Nicholas Maurer, an Australian scholar, enrolled in MIT's Institute of Data, Systems, and Society to pursue a PhD in social and engineering systems. With a background in physics and engineering, he had worked as a researcher but always dreamed of studying at MIT. Two years ago he and his wife Andrea moved to Boston with their children Elaine (5) and Zachary (3).
When multiple offers arrived, family support became the decisive factor. The couple examined MIT's grant for graduate students with children, on‑campus childcare, and Westgate student family housing, and saw a clear commitment to building a real home for families.
Westgate turned into the heart of the Maurer experience. The international mix of families helped them form instant connections, and Andrea also found friends through MIT Spouses and Partners Connect (MIT S&PC). Although the program closed last year due to budget cuts, she keeps its spirit alive with informal meet‑ups.
The family enjoys student‑parent lunches, rock climbing at Rock Spot, free ice‑cream events, and discounted family activities that let them explore greater Boston.
Maurer admits that balancing a PhD with parenting is not for the faint‑hearted; it demands strict time management and honesty about one’s capacity. He has learned to decline some social invitations and extra courses to focus on core research and his family.
Despite the challenges, watching his children play with peers from around the world brings genuine joy.
For them, MIT is more than an academic institution; it is a supportive community.
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