Do you think you know Boston? Despite attending a college with a strong focus on the arts, students can sometimes feel disconnected from wider cultural offerings, assuming highbrow experiences are beyond our budgets. In reality, that is far from the truth. Plenty of organizations across the city account for these restrictions, offering student-specific discounts to make the arts more accessible.
As devoted as Emerson students may be to the Boston Common AMC Theatre, for those who aren’t devoted A-List members, the Coolidge Corner Theater in Brookline has provided Emerson students with an arthouse experience, unique programming, and event screenings for decades. The theater offers a $3 student discount on all regular-priced tickets on Sundays through Thursdays (provided you have your student ID). Through October, students can also purchase a special student membership for $20, which includes $3 off all regular-priced films and most special events, plus discounts on concessions and merchandise.
Boston’s live performance scene also offers a range of student-friendly options. For lovers of ballet and dance, Boston Ballet provides subscriptions for full-time college students and hosts college nights with discounted ticket prices.
For theatrical performances, Boston’s premier theatre, The Huntington, will be performing a mix of new musicals and plays, as well as old favorites like Lisa Kron’s “Fun Home,” and offering reduced $25 tickets to full-time students using the promo code DISCOUNT.
Harvard’s American Repertory Theatre also has affordable options, offering $38 student and under-25 tickets to all performances (including fees), and $20 rush tickets available on the day of the performance.
For those who enjoy classical beat and want to explore Boston’s orchestral scene, the Grammy-winning Handel and Haydn Society’s H+H orchestra offers a $20 masterpass, granting full-time students access to all eight concerts in their 2025-2026 season. The season opens Oct. 3 with Handel’s “Saul.”
Emerson community members also receive discounts for ArtsEmerson events, including one free rush ticket, up to two $10 reserved tickets, and 30% off any subsequent tickets.
Many Boston museums also provide free or discounted entry to students. Emerson students, faculty, and staff receive free admission to the Museum of Fine Arts. Students also receive free general admission to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, plus free tickets to select public programs and lectures, and $20 tickets to its weekend concert series. The Institute of Contemporary Art offers free general admission to Emerson community members, along with discounted pricing for select programs, performances, and films.
This collection of discounts is far from exhaustive. While these institutions are a starting point, Boston’s cultural scene is yours to explore—and if you do a little research before you go, you’ll often find you can explore it for cheaper than expected. Keep an eye on websites like BosTix and EventBrite for cheaper tickets and budget-friendly events, or try the rush ticket process for live performances. The Boston Public Library also provides free passes for library cardholders (which you can sign up for free of charge as a student) to various attractions and events.
With a bit of planning, you can experience the best of Boston’s arts scene in an affordable way.
About the Author
