programs and is now one of the pioneers in advancements in the field of medicine.

The university’s original, iconic buildings, some of which still stand today, date back to the 18th century, but its impact extends far beyond the confines of its campus.

Harvard has an enduring history of innovation and is a beacon of knowledge, innovation, and prestige. Whether you’re a student or not, it continues to inspire and cultivate the minds of the next generation.

Being lead by a Harvard University student meant we could learn real-life, personal stories and tips about what it’s like to live and study at Harvard.

We learned how difficult it is to be accepted into Harvard and how important it is to show academic commitment and good grades, even if you do have an athletic ability, your grades are equally as important.

While I understand getting accepted into the right university here in the USA creates high pressure and stressful situation for high school students, I do like how it helps young teenagers to think about their future from an early age and make responsible choices to avoid getting into trouble and getting bad grades.

They understand early on there can be a a high price to pay if they goof off and miss out on opportunities as a result and destroy their future.

As college is not such a rite of passage for Australians, I don’t think we have such a consequence connection at such a young age, nor a deep commitment and passion for our future.

More importantly, he shared about the transformative experience of Harvard and how it trains you for life, opens so many future doors of possibilities and helps you walk out as a much better person.

Educated, confident, introspective, and so open to life and opportunities.

I think college life in America would be something the girls would love.

As Tim said, he’s not really doing anything with his degree that concentrated (majored) in history, but, it was an education and training that has helped prepare him for life and whatever career path he will follow.

I can see how valuable it is and just having “Harvard Graduate” attached to your name can bring many opportunities as it’s well recognized as a college that creates exceptional, well rounded, and educated people.

Whether they do or not, they are talking about it and considering it.

Harvardians (a name for anyone who attended Harvard) come from all walks of life.

You don’t have to be super rich or come from a family of alumni to attend. You don’t need to come into good fortune, or have good luck. Any type of learner can study here, as long as you demonstrate the values that Harvard look for.

On our campus tour, we learned all about the most famous people to attend Harvard, from political leaders, innovators, and scientific thinkers, who have all contributed to the ongoing narrative of educational excellence that this school provides.

Notable alumni of Harvard are John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, renowned for his inspirational leadership during a pivotal era in American history, as well as the distinguished Barack Obama, who made history as the first African American President of the United States and continues to be a prominent global figure in politics and advocacy.

In the realm of technology, visionaries such as Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook, whose innovative platform revolutionized social networking, as well as Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, emerged from Harvard.

The university also counts award-winning actors and actresses among its alumni, including Natalie Portman, Matt Damon, Conan O’Brien, and Rashida Jones.

Stops on the Harvard University Tour

So, what do you actually see on a Harvard University tour? Of course, you cannot enter the entire campus, it’s a real-life, working university and people have classes to attend.

However, you do get to visit some notable places that have shaped the history of the university.

Here’s where the Harvard University tour takes you…

Harvard Square was the meeting point for the Harvard University tour. It’s the beating heart of the university and is where more than 8 million people visit each year.

The square is surrounded by bookstores, cafes, restuarants and shops, and you often see street performers and musicians busking in the center.

Visiting the square gives you an idea of the vibrancy of the campus and its surroundings, and it doesn’t stop there.

Sadly for us, we could not visit Harvard Yard due to Graduation ceremonies, which is the main area of Harvard University campus. It’s where the freshman students live and where they take their classes.

It’s the place where you’ll find the statue of John Harvard, the founder of Harvard College. The statue, designed by Daniel Chester French, is said to bring you good luck if you rub the boot of John Harvard.

It’s also where the infamous Midnight scream takes place.

If you haven’t heard of this tradition, it’s when students naked streak around the Yard on the night before their finals to help them let off steam!!

Tim did an excellent job of helping us overcome this disappointment by painting a great picture of life inside the Yard and taking us to as many places as he could around Harvard.

Inside Harvard Yard, you will find:

• Harvard Hall, a classroom building that was the first hall of Harvard. The original building caught fire in 1764, and more than 4,500 books from the college library were destroyed. It was rebuilt 2 years later and housed a larger library.
• Massachusetts Hall  is the oldest surviving building on the campus. It was built in 1718-1720 and was originally a dormitory and to this day still houses Freshman on the fourth floor. During the siege of Boston, one of the most notable historical events in USA history, it was ransacked by soldiers and many of its original fixtures and fittings were removed, but the main architectural structure remains untouched.
• University Hall , which is notable for its white-brick facade, once contained the Cambridge Commons (a dining room), a library, a chapel and classrooms, but today houses administrative offices and the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. You will find the statue of John Harvard outside its Western side.
• Sever Hall , built between 1878 – 1880 by Anne Sever in honor of her husband, James Warren Sever. It’ features’s used as a general purpose classroom building and contains classrooms, lecture halls, offices for professors and other rooms where attendees can do their scholarly work.
• Harvard Science Center is a more modern building, built in 1972, and contains the main classrooms and laboratories for undergrads in science and mathematics.
• The Memorial Church of Harvard University is a Protestant church, affectionately known as “MemChurch” and has stood in Harvard Yard for over 400 years.

