Cascadilla Gorge on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York
Ithaca: “Ithaca is an amazing place for an MBA—tight-knit, scenic, and just far enough from big-city distractions. The food scene was a surprise, and the Cornell Dairy Bar has some of the best ice cream I’ve ever had. As a nature lover, the gorges, trails, and the lake nearby provide perfect scenery to recharge and disconnect.”
Douglas Scandrett, Cornell University (Johnson)
Kingston: “Kingston has a unique balance between small-town charm and metropolitan variety. Unlike larger university cities where commuting can take up valuable time, Kingston’s walkability made everyday life so much easier and more enjoyable. Whether heading to class, grabbing coffee with a classmate, or meeting up for dinner downtown, everything was just a short walk away. This accessibility created a sense of closeness among classmates, making spontaneous meetups and social events a regular part of the MBA experience.
Beyond convenience, Kingston’s historic setting makes it a unique place to live and study. The beautifully preserved limestone buildings, cobblestone streets, and waterfront views give the city a character that is both inviting and inspiring. Walking through the downtown or campus never feels routine. There is always a welcoming energy, with street performers, bustling patios, and a steady stream of students and locals enjoying the city. Kingston’s size also contributes to the tight-knit community feel of the MBA program. In a bigger city, students might scatter to different neighborhoods, but in Kingston we all lived close to each other. Running into classmates at a local café, studying together on campus, or debriefing after a presentation over a drink at a downtown pub became part of the daily rhythm.”
Sydney McLennan, Queen’s University (Smith)
Lausanne: “What I loved most about Lausanne was its natural beauty. Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva and with the Alps in the background, the town felt like a peaceful retreat amidst the intensity of my MBA journey. The breathtaking views, rolling hills, and serene atmosphere created the perfect environment for reflection and deep learning. Whether I was strolling by the lake, exploring the vineyards, or simply pausing to take in the surroundings, Lausanne had a way of making even the busiest days feel balanced. Plus, the steep terrain helped me naturally keep my weight in check, and I preferred walking everywhere!”
Shiv Shwetha Kalyanasundaram, IMD Business School
London’s Shard
London: “What I loved most about London was its network of hidden creative workspaces tucked away in repurposed historical buildings. While studying at Imperial, I discovered that beyond the glossy skyscrapers and tourist landmarks, London harbours an ecosystem of converted warehouses, former factories, and reimagined Victorian structures that now house some of the most innovative companies and collaborative workspaces in Europe. Whether it was the renovated tea warehouses in Butler’s Wharf hosting design studios, or the transformed Battersea Power Station which has been redeveloped into a mixed-use site with retail, office spaces, and cultural venues, these spaces reveal London’s genius for reinvention.
Bogosi N. Shashane, Imperial Business School
Los Angeles: “Whenever people ask me what I love most about Los Angeles, my answer varies because there are just too many great things! However, the amazing weather is always in my top three. The dry, sunny climate keeps my energy high, whether I’m strolling through the Getty, running along Venice Beach, or hiking to the Hollywood sign—all year round! The great weather also helps me stay positive, which was especially valuable during stressful times in business school.”
Jae Hyoung Kim, UCLA (Anderson)
“When you move to LA, you quickly learn that distance isn’t measured in miles (or kilometers) but in minutes. That’s what makes Westwood such a great place to live. It is relatively centrally located to all the places you want to go to (except Downtown, but no one’s in a rush to go there anyway). The beach is 15 minutes away, LAX is about 30 to 40 minutes, and Beverly Hills is just 10 minutes down the road.
But beyond the convenience, Westwood itself is a great place to spend two years. It’s a generally safe, walkable neighborhood surrounded by some of LA’s most beautiful areas, like Bel Air, Brentwood, and Beverly Hills. There are plenty of great restaurants, cafes, and theaters, and campus itself is stunning. I couldn’t have picked a better place to call home during my MBA.”
Sebastian Esselens, UCLA (Anderson)
The IE Business School campus in Madrid
Madrid: “What I love most about Madrid is its vibrant energy—it’s a city that never slows down, yet always finds time to enjoy life. From morning cafés buzzing with conversation to late-night tapas in lively plazas, Madrid embodies a unique balance of ambition and leisure. Studying at IE, I’ve been inspired by the city’s entrepreneurial spirit, its deep cultural richness, and the warmth of its people. Whether it’s networking over vermouth in Malasaña or brainstorming business ideas in Retiro Park, Madrid has been the perfect backdrop for personal and professional growth.”
Vivek Yadav, IE Business School
Manchester: “What I love most about Manchester is its energy, diversity, and rapid growth. The city is easy to navigate and surprisingly green, with plenty of parks and open spaces. Its proximity to the Lake District and Peak District also makes it perfect for a quick escape to nature, offering a balance between city life and the outdoors.
