Boston University Housing Costs: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing where to live is a significant decision for Boston University students. Understanding the costs associated with various housing options is crucial for budgeting and making informed choices. This article breaks down the costs of on-campus and off-campus housing at BU, exploring factors influencing these expenses and offering advice on finding affordable solutions.

On-Campus Housing Costs

Boston University offers a variety of on-campus housing options, each with different associated costs. These options range from traditional dorm-style residences to suite-style and apartment-style living.

Traditional-Style Residences

Traditional-style residences at Boston University typically consist of shared rooms (doubles, triples, etc.) with communal bathrooms on each floor. For the 2022-2023 academic year, BU Housing raised the costs of living in these residences, with rates increasing by an average of $460 per student compared to the previous year.

Suite-Style Housing

Suite-style housing features private bedrooms with shared living spaces and bathrooms. In 2022-2023, a single room in a suite at 33 Harry Agganis Way cost approximately $2,100 a month, excluding dining plan costs.

Standard Minimum Rate Rooms

A standard minimum rate room, typically accommodating two, three, or four beds with no kitchen and a shared bathroom, cost a little more than $1,500 a month in 2022-2023.

Factors Influencing On-Campus Housing Costs

Several factors influence the cost of on-campus housing at Boston University:

Inflation: BU spokesperson Colin Riley stated that housing prices reflect inflation and the costs of operating 11,000 beds across more than 140 student residences.
Renovations and Maintenance: With 380 buildings, some require significant renovation, contributing to overall expenses.
Type of Residence: Suite-style and apartment-style housing options generally cost more than traditional dorm-style residences due to added amenities and space.

Off-Campus Housing Costs

Off-campus housing near Boston University presents another viable option for students. Websites like uhomes.com offer a wide range of apartments near the university, catering to different preferences and budgets.

Types of Off-Campus Housing

Off-campus housing options include:

Shared apartments and shared rooms
Private flats and studios

These options cater to undergraduates, graduate students, and those seeking summer housing.

Factors Influencing Off-Campus Housing Costs

Location: Neighborhoods closer to campus or with more amenities tend to have higher rents.
Amenities: Furnished apartments or those with in-unit laundry facilities typically command higher prices.
Demand: High demand for off-campus housing near Boston University can drive up rental costs.

Popular Off-Campus Housing Options

According to uhomes.com, some of the top picks for Boston University off-campus housing include:

The Bon
1047 Commonwealth
525 Linc
55 Brighton
Dexter Park

Cost Comparison: On-Campus vs. Off-Campus

For the 2022-2023 academic year, the increase in on-campus housing rates made off-campus housing a potentially more affordable option for some students. Julia Concannon, a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences, noted that rising housing costs were part of her decision to move off-campus completely.

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond the base cost of housing, students should also consider additional expenses:

Dining Plans: On-campus residents typically need to factor in the cost of a dining plan.
Utilities: Off-campus renters may need to cover utilities such as electricity, gas, and internet.
Transportation: Depending on the location of off-campus housing, students may need to budget for transportation costs, such as public transportation passes or ride-sharing services.
Intersession Housing: Boston University charges extra for intersession housing, which students should factor into their budgets if they plan to stay on campus during breaks.

Finding Affordable Housing Options

Several strategies can help students find affordable housing options at Boston University:

Look for Less Expensive Traditional Dorms: Older dorms with fewer amenities are often less expensive.
Consider Living Off-Campus: Explore off-campus housing in nearby neighborhoods, which can sometimes be more affordable.
Compare Room and Meal Plan Options: Opt for a shared room and a more cost-effective meal plan.
Apply for Need-Based Financial Aid: Boston University offers financial aid packages that can cover housing costs for eligible students. The university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted first-year and transfer students who are US citizens or permanent residents.

Neighborhoods for Off-Campus Housing

Several neighborhoods near Boston University offer a range of off-campus housing options:

Allston: Closest to the Charles River Campus, Allston offers cheaper housing prices, bus stations, and MBTA stops.
Brighton: Located just west of the Charles River Campus, Brighton is a quieter residential area suitable for graduate students.
Brookline Village: Known as the Boston University student village, Brookline Village features parks, a friendly community, and convenient transportation, though housing prices are higher.
Central Square: In Cambridge, Central Square offers entertainment and convenient public transportation.
Coolidge Corner: Connected to BU's west campus, Coolidge Corner boasts movie theaters and bookshops.
Kenmore Square & Fenway: Close to the Charles River & Fenway Campuses, this area offers restaurants and proximity to Fenway Park.
Roxbury: Features affordable housing, historic institutions, and diverse restaurants, with a large African American and international population.
The South End: Only a 5- to 10-minute walk to BU Medical Campus, The South End offers good brunch spots and convenient access to the medical campus.

Cost of Living at Boston University: A Broader Perspective

Understanding the overall cost of living at Boston University provides context for housing expenses. Estimated expenses for incoming students include:

Read also: History of the BU Bridge

Housing:
- On-campus: $1,000 - $1,800 per month
- Off-campus: $1,500 - $4,000 per month
Tuition:
- Undergraduates: $20,000 - $65,000 per academic year
- Postgraduates: $30,000 - $70,000 per academic year
Food:
- Groceries: $50 - $150 per week
- Dining out: $30 - $50 per meal
Entertainment:
- Movie Tickets: $15 - $20 per ticket
- Other entertainment expenses: $50 - $150 per month
Transportation:
- Public transportation: $100 - $150 per month
- Uber/Lyft rides: $30 - $70 per week
Miscellaneous:
- Books and supplies: $1,000 - $1,500 per year
- Personal expenses: $100 - $300 per month

Transportation Options for BU Students

Navigating Boston and the Boston University campus efficiently requires understanding the available transportation options:

Subway: The Green Line 'B' Branch stops at Boston University East, Central, and West stations, providing easy access to classes and dorms. A single ride within 2 miles costs $2.40, with options for 1-day, 7-day, or 1-month passes.
BU Shuttle: A free mode of transportation for Boston University students, faculty, and staff, running seven days a week with late-night service.
Bus: A single bus trip on the local bus is $1.70, while on the express buses, it is $4.25.
Bike: Bluebikes offer a fast and affordable way to get around. A single ride costs $4.49 for 30 minutes, with an annual membership available for $60 for eligible residents.
Rideshare: Services like Uber and Lyft are widely used, with a single trip within Boston ranging from $7 to $30.
Walking: Walking allows students to enjoy the city views and atmosphere.

Tourist Attractions Near Boston University

Boston University's location provides easy access to various tourist attractions:

The Freedom Trail: A four-kilometer-long red brick road that highlights the history of the American Independence movement.
Boston Common: The oldest park in the United States and the starting point of Boston's Freedom Trail.
The Massachusetts State House: Witness to the developing story of Massachusetts since 1798.
Quincy Market: A historic market listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Bunker Hill Monument: A 67-meter-high memorial tower commemorating the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Museum of Fine Arts: One of the most comprehensive art museums in the world.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: An art museum housing significant examples of European, Asian, and American art.
Boston Public Library: An architectural wonder and the first large free municipal library in the United States.
Fenway Park: America's oldest ballpark and a must-visit for baseball enthusiasts.
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum: Offers interactive exhibits and live scene reproductions related to the Boston Tea Party.

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