Boston University Student Housing Options: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the right student housing is a crucial decision for any Boston University (BU) student. With a diverse range of on-campus and off-campus options, finding the perfect fit can significantly impact your academic and social experience. This article provides a comprehensive overview of student housing options at and near Boston University, covering everything from on-campus dorms to private apartments, popular neighborhoods, and associated costs.

Boston University On-Campus Housing

Boston University provides on-campus student rooms. Securing a spot in university dorms is best done in October, as Boston University dorm allotment priority is based on a first-come, first-served system. Unfortunately, students cannot make advanced Boston University (BU) accommodation bookings without a university offer letter.

What to Expect in BU Dorms

The average rent for Boston University dorms is US$7,300 per semester. This generally includes electricity, water, gas, Wi-Fi, maintenance, security, and shared building amenities.

Other costs to consider besides the rent include:

Meal plans (if a meal plan is not available, call 211 to find Food banks nearby for free or lowest prices groceries).
Refundable damage deposit.
Bicycle parking / discounted Bus pass to campus.
Laundry services.

On-Campus Living Communities

BU offers more than just a comfortable place to live. There are two types of shared-interest communities on campus: Living-Learning and Specialty. These faculty-guided communities focus on experiential learning and discovery beyond the classroom. Examples include Earth House, focusing on sustainability and environmental issues, and Global House, centered around foreign language proficiency. Specialty community houses are accommodations in which students with similar interests live, study, and socialize. They are created and sustained by students with the support of faculty and staff and provide unique living environments based on mutual intellectual, cultural, and social affinities.

To live in Living-Learning Communities or Specialty Communities, you must complete an application and be approved. Current students must receive approval before they can select the residence during room selection in the spring or change rooms.

Campus Areas

Central Campus: Housing in Central Campus is located right at the heart of our Charles River Campus, easily accessible to all undergraduate schools including the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Communications, and the College of Engineering. Just steps away, you’ll find labs, libraries, offices, performance venues, and the George Sherman Union.
East Campus: East Campus puts you right at the heart of BU’s Charles River Campus.
Fenway Campus: You’ll be right in the heart of Boston’s Fenway neighborhood. Dining and activities abound, as well as the Wheelock Family Theatre, Target, groceries, and supplies.
South Campus: South Campus is a tranquil, private neighborhood along St. Mary’s and surrounding streets in the Charles River Campus. Nearby, you’ll find groceries, restaurants, shops, and within walking distance to the College of Engineering and the College of Communications.
West Campus: West Campus is composed of Claflin Hall, Sleeper Hall, and Rich Hall.

Boston University Off-Campus Housing Options

There are two main types of off-campus housing options available, which are a bit expensive compared to university dorms but offer additional benefits such as flexible contract length, flexible move-in dates, independent social life, and modern amenities.

Type 1: Purpose-Built Off-Campus Student Housing

These are maintained and handled by private student housing providers. Only students can apply for off-campus housing. Early-bird (Advance) student room booking without a university offer letter is applicable in many housings with a few T&Cs applied; read carefully before booking. These generally offer flexible tenancies with 3, 6, and 12-month bookings. The average prices are around US$450/month.

Popular Boston University (BU) off-campus housing locations include Allston, Central Square (Cambridge), and Brighton - 81 Brayton Road.

Type 2: Private Student Houses/Apartments

These are maintained and handled by individual landlords. Students with their families can book a room. Number of occupants T&C applied. Advance student room booking without a university offer letter is applicable in many housings with a few T&Cs applied; read carefully before booking. Generally, flexible tenancy has weekly, monthly, and semester-based bookings. The average prices are around US$550/month.

Recommended private student housing near Boston University include Crisp Kendall Square Studio w/ Gym, W/D by MIT, MGH & River, Sleek Porter Square 1BR w/ Gym & W/D, nr T Stops, and Airy Central Square Studio w/Doorman, near Charles River.

Before booking a room, it is suggested to check cancellation and refund policies or speak with multilingual student housing experts.

Advantages of Off-Campus Housing

Easy cancellation process. T&C applied.
Avoid expensive last-minute off-campus student room bookings.
Stay with your friend or partner despite being enrolled in different universities in the city.
More privacy because on-campus accommodations usually have shared facilities and common areas.
Off-campus and private lets generally have modern facilities, such as gyms, cinemas, and games rooms.

Popular Student Areas to Live Near Boston University (BU)

Fenway-Kenmore

This area has an average rent of $1,000-$2,000/week, i.e., $4,000-$8,000/month. Distances from campus are as follows:

Metro - 5-15 minutes
Bus - 10-30 minutes
Taxi - 10-20 minutes
Walking - 15-30 minutes

Recommended BU accommodation includes Boston - 9 Bronsdon St, South Boston, and Somerville.

