The Best Cities For MBAs

Los Angeles: “The feeling of freedom and opportunity is what I love the most about Los Angeles. Almost every morning during the warmer months, I go for a run from Santa Monica Pier to Venice Beach and back, stopping to get a quick workout at the old muscle beach. Depending on the day, I stop by a local farmer’s market or small café to get what is ridiculously consistently some of the best food I’ve tried in the world.

From then, it’s time for classes, a friend’s local musical performance, a museum visit, or the start of a weekend road trip to Joshua Tree, a redwood forest, or Palm Springs. Los Angeles somehow consistently provides a world class experience in a plethora of domains and can be affordable for a student if well planned. From the beach to the mountains to an outstanding art scene, I have access to paradise, the wilderness, and culture all in one (usually sunny) slice of the world.”
Michael Bleggi, UCLA (Anderson)

“I really enjoy Irvine for the calming and safe nature that this town presents. It has continuously been rated as one of the safest cities in the country and it’s reassuring to live in that type of environment. I also enjoy it for its proximity to various unique locations, including Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, and Laguna. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the beach which I often go to for leisurely activities. It is surrounded by local malls, great restaurants, fun nightlife, and outdoor activities. I can really enjoy my outside of the classroom going on a hike in Laguna hills or going to a movie in the Irvine Spectrum Mall. The weather in SoCal also never seems to disappoint, which is something that was extremely appealing to me.”
Alec Shaul, UC Irvine (Merage)

Madrid: “Madrid is a city very attuned to Spanish traditions, though the siesta is my favorite. It offers a dynamic atmosphere which blends the agitation of a big city with a deep appreciation for the simplest of life’s pleasures. I love the lunches with friends at a bar’s terrace that would continue into late-night dinners, or the accompanied long walks with no destination and multiple stops along the way to have coffee or beers.”
Erica P. Santana, IE Business School

Montreal: “Montreal is consistently voted as one of the best student cities in the world for a reason. The city is extremely diverse in its openness to different cultures, music, food, and lifestyles. You can experience Montreal’s French heritage walking in Old Montreal, feast on exquisite cuisines, go to fun festivals and much more. It’s true what they say about Canadians being nice!”
Camila Sabogal, McGill University (Desautels)

Nashville: “Nashville has this super chill vibe that makes you feel welcome right off the bat. It’s like, no matter where you’re from, you fit in here. And if you’re into the outdoors, you’re going to love it. There are tons of parks where you can hang out, go for a run, or even have a picnic with friends. And let’s not forget the music – it’s everywhere. Whether you’re into country, rock, indie, or anything else, there’s always some live music happening around the corner. Also, being in the healthcare capital of the country with buzzing real estate markets helps a lot with networking and learning new things. It’s this cool mix of friendly people, awesome outdoor spaces, and non-stop music that makes Nashville a great spot.”
Rushikesh Jere, Vanderbilt University (Owen)

New Haven: “The thing that I love the most about New Haven, CT is how many locally owned businesses there are. New Haven is extremely diverse, so it means a lot to me that I can eat at restaurants that are Black, Latinx, Women, and Veteran-owned that are less than a 10-minute walk away from me. As someone who loves the performing arts, I love being within walking distance of the Shubert Theatre, a Black-owned nonprofit theatre that not only gets shows that are on the Broadway circuit, but also hosts performances by Alvin Ailey, comedy shows, and summer arts camps. Being a part of such a cultural mecca is amazing, and I love taking advantage of the opportunities both inside and outside of Yale, and experiencing all that New Haven has to offer.”
MiChaela Barker, Yale School of Management

New York City: “What I loved most about CBS’s location in New York City was the unparalleled diversity that surrounded me every day. New York City has a mix of cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives, and this diversity was reflected in multiple aspects of my experience at the business school. From networking events with Fortune 500 companies to consulting local small businesses, I was able to interact with individuals from many corners of the globe. This vibrant tapestry of diversity enriched my academic experience, broadened my worldview, and challenged my preconceived notions. Whether it was exploring different cuisines in the city’s lively neighborhoods or visiting art exhibits, I embraced the opportunity to immerse myself in New York City, knowing that it was expanding my capacity for cultural humility as a business leader.”
Jeff S. McClellan, Columbia Business School

