I went to Boston University for grad school, which has no campus to speak of, just buildings all over Kenmore Square. It was nice to walk along the Charles River paths and walkways and hang out. There are grassy and greenway areas near the Charles and the Esplanade area. I thought it was pretty cool and fun to go to school there, step out of class and pop into a record store (that's how old I am), bar, restaurant, coffee shop, clothing store, bike shop, hiking store, sporting goods, etc. Absolutely zero need for a car, in fact it was hindrance to find and pay for parking. Just take the T all over the city.