Student Life
Housing in Massachusetts
A practical guide to finding your home as an international student — types of housing, average costs by region, how to search, lease tips, what to bring, and links to institution housing offices.
Housing options
Types of Student Housing
Massachusetts offers a wide range of housing options to suit different budgets, lifestyles, and study locations. Understanding each type will help you make the right choice before you arrive.
On-Campus Residence Halls
$800 – $1,800/month (including meals)University-managed dormitories and residence halls are the most common choice for first-year international students. They offer a structured, supportive environment with utilities included, meal plans available, and easy access to campus resources.
Advantages
- No separate utility bills
- Meal plan options
- Close to classes and support services
- Built-in community
Considerations
- Limited availability — apply early
- Less privacy than off-campus
- May have quiet hours and guest policies
Off-Campus Apartments
$900 – $2,500+/month (studio to 1-bed)Renting a private apartment — alone or with housemates — is popular among graduate students and those seeking more independence. Costs vary significantly by region, with Greater Boston being the most expensive market.
Advantages
- More independence and privacy
- Often cheaper per person when shared
- Wider choice of neighborhoods
Considerations
- Utilities and internet billed separately
- Requires a lease agreement
- May need a US guarantor or larger deposit
Homestay with a Local Family
$900 – $1,400/month (room + meals)Living with a Massachusetts host family provides cultural immersion, a furnished room, and typically one or two meals per day. Many language school students and younger undergraduates choose this option for its supportive environment.
Advantages
- Cultural and language immersion
- Meals often included
- Supportive for first-time arrivals
Considerations
- Less independence
- Must follow household rules
- Quality varies by host family
Shared Houses & Co-Living
$700 – $1,400/month (room only)Renting a room in a shared house with other students or young professionals is one of the most affordable options. Co-living spaces with shared kitchens and common areas are increasingly popular in Greater Boston and Worcester.
Advantages
- Lower individual cost
- Ready-made social network
- Flexible lease terms in some cases
Considerations
- Shared facilities
- Housemate compatibility matters
- Variable lease terms
Graduate & Family Housing
$1,000 – $1,800/monthMany Massachusetts universities offer dedicated housing for graduate students and students with families. These units are typically apartment-style and more affordable than the private market, but demand is high.
Advantages
- University-managed and secure
- Family-friendly facilities
- Often below market rate
Considerations
- Highly competitive — limited supply
- Must apply well in advance
- May have income or enrollment requirements
Budget planning
Average Housing Costs by Region
Housing costs vary considerably across Massachusetts. The figures below reflect typical monthly rents for a single student in 2025–26.
| Region | Studio / 1-bed | Shared room | On-campus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Boston | $1,800 – $2,800 | $1,100 – $1,800 | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| North of Boston | $1,200 – $1,800 | $800 – $1,200 | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Central Massachusetts | $1,000 – $1,500 | $650 – $950 | $900 – $1,300 |
| Western Massachusetts | $900 – $1,400 | $550 – $850 | $850 – $1,200 |
| South of Boston | $1,100 – $1,700 | $750 – $1,100 | $950 – $1,400 |
| Cape Cod & The Islands | $1,200 – $2,000 | $800 – $1,300 | $950 – $1,400 |
Figures are indicative monthly estimates for 2025–26. Actual costs vary by neighborhood, property type, and lease terms. Use the Cost Calculator for a personalized budget.
Finding your home
How to Search for Housing
Start your search at least 3–4 months before your program begins. The Boston-area market in particular moves very quickly in late spring and summer.
Start with your institution
Check your institution's international student office and housing office first. Many universities maintain off-campus housing listings, roommate boards, and vetted landlord directories exclusively for students.
Use trusted listing platforms
Zillow, Apartments.com, Craigslist (use caution), and Facebook Groups for your institution or city are widely used. For shared housing, SpareRoom and Roomies.com are popular among students.
Connect with current students
Your institution's international student association or WhatsApp/Facebook groups for incoming students are invaluable. Current students often post sublets, room vacancies, and honest neighborhood advice.
Arrange virtual viewings
If you are searching from abroad, ask landlords for a video call walkthrough. Never pay a deposit without seeing the property virtually or having a trusted contact view it in person.
Confirm your budget including all costs
Factor in rent, utilities (electricity, gas, internet), renter's insurance, and a security deposit (typically one month's rent). Use the Study Massachusetts Cost Calculator to build your full budget.
Renting in the US
Lease Tips for International Students
Signing a lease in the US for the first time can feel daunting. These tips will help you navigate the process confidently.
Read the entire lease before signing
Pay close attention to the lease term, rent amount, late fees, subletting rules, guest policies, and the move-out notice period. Ask your institution's student legal services if anything is unclear.
Understand the guarantor requirement
Many Boston-area landlords require a US-based guarantor (co-signer) who earns 40–80× the monthly rent. If you cannot provide one, ask about paying additional months upfront or using a guarantor service such as Insurent or The Guarantors.
Document the condition on move-in
Take dated photos and video of every room, appliance, and any existing damage before you unpack. Share these with your landlord in writing. This protects your security deposit when you move out.
Know your tenant rights
Massachusetts has strong tenant protection laws. Landlords must return your security deposit within 30 days of move-out with an itemised list of any deductions. The Attorney General's Office publishes a free Tenant Rights guide.
Get renter's insurance
Renter's insurance typically costs $10–$20/month and covers your personal belongings against theft, fire, and water damage. Some landlords require it. Many students use Lemonade or State Farm.
Understand the September 1st lease cycle
Greater Boston has an unusual rental market where the vast majority of leases begin on September 1st. If your program starts in January, you may need a sublet or short-term arrangement for the spring semester.
Packing & arrival
What to Bring (and What to Buy on Arrival)
Furnished apartments are rare in Massachusetts — most rentals are unfurnished. Plan accordingly.
Bring from home
- Bedding and towels (or buy on arrival at Target/IKEA)
- Laptop and phone chargers with US adaptor (Type B, 120V)
- Copies of key documents: passport, I-20, lease, insurance
- Sufficient funds for first month's rent + security deposit
- Warm winter clothing — Massachusetts winters are cold (Nov–Mar)
- Prescription medications with documentation
Buy on arrival
- Furniture (IKEA in Stoughton/Canton; Facebook Marketplace for used)
- Kitchen essentials (Target, Walmart, or Amazon)
- Groceries and household supplies
- US SIM card (T-Mobile, AT&T, or Mint Mobile)
- MBTA CharlieCard (transit card) for Greater Boston
Direct resources
Institution Housing Offices
Contact your institution's housing or international student office directly for the most up-to-date on-campus availability and off-campus resources.
Links below go to the official housing or international student services pages for Study Massachusetts member institutions. Always verify contact details on your institution's official website.
Boston University
Housing Office
Northeastern University
Housing Office
University of Massachusetts Boston
Housing Office
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Housing Office
Clark University
Residential Life
University of Massachusetts Amherst
University Housing
Salem State University
Housing & Residential Life
Bridgewater State University
Housing Office
Fitchburg State University
Housing Office
Westfield State University
Housing Office
Ready to Plan Your Budget?
Use the Study Massachusetts Cost Calculator to build a personalized budget that includes housing, tuition, food, transport, and more.