Students rarely enjoy the best of two different worlds. In cramped and noisy cities, they race at breakneck pace, sapping their energy as fast as their wallets. In Rockwellian college towns, they experience changing seasons and farmer’s markets, where the world shuts down on Saturday games. Beyond the famed rituals and familiar hangouts, these students eventually wonder: Isn’t there something more than this?
At HEC Paris, MBAs can easily alternate between rural and urban, leisurely and swift, reflective and extroverted. Despite the name, HEC Paris doesn’t overlook the Seine. Instead, you’ll find the campus in Jouy-en-Josas, a town of 8,000 people near Versailles, a 45-minute train ride from ‘The City of Light.’ Arjun Shivach, a 2025 HEC Paris MBA grad, paints Jouy-en-Josas using a pastoral palette, describing it as a “picturesque town surrounded by forests, rolling hills, and open green spaces.” Free from distracting city clutter, Jouy-en-Josas offered a backdrop for Shivach to refresh his spirit.
“The peaceful, nature-filled campus provided a perfect escape from the intensity of business school life,” Shivach continues. “Whether it was taking a break by the lake, going for a run on the nearby trails, or just enjoying the calm, fresh air, Jouy-en-Josas offered a space for reflection and personal growth —something that felt especially valuable amid the pressures of an MBA. The contrast between the fast-paced, high-energy learning environment and the tranquility of nature made it a unique and refreshing place to study.”
The Global Hub is the flagship building of The Kellogg School of Management Evanston campus, with Chicago in the background.
JUST CLOSE ENOUGH TO PARIS & CHICAGO
Still, Jouy-en-Josas strikes a balance for students: far enough away for Paris to focus on learning and close enough to take advantage of its culture and opportunities. Business-wise, Paris is home to Europe’s largest concentration of Fortune 500 firms – including AXA, BNP Paribas, and L’Oréal (along with large centers for Google, Airbus, Nestlé, and Amazon). That doesn’t count Station F, the world’s largest startup campus with over 1,000 startups under its roof. Beyond commerce, there is the spirit of Paris: elegant, cultured, and relaxed. Boasting nearly 300 museums and playhouses, Paris is ground zero for students with refined tastes. That extends to foodies, who can sample delicacies like saddle of lamb and salmon tartare at over 120 Michelin-starred restaurants (or the cafe expressos and pastries along Rue Clear).
“The proximity to Paris meant that we had easy access to one of the world’s top business hubs, adds Shivach. “A short train ride could take us from the peaceful greenery of Jouy-en-Josas to networking events, company visits, and the vibrant culture of Paris. Having the best of both worlds made the experience truly special. It allowed for intense academic and professional development, while also offering a quiet retreat when needed, making the MBA journey all the more enriching.”
This ‘best of both worlds’ scenario can also be found at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School. Located in Evanston, just 15 miles north of Chicago, Evanston is Midwest nice with tree-lined neighborhoods, deep dish pizzerias, and running paths winding around Lake Michigan. Take the Purple Line and students can reach downtown Chicago in 50 minutes – home to America’s second-largest concentration of Fortune 500 might (and the Cubs). This dichotomy, says ’25 Kellogg grad Jibikeoluwa Faborode, made the Kellogg MBA experience all the more distinctive.
“What I adore most about Evanston is its serene college town charm combined with its proximity to the energetic vibes of Chicago—it’s truly the best of both worlds. During weekdays, Evanston’s calm vibe is perfect for focusing on school work, taking relaxing walks, or grabbing coffee at the cozy Cupitol Coffee & Eatery right next to my apartment building. Here, I can sit for hours and have a productive time getting work done or getting through meetings undisturbed. On weekends, I venture into Chicago to dive into its rich daytime and nightlife offerings. There, I can visit museums and parks, catch a jazz show at the Green Mill, or enjoy a leisurely Sunday brunch with friends. The convenience of Evanston’s reliable trains and buses makes these transitions seamless and budget-friendly, allowing me to experience city excitement without the chaos.”
College town or urban epicenter, business schools often capitalize on their surroundings. What do MBAs say are the best places to earn their degrees? As part of the selection process for Best & Brightest MBAs last spring, Poets&Quants asked top graduates to share how their location enhanced their experience. From progressive cultures to succulent tapas, here are some advantages to the cities hosting the world’s top business schools.
