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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are student apartments in Boston good for international students?

Yes, student apartments in Boston are good for international students. This is due to the high safety index and proximity to top-rated universities, including Boston University, Northeastern University, and Harvard University.

What are the average costs for student apartments in Boston?

Student apartments in Boston charge an average fee ranging from $1,500 to $2,000+. The prices may vary depending on the type of room selected. However, shared rooms in off-campus apartments cost between $800 and $1,680 per person. This price variation occurs within the Allston and Fenway regions.

Which are the best neighborhoods for student apartments in Boston?

Some of the best neighborhoods for student apartments in Boston include Fenway, Allston, and Back Bay. Such neighborhoods are proximal to academic institutions and connected to the MBTA Green Line. Fenway is ideal for Northeastern University and Berklee students, whereas Allston has affordable prices and a lively student community.

Are student apartments Boston usually furnished?

Generally, amber-listed student apartments in Boston are furnished, which means that the apartments will have basic furniture like beds, wardrobes, desks, chairs, and other essentials. The most common premium student apartments include free high-speed Wi-Fi, laundry rooms, and smart locks.

How early should students book student apartments in Boston?

The best time to rent an apartment is 3-5 months before the start of the academic year. Since the lease term in student-dominated areas such as Allston runs from September 1 to August 31, students need to make reservations early.

Is student housing Boston close to major universities?

Student apartments in Boston can be found within walking distance of major universities in Boston, such as Boston University, Northeastern University, and Harvard University. Most student housing areas can be accessed using the subway and buses from Boston.

Can students find apartments for rent in Boston without a US credit history?

Yes, most apartments for rent in Boston MA, offer rentals that accept students, even without a US credit history, through the use of guarantors, extra security deposits, or school registration.

What are the approximate living costs for students studying at Boston University, Northeastern University, or Harvard University?

The total cost for students is around $1,400- $1,800 per month, including rent, food, transportation, and entertainment, excluding tuition fees. It. Housing costs become the major expenditure for students in Boston's central districts.

Is there proper connectivity via public transport in Boston student accommodation?

Yes, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority runs an efficient public transport system that covers Boston student housing areas such as Fenway, Allston, and Back Bay. The Green Line train and bus services link the neighborhoods directly to universities.

How is student housing in Massachusetts different from other US states?

Student housing in Massachusetts is relatively expensive compared to the national average because of higher academic competition. However, safety, transport systems, and proximity to reputable schools are much better. Major cities like Boston provide consistent student housing all year round.

Student Housing in Boston

Boston Student Apartments

Boston is one of the best student cities in the United States, and it hosts more than 250,000+ students each year. The renowned educational institutions within Boston include Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston University, and more. As a result, many students live in Boston, and there is a high demand for student housing in Boston. Many students go for off-campus student housing in Boston due to the unavailability of student housing in campus dormitories.

Boston University off-campus housing options include student dormitory, shared student housing (2-bedroom, 3-bedroom), private rooms, and even luxury studios. Student apartments in Boston cost between $900 and $2,500/month, depending on various factors. Students have an easy time finding student housing in Boston through reliable websites such as amber. Off-campus student apartments in Boston are conveniently available around the best universities in Boston. Students interested in long-term or short-term housing in Boston will have no issues using amber's booking services.

About Boston, MA

Boston, a city in Massachusetts, is one of the oldest cities in the United States, having been around since 1630. It is a blend of historical and modern aspects, with a rich history and the latest developments. Besides, there are about 675,000 people living in the city, and there are more than 4.9 million people in the metro area, making Boston an excellent student destination. Most colleges in Boston, like Northeastern University and Boston University, are easily accessible, while all student residences Boston are within a 10 to 15-minute walking distance.

Thanks to Boston's world-class universities and excellent job opportunities, the city is regularly listed among the top 10 QS Best Student Cities worldwide. The safety index of Boston is around 65 out of 100, which places it as one of the safest American cities, when the average safety level of other cities is 62. Besides that, students in the city have great career prospects as they can easily find jobs in the areas of health care, technology, and financial services. Boston is also a host to many events, like the Boston Marathon and the Boston Calling Music Festival, that bring together students from all over each year.

