Student Living Apartments: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the right accommodation is a crucial part of the student experience. Student living apartments offer a unique blend of independence and community, providing a supportive environment for academic success and personal growth. This article explores the various facets of student living apartments, from their advantages and types to factors to consider when choosing one and examples of student living apartments near different universities.

Introduction to Student Living Apartments

Student living apartments are designed specifically for students, offering a range of amenities and services tailored to their needs. These apartments provide a comfortable and convenient living environment, allowing students to focus on their studies and enjoy their college experience.

Benefits of Student Living Apartments

There are numerous advantages to choosing student living apartments over other housing options:

Community: Student apartments foster a sense of community, providing opportunities to connect with other students and build lasting friendships.
Convenience: Many student apartments are located near universities, making it easy to get to classes, libraries, and other campus facilities.
Amenities: Student apartments often include amenities such as study rooms, fitness centers, and social areas, enhancing the overall living experience.
Support: Some student apartments offer support services such as tutoring, academic advising, and career counseling.
Safety: Student apartments typically have security measures in place to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
All-inclusive rent: In most cases, bills are included in the total cost of the property, so you’ll only have to pay the rent and nothing else. However, make sure you check to see if this is the case with the property you choose.

Types of Student Living Apartments

Student living apartments come in various configurations to suit different needs and preferences:

Shared Rooms: Two or more people sleeping in separate beds in the same room. The living room, kitchen, and bathroom are all shared with other rooms.
Private Rooms: Additional facilities are also shared with other rooms but you’ll have a private bedroom. In some properties you can also have private rooms with a private bathroom.
Entire Place: This is a fully self-contained property. This means you don’t have to share with anyone. Your bedroom, as well as living, cooking and bathing facilities, are exclusively for you.
Studio Apartments: These apartments contain a single room that functions as the living, sleeping, and cooking area, along with a separate bathroom.
Multi-Bedroom Apartments: These apartments have multiple bedrooms, each with its own bed and closet space, as well as a shared living room, kitchen, and bathroom.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Student Living Apartment

Choosing the right student living apartment requires careful consideration of several factors:

Location: Consider the proximity of the apartment to campus, public transportation, and other amenities.
Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend on rent and utilities. Prices vary considerably but most apartments range from $1,500-$2,000 per month. It is possible to find cheaper housing away from the downtown area and by sharing with a roommate.
Amenities: Think about which amenities are important to you, such as a fitness center, study room, or swimming pool.
Roommates: If you are considering a shared apartment, think about who you would like to live with and what qualities you are looking for in a roommate.
Lease Terms: Check the length of the lease and any associated fees or penalties. Most of the student apartments we list in Boston have flexible lease terms. Some properties built for student housing may have a 10-12-month minimum lease, but the majority of our rooms can be leased for 3 months or more. The shorter the lease term, the higher monthly rental costs are likely to be.
Safety and Security: Inquire about the safety and security measures in place at the apartment complex.

Student Living Apartments Near Various Universities

Student living apartments are available near many universities across the country. Here are a few examples:

East Carolina University (ECU)

The Horizon Student Living is close to East Carolina University, with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options nearby. The Horizon Student Living offers affordable 3 bedroom ECU off campus housing and affordable 4 bedroom ECU off campus housing that’s full of amenities, excellent customer service and pet friendly ECU housing. The Horizon Student Living is perfectly situated near East Carolina University in Greenville, putting you close to daily conveniences like shopping, dining, and recreational activities.

University of Michigan (UMICH)

The UMICH off-campus housing marketplace brings student rentals from landlords of all sizes together in one place, making it easier to compare options and contact property owners directly. All off-campus housing options in Ann Arbor, MI listed here are reviewed and approved, so you can focus on finding a place that fits your budget, lifestyle, and timeline. Whether you’re looking for a one-bedroom or searching with roommates, filters help you narrow listings by price, layout, and amenities.

Georgia Tech (GT)

The GT apartment marketplace exists to give students the ability to contact landlords of all sizes on one site! To make your student housing hunt even easier, we’ve approved all of the off-campus housing options available in Atlanta, GA to make sure you’re able to completely enjoy your college experience. Whether you are looking for a 1 bedroom for yourself or looking with roommates, you can use the filters to find the features that you’re looking for, including price, style and amenities.