Located on the banks of the Charles River is The Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library, or Widener Library for short.

It houses around 3.5 million books containing research collections in humanities and social sciences, and is the beating heart of the Harvard College Libraries.

It was named after Harvard College graduate and Harry Elkins Widener, whose mother commissioned the building after he died in the sinking of the RMS Titanic.

The Sanders Theatre, also known as Memorial Hall, is famous for its English design and acoustics. It has 1,000 seats and was built as a major lecture hall.

Today, it hosts undergraduate lectures, the prestigious Charles Eliot Norton Lectures, and thePhi Beta Kappa induction ceremony which takes place every year.

Some notable figures who have lectured here are Theodore Roosevelt and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Occasionally, it has musical events too.

On the campus of the university is the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.

It contains artifacts, objects and images from communities around the world and aims to educate on global diversity.

The Harvard Museum of Natural History contains collections and historical snippets from the research of scientists across the University, focusing on the natural world and the human place in it.

We didn’t go in the museum, but it’s considered one of the top attractions on the campus of Harvard University.

The Harvard Art Museums are made up of three separate museums; the Fogg Museum, Busch-Reisinger Museum, and Arthur M. Sackler Museum.

The Fogg Museum is both an art museum and teaching facility for art scholars. The museum contains a large collection of plaster casts, photographs, Western paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, prints, and drawings from the Middle Ages to today.

The Busch-Reisinger Museum is a Germanic Museum, dedicated to the study of all modes and periods of art from German-speaking countries in Europe.

The Arthur M. Sackler Museum contains Harvard’s collections of Asian, ancient, and Islamic and later Indian art.

Of course, a tour would not be complete without passing by the Gift Shop. Here you can buy all your nick-nacks, trinkets and souvenirs to take home with you, from baseball caps to jumpers!

Final Thoughts

Giving my daughters a chance to learn is one of the reasons why I love to travel with them, and why I continue to do so despite it being so hard.

I often think of quitting and putting them back into school – so badly do I need a break and some sort of separation and individuality.

But then we get these results from the standardized homeschooling tests , and then I think about the box I’d be putting them back into and how much they’d loose from not traveling and experiencing these many different doors of possibility.

Travel shows them all the different paths that are available to them. You only know what you know, right? Travel helps them to uncover who they truly are.

At the end of our Harvard campus tour, the girls had a gleam in their eye as they spoke about Harvard and college and Harvard University tuition costs.

I could see they recognized the possibility and saw themselves in it.

Harvard was an experience that excited them. I was so grateful to Tim our guide for painting a picture of what Harvard was like as a student.

I think Kalyra loved how Hogwarts-like it sounded. Savannah flat out said, “I want to go to Harvard. Can you get me in?” (update: Six years later, Harvard is still on her college list. But she’s also since been to Oxford, UK and NYU in New York and have both of them on her list as well!)

Well, Harvard offers no scholarships, so we better come up with a really good investment savings plan!!

• Buy your Harvard “Hahvahad” walking tours here .
• Get your Boston Go Card here
• Boston Duck Tours (also included on the Premium Boston Go Card
• Find your Boston accommodation here . (We stayed at this lovely modern apartment in South Boston, which we booked through Booking.com)
• Things to do in Boston with kids
• The informative Boston Freedom Trail walking tour
• A 3 day trip to Martha’s Vineyard
• What to do in Boston from a local’s perspective
• Attending a Red Sox Game at Fenway
• Dallas to Boston road trip
• A Revolutionary War road trip idea

Around 100 arrested after Columbia University calls in police to end pro-Palestinian occupation

The scene unfolded shortly after 9 p.m. as police, wearing helmets and carrying zip ties and riot shields, massed at the ivy league university’s entrance, by associated press • published 4 hours ago • updated 3 hours ago.

Police cleared 30 to 40 people from inside Columbia University's Hamilton Hall late Tuesday after pro-Palestinian protesters occupied the administration building in New York earlier in the day.

The scene unfolded shortly after 9 p.m. as police, wearing helmets and carrying zip ties and riot shields, massed at the college's entrance. Scores of officers climbed through a window to enter the occupied building, streaming in over a ramp raised from the top of a police vehicle to get inside. Multiple protesters were taken into custody and taken away from campus on buses.

In all, nearly 100 people were arrested during Tuesday's confrontation, with about 40 of them coming from inside the building, an NYPD spokesperson told NBC News. Hamilton Hall was cleared by police just before 11 p.m.