Best Student Apartments in Boston, MA

Finding the right student apartments in Boston MA is one essential step in crafting an ideal student life. Students worry about considerations like cost, security, workout facilities, study areas, and closeness to college. With the rise in demand for Boston off-campus apartments, students rely on reliable platforms like amber to locate verified apartments through user-friendly listings.

Furnished Student Apartments BostonMain University & DistanceKey AmenitiesStarting Price
LightviewNortheastern University: <1 min walkAcademic success center, 24-hr fitness center, Sky lounge, Cafe/Retail on-site, LaundryFrom $1,849/month
85 Park DriveSimmons University: ~7 mins walkHardwood floors, Modern kitchen, Pet-friendly, Near Fenway Park, High-speed Wi-FiFrom $2730/month
J-Vue at the LMAHarvard Medical School: ~8 mins walkRooftop terrace, State-of-the-art gym, Cinema room, Pet spa, Resident loungeFrom $2912/month
ImprintUMass Boston: ~10 mins bus/bikeWork-from-home pods, Fitness suite, Roof deck, In-unit W/D, Stainless appliancesFrom $2,225/month
South Standard ApartmentsTufts Medical Center: ~12 mins walkConcierge service, Fitness center, Library, Underground parking, CourtyardFrom $3,075/month

Affordable Student Housing in Boston, MA

Boston offers a lot of options for affordable housing. Even though the city has a relatively very high cost of living, Allston and Brighton are areas which are relatively more affordable compared to other parts of Boston. So, if you are a student and looking for cheap apartments in Boston for students, these two locations would be good choices for you. Below are some of the cheap student housing Boston options which are available right now:

Affordable Student Housing in BostonRoom TypesKey AmenitiesStarting Price
June Homes 02134 (Allston)4-Bed, 5-Bed, 6-Bed, & 7-Bed ApartmentsFurnished common areas, Laundry facilities, High-speed Wi-Fi, Paid parkingFrom $775/month
June Homes 02124 (Dorchester)3-Bed, 4-Bed, & 5-Bed ApartmentsModern kitchen, Wi-Fi, Professional cleaning, Hardwood floors, Utilities includedFrom $875/month
June Homes 02121 (Dorchester)4-Bed Apartments (Shared Bath)Fully furnished, Wi-Fi, On-street parking, Closet space, Modern appliancesFrom $925/month
June Homes 02135 (Brighton)Studio, 3-Bed, 4-Bed, & 6-Bed ApartmentsSmart TV, Furnished common areas, Laundry in building, Oven/MicrowaveFrom $925/month
June Homes 02145 (Somerville)2-Bed, 3-Bed, & 4-Bed ApartmentsMicrowave, TV, Hardwood floors, Closet space, Refrigerator, Guarantors allowedFrom $1,075/month

Best Areas to Live in Boston, MA

Boston offers different neighborhoods from which students can select a place to stay that complements their lifestyle, budget, and academic needs. Whether it's excellent social settings, close proximity to famous universities, or peaceful neighborhoods, there is a full range of student accommodations in Boston for those looking for a place to stay.

AreaStudent VibeCommute to the nearest UniAvg Rent (p/mo)
Allston"Student Ghetto," live music, cheap food option5-10 mins (BU)$1,100–$1,450
FenwaySports culture, urban, energetic2 mins (Northeastern/BU)$1,800–$2,400
SomervilleArtsy, hipster cafes, quiet streets15 mins (Harvard/MIT)$1,200–$1,600
DorchesterResidential, diverse, spacious20 mins (UMass)$950–$1,300
BrightonRelaxed, residential, green spaces15 mins (BC)$1,150–$1,500

Room Types for Boston Student Apartments

Student housing in Boston is an extremely large market, both for housing units available and the diversity of student needs it covers.