Other Neighborhoods

Allston: It is the Boston neighborhood closest to the Charles River Campus and the most popular place to find Boston University student apartments with cheap BU housing prices, abundant bus stations and MBTA (T) stops, and various entertainments.
Brighton: Compared to Allston, Brighton is a quiet residential area located just west of the Charles River Campus, making it a great option for searching for Boston University graduate housing.
Brookline Village: This neighborhood has higher BU housing prices and is also called the Boston University student village. The most attractive parts of Brookline are the beautiful parks, vibrant and friendly community feel, gorgeous houses, and convenient transportation.
Central Square: Central Square is perfect for finding Boston University off-campus apartments. It is the very center of Cambridge and a buzzing haven of entertainment, bringing convenient public transportation and abundant places to have fun for students.
Coolidge Corner: Coolidge Corner and BU west campus are connected by an easy, tree-lined alley. This neighborhood also boasts movie theaters and bookshops and is an attractive option for exploring apartments close to Boston University.
Kenmore Square & Fenway: This is one of the popular places for finding apartments near BU, only within a 13-minute walk to the Charles River & Fenway Campuses. In addition to various restaurants, being close to Fenway Park is also an obvious attraction.
Roxbury: Roxbury boasts various affordable BU off-campus housing, as well as historic institutions and restaurants around. It is one of the oldest communities in the Greater Boston and now it is the heart of Boston's African American community with a large international population.
The South End: The South End boasts some of the best brunch spots in Boston, and it only takes 5 to 10 minutes to walk to BU Medical Campus, making it one of the good BU housing options.

Featured Off-Campus Housing Options

Several off-campus apartments near Boston University offer a range of amenities and locations. Some popular options include:

Read also: History of the BU Bridge

The Bon (1260 Boylston Street): Located a 7-minute walk from Boston University, The Bon offers fully furnished studio apartments with private bathrooms and kitchen areas. Rent covers utilities, services, and access to an on-site gym, resident lounges, and study spaces.
1047 Commonwealth (1047 Commonwealth Avenue): This location provides apartments near Boston University.
525 Linc (525 Lincoln Street): Furnished apartments near Boston University offer individual leases.
Commonwealth Apartments (1144-1160 Commonwealth Avenue): Offering apartments close to campus.
The Indie (35-43 Braintree Street): Brand new apartment in Allston, undergraduate friendly.
The Overlook At St. Gabriel's (175 Washington Street): Offers apartments with a range of amenities.
Alder at Allston Yards (301 Guest Street): Provides modern apartments in Allston.
Other Options: Additional options include 83 Gardner Street Apartments, Idyl (60 Kilmarnock Street), Hew at 1515 (1525 Commonwealth Avenue), The Greenhouse Apartments (150 Huntington Avenue), and Bower Boston (771 Beacon Street).

Finding the Right Fit: Resources and Tips

uhomes.com: This website offers a wide range of apartments near Boston University, catering to various preferences and needs. They provide detailed information about BU housing and can assist in finding the perfect apartment.
Student.com: This platform offers a wide range of student housing in Boston, including lots of apartments in the areas most popular for Boston University students.
Start Early: uhomes.com advises students studying in Boston University, especially incoming students, to begin searching for student housing as early as possible, ideally in May or earlier, to secure their ideal BU housing option before the start of the academic year in September.
Consider Your Needs: Think about what's important to you in a living situation. Do you prefer a private space or a shared apartment? Are you looking for modern amenities like a gym or study lounge? How important is proximity to campus and public transportation?
Check Cancellation Policies: Before booking any accommodation, carefully review the cancellation and refund policies to avoid potential issues.

Cost of Living at Boston University

The cost of living at Boston University varies depending on housing choices, individual spending habits, and lifestyle. Here's a breakdown of estimated expenses:

Housing Costs:
- Boston University on-campus housing: $1,000 - $1,800 per month
- Boston University off-campus housing: $1,500 - $4,000 per month
Tuition: The tuition cost of Boston University for undergraduates ranges from $20,000 to $65,000 per academic year. For postgraduates, the cost is from $30,000 to $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

Understanding the local transportation system can help you save travel time and enhance your experience.

Subway: The Green Line 'B' Branch has stops like Boston University East station, Boston University Central station, and Boston University West station, ensuring easy access to classes and BU dorms. A single ride within 2 miles costs $2.40.
BU Shuttle: This is a free mode of public transportation for Boston University students, faculties, and staff. The BU Shuttle runs seven days a week, including late-night service.
Bus: The fare for a single bus trip on the local bus is $1.70, while on the express buses, it is $4.25.
Bike: Bluebikes are popular among Boston citizens.
Rideshare: Services like Uber and Lyft are widely used among students.
Walking: Explore the city by foot to enjoy the stunning city views and vibrant atmosphere of Boston.

Tourist Attractions Near Boston University

Boston University is located near various tourist attractions:

The Freedom Trail: Learn about 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 the developing story of Massachusetts.
Quincy Market: A historic market that continues to operate today.
Bunker Hill Monument: Commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775.
Museum of Fine Arts: One of the most comprehensive art museums in the world.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: An art museum founded by Isabella Stewart Gardner.
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.

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