If you are an entering student seeking housing in or around Boston, please read the following document, which outlines a number of avaialble housing options for you.  Students who wish to secure housing in one of the listed locations should do so immediately by getting in touch with the contact person listed below the location's description.  In many cases, this contact person is Annie Britton of STH Admissions Office fame.  Annie will be happy to help you secure one of the housing locations listed below, which often means signing a lease and providing a down payment check, so long as they remain available.  An electronic copy of the Theology House lease agreement can be found attached at the bottom of this page.

 

Please note two things: 

 

1. You are responsible for locating and securing your own housing.  The Admissions Office provides this information to you as a courtesy, but students must be proactive in their own housing searches. 

 

2. THE HOUSING MARKET IN BOSTON MOVES VERY QUICKLY!  Entering students should try to secure housing by July 15th, because housing in the Boston area is at a premium and vacancies are filled rapidly.

 

Boston University School of Theology

Housing Information

2008-2009

Boston University School of Theology Admissions Office

745 Commonwealth Avenue; Boston, MA 02215

(617) 353-3036

Anastasia Kidd, Director of Admissions, sthadmis@bu.edu; Annie Britton, Admissions Staff, sthadmis@bu.edu

Boston is a wonderful city in which to live. It is a city of culture, art, architecture, technology, and education. From the blossoms in the spring to the fall foliage for which New England is famous, along with winter snow, you are sure to find a new city each time the seasons change. Downtown Boston is the hub of the metropolitan area, and suburban Boston is well within reach of the heart of the city. Boston is a great American city, unlike any city in which you might have lived or visited. It is a student city with more than sixty colleges in the metropolitan area.

As you, and perhaps your family, begin to search for adequate housing in Boston, there are several things you should know. First, you must take the initiative to find housing. Second, housing is more expensive than it is in many parts of the country. The Office of Admissions can be helpful in answering your questions about housing, but it is unable to make all necessary arrangements for you. You have options to consider, both on or around campus, or further away if you wish. The following is meant to help you begin your search. Please contact the Admissions Office when you have secured housing.

I. ON-CAMPUS GRADUATE HOUSING

If you are single and new to the Boston area, you should definitely consider living on campus. The list of advantages to on-campus living is long; remember the convenience and security that living close to the School of Theology affords. It is also important that you develop collegial relationships that will support you through your program at the School. Of course, not everyone will find on-campus housing plausible or convenient, but if you are new to the area, you will find that the University environment is not only helpful in becoming familiar with Boston, but is also conducive to a good study routine.

A. Theology House

2 Raleigh Street

Boston University has designated a twin-townhouse complex on the corner of beautiful Bay State Road as a specialty residence hall for Theology students. It is a coed facility for single students, and is a ten- to twelve-minute walk from the School of Theology. The environs of Kenmore Square are within a block of Theology House; Fenway Park, home of Red Sox baseball, is close as well. Bay State Road is an extension of Boston's "Back Bay," a fashionable neighborhood even to this day.

Life in Theology House is a blend of community and individuality. Each resident is expected to make contributions to the quality of life in Theology House. You may either purchase a University meal plan or cook in the Theology House kitchen. Meal plans are chosen upon arrival in the Fall. Common meals in the house's dining area have played an important role in the development of a supportive community of scholars, ministers, and friends. Monthly house meetings have been a regular feature of life in Theology House, and you will always find house-mates ready to take advantage of the cultural offerings in Boston. The Resident Assistant for Theology House will be a second-year student at the School of Theology.

Theology House will accommodate twenty women and men. Most rooms are double occupancy. All rooms have a “microfridge” (small microwave and refrigerator). Large refrigerators are located in the kitchen. Janitorial services are provided for the common areas, and all utilities (except telephone) are included in the cost of your occupancy. You should note that Theology House is open during holiday periods, but will not accommodate you for the entire year. You will need to make alternative arrangements for the summer. The 2008-2009 rates are as follows:

Double Occupancy: $7,420.00 per academic year

Single Occupancy: $9,790.00 per academic year

Optional Board: $3,998.00 and up per plan

Contact: School of Theology Admissions Office

617-353-3036 or sthadmis@bu.edu

It is important to reserve a room promptly. This is a very fine facility for single students. It is important that interested students contact the Admissions Office immediately by email to Annie (sthadmis@bu.edu). Annie will let you know whether or not your requested space is available. We expect that Theology House will be filled to capacity by early in July.

