Living in Boston
With more than 50 institutions of higher learning in the metropolitan area, Boston is truly one of the preeminent college towns. It’s also a world-class city full of history, scientific and tech innovators, culture, and internship possibilities.
Off-campus housing
The Office of Residential Life manages the University’s off-campus student living program, serving the needs of all students.
Roommate Finder
Find local apartment listings, roommates, and resources to make your transition a smooth one.
Public Transportation
Public transportation to and from the University and the City of Boston provide options for getting around.
Nearby Neighborhoods
There are many different types of housing available in a range of neighborhoods close to Boston College. Below are some of the most popular places for BC students to live.
This neighborhood surrounds the intersection of Beacon Street and Chestnut Hill Avenue in Brighton. With easy access to the B, C, and D lines of the T, as well as the BC shuttle, living here without a car is no problem. Many of the popular bars and restaurants that students patronize, such as Cityside Bar, Eagle’s Deli and Pino’s Pizza, are located here. The Commonwealth Avenue side of Cleveland Circle is in Brighton, a neighborhood of Boston, and the Beacon Street side is in the adjacent town of Brookline.
Down Commonwealth Ave., and a little closer to downtown, Allston is home to a mixed group of hipsters, Boston University students, and a wide variety of ethnic foods. There are interesting delis and Kosher markets to explore, and Kugel’s is a great spot to get a bagel. A highlight of the area is the array of plentiful and cheap ethnic restaurants, including Greek, Middle Eastern, Chinese, Japanese and Korean. Allston offers many more businesses to explore than Brighton, but some people can also find it a bit rougher around the edges. There is easy access to the B line and various MBTA bus routes.
Popular with young professionals, this Brookline neighborhood offers an independent movie theater, Trader Joe’s, Brookline Booksmith, and a wide variety of restaurants and nicer bars. Keep in mind that all of these benefits can come with a price—Coolidge Corner can be a bit more expensive than other areas that students tend to live. There is easy access to the C line and it’s within walking distance of the D line.
The area near BC’s Chestnut Hill campus houses some students, often in the Towne Estates, which are off of Lake Street. There is easy access to the the main campus from this area. Many people living around here like to have a car; the parking is often less expensive, and it is a little less convenient to take the T. It is about a 5-minute walk to get to the B line. There are a couple of restaurants in this area, but it is largely residential.
Newton Centre has a wide range of restaurants and shops, it’s close to campus, and parking tends to be less expensive in Newton. This suburban setting is great if you prize being close to campus over proximity to nightlife and downtown Boston.
The Beauty of Boston
Living and Working in Boston
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Best City For Jobs
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#1
Best State Capital for Quality of Life
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#18
Best Place to Live in the U.S.
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