One of the US’ most historic cities, Boston is also the location of some of the most famous universities in the world and a plethora of activities for international students to enjoy
If there’s one city in the US that can claim to be the home of academic excellence, it’s Boston. Two of the most famous higher education institutions in the world can be found in Boston: Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – but there are many other options worth considering.
For international students, there’s also plenty more to discover in the city, from numerous cultural highlights to fantastic job opportunities. If you want to know more about student life in Boston, the guide below contains all the information you need.
The best universities for international students
Before they start booking flights or applying for visas, international students should consider which institution they’d like to enrol at. With more than 50 colleges and universities located in and around Massachusetts’ largest city, there’s no shortage of choice. We’ve highlighted three great options below:
Harvard University – The oldest university in the US and regularly ranked among the top universities in the world, Harvard has become almost a byword for academic excellence. Although it’s technically in Cambridge (on the other side of the Charles River), Boston is just a short bus ride away. If you want to attend arguably the most prestigious university in the world, Harvard is a fantastic choice.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Also located in Cambridge, MIT is another of the most highly rated institutions in the US. Although it has a focus on science and technology, more than half its undergraduates take at least one arts course, so there’s more variety on offer here than the name might suggest.
Boston University – Situated near some of the city’s most popular student sites and activities, Boston University represents a great choice if you want to be near first-rate sport, culture and nightlife. Plus, the university boasts seven Nobel laureates, 35 Pulitzer prizewinners and six Academy Award recipients as former students – a long line of alumni to inspire you.
Accommodation
While Boston is far from the cheapest place to study, there is a broad spectrum of accommodation options available, so you should be able to find one that suits your budget. You might decide that living on campus (or in other university-owned residences) provides the best mix of affordability and proximity to university amenities. Alternatively, you could look at homestay accommodation or the private rental market.
In terms of which Boston neighbourhood to live in, that all depends on your interests. The Fenway area, for example, boasts a significant student population – no doubt drawn to cultural highlights such as the Fenway Park baseball stadium and the Museum of Fine Arts. The Allston and Brighton areas, meanwhile, are home to some of the city’s most diverse communities, and Back Bay, while a little pricier, provides access to some beautiful green spaces such as Boston Garden. Whichever area you choose, the excellent Boston subway system, known colloquially as the T, will connect you with the rest of the city.
Places to eat and drink
Although students deserve to treat themselves now and then (and Boston’s abundance of fine dining restaurants can certainly cater for that), the city also has numerous budget-friendly options to enjoy. Lobster rolls, $1 oysters or a hearty bowl of clam chowder all represent affordable food options that will have you feeling like a native Bostonian in no time.
If you’re looking for something to wash down your meal, Boston has a vibrant craft beer scene and many bars catering to a student crowd. There’s the Black Rose, which offers live music seven nights a week, Harry’s Bar and Grill, with its many pool tables and live sports screenings, and the Bell in Hand Tavern – claiming roots back to 1795.
Things to do
Boston is a bustling city, so narrowing down things to do is a difficult task. Near the top of anyone’s list, however, should be taking in a Boston Red Sox baseball game at Fenway Park. Even if you’re not a sports fan, the experience is synonymous with Boston life and attracts visitors from around the world.
Another enjoyable (and free) activity is taking the two-and-a-half mile walk through downtown Boston along the Freedom Trail, a route that weaves past historic buildings and tells the story of American Independence. There’s also shopping (make sure to check out Newbury Street), culture and even a spot of kayaking along the Charles River to enjoy.
Life on a budget
For international students who may not have spent much time in the US, the cost of daily life in Boston could come as a shock. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to ensure that your budget stretches a little further. Getting a weekly or monthly T pass, rather than shelling out for a taxi ride, for example, can end up saving you a significant amount over an entire semester. Restrict shopping trips to sales periods around key events such as Black Friday or Veterans Day, and make the most of your student discount.
Places to study
There is a range of great places to study in Boston – whether you crave silence or some background noise. Highly rated spots include Trident Booksellers & Café, offering free wi-fi and fantastic coffees, and (if the weather’s favourable) the Charles River Esplanade, with its inspiring views of the city skyline, is an idyllic spot. Finally, no guide to the best study spots in the city would be complete without mentioning the Boston Public Library, which offers free entry and wi-fi, as well as an excellent cafe on the ground floor.
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