Boston University

[cab3be]

Hey all,

Just last month I accepted my offer to the BU Masters program in Psychology. Wanted to find out if anyone else is beginning this program in the Fall, or if anyone else is even an incoming grad student for the Fall. As an out-of-stater (coming from Atlanta), I am currently looking into apartment/housing options in the Boston area, and planning to visit the city to apartment-hunt in a week. Any else have recommendations on good areas to live/methods of finding affordable rent and people to live with?

Also, if anyone else is currently looking for a place/roommate, feel free to contact me. I've already gotten some general advice about good locations for grad students to live (looking at Corey Hill/Wash Sq, Allston, and even possibly south Cambridge around Central Sq on the north side of the river), but if anyone has any friendly advice, I'm all ears.

Pretty much just looking to meet anyone with anything to say about BU, Psych MA or no. Thanks in advance for any replies!

-Cab

[ghanada]

Allston is cheap but it is the undergrad ghetto. It can get loud at nights and on weekends. But if you don't plan on trying to get a lot of work done in your apt than you should be fine. Wash. Sq./Coolidge Corner are nice but they are in Brookline so if you are planning on bringing a car than you won't be able to street park overnight unless your apt comes with a parking space. I actually lived in Brookline for 2 years (off the D line which is definitely the best branch of the green line) and it was nice, prob 15 min train ride + 5-10 min walk to campus.

Cambridgeport is ok, but there's no direct trains to BU. There is a bus or you could walk across the bridge. I think Allston or Brookline are more convenient than Cambrdige/Cambridgeport. I currently live in Jamaica Plain and love it.. By far the best cost/benefit ratio, BUT you definitely need a car since public transportation to BU is tricky and requires transfers (takes about 45min to 1hr to get from Jamaica Plain to BU by busses). If you want convenience and really great location, Kenmore Square area/Back Bay are great but pricey.

You should definitely get going on apartment hunting soon cause the good ones go quickly. Try and find places that don't have any broker fees or at least are only half-fee. Also, if you are going to need a UHaul, reserve that NOW. Like 95% of all apartments around BU area have leases that start on Sept. 1st. So UHauls get reserved before the end of summer and some people have to go all the way to New York to get the closest one.

If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me.

[Stately Plump]

Just wanted to say that I'll be starting the PhD program in English in the fall. I currently live in the Boston area, so I'm not really "relocating," but I second everything said in the post above. Apartment hunting can be tricky, but if you're diligent, you should be able to find a nice place.

Good luck!

[cab3be]

Ghanada, thanks again, and stop following me around gradcafe, haha. Seriously, this is some really great advice, and better summarized with all the info I've been looking for than most other sources I've checked. I'm doing my best to avoid bringing my car to Boston in order to save some money, but I'll keep one eye on Jamaica Plain, as I've heard numerous good things about the area. Brookline seems like a good option for me, as I would like to have some peace and quiet around the apartment, and I'm willing to shell out a little extra for that.

I'm on the hunt as we speak, and I'll be sure to follow up if I have any more questions. Once again, all the help is really appreciated!