The confrontation occurred more than 12 hours after the demonstrators took over Hamilton Hall shortly after midnight Tuesday, spreading their reach from an encampment elsewhere on the grounds that’s been there for nearly two weeks to protest the Israel-Hamas war. The police action happened on the 56th anniversary of a similar police action to quash an occupation of Hamilton Hall by students protesting racism and the Vietnam War.

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The university, in a statement issued after the police entered the campus, described its decision to seek NYPD aid as a last resort. The police department had previously said officers wouldn't enter the grounds without the college administration’s request or an imminent emergency. Now, law enforcement will be there through May 17, the end of the university's commencement events.

Israel-Hamas war protesters arrested in Texas, others defy Columbia University demand to leave camp

What sparked the war between Israel and Hamas?

“After the University learned overnight that Hamilton Hall had been occupied, vandalized, and blockaded, we were left with no choice,” the school's statement said, adding that school public safety personnel were forced out of the building and one facilities worker was “threatened.”

“The decision to reach out to the NYPD was in response to the actions of the protesters, not the cause they are championing," the statement said. "We have made it clear that the life of campus cannot be endlessly interrupted by protesters who violate the rules and the law.”

Columbia's protests earlier this month kicked off demonstrations that now span from California to Massachusetts. As May commencement ceremonies near , administrators face added pressure to clear protesters.

More than 1,000 protesters have been arrested over the last two weeks on campuses in states including Texas , Utah, Virginia , North Carolina, New Mexico, Connecticut , Louisiana, California and New Jersey, some after confrontations with police in riot gear.

Tuesday’s police action at Columbia comes exactly 56 years after officers swept into Hamilton Hall to arrest  protesters occupying the building in 1968 . The students taken into custody on that April 30 had taken over the hall and other campus buildings for a week to protest racism and the Vietnam War.

Former President Donald Trump called into Sean Hannity’s show on Fox News Channel to comment on Columbia's turmoil as live footage of police clearing Hamilton Hall aired. Trump praised the officers.

“But it should never have gotten to this," he told Hannity. "And they should have done it a lot sooner than before they took over the building because it would have been a lot easier if they were in tents rather than a building. And tremendous damage done, too.”

In a letter to senior NYPD officials, Columbia President Minouche Shafik said the administration was making the request that police remove protesters from the occupied building and a nearby tent encampment “with the utmost regret.”

Earlier in the day, New York City Mayor Eric Adams advised the protesters to leave before police arrived.

Photos: Pro-Palestinian demonstrations on US college campuses

“Walk away from this situation now and continue your advocacy through other means,” he said. “This must end now.”

Before officers arrived, the White House condemned the standoffs at Columbia and California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, where protesters had occupied two buildings until officers with batons intervened overnight and arrested 25 people. Officials estimated the northern California campus' total damage to be upwards of $1 million.

President Joe Biden believes students occupying an academic building is “absolutely the wrong approach,” and “not an example of peaceful protest,” said National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby.

Other colleges have sought to negotiate agreements with the demonstrators in the hopes of having peaceful commencement ceremonies. As cease-fire negotiations  appeared to gain steam, it wasn’t clear whether those talks would inspire an easing of protests.

Northwestern University notched a rare win when officials said they reached a compromise with students and faculty who represent the majority of protesters on its campus near Chicago to allow peaceful demonstrations through the end of spring classes.

The nationwide campus protests began at Columbia in response to Israel’s offensive in Gaza after Hamas launched a deadly attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7. Militants killed about 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took roughly 250 hostages. Vowing to stamp out Hamas, Israel has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, according to the local health ministry.

Israel and its supporters have branded the university protests as antisemitic, while Israel’s critics say it uses those allegations to silence opposition. Although some protesters have been caught on camera making antisemitic remarks or violent threats, organizers of the protests, some of whom are Jewish, say it is a peaceful movement aimed at defending Palestinian rights and protesting the war.

On Columbia’s campus, protesters first set up a tent encampment almost two weeks ago. The school sent in police to clear the tents the following day, arresting more than 100 people, only for the students to return – and inspire a wave of similar encampments at campuses across the country.

Negotiations between the protesters and the college came to a standstill in recent days, and the school set a deadline for the activists to abandon the tent encampment Monday afternoon or be suspended.

Instead, protestors defied the ultimatum and took over Hamilton Hall early Tuesday, carrying in furniture and metal barricades. The demonstrators dubbed the building Hind’s Hall, honoring a young girl who was killed in Gaza under Israeli fire, and issued demands for divestment, financial transparency and amnesty.

The Columbia University Chapter of the American Association of University Professors said faculty’s efforts to help defuse the situation have been repeatedly ignored by the university’s administration despite school statutes that require consultation.