Once you have emailed Annie and learned if space is still available, you will need to complete a Boston University License Agreement. You will send the completed License Agreement along with a non-refundable $600.00 deposit check, made out to Boston University, to the Admissions Office. We cannot process the housing application without the $600.00 check. The Admissions Office will let you know when your License Agreement and check arrive, thereby confirming your space in Theology House. Once we have collected all incoming student License Agreements and deposits, the Admissions Office will hand-deliver them to the Boston University Housing Office. The non-refundable check will serve as a credit on your account, as early payment toward the housing cost.

B. On-Campus Apartment Rentals

Boston University has studio, one-bedroom, and a few two-bedroom apartments for single or married graduate students. These apartments are generally located in the area known as "South Campus," which is about a five minute walk to the School of Theology. They are clustered on or around Beacon Street and are convenient to the St. Mary's shopping area.

The monthly rental rates begin at $600.00 for individual rooms, $1175.00 for studios, $1395.00 for one bedroom apartments, and $1,900.00 for two bedroom apartments. Most apartments include heat and hot water, along with access to 24-hour maintenance. Furnished apartments are available at an additional cost.

All apartments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. It is very important to plan early, visit Boston during the summer to see what is available, and be prepared to make a decision. Remember that on-campus apartments will be rented “in person” only. This means that you must come to Boston to see the apartment you will be renting and to sign the lease agreement with the University. As the summer moves along, if you happen to call the Office of Rental Property and they tell you there are no spaces for the fall, do not give up! The availability changes on a daily basis and you should continue trying.

Contact: Boston University Office of Rental Property Management

Susan Bamberg, Leasing Administrator to Graduate Programs

617-353-4101.

You may also contact Susan by email at rental@bu.edu.  Identify yourself as a School of Theology student when you call or email.

II. off-campus housing

If on-campus living is not financially possible or desirable, there are many options for residing within commuting distance to Boston University. The School of Theology does not inspect, endorse, or recommend any specific units or vendors listed below. However, many seminarians have taken advantage of these housing resources through the years.

1. Andover Newton Theological School Dormitory

Andover Newton Theological School is one of the member schools of the Boston Theological Institute. The seminary’s dormitories are located in a beautiful, quiet, secluded area of Newton, MA, about a half hour from Boston University School of Theology by train. Since it is a seminary campus, an interfaith Chapel and library will be readily available to ANTS residents. Opportunities are for dorm rooms with shared baths, with ample parking available at the cost of $25 per semester. The price is $354.00 per month for a single occupancy dorm room. There is a one time administrative fee of $200.00, along with the first month’s rent, necessary to secure a room.

Contact: School of Theology Admissions Office

617-353-3036 or sthadmis@bu.edu

2. Mason Terrace

127 Mason Terrace is a duplex home in a beautiful residential section of Brookline, near eclectic and global Coolidge Corner. It is also located a short subway ride away from the School of Theology on the MBTA Green Line branch “C”. There is a women’s apartment and a men’s apartment in the home. Each furnished apartment has three single bedrooms, a common living room, kitchen, and bathrooms. There is also a free washer and dryer in the house. Rent is $665.00 per month and includes all utilities except telephone and cable/internet.

Contact: School of Theology Admissions Office

617-353-3036 or sthadmis@bu.edu

3. 94 Nottinghill Road, Brighton, MA 02135

This large house in the residential Nottinghill Road area of Brighton, MA, has housed School of Theology students for many years. The second and third floors are a four- bedroom apartment with common kitchen and living areas, as well as two full baths. Each single room is very large, with the two top rooms rivaling the size of some studio apartments in the city! The house has a lovely, spacious backyard, is a short walk from public transportation (the Green “B” Line, which takes you to the front doors of STH within 15 minutes), and is located near a small public park. Parking is available on-street with a resident parking pass. The cost is $650/month for an individual bedroom, plus utilities.

Contact: School of Theology Admissions Office

617-353-3036 or sthadmis@bu.edu

4. Bayridge Residence and Cultural Center

A 15-minute walk from the School of Theology, the Bayridge Residence and Cultural Center is a lovely housing option for incoming single female students. Bayridge is located one block from “Theology House,” the on-campus housing for School of Theology students. Women living in Bayridge have found that their proximity to Theology House helps them feel a part of that community, while still enjoying being “off-campus” in the fashionable “Back Bay” neighborhood of Boston. The buildings that make up Bayridge are traditional Boston “row houses,” and boast beautiful Tiffany architecture and stained glass windows. It is a well-kept, safe space, and the women who live there are from many different cultures and backgrounds. Bayridge is not only a boarding house, but also a “Cultural Center,” sponsoring trips around New England for its residents, as well as hosting guest speakers and musicians throughout the year.

