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Housing in Boston

Housing will be one of your biggest expenses. Start your search early!

• On-Campus vs. Off-Campus: On-campus housing is very limited for graduate students. Most international students live off-campus. It’s cheaper and gives you more independence.
• Popular Neighborhoods for NU Students:
  • Mission Hill / Roxbury Crossing / Jamaica Plain: Very close to campus, lots of students. Can be reached by the Orange Line or Green Line (E).
  • Fenway / Kenmore: Close to campus, lively area, but can be more expensive.
  • Allston / Brighton: More affordable, popular with students from many universities. Requires a commute on the Green Line (B).
  • Cambridge / Somerville: Across the river, great neighborhoods but can be pricey and the commute is longer (Red Line).
• Finding an Apartment (The Hunt):
  • Official NU Portal: NU's Off-Campus Housing Portal is the best place to start. You can find listings and a roommate finder.
  • Facebook Groups: Search for groups like "Boston Housing," "Northeastern University (NU) Housing & Sublets." BEWARE OF SCAMS! Never pay a deposit for a place you haven't seen (or had a trusted friend see via video call).
  • Other Sites: Zillow, Apartments.com.
• Key Housing Tips:
  • Lease Review: Before signing ANYTHING, have your lease reviewed by NU's Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS). This is a FREE service and can save you from unfair lease terms.
  • Broker Fees: Many Boston apartments require a "broker's fee," which can be as much as one month's rent. Try to find "no-fee" listings if possible.
  • Safety: Research the safety of a neighborhood before you commit.

Money, Banking, and Mobile Plans

• Opening a Bank Account:
  • Popular Banks: Bank of America, Santander, and Chase have branches near campus.
  • What You'll Need: Typically your passport, I-20, and proof of address (your lease agreement works).
  • Pro-Tip: Ask for a student account, which often has no monthly fees. Try to get a credit card as soon as possible (even a secured one) to start building your US credit history. This is very important for the future!
• Mobile Plans:
  • Carriers: Major carriers are AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. They offer the best coverage but can be expensive.
  • Budget Options (MVNOs): Companies like Mint Mobile, Ultra Mobile, and Lyca Mobile use the same networks but are much cheaper. They are very popular among students.
  • Family Plans - The Best Hack: The most cost-effective method is to join a "family plan." You can team up with 4-5 other students. Usually, one person with a Social Security Number (SSN) heads the plan, and everyone else pays them their share. This can bring your monthly bill down to as low as $25-$30. Ask around in the NU Sanskriti groups!

Food & Groceries ( For the Desi Soul)

Cooking at home will save you a lot of money. Boston has great options for Indian groceries.

• Indian Grocery Stores:
  • College Convenience (on Huntington Ave): A small store right near campus. Perfect for quick, emergency needs.
  • Shalimar Foods & Spices (Quincy): A larger store, requires a trip on the Red Line but has a great selection.
  • Patel Brothers (Waltham/Shrewsbury): The largest Indian grocery chain. You'll likely need to take an Uber/Lyft or go with a friend who has a car. Worth it for bulk shopping.