An annual feature of Hillel's program is the Independent Activities Period, a four week term in January devoted to alternative learning. In past years Hillel has offered numerous events ranging from pickle tastings to Yiddish and from shofar blowing lessons to intensive Hebrew seminars. Greater Boston is an academic and cultural center attracting thousands of Jewish students to area colleges. MIT students have many opportunities to interact with other students and participate in greater Boston Jewish life. Most MIT undergraduate students live in campus dormitories or in MIT independent living groups.
Graduate students live both on and off campus.
Holiday, weekday, and Shabbat services are held at Hillel. The Orthodox Minyan and the Egalitarian Chavurah sponsor regular services and events during the term. All holidays during the academic year are observed by Hillel. Students can take Jewish studies courses for credit at Harvard and Wellesley. MIT Hillel's Jewish Learning Academy offers non-credit courses.