Finding Home: a guide to finding a Boston Apartment for BU CAS grad students
Finding home is kinda our thing at Wayhome, so we’ve put together all the info. you’ll need to get it done fast, cheap, and easy . I’m a BU alum, so I’ve been here before. Read-on, and avoid making the same mistakes I did
Your moving timeline
While we can’t pack your boxes for you, and we don’t know how you’re going to fit that couch in the elevator, we can put your mind at ease by telling you what steps to take and when.
As soon as you’re accepted: start looking for apartments
If you can, start looking for apartments as early as possible (Wayhome can help), because most of the good places are taken by May. Many Boston leases start on September first, but since orientation usually starts in late August, try to get one that starts in July or August.
Four weeks before moving: Get your moving van permit
Boston streets are narrow, busy and have limited parking. During moving season, some neighborhoods can feel like a war-zone. If you’re using a moving truck or van, secure a moving permit to avoid getting towed on your big day. Pro tip: if you’re using a moving company, call and ask if they can take care of this for you.
Three weeks before moving: arrange for your utilities
Most Boston apartments cover gas, heat, and hot water, but you’ll likely have to pay for your own electricity, internet, and cable. Eversource is Boston’s main electricity provider, while the big names in wifi are RCN and Comcast (though depending on your building, you may not have a choice). If you live close enough to campus, you can pick up BU’s wifi for free (I went this route, but fair warning: my Wii couldn’t connect to their network).
June-August: Your lease starts
Try to get a lease that starts in the middle of the month so that you can avoid the chaos of moving during the first of the month. If you move in late summer, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the city before school starts!
Getting to BU
BU lies just outside downtown Boston and spans about a mile along Commonwealth Avenue. The green line of the T (Boston’s public transit system), the 57 bus, and BU’s free student shuttle run regularly through campus, so getting around is a breeze. Parking in the area is limited: BU has a few paid lots, or you can get a permit, but these options are both fairly costly. There are paid parking meters sprinkled along Commonwealth Avenue, but the limit is 2 hours and spots are scarce (especially during Red Sox games).
Now that you’ve got your bearings, we’ve laid out a few prime locations by commute time. And once you’ve decided which neighborhood to make your next home-base, head to Wayhome and we’ll help you find the right place.
5–15 minute walk to campus
Kenmore
I loved living here because I could roll out of bed and be in class in under 10 minutes. The Charles River Esplanade is in Kenmore’s back yard and it’s the perfect place to feed the ducks, try to get some work done, or join your fellow Terriers for a game of frisbee. Since it’s a major bus hub and right on the green line, the entire city is gloriously accessible from Kenmore.
Fenway
A sports an’s dream (or a Yankee fan’s nightmare). Between bars, restaurants, and the Sox’ home-turf, Fenway is always hoppin’. You’ll also have access to conveniences like shopping, large grocery stores, and, most importantly: a Target.
10–20 minutes to campus via public transportation
Allston
Allston is a favorite for students and young professionals because it’s affordable, safe, and packed with interesting bars, hip coffee shops, and restaurants from all over the world. There are a ton of spots to enjoy live music, catch free events, and meet new people. I also happen to live here, and give it two thumbs up!
Back Bay
Back Bay is fannnnncy. It’s home to Newbury Street, a famous stretch of Boston lined with chic boutiques, fine dining, and gorgeous real estate. If you need some peace & quiet for studying, pop-in to the Boston Public Library in Copley Square (fair warning: it’s pretty majestic… it can be distracting).
Longwood
If you’re aiming for an internship or job in a clinical setting, the Longwood area offers convenient access to several medical facilities. Need to meet friends or a date downtown? It’s just a quick 15 minutes away on the T.
Brookline
Brookline is sort of like a Boston suburb. It’s quiet, but Coolidge Corner is pretty interesting. If you’ve got family in-tow (or just dig peace & quiet), Brookline’s a great choice. But fair warning: overnight parking is banned on all Brookline streets, so if you can’t find a place with a parking spot, think carefully before signing the lease!
20–30 minutes to campus via public transportation
Brighton
If you want to keep your car, this neighborhood has more parking options than most. Since it’s affordable and sandwiched between BU and Boston College, you’ll have no trouble finding study buddies.
JP/ Mission Hill
These areas offer a diverse assortment of people and residential options (it’s not uncommon to find a splendid mansion a couple blocks away from a reasonably-priced apartment building). With more parks & green spaces than most parts of Boston, JP is as close to ‘outdoorsy’ as a BU student can hope to find.