Bayridge has an on-site chapel, library/study room, common “recreation” room, laundry facilities, and kitchen run by professional chefs. (Women who have lived at Bayridge have complimented the food as both healthy and delicious!) The furnished individual rooms vary in size, with rental prices varying accordingly. Room rates run between $560 and $1185 per month depending on size of room and whether you share or prefer a single. An additional $375 per month covers two meals daily during the week, and three meals daily on weekends, maintenance service, weekly linen service, all utilities, and wireless internet access.

Bayridge does have several openings for the fall, and Irene Porres, the Bayridge Director of Residence Life, is very open to receiving applications from incoming School of Theology women. Please apply as soon as possible if you are interested in Bayridge; spaces fill quickly during the summer because of Bayridge’s popularity and good price. The application process can be completed online: www.bayridgeresidence.org, and does include either a phone or in-person interview, depending on your proximity to Boston. The application fee is $35, and there is a refundable security deposit of $500. Applicants must also provide transcripts and letters of reference; the Admissions Office has arranged with Irene that your School of Theology materials can be used to fulfill this requirement. Please be in touch with the Annie in the Admissions Office if you are interested in living there and would like your transcript and letters of reference sent to them to expedite your Bayridge admissions process.

Contact: Irene Porres

Director of Residence Life

housing@bayridgeresidence.org

617-536-2586 x100

www.bayridgeresidence.org

5. The Boston University Office of Off-Campus Housing Listings

This Boston University Office lists rooms or apartments for rent in the Boston area. Several of these situations include students looking for roommates and families with rooms to rent in their homes. You can contact the Off-Campus Housing Office directly at 617-353-3523 during regular business hours. You can also search the listings by price and location at the following website: http://www.bu.edu/offcampus/index.html. There is a “temporary access” option on the webpage, which is what you should use to search the available listings. When a login window pops up, use the word “apartment” as your user-name, and “living” as the password to gain access. New listings are added to this site regularly.

6. “At Home in Boston” Home-stay Program (for international students only)

Since 1973 this private program has helped the international graduate student community feel at home in Boston. Students may live for up to an academic year (9 months) in a private single room in the home of a suburban host family. The rooms are fully furnished, with bed and bath linens provided. Laundry, breakfast, and utilities are included in the monthly price, which ranges from $575-800/month. The program requires that students be extremely mature and respectful individuals, as they are sharing space with families at a very reasonable rate.

Contact: School of Theology Admissions Office

617-353-3036 or sthadmis@bu.edu

7. Buswell Street Apartments

School of Theology students who want to live off-campus, but remain within a 5 minute walking distance, should consider the Buswell Street Apartments. The building is located conveniently right over the St. Mary’s bridge, and generously furnished one bedroom and studio apartments are available for this fall. Most spaces are newly renovated, and are perfect for either single students looking for a larger space, or for couples without children. The cost of a furnished one-bedroom apartment is $1400/month and up, and the cost of a studio apartment is $1060 per month. These rentals will go quickly; please be in touch immediately if they are of interest.

Contact: School of Theology Admissions Office

617-353-3036 or sthadmis@bu.edu

 

8. Additional Off-Campus Apartments and STH Roommate Matching

The Admissions Office knows of several apartments available for STH students to rent. Some of these spaces are available either July 1^st or August 1^st. If you would like to move earlier in the summer, which can be especially helpful for students moving away from home for the first time, be sure to let us know right away. The Admissions Office may receive information on additional apartments over the summer.

If you are interested in sharing an apartment in the Boston area, but do not have a roommate in mind, the Admissions Office may know of another seminarian who is in the same situation. We keep a list of persons who would like a roommate from within the School of Theology community. This would be an appropriate resource for folks who plan to rent an apartment with extra spaces available, or for folks who are hoping to room with someone who already has an apartment with extra spaces available. If you would like to be placed on this list, which would mean that your contact information would be shared with potential roommates, please email Annie (sthadmis@bu.edu) as soon as possible.