Ilana Lewkovitch, a self-described “leftist Zionist” student at Columbia, said it’s been hard to concentrate on school for weeks, amid calls for Zionists to die or leave campus. Her exams have been punctuated with chants of “say it loud, say it clear, we want Zionists out of here” in the background, she said.

Lewkovitch, who identifies as Jewish and studied at Columbia’s Tel Aviv campus, said she wished the current pro-Palestinian protests were more open to people like her who criticize Israel’s war policies but believe there should be an Israeli state.

Adams claimed Tuesday that the Columbia protests have been “co-opted by professional outside agitators.” The mayor didn’t provide specific evidence to back up that contention, which was disputed by protest organizers and participants.

NYPD officials made similar claims about “outside agitators” during the huge, grassroots demonstrations against racial injustice that erupted across the city after the death of George Floyd in 2020. In some instances, top police officials falsely labeled peaceful marches organized by well-known neighborhood activists as the work of violent extremists.

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• International

Protests at Columbia and other schools escalate

Chandelis Duster, Christina Zdanowicz and Lucy Bayly

Follow the latest live coverage about pro-Palestinian protests on US college campuses here.

Rep. Torres: Columbia president “should step aside” if she cannot lead with moral clarity

From CNN's Chandelis Duster

New York Rep. Ritchie Torres, a Democrat, criticized Columbia University President Minouche Shafik, saying she has “chosen to surrender control of Columbia to an antisemitic fringe." Torres also said canceling in-person classes is “an admission of failure” by Shafik.

“If you cannot ensure the safety of your students, then you have no business serving as President of any university, let alone the alma mater of Alexander Hamilton,” Torres said in a statement. “What Columbia University needs is not an appeaser of antisemitism but a leader who will fight with moral clarity against it.”

He continued, “That Columbia University has failed its Jewish students so profoundly is an indelible stain on the soul of the institution. If the President of Columbia University cannot lead with moral clarity, then she should step aside for a true leader who can and will.”

Hakeem Jeffries: Antisemitic rhetoric "unacceptable and deeply disturbing"

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Tuesday condemned antisemitism amid ongoing protests at Columbia University and other colleges across the US. 

“The antisemitic rhetoric and intimidation deployed by some students and outside protestors on college campuses in New York City and beyond is completely unacceptable and deeply disturbing,” Jeffries, a Democrat who also represents New York, said in a statement. “Every American has the constitutional right to free speech and peaceful assembly in the public square. However, intentionally targeting Jews or any community on the basis of race, religion or ethnicity, acts of harassment and the use of physical violence will never be tolerated.” 

He also said the effort to crush antisemitism and hatred “is not a Democratic or Republican issue. It’s an American issue that should bind us all together.”

“We will continue to do everything possible to protect the Jewish community during this very fraught moment, fight the cancer of antisemitism and redouble our efforts to bring communities together,” Jeffries said.

Trump says Columbia University made “grave mistake” making classes hybrid amid tense demonstrations on campus

From CNN's Kate Sullivan

Former President Donald Trump said Tuesday he thought leadership at Columbia University made a “grave mistake” in making all classes at its main campus hybrid until the spring semester ends after days of tense demonstrations on campus.

“What's going on with the colleges where they're closing Columbia now? I mean, it's just crazy. Columbia should gain a little strength, a little courage and keep their school open. It's crazy. Because that means the other side wins,” Trump told reporters at Trump Tower as he took a few questions after greeting former Japanese prime minister Taro Aso.

 Trump said, “The people running Columbia have made a grave mistake.”

Barnard students on suspension "no longer have access" to most campus buildings

From CNN's John Towfighi

Barnard President Laura Rosenbury confirmed in a statement yesterday that students on interim suspension "no longer have access to most Barnard buildings."

She said Dean Leslie Grinage is "helping students find alternative housing arrangements when needed."

The statement also said Barnard will consider lifting suspensions for students who have an otherwise clean record and commit to a probationary period.

A Barnard student alleged on X that she was suspended and evicted from housing.

Correction: This post has been updated to correct President Rosenbury's first name. It is Laura.

House Speaker Johnson to visit Columbia University Wednesday

From CNN's Melanie Zanona

House Speaker Mike Johnson will head to Columbia University Wednesday to visit with Jewish students and deliver remarks and hold a press conference “regarding the troubling rise of virulent antisemitism on America’s college campuses,” according to his office.

This comes as pro-Palestinian protests have rocked major American universities, including Columbia. After days of tense demonstrations, Columbia University announced it is  moving to mostly hybrid classes  on its main campus until the end of the semester, April 29.

New York House Republicans have called on Columbia president Minouche Shafik to resign immediately for failing to crack down on the protests.

Students, faculty and staff at University of New Mexico protest in support of Gaza

From CNN's Taylor Romine

Students, faculty and staff at the University of New Mexico started protesting Monday in support of Gaza and have done so peacefully, the university said in a statement Tuesday. 