Illinois State University (ISU)

Finding affordable, off-campus apartments and houses near Illinois State University doesn't need to involve browsing several different apartment sites. The ISU apartment marketplace exists to give students the ability to contact landlords of all sizes on one site! To make your student housing hunt even easier, we’ve approved all of the available off-campus housing options available in Bloomington and Normal, IL to make sure you’re able to completely enjoy your college experience. Whether you are looking for a 1 bedroom for yourself or looking with roommates, you can use the filters to find the features that you’re looking for, including price, style and amenities.

Read also: Guide to UC Davis Student Housing

Boston Universities

Boston is home to a number of prestigious universities, including Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston University (BU), and Northeastern University. Student.com offers a huge range of student housing in Boston and find the perfect base for your academic endeavors. Whether you’re looking for a shared living space or private apartment, we have over 100 properties listed in Boston at different price points - many of which are within walking distance of the city’s most popular universities and colleges.

Harvard University

Direct transport links mean that many students seeking off-campus accommodation opt for student housing in Boston rather than Cambridge. Start browsing our range of off-campus housing near Harvard University.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT’s close proximity to downtown Boston means students have a range of options for off-campus housing. Check out our list of student apartments near MIT.

Boston University

Explore our different student housing options near Boston University.

Northeastern University

Discover your dream home with our selection of off-campus housing near Northeastern University.

Read also: Investigating the Death at Purdue

Living in Boston as a Student

Living in Boston as a student can be an incredible experience, as it is a true melting pot of culture. No matter where you live in this vibrant city, each neighborhood will have something unique for you to savor.

Best Boston Neighborhoods for Students

Fenway-Kenmore: Fenway-Kenmore, situated southwest of downtown Boston, is one of the city’s main student hubs. Most famously known as the home of the Boston Redsox, the neighborhood is also where Boston University and Northeastern University are both based. There are plenty of trendy restaurants concentrated around Kenmore Square, while clubs and sports bars line Lansdowne Street just outside Fenway Park. Despite its popularity, the neighborhood is generally considered one of the more affordable areas for student housing in Boston.
Back Bay: Neighboring Fenway-Kenmore to the east, Back Bay is another popular student area known for its picturesque streets and historic brownstone buildings. It’s one of the city’s commercial hubs, with the Prudential Center and Copley Place major draws for shoppers. As a relatively upscale neighborhood, Back Bay is on the more expensive side when it comes to student apartments in Boston - however it’s not uncommon to find students living in the area, particularly in shared accommodation.
Allston-Brighton: Allston-Brighton is a sprawling neighborhood and major student hub located in western Boston. Harvard University and Boston University are both easily accessible by public transport, with many students from these schools living in and visiting the area. The neighborhood serves its student population well with plenty of affordable pubs, music venues and vintage shops. Rental costs for student housing can also be considerably lower than in more central areas of the city.

Boston Cost of Living

The cost of living for students in Boston is generally quite high compared to other cities in the US, however it can be more affordable than other global student cities like London and Paris. Besides tuition costs, rent constitutes the main expense, with most student apartments in Boston ranging from $1,500-$2,000 per month. Cheaper options are available when living with roommates and venturing further away from downtown in areas like Allston-Brighton.

Free Things to Do in Boston

For savvy students looking to minimize living costs, Boston has a variety of free activities. With a valid ID card, students get free admission to some of the city’s top attractions, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Institute of Contemporary Arts. Elsewhere, Boston Public Library offers free guided tours of its central library at Copley Square, while the three museums that constitute Harvard Art Museums are also free and open to the public.

Boston Student Discounts

Along with free activities, there are some great student discounts available in Boston with many attractions offering discounted rates. Restaurants in college areas like Fenway-Kenmore and Allston-Brighton are also known to offer student deals. For students regularly using Boston’s public transit system, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) offers a semester pass with discounted rates on bus and subway travel.

Public Transport in Boston

Boston is a compact city, with students often able to walk from home to campus. However, when traveling beyond your own neighborhood, the MBTA - known locally as the T - allows for easy travel across the city.