9. Purchase a Condo

This option is not possible for every incoming student. However, for some students, purchasing an apartment near the School of Theology is the best option. Just as Boston rental prices are higher than in most parts of the country, so are Boston sales prices. Even so, a purchased condo provides students the opportunity to build equity during their degree programs, rather than simply renting. With a decent down payment, oftentimes the cost of a mortgage is comparable to the cost of renting an apartment, and the investment can typically be recouped upon sale at the end of a degree program. Persons with pets especially may want to consider this option. If purchasing is a possibility for you (that is, if you are financially able to make a down payment of at least 5% for a condo), please contact the realtor below, who has helped School of Theology students and staff successfully in the past.

Contact: Bob Benson, JD, Realtor, CRS, GRI, ABR, CBR
RE/MAX First Realty
369 Boylston Street
Newton, MA 02459
617-549-2464 - Cell
617-244-4499 ext. 241 - Office
617-244-5387 – Fax

Apartment Rental Web Sites:

www.move.com

This site has listings in the greater Boston area along with a map of the closest apartments. Listings start at studio size and go up to three bedrooms. There is a wide price range to choose from, and you may also search the listings by property features.

www.bostonapartments.com

This site has listings in the greater Boston area as well as roommate listings and links to other sites. This site lists apartments for rent, furnished short-term apartments, and apartments and properties for sale. Listings start with studios and go up to five bedrooms.

www.bostonrealestate.com

This is a comprehensive directory of real estate properties throughout Massachusetts including homes, commercial, retail, office space, land, and more.

www.craigslist.com

Craig’s List, a website famous for its many offerings, has listings in the greater Boston area, as well as other areas throughout the country. The List has apartment listings as well as roommate listings and links to other sites. This site lists apartments for rent, furnished short-term apartments, and properties for sale. Listings start with studios and go up to five bedrooms.

http://www.bumc.bu.edu/Departments/HomeMain.asp?DepartmentID=375

The information contained within this site is meant to assist students at the Boston University Medical Center in their search for off-campus housing; however, it may be a help for students at the School of Theology, as well. Please note that “commute times” on each listing refer to the commute to the Medical campus, not the Charles River Campus. The commute times may be more or less than those listed for this reason.

www.grandcentralapartments.com

This is a service that will help you search for an apartment. After a 10 minute interview, they will look for an apartment that suits your needs. They will help to negotiate rent, fill out applications, and can serve as a guarantor. There is a $295 registration fee, but no broker fee (which would typically amount to one month’s rent).

Tenant Rights Information:

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

www.state.ma.us/consumer/Pubs/tenant.htm

Boston Inspectional Services

http://www.cityofboston.gov/isd/

Allston/Brighton Community Development Corporation

http://www.allstonbrightoncdc.org/

 

III. Other Housing Information

In general, here are some things you should remember when looking for an apartment in Boston.

1. Realtors who deal with apartments make money from charging a fee for the actual placement of a lessee in an apartment. This fee is normally equal to the cost of one month's rent for the apartment leased. Sometimes the landlord will pay half or the entire fee. In other cases, no fee is involved. When you are shown an apartment, make sure to ask how much the fee is, and who is responsible for paying it. It may be possible to avoid paying a realtor fee by contacting the landlord directly.

2. Some realtors require co-signers for apartments. Be sure you have someone prepared to co-sign your lease with you. Most realtors will fax the lease agreement to your co-signer, and ask them to return the agreement immediately.

3. Landlords often expect money up front when you choose the apartment you wish to lease. He or she MIGHT expect (1) first month's rent, (2) last month's rent, and/or (3) a security deposit, which can equal one month's rent. This is not money you lose, but it is used to assure the landlord that “you mean business.” The security deposit will be placed in an interest-bearing account, and you will be entitled to receive that interest if you stay in your apartment for more than one year.

4. Parking in Boston is scarce and can be extremely expensive. If you live within the municipality of Boston, you can acquire a parking sticker specific to the neighborhood in which you reside. You must have Massachusetts license plates and Massachusetts car insurance to be eligible for a sticker. A neighborhood parking sticker gives you the right to park in the area, but does not guarantee you a parking spot. Some apartment buildings have parking lots, which may require a parking fee. You should ask the landlord or realtor if parking is available. In Brookline, no overnight street parking is permitted. It is best if you can reside near a bus or train line and not bring a car at all.