I also loved Manchester’s fast-developing business ecosystem, which is attracting global corporations, major investments and startups. The city is rapidly becoming a thriving hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, bringing exciting opportunities.”
Raymond Xiang Zheng, Alliance Manchester
Minneapolis: “I love Minneapolis. Having spent time in both big cities and small towns, I can honestly say that Minneapolis offers the best of both worlds—it has the energy of a major city while maintaining a strong sense of community and culture.
There’s never a shortage of things to do here. When friends from larger cities come visit me, they’re always pleasantly surprised at what all the Twin Cities have to offer. If you love shopping, you have everything from local boutiques to the Mall of America. For foodies, we have plenty of trendy restaurants in North Loop and Northeast Minneapolis. For those who love the outdoors, there are miles of scenic trails nearby. Additionally, a quick day trip to the North Shore is always an option for breathtaking hikes and a glimpse of the Northern Lights. For winter sport enthusiasts, you can ski every day in the winter due to the many ski areas we have nearby, or go ice-skating on a local lake.
But what truly makes Minneapolis special is its community. People here are welcoming, supportive, and genuinely invested in one another’s success. It’s a place where you can build a career, explore your interests, and still have a great quality of life.”
Via Rao, University of Minnesota (Carlson)
Montreal: “Montreal’s energy is what makes it truly special—it’s a city that blends history, culture, and an incredible food scene with a vibrant student community. There’s always something happening, from festivals to art exhibitions, and its diversity makes it a dynamic and inspiring place to live and learn. The contrast between its lively summers, filled with outdoor events and terraces, and its winter months, when the city transforms into a snowy wonderland, adds to the experience. Montreal also has a thriving business community, home to both innovative startups and major Canadian companies like Bombardier, Desjardins, and Ubisoft. In my opinion, this combination makes it one of the best cities for an MBA experience.”
Kai Zhao, McGill University (Desautels)
New Haven: “I absolutely loved living in New Haven and having access to so many opportunities to enjoy life outdoors. This includes rowing on the Connecticut River; going on long walks in East Rock and Edgerton Park; studying outside in the warmer months; and even going on ski or hiking trips only a short drive away. New York City was very accessible, and I felt privileged to be able to stay connected with my family, friends, and community there. Still, I always knew I was coming home to an environment that offered me so much peace, ample space for reflection, and healthy ways to destress.”
Ioana Solomon, Yale SOM
New York City
New York City: “What did I love most about the greatest city on earth? Umm, just about everything! New York can certainly be overwhelming, but there’s just something about it. The passion, the hustle, the purpose. It’s inspiring, terrifying, and mesmerizing all at the same time. It makes you feel like anything is possible, because in New York, anything is possible. Having said all that, it’s the pizza. It’s definitely the pizza.”
Julian Sutton, New York University (Stern)
“Its New York City: there isn’t a single thing I can pinpoint. First, it’s the endless inspiration. Walking through Midtown, surrounded by the towering headquarters of Fortune 500 companies, serves as a constant reminder of what’s possible. The energy of the city is contagious. That’s true whether it’s professionals in suits rushing to their next meeting, ambitious entrepreneurs pitching their latest ideas, or even artists finding creative ways to make a living. Even something as simple as riding the subway becomes a source of motivation, where every conversation, every ad, and every interaction reflects the relentless drive of New York. It’s a city that pushes you to think big and move fast, making complacency impossible.
Secondly, it’s the diversity. New York City is a melting pot, not just of cultures but of industries. It’s a place where finance, marketing, fashion, media, and tech coexist and intersect daily. Right now, with Fashion Week in full swing, the city feels even more alive. Everywhere I go, I see creativity in motion. Whether its bold runway looks spilling into the streets or effortlessly chic commuters setting their own trends, style is a language that thrives here. As I commute to and from school, I’m reminded that innovation isn’t limited to boardrooms and spreadsheets, but it’s in the way people express themselves, too. The variety of industries creates unique opportunities to explore different career paths and make connections that go beyond traditional business silos. No matter what your interests are, NYC ensures that you’re constantly surrounded by people who challenge and inspire you.”
David Kwame Dumorgah, Fordham University (Gabelli)
“I love that there’s never a shortage of things to do. If I’m craving a specific cuisine, in the mood for a comedy show, or even looking for a weekend escape to nature, NYC makes it all possible. Just in the past two weeks, I’ve eaten the best lasagna of my life (and yes, I’ve spent a lot of time in Italy!), attended a painting class with an open bar, and went to a Parisian casino-themed murder mystery night. That kind of variety doesn’t exist in my Iowa hometown!”
Serena Moss, Columbia Business School
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