On Tuesday, "members of our UNM community assembled at the UNM Duck Pond in peaceful protest," the statement said. Some people brought tents and sleeping bags, which is in violation of school policy, and campus police told them citations or arrests would occur if not removed, they said. 

"Police monitored the situation throughout the evening, without incident, and around midnight advised those who were remaining that their tents needed to be taken down or they would be cited," the statement said. "The tents were eventually taken down, with some people remaining at the duck pond."

As of Tuesday, there are about a dozen people at the duck pond with banners and chairs, but no tents, the statement said, and the university continues to monitor the situation. 

"The University is grateful to our entire community for modeling how protests can occur in a way that both upholds freedom of expression and ensures a safe and productive campus environment for everyone," the statement said. 

Students at Columbia University encampment say they plan to occupy until demands are met

From CNN's Omar Jimenez and Taylor Romine

Students occupying the West Lawn at Columbia University said Tuesday they are planning on staying there until the university meets their demands of divestment.

They are asking for a “complete divestment” from anything related to Israel, financial transparency into the university’s investments and amnesty from any disciplinary measures for students participating in the protests.  

“This is what we are here for – calling for an end to genocide and for Columbia to financially divest from the violent Zionist settler entity,” a student who identified themself as W told CNN. 

“We are putting our principles into action, and we plan to continue to do so by being here every day until Columbia divests." 

The group is in negotiations with the university through a legal negotiator, said student organizer Khymani James, who declined to share details of the negotiations.  

When asked about the encampment making Jewish students feel unsafe on campus, W said protesters try their best “to make sure everyone feels safe in the encampment," and their community guidelines “preach and hope for peace continuously.” 

Columbia University officials warn ongoing encampment is in violation of university rules

From CNN's Sara Smart

Columbia University officials warned Tuesday that the ongoing encampment is in violation of university rules — but school leaders have not given specifics on disciplinary actions.

“The safety of our community is our number one priority,” university spokesperson Ben Chang said in a press conference Tuesday afternoon. “That includes the safety of the encampment that continues to grow. We are watching this closely.”

University officials met with student organizers until 2 am ET Tuesday to discuss the situation, Chang said. “Columbia students have the right to protest but they are not allowed to disrupt campus life or harass and intimidate fellow students and members of our community," he added.

Chang said acts of vandalism, reports of harassment and discrimination have all been reported during the ongoing protest.

Officials will not release the specifics of student suspensions as “disciplinary actions continue” on campus.

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Boston police arrest 100 as crackdown on campus Palestine protests ramps up

At least 93 students detained at USC and 34 arrested in Austin while House speaker faced jeers at Columbia University

More than 100 people were arrested at Emerson College in Boston early on Thursday in the latest crackdown against the rising wave of campus pro-Palestinian protests across the US that has seen the House speaker, Mike Johnson , suggest calling in the national guard.

Johnson waded into an already tense situation on Wednesday with a visit to Columbia University, where the decision last week of the university president, Minouche Shafik, to invite the NYPD to dismantle a student encampment catalysed what is rapidly becoming a national movement. Johnson nevertheless called for the resignation of Shafik, facing jeers on campus from the pro-Palestinian protesters.

At University of Texas in Austin at least 34 protesters, including a member of the media from a local news station, were arrested overnight, while at 93 more were detained by police dressed in riot gear at the University of Southern California (USC), the Los Angeles Times reported .

In mass arrests at USC , militarized officers were filmed appearing to shoot rubber bullets into a crowd of peaceful demonstrators. While described as “less-lethal weapons”, rubber bullets can cause serious injury or even death . Further north at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, protesters barricaded themselves in a university building using furniture, tents, chains and zip-ties, prompting a campus shutdown.

The arrests in Boston came after Emerson officials ordered student protesters on Wednesday to dismantle their encampment-style demonstration in the city’s Boylston Place Alley, where students had been protesting since Sunday, WBZ-TV reported .

Students say they were peacefully protesting when the mass arrests began around 1.30am on Thursday. One student who spoke to WBZ-TV anonymously said that students were “dragged” and “pushed away … without much regard for [their] safety.” A Boston police spokesperson told WBZ-TV that four officers were injured, all non-life-threatening.

The original encampments at Columbia called for the university to divest from weapons manufacturers with ties to Israel. The protests have led to mass suspensions of students, and the arrests of hundreds .

At Columbia, flanked by a number of Republican members of Congress, Johnson denounced the demonstrations as “mob rule” and condemned what he called a “virus of antisemitism” at colleges nationwide.

“And it’s detestable, as Columbia has allowed these lawless agitators and radicals to take over,” he said. “If this is not contained quickly and if these threats and intimidation are not stopped, there is an appropriate time for the national guard.”

