Forget What Tou Think You Know About Finding an Apartment in Boston as a College Student

If you’re a new student at New England College of Optometry (NECO), congratulations—and welcome to Boston! One of your first big challenges (after figuring out where to find the best iced coffee) will be finding a place to live. Whether you’re moving from across the country or just across the city, this guide is here to help you navigate Boston’s housing market like a local.

Boston apartments for college students have changed a lot over the years. While most of them are still small and landlords with bad reputations are still common, there are a lot of new options to consider when thinking of where the best places for college students to live in Boston. 

The hardest part about finding an apartment in Boston

When you start the process of moving to Boston, you’ll notice there are many neighborhoods to consider. Choosing which neighborhood to live in can usually be determined by price, however. Looking at a map of the city, you’ll see names like Fenway, Kenmore, Mission Hill, Jamaica Plain, Allston, Brighton, or Back Bay. Each neighborhood comes with its own vibe, price range, and commute time to NECO. 

Boston is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own vibe, price range, and commute time to NECO.

Popular spots for NECO students

• Back Bay: Super close to campus (you can walk!) but very pricey. Great if you want convenience and classic brownstone charm but frankly not very practical for graduate students.
• Fenway/Kenmore: A popular area for students with access to public transit and green spaces. Expect mid-to-high rents.
• Jamaica Plain (JP): Diverse, artsy, and a bit more spacious. The Orange Line gets you downtown in about 25 minutes.
• Allston/Brighton: Known for student apartments and budget-friendly rents. It’s a bit farther out, but the Green Line gets you to campus quickly and efficiently.
• Cambridge/Somerville: A bit of a trek but offers great restaurants and access to the Red Line. Worth considering if you’re doing clinical rotations in the area.

The best part about living in this city

Being a new grad student in Boston is an exciting time and knowing where to live and understanding transportation here in order to get the most out of the city is key! You’ll have some time to take advantage of the city between clinic and class work. Living in Boston means enjoying fun nightlife with friends from school or even from the thousands of other students that live here too.  

Things can get pricey between tuition and going out, so let’s look at some budgeting ideas for the different neighborhoods. 

 

Budgeting for Boston

Boston rents can be steep, so plan ahead. Here’s what to expect:

• Studio: $1,700 – $2,300 per month
• 1-bedroom: $2,000 – $2,800 per month
• Room in a shared apartment: $1,000 – $1,800 per month

Be prepared to pay first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and often a security deposit (equal to one month’s rent). Some places also charge a broker’s fee, which is usually another full month’s rent—though you can avoid this by looking for “no-fee” listings.

Where to Look for Listings

• NECO Housing Portal: The Admissions team will share out the link to this google site where you can read up on all the latest tips and tricks for moving to the city and find contact information for listing agents. 
• Facebook Groups: Our Admissions team will add you to your Class year’s Facebook group where you can find NECO student listings for sublets, open rooms, selling furniture, or answer any questions you might have for an upper year student. 
• Craigslist: Still useful—but be careful to avoid scams.
• Zillow, Apartments.com, and HotPads: Easy-to-navigate platforms for filtering by price, location, and amenities.
• NECO Housing Webinars: The Admissions team will host multiple housing webinars each semester, so make sure to check your email for information about upcoming events. The webinars are a great way to meet local listing agencies and other classmates in real time who might be a good roommate fit.

Finding Roommates

Roommates are a great way to save money and make friends. Ask your incoming class group chats or the NECO housing Facebook page. Be upfront about your expectations (cleanliness, quiet hours, pets) so there are no surprises later.

What to Ask Before You Sign

• What’s included in the rent (heat, hot water, Wi-Fi)?
• How long is the lease? (Most are 12 months, but short-term options do exist.)
• Is laundry in-unit or in-building (or down the street)?
• Are there any upfront or move-in fees?
• Is the apartment lead paint compliant (especially in older buildings)?

Moving Tips

• Try to move before September 1 if possible—this is Boston’s busiest (and most chaotic) moving day.
• If you’re arriving from out of town, consider furnished short-term rentals to give yourself time to explore in person before committing long-term.
• Rent a U-Haul early or use a moving service during off-peak times to save money.
• Plan around street parking and permits—Boston can be strict about moving trucks and resident parking zones.

Finding an apartment in Boston may feel overwhelming at first—but take a breath. Most NECO students manage to find a place that works for them within a few weeks. Be proactive, ask for help, and don’t hesitate to reach out to current students or NECO’s Student Services team for guidance.

Once you’ve got your place, you’ll be ready to settle in, explore your neighborhood, and make the most of your time in this incredible city.