Boston runs on the academic calendar. With dozens of colleges in and around the city, everything from apartment listings to café hours follows the school year. That’s good news for students and something every newcomer needs to plan around.
The September 1 problem
A huge share of leases start and end on September 1. Listings appear in spring, and the best apartments near campuses go quickly. If you’re arriving for fall, start looking early and have your documents ready. Moving day itself is chaotic, with trucks everywhere, so book movers well in advance.
Broker fees: Rules on who pays rental broker fees in Massachusetts have changed recently. Ask upfront and get it in writing.
Student-friendly neighborhoods
- Allston and Brighton: popular with students, on the Green Line B
- Cambridge and Somerville: near Harvard, MIT and Tufts, on the Red Line
- Jamaica Plain: green and relaxed, Orange Line
- Fenway and Mission Hill: near Northeastern and the medical area
- Quincy: cheaper, Red Line into downtown
The T
The MBTA runs subway, bus, commuter rail and ferries. Many schools offer discounted semester passes. Boston is compact, and walking or biking is often faster than the train for short trips.
Winter
Expect snow from December to March and the occasional big storm. Waterproof boots matter more than anything. Landlords must provide heat, but heating costs vary a lot depending on whether it’s included.