Johnson’s speech drew boos from the crowd, as he also called for the resignation of Shafik, who he accused of failing to protect Jewish students and allowing protests that led to the arrest of dozens of people there last week.

As temperatures rose, Kathy Hochul, the Democratic governor of New York , called Johnson’s trip “divisive”, while the Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez assailed authorities for the “reckless and dangerous act” of calling police to non-violent demonstrations.

Hochul accused Johnson of “politicizing” the issue, and “adding to the division”, according to the New York Post . “There’s a lot more responsibilities and crises to be dealt with in Washington,” she said.

Most of the protests involve pro-Palestinian students, some of them Jewish, demanding their schools cut financial ties to Israel and divest from companies they consider to be enabling the brutal conflict in Gaza.

More than 140 students, faculty members and others were arrested on Monday night at a protest at New York University’s Manhattan campus.

At UC Berkeley, meanwhile, the “Free Palestine Camp” has grown over three days into a sit-in demanding their school sever its financial connections to BlackRock and other asset managers they see as complicit for financing genocide in Gaza . UC Berkeley holds a $427m investment in a BlackRock portfolio.

Some protesters are also calling for an academic boycott, which would end collaborations with Israeli universities and the establishment of a new Palestinian studies program.

Police responding to a demonstration at USC got into a back-and-forth tugging match with protesters over tents. As of 7pm local time more than a dozen people were arrested at the campus, according to a Los Angeles Times reporter on the scene. Video shows officers shoving students.

At Cal Poly Humboldt, a public university on California’s northern coast, the campus has been closed and classes are being held remotely after pro-Palestinian protesters barricaded themselves in a building for a sit-in. Dozens of students remain inside the building and have blocked entrances with furniture, according to the university, while others occupied another nearby building. Students there told the Sacramento Bee they felt compelled to take action.

“I think the solution is to get involved, because at least I can feel like I’m doing my part. Even if it’s not enough, I’m doing the best I can to make something of it. I find peace in that,” one student said.

At UT Austin, hundreds of local and state police – including some on horseback and holding batons – clashed with protesters, pushing them off the campus lawn and at one point sending some tumbling into the street.

A photographer covering the demonstration for Fox 7 Austin was arrested after being caught in a push-and-pull between officers and students, the station confirmed. A longtime Texas journalist was knocked down in the mayhem and could be seen bleeding before police helped him to emergency medical staff who bandaged his head.

Faculty at UT Austin will be striking in response to what they called a “militarized response” to a “peaceful, planned action”, stating on X that they are refusing to hold classes starting on Thursday.

At Columbia, the focal point of national student demonstrations, Shafik said on Wednesday that she had extended by 48 hours a deadline for talks with protest leaders for the dismantling of a tent encampment on Columbia’s west lawn.

Some Jewish students at Columbia said they had been physically blocked by protesters from attending classes, and subjected to racial hatred by demonstrators demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and for the university to divest from companies linked to Israel’s military operations.

Protest organizers blame outside actors for particularly inflammatory rhetoric against Jewish students.

Johnson’s visit to Columbia follows a number of other trips there this week by bipartisan groups of politicians. Three competing delegations attended on Monday, Axios reported , with the entirety of New York’s Republican congressional delegation demanding Shafik’s resignation, and Democrats criticizing her for not protecting Jewish students and faculty.

Joe Biden does not plan to visit Columbia when he visits New York on Friday, the White House and campaign officials told CNN. The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, said in a Wednesday statement that Biden believes free speech, debate and nondiscrimination are important on college campuses, adding that “students should feel safe on college campuses”.

The Associated Press contributed reporting

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Vacation on campus: events in boston this summer.

As the school year ends and everyone starts leaving campus for their much-deserved summer getaway, I dream of a romantic summer voyage. My summer home will be nestled in a serene neighborhood with a waterfront view. No, not Greece or the Bahamas. My summer expedition will be much more extravagant…. I’ll be staying right on campus.  

After spending the school year here, staying on campus over the summer was not the change in environment that I was expecting at first. However, after spending my previous summers in familiar Cambridge, I have come to appreciate the charms that campus life offers during the summer months.  

If you, like me, are staying around campus this summer (let’s please hang out), there are plenty of events to see, do, and explore around the area on a budget

- Farmers Markets : Embrace the vibrant spirit of summer by strolling through the local farmers' markets. Every Tuesday, Farmer’s Market at Harvard bursts to life with an array of fresh produce, delectable baked goods, and artisanal delights. Me and my friends’ Tuesday ritual was savoring in the Date Walnut Scone from Endurance Baking as we walked along the Charles River with our homemade matcha. When I am craving some fresh fruits, I love venturing out to Boston Haymarket, where I can get vegetables and fruits for under $4!  

