Housing and Accommodation Information for NEU Fall 2014

If you are reading this document, we hope all of you have got admits, cleared your visa and working
furiously in finding a best place to setup your base here at Boston.
Provided here are the basic details that, we hope, would streamline your search. This document will
serve at its best in answering common questions and doubts. If still you have any questions please
feel free to contact anyone of us here, we are here to help you.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Here is the big question: How am I going to find an accommodation?
The short answer: Read this document.
Northeastern University located at the heart of Boston.
For the first year of your stay, we highly recommend to stay closer to the university. Many students
stay around the areas of Longwood Avenue, Roxbury, Symphony, Hemenway St, Park Drive,
Fenway, Park Street, Tremont Street, Columbus Avenue & Peterborough St. These places
are covered in universitys shuttle services for dropping students during the late hours, 6 PM to 6 AM.
The CityView Apartment at Longwood and the Mission Main Apartments remain the most
popular locations near to the University. On the other hand, there are students commuting from areas
like Malden, Allston and Cambridge that are some train stops away from University. You can use this
alternative for your second year of stay.
First thing to look for at any place will be to find its distance and way of commuting to university.
Supermarkets, ATMs, and T-Stations nearby will be the next priority in line.
We are aware that some of you have already contacted us and many other seniors regarding
accommodations. If you havent, then there is no more time to waste.
Apartments that are close to the university are generally priced in the range of 1500$- 3300$
depending upon the number of bedrooms and the facilities you get from the place.
The apartment prices get cheaper as you move away from the university, but you will have to shed
some money for transport. A monthly T-pass will cost $70 and a single ride would around cost 2-2.5$.
Boston is a college town. Its got around 7-8 colleges and universities within the city and you cant
expect rents to be any cheaper than they are.
Before going any further, we would like to remind you of certain things that you need to keep in mind
when leasing an apartment.

According to the leasing terms, upto 4 people can stay in a 2BHK and 6ppl in a 3 BHK.
It is against the law to stay beyond the legal limits. There are places that put a blind spot on
this legal limit and might allow more residents.
Generally 6-7 people stay in a 2 BHK to cut the rent around $400- $450 and around 8 in a
3BHK. Its highly advisable to look for atleast 1.5 Bath in a 2BHK and 2 full bath in a 3BHK.
This plays a big part in forming groups and looking for a place.
There are places that strictly adhere to the leasing conditions. Please contact us or any
seniors to know about an apartment before booking it from India. Booking procedure is
simple as paying an initial deposit of $200 - $450 to reserve the place and once your
application is approved. You pay the deposit along with the first months rent.

Northeastern University Fall 2014

Facebook Group

June 2014

Housing and Accommodation Information for NEU Fall 2014

You could always reach out to seniors for finding a temporary accommodation for the first
few weeks and figure out the scene, then proceed with your accommodation option. This way
you can come and see the place and talk out the leasing terms and conditions in person with
the leasing office. But you will have to act real fast to settle on a place before the houses run
out. It is always better to start early.

You can reach out to leasing Consultants through the realtors websites. Clearly mention your
requirements and tell them that you are 4/6 people looking for 2/3 BHK.
Six things you have to know when you speak to a realtor/leasing consultant about rental
apartments:
1) Find out if your apartment includes heating and hot water. Boston has very bad winter. You
should not compromise on these two things at any cost.
2) Make sure if the rent includes utilities: AC, microwave and gas. If gas is not included, the
place will have an induction stove for cooking. For Example: CityView Apartments have AC and
gas included in the rent. Mission Main apartments have Induction stove and doesnt come with
an air-conditioning system preinstalled (except for the master-bed) Electricity charges end up
a little bit on the higher side , but not too much if you are going to share it.
3) Clearly ask about Brokerage and other accrued cost on your move in.
4) Dont make any financial transaction before you sign a lease.
5) You can execute lease from India. To do this, the realtor will be asking your i20, Visa and
passport copies. Everything is done electronically. If you are in doubt, dont proceed any
further. Please contact a senior for your aid. We are always here to help you.
6) You could also find posts on craigslist which has to be handled carefully as some of them are
just scam posts that makes you pay some advance by signing in fake documents.
How safe is Boston?
Every fresher who contacts us have this question regarding the safety around northeastern university.
Every streets near the university are under constant surveillance of northeastern university police,
24X7. The downtown Boston has fewer crimes than any other place. Boston is a small city, and unless
you are planning to wander around the streets irresponsibly having cash more than you need, you
dont have to be too worried. Everybodys safety is in their own hands. So be sensible and you will
have the best time here. There hasnt been any alarming number of theft incidents near the
university over the past year and Northeastern police are quick in updating the students on any
suspicious activities in and around the campus. Remain aware of your surroundings and you should
have no problems whatsoever.
The 75 St. Alphonsus Street.
Cityview would probably be a luxurious option considering the amenities and facilities you would
enjoy. The rent in this apartment covers Gas, Heating/AC, Security, 24*7 Concierge service,
swimming pool and gym. If you find other apartment you will have to make a trade-off for AC/gas
that will eventually spike your expense and would bring the price comparable to CityView.
From our findings, the bed rooms and the living room at 75 St. Alphonsus are larger than any
apartment closer to NEU. You might find reasonably priced apartments in Mission Main, Hemenway,
Symphony or South Huntington. But the living rooms are not that big.
Final Note: Always reach out to as many people as possible before you finalize a place. Please dont
get swayed by a convincing opinion of a single person. We cannot say what works out for that person
would work for you too.

Northeastern University Fall 2014

Facebook Group

June 2014