5. If you are not bringing a car to Boston, you will want to find an apartment close to public transportation. In eastern Massachusetts, the public transit system is called the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). The MBTA is made up of a commuter rail line (which services suburban Boston), an extensive bus system, and a subway/trolley system (called the "T"). Be sure to ask your realtor how convenient the apartment is to public transportation. Boston University has five stops on the “B” branch of the "Green" subway/trolley line, and the "BU Central" stop is directly across from the School of Theology.

1. For information about your legal rights as a renter in Boston, contact the Legal Advisory & Resource Center of the Boston Bar Association at (617) 742-9179. Call before noon to ask questions about renting in Massachusetts. You may also find answers on the web at www.mass.gov, in the “Housing” section of the site.

1. Another good place to look for an apartment is the Sunday Boston Globe. If you do not have access to the newspaper, you can read it on-line at: www.boston.com/globe.
   
   

Where to Live in Boston

Like any great American city, Boston is a large city that is made up of smaller communities. There are sections of Boston in which you will find apartments at a more reasonable rate than in other parts of town. What follows is a brief description of sections of Boston in which School of Theology students typically find apartments. You are certainly not limited to these areas, but they are listed because of their proximity to Boston University and/or the reputations these sections have as safe and clean.

Allston and Brighton are areas in municipal Boston, and border Boston University to the west. Commonwealth Avenue runs through the middle of Allston, and the Green “B Line” T runs down the center of the street. You will find affordable apartments on or near Commonwealth Avenue. The 57 bus runs through the heart of Brighton, and stops across from the School of Theology. These communities are very diverse, and you will find a mix of students and recent immigrants. You will find many apartment buildings and three story houses ("triple deckers") in these areas.

Brookline is the first suburb west of Boston proper, and lies to the southwest of campus. Another branch of the Green Line T, the “C” line, runs down the middle of Beacon Street in Brookline, and several bus lines will take commuters to the trolley. There are many apartment buildings and multi-family homes in this suburb. The streets of Brookline are nearly all tree-lined, and the public school system is excellent.

Cambridge is the city directly across the Charles River from Boston. MIT and Harvard make their homes in Cambridge, so you will find accommodating apartments for students. The section of Cambridge known as Cambridgeport is linked to the Boston University campus by the BU Bridge, and the farthest reaches of Cambridgeport are at most a 30 minute walk from the School of Theology. Some of the city's best restaurants can be found in Cambridge's many charming "Squares." The Red Line subway serves Cambridge (approximately 35-40 minutes ride from the School) and it has an extensive bus system that converges on Harvard Square.

East Boston lies across the Boston Harbor, next to Logan International Airport. It is accessible by the Blue Line T, approximately a thirty to forty minute ride to the School of Theology. East Boston has a small-town feel, with many neighborhood stores and restaurants, and is family-oriented, which means that it is quiet in the evenings (unlike areas with lots of students).

The Fenway is within easy walking distance of Boston University. Bordering a city park called "The Fens," this section of town has only apartment buildings, which can run from “reasonable” to “pricey.” The Fenway is very close to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Students from Boston University, Berklee College of Music, Northeastern University, and the New England Conservatory populate this section of Boston.

Jamaica Plain is a highly diverse part of Boston. The 39 bus runs down Center Street in Jamaica Plain and terminates in Copley Square, and the Forest Hills stop on the subway's Orange Line connects Jamaica Plain residents with downtown Boston and connections to other subway lines. It is approximately a 35-40 minute ride to the School. Jamaica Plain borders the Jamaica Pond, one of the most beautiful city parks in Boston.

Somerville is a city north of Cambridge that offers affordable housing and ethnic flavor. The western side of Somerville is served by the subway's Red Line, and the eastern side has several bus lines serving it. Somerville is a mix of students, immigrants, and long-time Somerville families. You will find many triple-deckers, and several apartment buildings in the area. A good section of Somerville is found around Davis Square.

This is only a partial list. Some of our students have found lovely apartments in other sections of the city. You might find a good apartment in Roxbury, West Roxbury, or Dorchester. Some of our students have found great deals in Newton Centre, Chestnut Hill, or Watertown which are upscale suburbs, but also have apartments which are reasonably priced if you have roommates.

Good luck in your search. When you have questions, please don't hesitate to call the Admissions Office. We are here to help you through the process of relocation.