MBAs kayaking on the Huron River in Ann Arbor
Ahmedabad: “First, Ahmedabad is the city that breeds entrepreneurs. It is heartening to see housewives from middle and upper middle-class families put up their small eateries and stalls on SBR Road on weekends to woo customers with their special Gujarati culinary skills. Ahmedabad is the ideal place for IIMA, as it sniffs of entrepreneurship in every nook and corner of the city. Second, I found Ahmedabad to be one of the safest cities in India, especially for the women folk. The culture is open and we hardly heard about any crime during our stay here.”
Manish Kohli, IIM Ahmedabad
Ann Arbor: “I love that Ann Arbor is the quintessential college town! “Go blue” is a local synonym for hello, almost every small business proudly sports maize and blue, and everyone has strong opinions about the best ice cream shop in town. There is something for everyone here, from concerts and museums to skiing and aerial fitness! We’re 30 minutes from an international airport and a train ride from Chicago, which opens up a world of possibilities, but there’s so much to explore locally.”
Francesca Colombo, University of Michigan (Ross)
“What I love most about Ann Arbor is how it feels both expansive and intimate at the same time. It’s a small town, but there’s always something new to explore, whether it’s a hidden café, a scenic walking path, or a new event happening on campus. You can get almost anywhere with just a 15- to 20-minute walk, and those walks often remind me to slow down and appreciate the little moments. In the fall, the trees turn this deep auburn color that makes the whole town feel golden. In the winter, there’s something peaceful about watching the snow gently settle onto The Diag while students carefully make their way to class. Ann Arbor has a way of making even the most routine moments feel special.
But what makes this town truly unique is the people. You’d think a Midwestern college town would mostly be filled with students from the region, but Ann Arbor is an unexpected melting pot. I’ve met people from all over the world here. It reminds me of home, the East Coast, where you’re constantly surrounded by different backgrounds, perspectives, and stories. That diversity is what makes Ross’s “Go Blue, Go Anywhere” slogan feel so real. You hear about it when applying, but you don’t fully understand it until you’re here, meeting classmates who have lived and worked in places you’ve never been, sharing meals with people who introduce you to new cultures, and realizing just how global this community truly is.”
Brysan Porterfield, University of Michigan (Ross)
Athens (US): “Even though Athens is a small city, it punches above its weight in terms of the food, music, and arts scene. I was blown away by how many great restaurants and bars are in Athens. Local events like the Twilight Criterium Road cycling race and Wild Rumpus Halloween Parade bring people together in unique ways, and the sense of Southern hospitality makes it an easy place to call home.”
John Dannehl, University of Georgia (Terry)
Georgia Tech’s Tech Square is located in Midtown Atlanta, a fast-growing hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Courtesy photo
Atlanta: “What I love most about Atlanta is its vibrant mix of culture, convenience, and access to opportunities. As someone who enjoys the sporting scene, I appreciate the city’s top-tier sports from the Atlanta Falcons to the Braves. Additionally, the Atlanta Beltline is another highlight, offering a great space for getting in a run as well as easy access to a variety of bars and restaurants. Additionally, Atlanta’s major airport makes it incredibly easy for me to fly home to Malta when needed, adding a layer of convenience to living here. From a professional perspective, being located in Midtown, Scheller is just down the road from some of the world’s biggest companies, giving us unparalleled access to top-tier internships, networking events, and job opportunities. The city’s blend of urban excitement and professional access has made Atlanta an ideal place to study and grow my career.”
Andrew Chetcuti, Georgia Tech (Scheller)
Austin: “Where to start? Austin is a city that’s constantly evolving, shaped by the people who come -and-go. It’s a unique intersection of business, innovation, policy, and the beauty of the Hill Country. It’s home to the University of Texas and the incredible community built around it. No matter your lifestyle, Austin has something to offer—whether it’s a vibrant urban core, charming historic neighborhoods, or family-friendly suburbs with parks and playgrounds. You can feel the city’s energy as major events like Austin City Limits, SXSW, F1, and football season roll through. And with downtown, the Capitol, and campus all within close reach, you’re never more than 15 minutes away from the action, creating an unmatched sense of accessibility and opportunity.”