- Get Creative with Ceramics : Amidst the summer internship or research hustle, expand your creativity and serenity in pottery classes offered through Harvard's Ceramics Program . Whether you are simply seeking for a therapeutic venture, just getting into pottery making, or a returning expert, these classes, often low-cost for undergraduates, offer a chance to wind down at the end of the day. Plus, you might get a vase to put your Farmer’s Market flowers in it!  

- Explore Cultural Gems around Boston : If you want to draw some inspiration for your ceramics project, consider immersing in the city’s rich culture. With free admissions to museums like the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts with your student ID, museum dates are a classic activity. Taking the free M2 shuttle will take you right next to the museums. For a fun intersection between technology and art, explore the new MIT Museum to check out modern work.  

- Catch a Ball Game : Take me out to the ballll gammeeee! The excitement of summer in Boston is attributed to a visit to Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. With discounted student tickets starting at $9 and the free M2 shuttle to take you straight to the field, you can be energized by the electric atmosphere .  

- Enjoy Outdoor Movies and Events : The Boston night sky is truly so beautiful in the summer, especially when there are not a lot of heavy snowstorms or rainfalls. Wrap up your summer evenings with outdoor movies in the park with some blankets and Trader Joe’s snacks.  

- Adding Movement : The day-to-day routine of internships and research in the lab can feel sedentary, but Boston is the ideal place for outdoor movement. During the extended daylight hours of the summer, I love biking along the Charles River or joining group fitness classes at the Harvard Rec.  

- Day Trips and Beach Escapes : Day trips to nearby towns like Newburyport or Salem offer their own unique charm. And for those craving sun, sand, and sea, a quick ride on the T Blue Line will transport us to Revere Beach for a rejuvenating beach day. You have to check out the annual sand-castle sculpting contest !  

So while campus may not be the romantic beach summer vacation I was hoping, I have truly appreciated the quaint and serene environment of campus. Campus is still the vibrant place filled with friends and company, but without the added stress of schoolwork!

So…when is our next museum date? 

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About 100 people detained from Northeastern University pro-Palestinian protest

About 100 people were detained from a pro-Palestinian protest at Northeastern University’s Boston campus Saturday morning, according to university officials.

The university said its police department, with the help of local law enforcement, began clearing "an unauthorized encampment" on the campus early in the morning.

"What began as a student demonstration two days ago, was infiltrated by professional organizers with no affiliation to Northeastern," the university said in its statement on X . "Last night, the use of virulent anti-Semitic slurs, including 'Kill the Jews,' crossed the line. We cannot tolerate this kind of hate on our campus."

Video circulating online appears to show the statement being made by a counterprotester holding an Israeli flag, who was met with boos from other protesters on campus. It's not clear if the person who said the antisemitic phrase was among those detained or disciplined.

The leading student organization behind the protest, Huskies for a Free Palestine, or HFP, called the administration’s statement "false narratives," and accused the administration of implying the phrase was said by pro-Palestinian protesters and using it "as justification to arrest over 100 Northeastern faculty, workers, and students."

University spokesperson Renata Nyul said, “That language has no place on any university campus” no matter the context.

The university said that of the approximately 100 people police detained, students “who produced a valid Northeastern ID were released.”

“They will face disciplinary proceedings within the university, not legal action,” the statement said. “Those who refused to disclose their affiliation were arrested.”

Videos posted on HFP's Instagram showed what the group says were students being arrested. Police officers in riot gear could also be seen in videos on campus.

"Why are you in riot gear? I don’t see no riot here," protesters could be heard chanting to the officers, along with, "Who do you serve? Who do you protect?"

In other videos posted to HFP's Instagram, protesters chanted, "Free, free Palestine," and, "Disclose, divest. We will not stop, we will not rest."

In an update shared Saturday afternoon, the university said the quad in Centennial Common, where people were protesting, "was fully secured and all campus operations have returned to normal."

"We want to thank NUPD, our Student Life staff, and the university’s external partners for their flawless execution this morning," the statement read. The university would not clarify who said the antisemitic slur mentioned in their original statement.

HFP shared a message to the administration on Instagram regarding the arrests, which the group says were mostly of nonviolent students.

"We sincerely hope that northeastern university administration is aware. You may arrest peaceful protestors. But you CAN NOT stop the movement," the statement read. "We are students against genocide, and we always will be. Your intimidation will never change that."

The student group said it is participating in the protest because Northeastern "refuses to even address the catastrophic humanitarian crisis that the Genocide against Palestinians had created" and "refuses to cut ties to weapon manufacturers doing business with the Israeli military," according to its Instagram .

HFP demands that the university disclose its current financial investments, divest from all Israeli companies and others that profit from war in Gaza and "denounce Israel's genocide in Palestine and call for an immediate ceasefire" as well as an end to Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories.

Northeastern University is one of dozens of universities in the U.S. and Canada where students are protesting for Palestinian human rights after months of war in Gaza, including Columbia , the University of Southern California and Emory.

