Boston University LEAP - Housing

[CMC_Kid]

I am starting off this thread by pasting the housing-related posts from

 

Hopefully this thread will be a housing resource for incoming LEAPers, and possibly a place to connect current LEAPers with the incomings.

 

 

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AndrewGGG

Posted 30 July 2011 - 06:07 AM

Hey!
My name's Andrew and Im applying for fall 2011 leap in EE/CE. I expect to get a firm (and hopefully positive!) admissions decision on Aug 1 or 2. Im desperately looking for a place to live in boston this coming year- does anyone want to share an apartment with a fellow leap student?
 

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armoluv7

Posted 02 August 2011 - 01:51 PM

I haven't seen a post on this forum for a while. Hi Andrew I was also accepted to the leap program. What was your undergraduate major, and what drew you to the leap program? I need an apartment for the Spring 2012 semester only. Would you be interested in sharing an apartment for one semster only? 

 

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StaNg72

Posted 02 March 2012 - 10:30 AM

Ghanada - Thanks! I'll be starting summer. Any tips on where to live? My friend is taking a job in Boston as well, and we're looking for a place.

CMC - I think most people will hear back within the next two weeks if you made the Feb. 15th deadline. And thanks! I hope you get good news soon. 

 

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ghanada

Posted 02 March 2012 - 11:25 AM

I'm assuming neither you nor your roommate will have a car? If that is the case, you should def live either walking distance or off a green line branch (maybe a bus, but most people prefer the green line). Most students in general live in Allston, but it is heavily dominated by undergrads and very "party" oriented type of area. Brighton neighbors Allston and is a bit older crowd and more quiet, however, the train doesn't have a stop in Brighton so you would have to find a bus route or have a car or if you don't mind biking, it is a VERY easy bike ride (which is really popular in Boston). 

If you head a bit south of BU you will be in Brookline. Brookline is great, but it is a big area so depending on where you live in Brookline, you can be as close as across the street from BU or as far as a 20 min train ride away. I lived in Brookline for 2 years and really like it except that there is no overnight parking and most places don't have any type of parking garage. Basically, if you will have any desire to own a car while you are in Boston, Brookline is a terrible place for it. But Brookline is fairly inexpensive and close to campus. If you live a bit further out from BU in Brookline, find a place that is either close to the C or D line trains. The D line is the fastest of the green line branches because it does NOT go in the middle of the street with car traffic like the B, C, and E lines do. The B line is ridiculously slow because of traffic, but the C line is reasonably quick and it is nice because it goes through Coolidge Corner, which is a great area. 

If you want more of a city vibe you can live closer to downtown. Some people live near Beacon Hill or the North End. These are very busy areas with lots of tourists but are close to all trains and have LOTS of things to do. Also, the South End is a really nice and cool area to live in, but public transportation options are bit limited. And finally, Cambridge/Cambridgeport area is another big area for BU grads. However, you would be living across the river and definitely can't take a train into BU. You would have to either do a long walk, short bike ride, or a bus. 

ok, that is what I can think of off the top of my head. Dealing with housing in Boston is a pretty terrible experience. 90% of all apartments have a move-in date for Sept. 1st. This means if you need a moving truck you have to reserve it very soon otherwise you can end up renting on in NY and driving it over here. Also, like more than half of all apts for rent require a move-in brokers fee which can range anywhere from half a month's rent to a full month's rent. You should feel free to message me about specifics if you need some more help. 

 

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StaNG72

Posted 07 April 2012 - 09:04 PM

'CMC_Kid', on 07 Apr 2012 - 14:14, said:

Helaine was out this week (got an autoreply) but the director of admissions says financial aid stuff should be out "within the next week." I was told that on Wed. So, *crosses fingers* hopefully this coming week. BTW, is anyone taking summer school and looking for an apt? I feel like I'm way behind, haven't found anywhere yet....

Let's hope so. I'm doing summer and signed a lease two days ago. Leases tend to begin at the beginning of the month, so if you're taking classes starting May 22nd, you'll want to jump on it. 

 

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ghanada

Posted 10 April 2012 - 08:15 AM

there are TONS of summer sublets available in Boston since everyone has to sign leases until August 31st and many people are either done with school or gone for the summer. Often times you get a better deal on these places as they are furnished and already setup with cable and internet. It would also give you some time to look for fall apartments. 

 

 

 

[Number43]

Hey, thanks CMC_Kid for creating this thread!

 

I vaguely remember from somewhere that there would be dorm options available to BU LEAP students, but I'm assuming many of you won't be living in dorms due to the price?

 

@ ghanada: I read about your description regarding Brookline, and how it is inexpensive and convenient to the location of the campus.  Because I'm from California, I don't plan on having a car there.  Would Brookline fit what I am looking for:

     1.) Close to campus? I want a location where I won't have to plan an hour in advance just to get to campus every day.

     2.) Stores nearby?  Because I won't have a car, I want to live at an area thats fairly close to markets, dining places;

          pretty much having nearby access for basic needs.

     3.) A close major train station.  By close I mean something that is a manageable walking distance or biking distance.  I want to

          be able to take a train to get to NYC (I really want to visit NYC, never been there before!)

 

As for roommates or housemates, I am currently residing at CA (Los Angeles area) until school starts.  If anyone wants to meetup at like a coffee shop and try to sort out these things, I would be more than happy to do so.  Just PM me and I will get back to you!

[claudio89]

If anyone is interested in sharing the rent of an apartment, please let me know. The ideal for me would be to share a two bedroom apartment with one person. Even though I am not a big fan of 3-4 people apartments, I might consider it if it looks good and is in a good location. Also, I will be a Computer Engineering major.

 

So, if you are interested, let me know!

 

Claudio  

 

[claudio89]

Yes Number43, I currently live in Brookline and it is an excellent location ( I guess it also depends on where you are in Brookline ).. Anyway, it should fit all of your requirements.

 

Claudio 

[LeeSu2]

How does on campus housing work for LEAP students? Would we be considered graduate students during phase I?

As for off campus housing, what is the best way to find an apartment? Is there any reliable way to find an apartment without actually making a trip to Boston first (I live very far away)?

[claudio89]

Housing campus is very limited for grad students. Yes, we should be considered grad students. No reliable way to find an apartment without coming to Boston, especially in Boston... apartments could be either very nice or very bad... and pictures are definitely not enough.. on top of this Boston has a very big mice problem.. so be careful when choosing an apartment..

[kmcnabb]

Hello internet land!

 

I am looking to sublet my apartment for June, July, and August. It's a large one bedroom in Allston/Brookline. It's a bright apartment with a nice size kitchen. Two blocks from the Griggs street stop on the B line.  I would love to sublet to an incoming LEAPer.  The dates negotiable.

 

Send me an email at mcnabb@bu.edu if you are interested and I can send pictures and more details.

 

Thanks,
Katie