LC Blogs — aib admission Blog

Living in Boston: Part I

You've probably given some thought as to where you're going to live when you come to AIB. Perhaps you already have someone in mind that you would like to room with or are arranging furniture in your head. AIB students can choose to live on campus in Cambridge or get an apartment and live off campus, even as a freshman. The choice is left entirely up to you (and probably something to discuss with your parents/guardians) as both options have benefits and drawbacks. What follows is a brief outline of both to help you in your decision.

ON CAMPUS

• AIB dorms are on the main Lesley University campus in Cambridge. There is a shuttle bus service that takes students back and forth from Boston to Cambridge that runs during the week.
• The dorm options available to first time Freshman students include two dorm "styles" on South (or Main) Campus: traditional Residence Halls or Victorian Houses.
• South Campus dorms are located off of Massachusetts Ave. between Harvard and Porter Squares. It is about a five-minute walk to Harvard Sq. and about ten minutes to Porter.
• Students who live on campus are required to subscribe to a meal plan.
• Approximately 60 students live in each traditional style Residence Hall; the Victorian Houses vary from about 20 to 40 students, depending on the house.
• Each house/hall as an onsite laundry facility, lounge and kitchenette
• Most rooms are doubles or quads and each room is furnished with beds, dressers/wardrobes and desks.
• There are theme and special interest housing options available and you can find out more about those options on the Residence Life website.
• There is no student parking.
• The 2008-2009 on campus housing cost is $12,000
• If this is your first time away from home it might be in your best interest to live on campus. You'll be able to get acclimated to the city and living on your own in a slightly more controlled environment than an apartment. Living in the dorms is also the best way to meet people as it is often those hours between classes and studio time where you really get to know someone. Going to college for the first time and getting an apartment all in the same month are pretty big steps so living on campus might also save you some stress.

OFF CAMPUS

The rumors are true: Boston is expensive and rent is no exception. If you decide to get an off-campus apartment, be prepared to spend around $1,000 for a studio and start at about $1,250 for a one bedroom. Of course, where you live and how many people you live with all help determine how much rent you are going to pay.

• Most AIB students live in Allston, Brighton or Brookline because they are close to AIB and have a good range of prices and apartments.
• Students also live in Jamaica Plain (JP) or Mission Hill, which also have reasonable rents and options but are a little farther away.
• The closer you live to downtown Boston, the more you're going to pay for rent. Some neighborhoods that are more expensive include the Fenway, Back Bay, the South End and the North End.
• Students can also commute from towns like Newton, Watertown, Cambridge, Somerville or Quincy because of the reasonable rent but these places can be almost an hour away from AIB on public transportation.
• Don't automatically rule out one neighborhood or type of apartment. If you keep an open mind and look at apartments often you'd be surprised at what you can find.
• A good place to start your search for apartments is Craigslist, a bare-bones site that lists everything from apartments to pets to jobs and upcoming events. You can access the Boston specific Craigslist here. It will give you an idea of what is available in your price range and it is just fun to look around.
• There are PLENTY of college friendly realty offices in Boston who would be more than happy to help you and your friends find an apartment. Get recommendations from people on which office to use. If you decide to go with a realty agent be sure to ask if they charge a fee for their services. If they do, an example down payment on an apartment may include: first and last month's rent, security deposit (which is usually equal to one month's rent) and a realtor fee, which is typically equal to one month's rent.
• And remember: if it looks too good to be true, it probably is and always use your best judgment, especially when money is involved!

There is a lot to keep in mind when you think about where you are going to live in September. If you do want to live on campus, be sure to send us your Residence Life form and $300 housing deposit ASAP as dorms are awarded on a first come first serve basis. Roommate assignments are usually sent out late July to mid August. For any specific housing related questions, you can contact the office of Residence Life at 617-349-8585. And your AIB Advocate will still be happy to help, even when it comes to housing!