1. Studio Apartments: A studio apartment is a one-room unit that typically includes a living/bedroom area, a bathroom, and a small kitchen. So, it is really a good solution for students who value privacy and independence.

2. 1-Bedroom Apartments: One-bedroom apartments provide the same comfort but with some extra space. Because of this, this type of room is suitable for those who appreciate peace.

3. 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments: Two- and three-bedroom apartments are perfect for students who want to share their living quarters. Your roommates can be your study partners and friends. Also, it's a good way to cut your rent down.

4. Shared Apartments: If you are considering Boston University apartments off-campus, shared apartments may be an option worth considering. In such a setting, students benefit from private bedrooms but share common areas like the living room and kitchen. This setup works well for socializing and making new friends.

5. Private Rooms: If you want to be by yourself, you can get a private room in a group house or communal apartment. Here, the bedroom is exclusively yours. Yet, the bathroom, kitchen, and living area are usually shared with other people.

Cost of Living in Boston

It is crucial to understand the cost of living in Boston when you are going there as a student. Although Boston is regarded as one of the most expensive cities where students live in America, proper management of expenses will help you handle this issue. In general, the amount of monthly expenses for students varies from $1,800 to $3,200.

Expense CategoryAverage Monthly Cost
Rent$900 – $2,500
Utilities + Wi-Fi$150 – $220
Transportation$90 – $120
Groceries$250 – $400
Food & Dining$150 – $300
Leisure & Entertainment$100 – $250

Student Travel in Boston, MA

Boston has an efficient mode of transport, which allows for easy movement between the universities and the student apartments in Boston MA. Public transport is easily accessible within the city, and there are various cycling and walking paths that make movement easy and cheap for students.

Commute ModeDescriptionAvg Cost
Subway (MBTA “T”)Connects key student areas like Cambridge, Fenway, and Back Bay with high-frequency service$25/week
BusExtensive coverage across neighborhoods with reliable and budget-friendly routes$20/week
Commuter RailIdeal for students living in outer areas, connecting the suburbs to central Boston$40/week
CyclingPopular among students, many accommodations offer secure bike storageMinimal cost
WalkingBoston is compact and walkable, especially near university campusesFree

Student Lifestyle and Tourist Attractions in Boston

Students who opt for Boston as their destination have the luxury of balancing between studying hard and enjoying themselves at their leisure. The neighborhoods around campuses will see libraries, coworking spaces, and cafés serving as studying spots. Some common studying places that students choose for themselves include places such as the Boston Public Library. In addition to that, there are cafés in Harvard Square where productive time merges with social activities. Boston's social life appeals much to Gen Z students. This is evident from how neighborhoods such as Allston and Fenway attract nightlife, music, and bars that welcome students.

Boston Common often becomes a hangout spot for students during the day as they picnic and relax with friends. Some of them also like to go to Newbury Street for shopping and meeting up. Students can attend the Boston Calling music festival as one of the events they may partake in. They can also enjoy seasonal activities, cultural festivals and sports matches that are going on throughout the city. The tour of Boston's tourist attractions will cover the students' journey through history, culture, and art. The tour can begin with the historic landmarks like the Freedom Trail, followed by a visit to Fenway Park for a sporting experience. Besides these two, you should not forget about the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and Quincy Market.

Universities in Boston, MA

Boston has many institutions that are among the most prestigious in the world, thereby bringing together a variety of students and turning Boston into an international educational center. These colleges provide high-quality education in addition to being located near many student housing apartments for rent in Boston MA.

UniversityPopular ProgramsNearest student rentals Boston
Harvard UniversityBusiness, Law, Medicine, Political ScienceBower
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyEngineering, Computer Science, AI, Physics85 Park Drive
Boston UniversityBusiness, Communication, Engineering, Health SciencesL Vue at the LMA
Northeastern UniversityBusiness, Data Science, Engineering, Co-op ProgramsMission Main
Tufts UniversityInternational Relations, Medicine, Liberal ArtsImprint

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