Northeastern boasts plenty of ways to spend your tuition money by giving you activities to do when you find yourself in a studying rut. But let’s face it, you’ve moved to the city and you want to see the sights, do what is to be done, and, as long as they aren’t too putrid, even smell the smells.

One of the great benefits of Northeastern’s location is how centrally located it is among the cultural, countercultural, and culture- lacking happenings that make up any large urban community. Starting a day on the town, one could literally go any direction from campus and stumble on a number of stimulating locales, all owned and operated by residents and grant money that, for the most part, originated in the city.

Even though Boston is a compact, pedestrian-friendly city, it’s probably best to break any excursion up by neighborhood. While not very large, each neighborhood’s winding streets and diverse architecture holds hidden charms. They deserve a full exploration.

The areas directly across Massachusetts Avenue and around the Fens, known as Back Bay and the Fenway, are as good a place as any to begin city-discovering. The Huntington Avenue block of Back Bay plays host to two of what are called the country’s greatest concert halls.

Symphony Hall, located at 301 Massachusetts Ave., is home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops. While many students often assume the symphony is out of their price range, rush tickets are available every Friday and Saturday before concerts for only $9. Purchased just before the concert at 5 p.m., these tickets have gotten this writer impressive front-row seating for the likes of world-renowned cellist Yo Yo Ma.

Jordan Hall, located on Gainsborough Street and serving as the hub of the New England Conservatory’s campus, also boasts marvelous acoustics and serves up free student-run performances almost every weeknight.

Walking down the brownstone-lined plaza of retail, Newbury Street, passersby have to look hard at the window signs to notice the wealth of local art galleries that loom on the second and third floors. Although hidden, the local talent on display is most rewarding.

Just when the lights of Fenway Park become visible, Commonwealth Avenue winds into the Fens, where you can browse through the staggering Museum of Fine Arts and the compacted Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Both showcase impressive art collections, exhibits featuring artists you’ve most likely heard of and are free for Northeastern students.

While Back Bay and the Fenway are within comfortable walking distance of campus, a T or bus ride is also likely to yield some interesting results.

One of the most vibrant communities in the city, Jamaica Plain plays host to a similar mix of arts and scenery, with a tad more panache from its culturally diverse population. While it may seem like the suburbs from Northeastern, the greenest neighborhood in Boston is located only 20 minutes from campus outbound on the 39 bus.

In JP, you can enjoy a stroll through the stunning sculpture gardens of the Forest Hills cemetery, which is located adjacent to the Forest Hills T station.

Mostly, though, you’ll want to bring your appetite. It’s the best way to get a handle on the abundance of different cultures, as well as the talented cooks. Centre Street offers some of the most creative dining in the city, including the Centre Street Caf