BOSTON – A new New York Times-Siena College poll shows Donald Trump and Kamala Harris polling neck and neck for the presidency, a change following a Harris surge when she first became the nominee.

In particular, the poll shows lukewarm support for Harris among the youngest voters, those 18 to 29. “If you look over the last few election cycles, young voters have been a key voting block for Democratic candidates,” explained St. Anselm College political science professor Chris Galdieri. “Not just Joe Biden in 2020, but for Democratic candidates in the 2018 and 2022 midterms. So, I think the challenge for the Harris campaign is, can you continue that enthusiasm? Can you reach those voters and get them to do what they’ve done in the last few cycles?”

Ahead of the first Harris-Trump debate, WBZ spoke with college students in Boston about their plans this November.

Spectrum of enthusiasm among young voters

The large majority told WBZ they plan to vote for Kamala Harris, with one student saying he planned to vote for Donald Trump and a handful of others who were undecided.

And yet – there was a spectrum of enthusiasm among the young voters. “I feel pretty excited I would say,” Northeastern freshman Lucy Richardson said. “I feel like I think we need a female president.”

“I am just super excited to have a female president,” second year student Jordan Hedges agreed. “It’s time… I’m ready.”

However, many other students felt lukewarm about casting their ballot on November 5.

“I will say I like that I’m voting for Harris more than Biden now but I’m just not excited about our options. I’m not feeling great about it,” said second year Northeastern student Sophie. “It feels like a choice I get the better of two evils.”

When asked why, she elaborated that she’s disappointed in Kamala Harris’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. “It’s getting better but at the same time…I’m pro-Palestine and it’s not looking great right now,” Sophie said.

This statement was echoed by several other students, who voiced it as a reason they were reluctantly voting for Harris. “I’m just very anti-Trump which is the main reason I’m voting for her,” said graduate student Lauren Robles. “The whole genocide thing is definitely a kicker, but there’s not a lot of really great options,” she added.

“I feel like my generation is becoming more and more bold and saying like, ‘we don’t want to settle for things,’” explained political science student Geneva Palmer. When asked if “not settling” meant not voting, she said some students felt that way – though she plans to vote. “Politics is always going to be about compromising, unfortunately it’s kind of hard to see a future if we aren’t willing to make some concessions,” she explained.

“I think a lot of students feel like they are not happy with either candidate which I can agree with, but I think like also, we still have our duty to vote,” said second year Northeastern student Jacob Wojtowicz. The business and finance major plans to vote for Donald Trump for economic reasons. “I think there’s ups and downs, but when it comes to where our economy is going… I’d say, I lean more financially conservative.”

Young voters look for highlights on social media

WBZ also asked the students if they plan to watch the first debate between Trump and Harris as it airs live on television Tuesday night. Most said they would not watch live, instead looking for “the highlights” on social media.

The New York Times poll also revealed that social media is the number one single source for political news among voters with 19% using social media, trailed by network television and Fox News at 12% and 11% respectively.

The candidates and their campaigns have taken notice, becoming active on platforms like TikTok. The Harris campaign also began livestreaming their events in vertical video form to be more compatible for a cellphone audience. 

“I think, for a lot of younger folks, the main impact is not going to be from the debate itself, but from the aftermath of the debate,” Professor Galdieri told WBZ. “I think if the campaigns are smart, they will be working to get their spin of the debate – their best clips, their best moments from the debate on places like TikTok and Instagram and other places where you can find young voters.”

The debate starts at 9 p.m. eastern time on Tuesday, September 10.

MASSACHUSETTS — Are you saving your nights outside of the house for the weekend? In Massachusetts, that can often mean missing out on a bevy of great concerts, art exhibits and other events across the state.

In Patch’s latest weekly column, we focus on the events happening throughout the week in the Boston area and beyond.

UFC champion Conor McGregor is in Boston on a promotional run for his brand of Irish stout beer, Forged Irish Stout.

He’ll host a workout at a local gym, stop by a liquor store in the afternoon and host an evening event at White Bull Tavern.

Plus, the Buzzcocks play Big Night Live, Jack White is at The Sinclair and more from this week of events in Massachusetts:

Boston’s notorious September 1 city-wide move-in day has passed and school is back in session which begs the question: How should new residents fill up their time this fall? 

Known for its rich academic history, vibrant arts scene, and energizing sports culture, Boston has something for every person, every season.

We got our bucket list started with share six ideas for how to spend the best the perfect fall day in Boston.

We want to know: How can residents get to know their neighborhood better new this fall? What are some of the hidden – and not so hidden – gems around the Greater Boston area that are a must to experience? Help add to our existing list by filling out the form below or e-mailing [email protected].

Walk through Beacon Hill

Just a short walk from the Boston Common and Public Garden, Beacon Hill has plenty of shopping, restaurants, and stunning architecture that compliments the changing fall foliage.

Be sure to start your morning off with breakfast from Mass Hole Donuts on Charles Street before heading to Acorn Street. Enjoy the views of the Charles River and Cambridge with a walk along the Esplanade.

Spend an afternoon at a museum

If you’re looking for an indoor activity, Boston has plenty of museums to choose from. Whether you visit the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) (25 Harbor Shore Drive) in the Seaport, the Museum of Fine Arts (465 Huntington Ave.) for one of the world’s largest art collections, or the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (25 Evans Way) for its Rembrandt paintings and an empty frame symbolizing the 1990 heist, you’ll be sure to have a memorable day learning about art, culture, or science.

For undergraduate or graduate students, be sure to take advantage of student discounts at participating museums.

Watch the Red Sox before the season ends

Watching the Red Sox play at Fenway Park is a must for all new residents. Sign up for #Student9s for your chance to see Boston’s beloved team play at a significantly discounted rate. Be sure to check out readers’ tips for the best way to experience the ballpark.

Walk around Harvard Square

Spend some time on the historic grounds of the oldest university in the U.S. and one of the most prestigious in the world. With an open campus and dozens of restaurants and shops, Harvard Square is a great place to explore, take pictures, and practice your Boston accent in the ‘Hahvahd Yahd.’

Eat and shop at Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Located in Downtown Boston, Faneuil Hall (4 S Market St.) has over 40 vendors from food, drinks, shopping, and more for you to explore. Continue on your visit by walking along the Freedom Trail.

Buy a new book

Stock up on books from one of several independent bookstores across the city. Spend part of your day browsing bookshelves solo or with your roommates whether you visit Trident Booksellers and Cafe (338 Newbury St.), Beacon Hill Books and Cafe, Beacon Hill (71 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114), or used books at Commonwealth Books (9 Spring Ln.), you’ll find your next read.

Fill out the survey below or send an e-mail to [email protected], and your response may appear in an upcoming Boston.com article.