Philadelphia Skyline at Sunset
Philadelphia: “Philly is so underrated. The city has a camaraderie about it – you feel the loyalty everywhere. There’s a game-changing restaurant on every corner. Zahav, Kalaya, LMNO — the list goes on. On food, Philly delivers. And I can’t pretend to be the world’s biggest sports fan, but it’s also impossible not to root for Philly teams. A huge plus that it’s a great time to be an Eagles fan. I love living in a town where simply yelling “Go Birds!” earns you a dozen enthusiastic responses on the street from strangers. This city has a grit, an energy, and a character I’ve come to love.”
Simi Shah, Wharton School
Pittsburgh: “What I love most about Pittsburgh is its eclectic character and the surprising blend of cultures and communities it brings together. It’s a city where young professionals, students, and blue-collar workers all share the same streets and coffee shops, creating a dynamic environment that feels truly inclusive. Pittsburgh’s industrial roots and tech-forward renaissance coexist in an inspiring way, giving the city an air of constant possibility. Each neighborhood has its own distinct personality—ranging from the vibrant art scene in Lawrenceville to the academic bustle of Oakland—and the mix of backgrounds, traditions, and ambitions reflects the very best of the American melting pot. It’s that sense of community and genuine warmth, paired with endless opportunities for exploration, that makes Pittsburgh such a special place to live and learn.”
Maressa Guynn, Carnegie Mellon (Tepper)
Rochester: “What I love most about being here is how the changing seasons reflect the transformation we experience in just one year. From the first snowfall to the vibrant colors of fall, every season brings something new, just like this journey. In spring, I enjoy riding my bike on the trails around the Genesee River and attending the Lilac Festival in Highland Park. Summer is perfect for exploring downtown, while fall brings the tradition of picking pumpkins with friends at a farm outside town. And in winter, with the Eastman School of Music being such a key part of our community, there’s always a concert to enjoy, best paired with a cup of hot apple cider (my favorite treat of the season).”
Rocio Julissa Garcia Quinteros, University of Rochester (Simon)
San Diego: “Rady is right next to Torrey Pines – one of the most beautiful places in the whole country. It’s also home to one of the biggest clusters of life sciences industries in the U.S. It’s a great location to go on a hike or even just to drive home through Torrey Pines after a long day at school. Plus, it’s pretty tough to beat looking out at the ocean while you’re studying in the Rady buildings. But really, it’s also home to the best beers, best tacos, best hiking, and at least 251 sunny days per year.”
Mark Hammond, UC San Diego (Rady)
Seattle skyline at night
Seattle: “What I love most about Seattle is the perfect blend of innovation, nature, and culture. It’s a city where you can discuss AI trends over coffee in the morning, kayak on Lake Union in the afternoon, and enjoy live music at a cozy venue by night. The thriving tech and startup scene makes it an incredible place to be as an MBA, with industry giants like Amazon and Microsoft, a growing VC ecosystem, and endless networking opportunities. Plus, the nature here is unreal—you can take a picturesque drive to Mount Rainier, hike in the Cascades, or just enjoy the waterfront views. I personally love the winter, but the only catch? You better come prepared with a steady supply of Vitamin D tablets because the sun seems to be on an extended break. I definitely miss the sunshine from back home!”
Chirag Chinmay, University of Washington (Foster)
Shanghai: “Everything is digital. No need for a wallet and card – just your phone. Transport is affordable, with the metro, buses, ride-hailing, and bike-sharing making travel effortless.”
Chayapol Vanichsavasdvichai, CEIBS
St. Louis: “As one of my friends visiting from another business school put it, “St. Louis has a delicate balance of the amenities of a big city and the community culture of a small town.” The city offers abundant opportunities for students, with resources like Arch Grants supporting startups and the Cortex Innovation District fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. St. Louis is also home to major companies such as Anheuser-Busch, Emerson, Bayer, Edward Jones, Enterprise Car Rental, and Boeing, providing plenty of career prospects. Beyond business, the city features a lush, green forest park, fantastic Italian food, and world-class art museums that nourish the soul. St. Louis is also a city with rich literary history—some of America’s greatest authors were born here, including Maya Angelou and T.S. Eliot, adding a unique cultural depth to the community. What truly sets the city apart, however, is its close-knit business community. People here are incredibly supportive, always willing to collaborate and help one another grow. It’s a place where connections are not just made—they’re nurtured.”