Metro: Generally the preferred mode of transport for students, Boston’s subway system has four main color-coded lines and over 150 stations that cover key areas in and around the metropolitan area. The Green Line is especially useful for students, as it serves both Boston University and Northeastern University. Services tend to run every 10-15 minutes, with the subway open from around 5am-1am.
Bus: Boston’s metro system is complemented by an extensive bus network with over 175 routes that zigzag across the city and cover areas not directly served by the subway. They can be a good option if you need to venture out into the suburbs.

Things to Do in Boston

A sprawling city with rich history, delectable food and world-famous sporting events, there’s no shortage of things for students to do in Boston. Whether it’s wandering around museums, sampling international cuisines or going on a big night out, the city has something for everyone.

Arts & Culture: Boston is a major hub for arts and culture, with the city boasting spectacular art galleries, theatres and museums. For art enthusiasts, the Museum of Fine Arts and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum are two must-visit attractions with captivating collections from around the world. Boston is also home to Boston Symphony Orchestra - widely recognized as one of the world’s finest orchestras - and iconic venues like the Wang Theatre where you can catch everything from dance performances to Broadway shows. History buffs can get acquainted with the city by walking the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path that connects 16 historically significant sites including Paul Revere’s House and Old North Church.
Sports: Sports are highly celebrated in Boston with Bostonians some of the most passionate fans in the US. For a taste of the city’s sports culture, head to the iconic Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, for a baseball game. Another popular venue is TD Garden, which plays host to the NBA’s Boston Celtics and NHL’s Boston Bruins. Other major events in the sporting calendar are the annual Head of the Charles Regatta rowing race and the Boston Marathon.
Food & Drink: Boston’s food scene combines New England classics with international flavors. Don’t miss the city’s iconic lobster rolls or clam chowder in neighborhoods like the North End - Boston’s Little Italy - where you’ll find acclaimed Italian eateries and bakeries. Another highlight is Boston’s Chinatown, which is the third largest of its kind in the US. Head to Bubor Cha Cha or one of the countless Chinese restaurants for some of the best dim sum you’ve ever likely to enjoy. Elsewhere, the Seaport District offers trendy waterfront dining, while breweries like Harpoon Brewery and Sam Adams deliver a taste of Boston’s famous craft beer scene. There are also plenty of great cafes in Boston where you can grab delicious coffee and knuckle down for a study session.
Nightlife: Boston’s nightlife is varied and vibrant, with options ranging from casual pubs and comedy clubs to sophisticated rooftop bars and bustling nightclubs. The downtown area is packed with venues, which makes for easy bar-hopping or a big night out. Away from the center, the popular student area of Allston-Brighton offers a variety of dive bars and small music venues where you can catch local bands or DJ sets. If sports are your thing, Fenway-Kenmore has a huge range of sports bars to catch a game.
Outdoors: With plenty of green space and walking routes along the waterfront, Boston is great for outdoor activities. The Charles River Esplanade is ideal for jogging, cycling and kayaking, and offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Boston Common - the oldest public park in the US - is a green oasis in the heart of the city and the perfect spot for a stroll or picnic. On days off, students can take the short ferry ride to Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park to enjoy its historic lighthouse and hiking trails.

Booking Student Housing in Boston

Found your dream student home in Boston? Applying for the lease with Student.com is simple:

Choose your room: Browse our properties and find a place that suits your needs. Our team of experts are on hand if you need some help!
Request to book: Let us know which property you are interested in & our booking consultants will guide you through the next steps.
Sign your contract: Once your contract is signed you will pay your rent. Student.com does not charge you anything for our booking service: you’ll only need to pay the rent to your chosen landlord.

Student Experiences

Many students have had positive experiences with student living apartments. For example, one student said, "Student.com was always kind and courteous to me. When I faced something uncomfortable, they always helped me and gave me best advice:) I super appreciated what they've done for me." Another parent shared, "I had an amazing experience as a mom booking for my son an accommodation! They took care of me, checking every day if our booking was going well! Helping me with the documents to give, waiting for the answers! I am so pleased and blessed to them! helped me a lot". Also, "The process was very fast and efficient. It took us just a few hours to fully settle the booking. The people in charge of were very attentive and always ensure that our requests were fulfilled."

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