Apartments near Boston University 

Thinking about applying to Boston University? Or maybe you’ve already secured your place? As the biggest university in Boston, you’re bound to make some amazing friends during your degree, all while securing a top-class education from a highly-ranked university.

All that remains is to find the right student home. If you’re looking to live off campus, Student.com has a wide range of student housing in Boston – including lots of apartments in the areas most popular for Boston University students.

Start exploring using our filter options or keep reading to learn more about student life at Boston University. 

Where is Boston University located? 

Boston University (BU) has three campuses spread throughout the city. The main one is the Charles River Campus, which is based centrally in the Fenway–Kenmore and Allston neighborhoods, on the banks of the Charles River.

With over 300 buildings stretching across 140 acres, the Charles River Campus is where you’ll likely spend most of your time. It’s dotted with lots of scenic green spaces which are great for unwinding after a long day of study.

Slightly further south lies the Fenway Campus, while the Medical Campus is based in the South End neighborhood. The Boston University Shuttle (BUS) system connects all three campuses and is free for students and staff.

How is Boston University ranked?

While it may not rank as highly as neighboring universities like Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston University still places among the best universities in the US.

It most recently landed in 108th place in the QS World University Rankings, with the university scoring impressively on global engagement and employment outcomes for graduates.

Owing to its excellent reputation, admission to BU can be competitive. In recent years, the acceptance rate has averaged around 15%, though there are signs this is falling due to an increase in applications. 

Study programs at Boston University

As you might expect from one of the biggest universities in the US, Boston University’s study program covers pretty much everything. In fact, there are over 350 graduate courses to pick from.

High-quality teaching means you’re guaranteed to get a good education regardless of what you study, but there are a few subjects where the university performs particularly well:

• Business 

• Economics 

• Psychology 

• Arts & humanities 

• Biomedical science 

• Social science 

• Physics

Along with its undergraduate and postgraduate programs, BU offers a range of online courses aimed at distance learners. Many of its undergraduate programs include the option to study abroad at more than 30 cities around the world.

Student life at Boston University

With a body of over 37,000 students and a bustling campus fully integrated into the heart of the city, life at Boston University is never dull. The George Sherman Union serves as the main hub for student events and is also popular for studying and dining.

Here you’ll also find the Student Activities Office, where you can learn more about the 450 or so clubs and societies that help students connect over shared interests, be that photography, hiking or anime.

One of the best parts of being a student at BU is exploring the city beyond the campus. From walking the Freedom Trail to catching a baseball game at Fenway Park, there are so many things for students to do in Boston.

How much does it cost to study at Boston University?

Boston University is a private institution, and as such has higher tuition fees than the national average at around $67,000 per year. On the other hand, its private status means fees are the same for both domestic and international students.

Where this can vary is the amount of financial support available to students. International students will generally have less access to need-based financial support than domestic students, however will still be eligible for certain scholarships.

In terms of living costs, the apartments we have listed near BU range from $1,000-$5,000 per month. Together with tuition costs and other expenses, Boston University estimates the total cost of attendance for students is around $90,000 per year.

Best neighborhoods to live off campus at Boston University

Living off-campus at Boston University is a great way to see more of the city and immerse yourself in the local lifestyle. You don’t need to move far, either, as some of the most popular student neighborhoods are in the immediate vicinity of the university.

There are plenty of apartments near BU in Fenway-Kenmore, the neighborhood where the main campus is based. Here you’ll find the famous Fenway Park – home of the Boston Redsox – as well as lots of restaurants, sports bars and nightclubs.

Another popular choice for students living off-campus is Allston-Brighton, which is based in western Boston about a 15-minute train ride from the university. Being further away from downtown, housing costs can also be cheaper here. 

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for student housing? 

Found the perfect student apartment near Boston University? 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.

Learn more about our booking process.

What room types of student housing do you offer? 

The student apartments we list in Boston are grouped into one of three room types:

Shared room – 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 room – 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.

What options are there for contract length?

Our listed properties in Boston typically have a 10–12-month minimum stay. Depending on availability, the properties may make exceptions and offer shorter terms as well. The shorter the lease term, the higher your monthly rental rates will typically be. Check with our team and we will work to find the best option for you! 

Are bills included in the rent?

This depends on the property you select, so check the property you are interested in. Many of the properties we list in Boston have at least some bills and amenities included.

Can I see the property before moving in? 

If you’re in Boston before moving in, we can arrange a viewing for you. We also offer virtual tours, and many of the properties we list have lots of photos to give you an idea of what the property will look like, so even if you can’t see the property in person before moving in, you’ll still be able to get a good idea of what the place will be like. 

Do I need a visa to study in the US?

If you want to study in the US as a non-US citizen, you’ll need to obtain a student visa from a US embassy or consulate in your home country. For university or college study, you’ll need an F visa. Read more on the requirements and your eligibility here. 

What if I didn’t get an answer to my question here? 

If you have any other questions, you can check our FAQ page or contact one of our booking consultants by phone or via live chat. They are always happy to help!