Housing Tips

We know it can be a little daunting to find an apartment in the Boston area. Just remember that you are not in this alone. The staff in the Office of Off-Campus Student Services is available to assist you throughout the process. Contact us at (617) 824-7863 if you have any questions, or need additional help

First Steps

• Start looking early - up to 2 or 3 months in advance if possible
• Contact the Off-Campus Student Services Office and have your questions ready
• Define what type of housing you want - single, shared, with a family, etc.
• Be realistic in your estimate of how much you have to spend on rent, utilities, etc.
• Fill out the "Emerson Connection" Sheet as a means of meeting potential roommates
• Check the vacancy and sublet listings located on-line by clicking on the "Apartment Listings" link or visit the Off-Campus Student Services Office at 216 Tremont Street and go through the hard-copy postings in person. Check the resources listed below to get a sense of what is available

Helpful Hints

• Most apartments will require an initial outlay of around $3,000 per person (first month's rent, last month's rent, a realtor fee & the cost of a security deposit)
• Three and four bedroom apartments are cheaper per person than are one or two bedrooms
• Have a detailed map of the Boston area when you visit rental properties
• Look for apartments close to subway or bus lines
• Note that pets and a need for parking might make your apartment hunting twice as hard
• Be prepared to move quickly - if you see it and like it, apply for it
• Have money readily available so that you can make a deposit immediately
• Get receipts for all financial transactions - if you are uncomfortable with, or unsure about a transaction, ask questions. If you don't get your answers, don't place the payment
• Read all documents that you sign! It's the fine print that can get you - pay particular attention to your lease and be sure to read the ENTIRE document
• Check with other area colleges to see if they will allow you access to their off-campus housing listings
• Don't limit yourself to one specific geographic area, consider other communities, cities and towns that have public transit access to Boston.

Web Sites for Apartment Searching

www.apartments.com
www.apartmentlinks.net
www.aptusa.com
www.bostonapartments.com
www.roommateaccess.com
www.dwellings.com
www.apartmentassistant.net/city_info/boston.html
www.realestateboston.com
www.apartmentworld.com
www.homefind.com
www.aptusa.com
www.rentnet.com/apartments
www.craigslist.org