When you think of Boston, prestigious higher education may come to your mind. After all, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University are located in the Greater Boston Area. This historic city offers more than just universities, though. As a student, you’ll enjoy the variety of history, culture, and recreational activities available in The Hub.
If you’re packing your bags and moving to this academic hub, we’ve got a few tips to make the moving process easier.
1. Give Yourself Plenty of Time to Find Accommodations in Boston
Boston apartments are in high demand with many people looking for places to rent, so waiting until the last minute to find accommodation is not a good idea. Give yourself a couple of months in advance and connect with a realtor to help you find a place that is near your school, within your price range and in an area that is convenient for public transportation if you’ll need it.
Once you find a place you like, you’ll need to move fast, as apartments go quickly. Many apartments will also do credit checks, and if you’re a full-time student who isn’t working, you may need to have someone co-sign the lease with you if you don’t meet all the requirements.
2. Create a Boston Student’s Budget
Boston has a high cost of living and is ranked as the fourth most expensive city in the U.S. Before making your move, you’ll want to make sure that you create a budget for all your expenses – this would include things like housing costs, transportation, groceries, utilities, and moving fees. Saving money will likely be critical since you’re a student with a limited budget.
If you’ll be leasing an apartment, you may need to pay the first month’s and last month’s rent upon signing, along with a security deposit. If you find an apartment through a real estate agent or broker, you may also need to pay a fee for that.
All of these costs add up, so it’s important to take all these expenses into account when you’re figuring out what your living situation will be.
3. Get a Feel for the Different Boston Neighborhoods Before the Move
You will likely have already visited Boston when touring the university you’ll be attending, but spending some time in the city will help you get a feel of what the different neighborhoods are like. This is especially useful when you’re looking for a place to rent; the last thing you want to do is sign a lease only to find out later that the neighborhood is not right for you.
The city has 23 different neighborhoods, all with their own unique style and qualities.
Some popular neighborhoods for college students include:
4. Become Familiar With the Boston Public Transportation System
Boston is a walkable city with an excellent public transportation system known as the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). You can get around by using the subway, local bus, commuter rail, and even a ferry, and many universities in the Boston area offer Semester Passes that have discounted fares for students.
Contact your school to see if they offer any kind of shuttle or transportation services to students. For example, Boston University has The BUS, which provides transportation between the different campuses.
5. Make a Packing Checklist
Once you find a place in Boston, the next step is to figure out what to bring with you and make a packing checklist. If you’re from the northeast and are used to the climate, you’ll likely already have the proper attire for the different seasons. However, if you’re moving from a state that has a warmer climate and doesn’t have snow, you’ll definitely need to think about purchasing some warmer clothing.
As Boston is a densely populated city, apartments may be on the smaller side, so you’ll need to figure out what essentials to bring and what items simply aren’t necessary.
6. Book a Boston Moving Service
While you can certainly rent a truck and make the move yourself, it will save you a lot of stress and headaches to hire a moving company that knows the Boston area well. Parking is limited in some neighborhoods and you may be required to get a moving permit from the city to secure a spot next to your apartment on your moving day.
Isaac’s Moving & Storage is one of the most trusted moving services in the country, and as a Boston-based business, we can ensure we’ll make your Boston moving experience as smooth as possible. With over 25 years of moving experience and a team of properly licensed, internationally and industry certified movers, you can have peace of mind knowing that your household items will be moved efficiently and with care.
Ready to plan your Boston move? Contact us today for a free estimate. We offer local, long-distance, and international moving services and can also provide packing and storage services.