Matthew Genovese, University of Texas (McCombs)
Barcelona: “Barcelona’s magic lies in how it dissolves the line between classroom and city—it became our extended campus. The city’s walkability and connectivity meant that in a single day, I could attend classes, attend networking events with investors and start-ups at Norrsken in Barceloneta, and end the day with tapas in Gràcia.
Professionally, Barcelona’s ecosystem was a live case study. The compact geography meant startups at Norssken and global events like Mobile World Congress were just a Metro ride away. The city’s density forced us to engage with industries in real time—no hypotheticals.
Socially, the city’s rhythm mirrored our MBA ethos: work hard, connect harder. Living within 20 minutes of each other meant impromptu beach volleyball sessions at Barceloneta or debates over vermouth after class which weren’t just fun—they forged stronger bonds. The city’s festivals, like La Mercè or Primavera Sound, became shared adventures that turned classmates into lifelong friends. Even “small” moments—haggling at La Boqueria market with section mates or navigating a group dinner in Catalan—taught me more about cultural agility than any textbook.
Most importantly, Barcelona redefined “networking.” Relationships here aren’t transactional—they’re built over slow lunches or sunset strolls. That Mediterranean warmth reminded me that business, at its core, is about people. Barcelona didn’t just host my MBA—it shaped it. The city’s ability to balance ambition with authenticity mirrors my own journey: thriving not by chasing prestige, but by embracing opportunities wherever they arise—in a boardroom, a family business, or a cobblestone alley over patatas bravas.”
Damian D’souza, IESE Business School
Haas School of Business overlooking Berkeley. Photo Copyright Noah Berger / 2023.
Campus shots at Haas.
Berkeley: “I love that Berkeley is central to so many great things. Berkeley itself is a stunning compilation of cultural experiences, and it is flanked by Oakland and San Francisco, both with rich histories, cultures and attractions all their own. In the greater Bay Area, there are world-class hiking locations and snow sports to the east, wineries to the north and surf spots to the south, all within a three-hour drive. And if you need even more optionality, both OAK and SFO are a short drive or BART ride away for domestic and international getaways. Every day in Berkeley is an adventure.”
Julian Watson, UC Berkeley (Haas)
“What I love most about Berkeley and the Bay Area is the constant energy of innovation, creativity and reinvention. It’s a place where people take risks, think big and challenge the status quo—whether in startups, academia, or the arts. Berkeley thrives on intellectual curiosity and interdisciplinary collaboration, while San Francisco blends history, artistic culture, and the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship. With hiking trails, creative hubs and venture capital firms just minutes apart, the Bay Area offers the perfect ecosystem for bold ideas to take shape and thrive.”
Ann C. Ukadike, UC Berkeley (Haas)
Bloomington: “Bloomington is more than just a college town; it’s a dynamic, welcoming community that made my MBA experience even more special. The town strikes a perfect balance between small-town charm, vibrant culture, and natural beauty, making it an incredible place to live and study. The easy access to nature—whether it’s hiking at Griffy Lake, kayaking on Lake Monroe, or exploring the trails at Brown County State Park—offers the perfect escape to recharge.
Beyond the outdoors, Bloomington has a thriving local business scene that adds to its character. I love exploring the Bloomington Antique Mall, where you can always find unique vintage treasures, and Bloomington’s diverse food scene was a surprise highlight. The international food scene is truly impressive for a town of this size. The town also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, with Broadway-caliber performances at IU Auditorium and world-class music from the Jacobs School of Music. Sports are another major part of the experience—IU Women’s Basketball has been one of the highlights of my time in Bloomington, and watching high-level competition in volleyball, soccer, and football (a welcome surprise this season) has made game days exciting.”
Anna Capone, Indiana University (Kelley)
Boston: “Boston is a great city. It’s a runner’s city, diverse, welcoming, and academic. I’ve had a great time experiencing every season and running through the Charles while there are sunny hot days, red tree leaves everywhere, or in between the snow days. I also value the amount of academic and industry events that the city has to offer in addition to the MBA experience itself.”
Maria Rafaella Guerrero Romero, Boston University (Questrom)
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