Nice: “The City of Nice is stunning; it is the perfect blend of Mediterranean beaches and sunshine, and rich cultural offerings. It was fun to witness the Ironman World Championship ‘23, which took place in Nice, and the largest Carnivale celebration in France. It’s easy to get around the city, and the locals are very friendly and welcoming. The winter sun is a bonus and helped lift my mood and productivity; I took full advantage of the sunshine by running along the promenade nearly daily. Nice also offers a reasonable cost of living and fantastic access to fresh, seasonal, and local food sources. There is always something happening – plus it is sunny all the time.”
Zachary Cho, EDHEC

Pittsburgh: “I love the food scene of the city and love checking out local spots. Pittsburgh has a wide variety of cuisines to offer for every mood, which spans affordable, mid-range, and luxury dining. Some of my favorite hangout spots are The Porch, Spork, and Prantl’s Bakery. Narcissi Winery, another hidden gem, does a fantastic job of preserving the local touch while producing high-quality products for all wine connoisseurs.”
Rasika Karve, Carnegie Mellon (Tepper)

San Diego: “San Diego is the ultimate city to experience business school. The ocean, the beach, the views, the sunsets, and the marine life all make for an incredible experience at any moment outside a classroom. The Rady building even has a direct view of the ocean and the sunsets after classes were just the perfect way relax after an intense three-hour lecture.”
Arjun Rao, UC San Diego (Rady)

Seattle: “What I loved most about our business school’s town was the opportunity to enjoy the perfect blend of urban amenities and outdoor adventures. One of my favorite activities was grabbing a rose oat milk latte and then hitting the trails for some incredible runs in the Middle Fork area. Whether it was exploring the nearby mountains or running through the Arboretum rain or shine, there was always a new trail to discover and phenomenal people to explore with. One trail that holds a special place in my heart is Mailbox Peak, where I plan to enjoy many highly caffeinated runs to the summit before starting my full-time position at the end of summer. The ability to balance the hustle and bustle of city life with the tranquility and beauty of Washington State’s nature makes Seattle truly special.”
Hannah Ewing-Kally, University of Washington (Foster)

“Seattle is a beautiful city with the perfect blend of nature and urban life. It’s home to big names like Amazon, Microsoft, REI, T-Mobile, and Starbucks, as well as several startups. The city is also a haven for outdoor activities, with several hiking trails and ski resorts nearby. Additionally, Seattle’s diverse food scene, with highly rated restaurants and vibrant farmers markets, made it a delightful place for the food lover in me.”
Irfan Vengasseri, University of Washington (Foster)

Shanghai: “I love Shanghai for its diversity. It’s a city that thrives on contrasts. You can literally go from devouring sizzling Chinese BBQ skewers late at night to indulging in a decadent eggs benedict brunch the very next day. The architecture reflects this blend as well – majestic old colonial buildings stand shoulder-to-shoulder with stunning Chinese-style structures. Everywhere you turn, you experience this vibrant mix of cultures. In many ways, Shanghai feels like a larger version of CEIBS itself – a place where you get the very best of both China and the international world.”
Adebelle Xifan Zhang, CEIBS

South Bend: “South Bend isn’t the largest town, but you can still find plenty to do. Because it’s rather small, it’s easy to get a group of friends together for a bite to eat or to grab drinks. The MBA bowling league was always a favorite, as well as Trivia Night at a few bars around town. However, my favorite weekend activity was discovering new coffee shops. My favorites were Cloud Walking, Sway, and Heritage Meeting House.”
Bailey Harrison, Notre Dame (Mendoza)  

