What’s student life like in Boston?

Studying in Boston is unmatched. It’s home to prestigious universities such as Boston University, and has an intellectual environment full of lively young people, who welcome newcomers with open arms.

What are the best areas to live in Boston as a student?

The best areas to live in Boston as a student include Allston or Brighton, which stand out for their proximity to Boston University and Boston College, and Fenway–Kenmore, with a lively and ideal atmosphere if you go to Northeastern University. Another zone in the surrounding area is Cambridge, home of Harvard University, which has an ideal atmosphere with many cafés, bookstores and cultural events.

What do I need to study in Boston?

To study in this city you must process a student visa for the United States and be accepted at an institution of your choice. Some of the requirements that may be requested are a letter of recommendation and the presentation of exams that prove the level of English, such as TOEFL, SAT and/or ACT.

Where to study in Boston?

You can study at prestigious institutions such as Boston University, Northeastern University, or Berklee College of Music, among others. The Greater Boston area includes Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), both in Cambridge, and they communicate with Boston through the subway.

Studying in Boston

Information and tips for international students in Boston


Private rooms Boston	234	1510/month
Residences Boston	27	1671/month
Studios Boston	5	3458/month
Apartments Boston	104	5333/month

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Boston is located on the east coast and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The university environment is one of the most popular in the country, with more than 250,000 students located in the same city and other areas belonging to the Greater Boston area. This is why it’s called the Athens of America. The young and intellectual environment that it transmits makes more and more people choose it as a learning destination. Would you like us to tell you why you should study in Boston? Our pleasure!

Cost of living in Boston, United States

It’s one of the most expensive cities in the United States, so the cost of living in Boston can be considerably high. Without taking into account tuition costs, the monthly budget can range from USD $1,300 up to USD $4,000 per month.

One of the tips to save money is to share accommodation. A single room in an apartment with more students can cost around USD $900 per month, increasing or decreasing depending on the area or conditions of the property. A whole apartment, studio or one-bedroom, amounts to USD $2,000 o USD $3,000. If you plan to cook at home, you can spend between USD $200 and USD $400 each month on food. Other expenses and personal purchases are usually around USD $200, but you must keep in mind that all this will depend on each person's lifestyle.

Student life, parties, and leisure in Boston

A very popular area to party in Boston is Faneuil Hall, due to the large number of bars, clubs and restaurants it has. Also, the youthful atmosphere in the Allston neighbourhood is a favourite among students, with its varied live music venues. Among them is Paradise Rock Club which offers its space to many emerging bands and artists.

If you prefer something quieter during the day, we invite you to visit some of the locations of Flour Bakery & Cafe, ideal to enjoy some cakes in a relaxed atmosphere. Boston also celebrates the Boston Calling Music Festival, with three or four days of performances by great musicians and attracting a crowd of young people.

Culture and gastronomy in Boston

Boston is rich in history and culture. It’s home to renowned institutions such as the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, a Venetian palace that houses European, Asian, and American art; as well as the Museum of Science, with its interactive exhibits on technological and scientific topics. If you’re in the city, you can't miss visiting the historic Freedom Trail, a route that connects sixteen relevant sites of the American Revolution. The cultural environment also highlights the Boston Symphony Hall theatre, which opens its doors to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, one of the most prestigious in the world.

Boston's gastronomy is varied and rich in seafood, and it offers dishes such as “clam chowder” and “lobster rolls”. You also have to try the “Boston baked beans” (baked beans with molasses). Neighbourhoods like North End and Chinatown offer Italian and Asian cuisine, respectively, so you’ll be able to try different flavours if you take a walk around the city. Among the most popular desserts are “Boston cream pie” (a cream filled cake) and the “cannoli”, some Italian sweets that you can't miss!

Advantages of studying in Boston, United States

The Greater Boston Area is synonymous with knowledge and renowned institutions. This includes the city of Boston, with Boston University, and also Cambridge, home of the famous Harvard University. But, in reality, there are more than 100 colleges and universities in this metropolitan area, equipped with high quality and academic excellence.
With so many students in the Boston area, many activities that will always keep you entertained are organised. This is a plus if you're looking for friends!
It’s one of the few American cities that’s equipped to reach places on foot or by subway. You won’t need a car if you decide to go to the capital of Massachusetts to study.
You have the opportunity to enrich your experience with local culture and history on visits to the Freedom Trail or the Boston Symphony Hall, in addition to attending festivals and events with live music.
Despite being an urban city, you can relax or study outdoors in green spaces like the Boston Common and the Public Garden, and enjoy activities along the Charles River Esplanade.

Cheap student accommodation in Boston

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Frequently asked questions about doing Erasmus in Boston

What’s student life like in Boston?
Studying in Boston is unmatched. It’s home to prestigious universities such as Boston University, and has an intellectual environment full of lively young people, who welcome newcomers with open arms.
How much does student housing cost in Boston?
The cost of accommodation in Boston varies depending on the type. A single room in a shared apartment can cost around USD $900 per month, increasing or decreasing depending on the area or conditions of the property. On the other side an apartment complete, studio or one-bedroom, amounts to USD $2,000 or USD $3,000.
What are the best areas to live in Boston as a student?
The best areas to live in Boston as a student include Allston or Brighton, which stand out for their proximity to Boston University and Boston College, and Fenway–Kenmore, with a lively and ideal atmosphere if you go to Northeastern University. Another zone in the surrounding area is Cambridge, home of Harvard University, which has an ideal atmosphere with many cafés, bookstores and cultural events.
What do I need to study in Boston?
To study in this city you must process a student visa for the United States and be accepted at an institution of your choice. Some of the requirements that may be requested are a letter of recommendation and the presentation of exams that prove the level of English, such as TOEFL, SAT and/or ACT.
Where to study in Boston?
You can study at prestigious institutions such as Boston University, Northeastern University, or Berklee College of Music, among others. The Greater Boston area includes Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), both in Cambridge, and they communicate with Boston through the subway.