The ability to cross-register at different schools is one of my favourite things about Wellesley. As a student here you are able to take classes at Olin (College of Engineering) and Babson (Business) as well as Brandeis University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). I have never personally taken advantage of these possibilities outside of taking classes at MIT, but I know there are a lot of people here with great experiences at Olin and Babson, both educationally and socially. Although I don’t exactly regret not taking classes at the other three schools, I do wish I had considered it back in my first two years when I still had the time to explore.
Cross-registering at MIT, however, has been an incredible experience. Although I love the Wellesley Campus (a love that has been thoroughly documented on this blog), I would go crazy if never left campus or the town of Wellesley in general. Each school has its own learning environment, and taking classes at MIT gives me a different learning experience that I truly appreciate. Additionally, it is a great way to meet people outside of Wellesley and hopefully make lasting friendships (also known by some people as connections).
Since I work in Cambridge already, it has been easier to be properly involved at work given that I have some of my classes in Cambridge already. However, it has meant that my entire life is now mostly centred around Cambridge despite still living in Wellesley. I don’t really mind this – I love my work, classes, and friends in Cambridge, but I do realise that I have missed some of the Wellesley life and traditions due to this.
This is not to say that you should not take classes at MIT. Most Wellesley students do not build their lives around Cambridge quite as much as I have, and I personally love the way that it has turned out for me. I have wondered a few times whether I would mind that I am not as involved around campus as the average Wendy, but I think I am getting so much out of my experiences that I won’t regret it.
Should you cross-register? I almost want to give a blanket “yes,” but I think it is not for everyone. If you are considering it though, I definitely think it is worth trying it out.