Landing in a new country can be nerve-wracking. Here’s a step-by-step guide for navigating Boston's Logan International Airport.

Step 1: Immigration After you deplane, you'll be guided to the immigration hall. Keep your passport, visa, and I-20 in your hand. The officer will ask a few simple questions like "Which university are you going to?" and "What is your major?". Just answer confidently.

Step 2: Baggage Claim & Customs Collect your luggage from the carousels. An officer might ask to scan your bags. This is routine.

Step 3: Get Connected The airport has free Wi-Fi ('BOSWIFI'). Connect to it to message your family and check your route.

Step 4: Getting to Your Apartment/Dorm You have a few good options. Do not accept rides from random people offering them in the terminal. Only use official transport.

• Ridesharing (Uber/Lyft) - The Easiest Option
  • How it works: Use the Uber or Lyft app on your phone.
  • Pickup Location: Logan has a designated "Ride App Pickup" zone in the central parking garage. Follow the signs. You'll likely need to walk a bit with your luggage.
  • Cost: A ride to the Northeastern area (Roxbury, Mission Hill, Fenway) typically costs between $40 and $60, but this can vary a lot based on traffic and demand.
  • Best for: Students with a lot of luggage, arriving late at night, or who want direct, hassle-free travel to their doorstep.
• Public Transportation (The "T") - The Cheapest Option
  • How it works: The MBTA Silver Line bus (Route SL1) picks up directly from outside each terminal. The ride from the airport on the Silver Line is FREE!
  • The Route: The SL1 will take you to South Station. From South Station, you can connect to the Red Line subway. To get to Northeastern, you'll likely need to transfer to the Orange Line (at Downtown Crossing) or the Green Line (at Park Street).
  • Cost: Free from the airport to South Station. After that, a standard subway ride is about $2.40. You can buy a "CharlieTicket" or "CharlieCard" at the station.
  • Best for: Students with light luggage who are comfortable navigating a new public transit system and want to save money. It's a great option but can be challenging after a long flight with heavy bags.
• Taxis
  • How it works: Follow signs for the taxi stand.
  • Cost: Generally more expensive than Uber/Lyft. Expect to pay $50-$70+ for the same trip.
  • Best for: A backup option if you can't get the apps to work.

Our Recommendation for First-Timers: If you can afford it, taking an Uber or Lyft for your very first trip is often the least stressful option. You can explore the T once you've settled in.