Arpit Arya, Washington University (Olin)
Singapore
Singapore: “Living in Singapore offers an unparalleled blend of professional opportunity and cultural richness. From my home in River Valley, I’ve discovered a lifestyle that seamlessly combines world-class urban living with deep technological innovation. The city provides instant access to power players in finance and tech, with exceptional transportation and an incredibly safe environment that makes networking and professional growth effortless.
What I love most is Singapore’s position as a strategic hub with more investment capital than opportunities, unlike saturated Western markets, creating ideal conditions for ambitious MBA students. As a global leader in AI readiness, the city offers direct engagement with technological transformation happening in real time.
Beyond its professional advantages, Singapore excels at being simultaneously global and deeply personal. Authentic cuisines from multiple cultures—from home-cooked meals that connect me to my roots to incredible hawker center experiences—complement cutting-edge business ecosystems. Singapore isn’t just a place to study; it’s a dynamic platform that transforms how you understand global business, personal growth, and cultural connection.”
Simran Rahman, INSEAD
“One of the things I loved most about studying in Singapore is how it seamlessly blends modern innovation with cultural diversity. As a global financial hub, Singapore provides unparalleled access to top companies, investors, and thought leaders, making it the perfect place to pursue an MBA. Whether through networking events, industry treks, or live consulting projects, I was constantly exposed to cutting-edge trends in finance, sustainability, and technology.
Beyond business, Singapore’s vibrant culture and high quality of life made my MBA journey even more rewarding. The city’s food scene is unbeatable, offering everything from hawker center delights like chicken rice and laksa to Michelin-starred dining – a perfect way to unwind after an intense week of classes.
Another aspect I appreciated is how efficient and well-planned Singapore is. The public transport system, green spaces, and overall safety made it incredibly easy to explore, meet people, and balance my academic life with personal experiences. Despite being a fast-paced city, it’s also one of the greenest and most sustainable urban environments, aligning perfectly with my passion for ESG and responsible investing.
Studying in Singapore gave me more than just a degree; it provided global exposure, professional growth, and an incredible life experience in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.”
Pham Tan Vuong, Nanyang Business School
Toronto skyline
Toronto: “I loved that Toronto as a city mirrored the diversity and multicultural energy of Rotman as a school. As a cosmopolitan city, Toronto is home to the largest variety of social and cultural events, music, sports and cuisines from across the world, and shares stories and celebrations of different communities. Immersing myself in these experiences allowed me to better understand the distinct perspectives and opinions of my classmates in lecture and team discussions.
From laid-back, artsy streets to the busy but swanky financial district, Toronto’s diverse neighborhoods offer different vibes for different moods at a walking distance from the school. Toronto also offers great escapes like sailing on the lake, picnics in the parks with beautiful spring cherry blossoms or fall colours around you, and some very picturesque trails. Whether you’re a city lover or a nature person, Toronto is for everyone!”
Sanchaita Kohli, University of Toronto (Rotman)
“Toronto in the summer is incredible, with water sports, trails, and all kinds of activities you can explore. Coming from a subtropical city, I also found the seasonal transitions breathtaking, especially fall foliage and snowy winters. On top of that, Toronto’s culinary diversity and cultural energy make it an inspiring place to live and learn. Whether it’s a jazz night on Queen Street or a spontaneous food crawl in Kensington Market, there’s always something new to explore.”
Joyce Wu, University of Toronto (Rotman)
Washington, DC Cherry Blossoms
Washington, DC: “What I loved most was Washington, D.C.’s unparalleled intersection of power and policy. It is a hub of global perspectives with its embassies and multinational firms, the perfect place to understand international markets and cultures simultaneously. The city’s concentration of these firms, government agencies, and more provided the most expansive networking opportunities across a plethora of industries.”
Wesley Varughese, Georgetown University (McDonough)
Wellesley: “What I love most about Wellesley is how it offers the best of both worlds—a peaceful, close-knit community with easy access to the energy and opportunities of Boston. As a single mom and an international student, I appreciated the sense of safety, warmth, and support that Wellesley provided. It’s a town where you can take a peaceful walk, enjoy a cozy café, and feel a genuine sense of community. At the same time, being so close to Boston’s vibrant startup ecosystem, top-tier companies, and diverse networking opportunities meant that I could engage with industry leaders, attend high-impact events, and expand my professional network. This balance made my MBA experience even more special – allowing me to focus, reflect, and grow while still having the resources of a major city right at my fingertips.”
Ruso Samunashvili, Babson College (Olin)
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