St. Louis: “As a Caribbean immigrant, I’ve come to adore the rich tapestry of cultures that thrive here, blending seamlessly with the energy of the student community. First, let’s talk about the food. Oh, the flavors that grace the streets of University City and Delmar Loop! From the Asian restaurants to the mouthwatering tacos at the Mexican joints, every bite is a celebration of diversity. Also, Forest Park, located close to Washington University in St. Louis, is not just a park but a vibrant cultural and recreational hub that enriches the entire community. Stretching across 1,300 acres, it offers a plethora of attractions and activities for people of all ages and interests. The park is also home to the St. Louis Zoo, where you can encounter a diverse array of animals from around the globe.”
Cherise Brookes, Washington University (Olin)

Tempe: “As an avid hiker, I enjoyed living in Arizona. The stunning landscapes and trails surrounding the school gave me a serene escape during my free time. These hikes also provided opportunities to connect more deeply with my classmates during our long walks and engage with the local community, which was incredibly genuine and welcoming.”
Ali Gharbi, Arizona State (W. P. Carey)

Toronto: “Toronto is Canada’s largest city, the financial capital, and is widely regarded as one of the most multicultural cities in the world. The diversity of neighborhoods, architecture, activities, and people make it an exceptional city to call home. It’s unique to find a city that has such distinctive and plentiful cultural neighborhoods, ranging from Little Portugal, Little Jamaica, Ukrainian Village, Greektown, and Koreatown, in addition to Little Italy and Chinatown. Toronto’s neighborhoods – from the distinct downtown core and financial district (Hollywood’s favorite imitation New York City) to the eclectic shops of Kensington Market, and suburban neighborhoods like the Annex – make Toronto truly unique. As an architecture fan, the diverse mix of buildings and artistic displays (I personally am a fan of the ROM’s infamous Crystal Shard) leads residents and visitors alike to learn about interesting historical stories and anecdotes that give the city a special feel. In addition, while I am biased from growing up as an athlete, you won’t find another city this sport-crazy – the city comes alive the night of any game from one of our major sports teams. Plus, being situated on a lake with adequate space allocated for nature, it’s easy to find a nearby garden to stroll through, a spot to play Spikeball in the park, a waterfront trail to go for a bike ride along, a forest trail to run through, or a rink to go ice skating on in the winter.”
Adrianna Noble, University of Toronto (Rotman)

“What I love most about the “Big 6ix” (Toronto), is its vibrant multiculturalism and dynamic energy. The city’s unique blend of business acumen and cultural richness creates an unparalleled setting for both professional development and personal exploration. Toronto’s status as a bustling hub means there’s never a dull moment, with a plethora of activities to dive into. This ranges from diverse dining experiences and lively night clubs to intriguing museums and local breweries. Even in the midst of its chilly winters, the city’s spirited atmosphere and endless opportunities ensure that boredom is simply not an option. This dynamic urban landscape made it the perfect backdrop for pursuing an MBA, enriching my educational journey with a wealth of experiences.”
Peter Bello, University of Toronto (Rotman)

Warwick: “One of the reasons I applied to WBS was its dual locations – the spectacular and iconic Shard in London, and an industry-rooted innovative campus in Warwickshire (near Birmingham and Coventry).

The Shard is perfect for networking with consultancy companies and corporations located in London. It also offers an incredibly spectacular view of the London landscape from the 17th floor, which, I must admit, sometimes even distracts attention from the liveliest lectures.

On the other hand, the campus, due to its location between two of the largest English cities, is best suited for building connections with industrial corporations such as car giants Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, and Aston Martin, confectionary multinational Cadbury, and leading pharmacy chain Boots. The WBS campus also benefits from connections with the Warwick Manufacturing Group, the University of Warwick’s applied science, technology and engineering department, which partners with industries like aerospace and electric vehicles on research, and tight connections to Birmingham venture capital funds.”
Vladyslav Bandrovsky, Warwick Business School

 

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