Students participating in protests on campuses in North America have similar demands to HFP, including divestment from companies that could be profiting from the war and transparency from university administrations regarding where they’re investing their money.

On Friday, Portland State University President Ann Cudd announced that the institution will put a pause on receiving “any further gifts or grants” from Boeing, after receiving a letter signed by members of the community. The university’s Students United for Palestinian Equal Rights has accused Boeing of being “complicit in the occupation and genocide in Palestine,” according to a post on its Instagram account. A spokesperson for Boeing said the company has no comment.

Many universities have said they support freedom of speech and allow protests, but that encampments violate school policy. On Saturday, dozens of people were arrested at other colleges that cracked down on encampments.

At Arizona State University, 69 people were arrested and accused of trespassing related to setting up an encampment, according to a university spokesperson. The school said the encampment was established by people who were not university students, faculty or staff, and that they refused instructions to disperse.

Police arrested 23 people at Indiana University on Saturday after protesters were warned to remove tents or other structures that violated university policy. Those who didn’t were “detained and removed,” the university said. The people arrested face charges ranging from criminal trespass to resisting law enforcement. It’s unclear whether they are affiliated with the university.

At Washington University in St. Louis, more than 80 arrests were made after a group of students, employees and others not affiliated with the campus refused to leave after pitching tents and calling on others to join their protest, the university said in a statement. "All will face charges of trespassing and some may also be charged with resisting arrest and assault, including for injuries to police officers," the school said.

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Joe Kottke is a researcher at the NBC News Network Desk.

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Biden condemns "antisemitic protests" and "those who don't understand what's going on with the Palestinians"

By Kathryn Watson

Updated on: April 22, 2024 / 10:42 PM EDT / CBS News

President Biden on Monday weighed in on the pro-Palestine demonstrations taking place at elite university campuses. 

"I condemn the antisemitic protests," Mr. Biden told reporters after an Earth Day Event in Northern Virginia Monday. "That's why I've set up a program to deal with that. I also condemn those who don't understand what's going on with the Palestinians." A reporter cut off the president's sentence before he could finish. 

More than 100 people have been arrested at Columbia University since pro-Palestine protesters began occupying the grounds last week, and police arrested 45 protesters at Yale University on Monday after the demonstrators repeatedly refused to vacate the plaza voluntarily. Protesters outside of NYU's Stern School of Business were arrested Monday night .

Students at Yale and Columbia are calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and demanding their universities divest from companies connected to Israel. But some  Jewish students at Columbia say many of the chants are antisemitic, and they're concerned about their safety. 

Similar protests  have been taking place at other college campuses, including at MIT, Boston University, Emerson College and Tufts University. 

Other top Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, both of New York, have criticized the demonstrations, too. The protests come as Passover is set to begin at sundown Monday. 

Calls are growing for Columbia's president, Nemat "Minouche" Shafik, to resign, as Columbia goes fully remote in an effort to deescalate the situation. 

The entire Republican congressional New York delegation called for Shafik's resignation Monday, accusing her of failing to keep students safe.

"The ongoing situation that has unfolded is a direct symptom of your continued lax enforcement of policy and clear double standards," the lawmakers wrote. "Your failure to enforce the rules on campus has created an environment in which students and outside agitators know they are able to operate with impunity and without any accountability. While the rot is systemic, the responsibility rests squarely on your shoulders."

GOP Rep. Mike Lawler of New York, who was just outside Columbia University on Monday, said, "Everybody has the right to protest. They have the right to voice their opinion. The moment you turn that into physical assaults or threats against others is the moment you lose that right."

Shafik testified before Congress for several hours last week, telling Congress, "Antisemitism has no place on our campus and I am personally committed to doing everything I can to confront it directly."

Some Jewish congressional Democrats also went to Columbia's campus to offer their support for Jewish students. They did not echo the calls for Shafik's resignation, but demanded the restoration of order.

Addressing his remarks to the university's administrators, Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, said, "Stop the double talk and start acting now. Discipline harassers, restore civility on this campus, encourage peaceful, constructive dialogue."

Mr. Biden declined Monday to weigh in on Shafik's fate. 

At the same Earth Day event with Mr. Biden, progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York cited the "peaceful student-led protests" at Columbia University and other campuses, highlighting how politically sensitive the politics are with respect to the Israel-Hamas conflict. 

The president also condemned antisemitism at protests at university campuses in a written statement Sunday night. 

"Silence is complicity," he said. "Even in recent days, we've seen harassment and calls for violence against Jews. This blatant antisemitism is reprehensible and dangerous – and it has absolutely no place on college campuses, or anywhere in our country."

Israel continues near-daily aid raids on Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of many civilians, including children. 

• Columbia University

Kathryn Watson is a politics reporter for CBS News Digital based in Washington, D.C.

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