Many students choose to live with roommates in order to meet classmates and reduce monthly costs. Accepted students are invited to join the class Facebook page, managed by the Admissions Department. Here, you can start connecting with your classmates. Additionally, the Admissions Department hosts a Virtual Roommate Finder event in the spring to help students meet potential roommates.
Different areas of the city have different price points for rental units. As you consider where you'd like to live, it's important to consider the location as it relates to commute length and cost. For example, the neighborhoods around NECO tend to be more expensive, but students are able to live within walking distance of the college and spend less on transportation. Neighborhoods that are further from NECO, such as Allston and Brighton, have more affordable rents, but add a 30-40 minute commute each way on public transportation.
Additionally, as you're looking at apartments, it's important to understand what utilities are included in your rent. Some apartments may include heat and hot water, but others may not. Electricity and internet are not usually included so it is important to factor these additional monthly expenses into your budget.
If you have any questions about cost of living and budgeting, the Financial Aid office is available to help! They can be reached at finaid@neco.edu.
Students often begin their housing search in the late spring or early summer, as this is when many apartments are listed and available. Boston has a large student population, so most leases begin on September 1st with a yearlong commitment.
Working with a realtor during your search can help make the process run much smoother than trying it alone. They are able to work with you to find apartments that fit your needs and budget. If you are not able to travel to Boston to look at apartments, a realtor can work with you to virtually show you the properties. Keep in mind that most realtors do charge a broker's fee, so it is important to know what that fee is before you start working with them.
As you're looking at apartments with a realtor, consider the following questions:
What are the upfront fees and monthly rent?
Are utilities such as heat, hot water and electricity included?
Is there laundry in the unit/building?
Who manages the apartment and takes care of maintenance issues?
It is important that you have all of the above, and any additional questions, answered before you decide to sign a lease.
The realtors and property managers below provide listings in and around Boston, and routinely help our students with their housing needs.
Beacon Realty Properties LLC is a family-owned business that has been a leader in providing student housing in the City of Boston for over 60 years. Our close proximity to the New England College of Optometry makes our properties an ideal destination for incoming and returning students alike. We never charge a broker fee. 24-hour emergency maintenance. Parking Available.
Based in Boston Centre Realty Group is a full service Real Estate company. We have a large rental division and work with apartment owners in the city of Boston and surrounding areas. We enjoy helping the NECO community with all of their housing needs!
Our exclusive rentals are mostly located in the Back Bay area, Kenmore/Fenway and Beacon Hill. NECO is centrally located and all units would be within walking distance of the school. Most are within a few blocks of the school.
We are happy to assist with your housing needs. Please reach out to us via email.
For over 10 years, Kenmore Properties has been a trusted neighborhood resource for renters in and around Kenmore Square.
Our friendly and dedicated team leverages local knowledge and strong relationships with landlords to help you find the perfect place to call home, even if just for the school year! Whether you're seeking a budget-friendly apartment in a historic brownstone, a modern urban condo, or a family-friendly suburban house, we've got you covered.
Call today for a personalized apartment search and see why our NECO renters love us!
Shahab Madadi
Real Estate Advisor
(617) - 877 - 4466
shahab.madadi@compass.com
126 Newbury St 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02116
IGH sits in Back Bay, one of Boston’s most desirable areas to live. Copley T stop, Charles River, cafes and supermarkets are only a 5 minute walk away. We offer shared fully-furnished rooms, with private bathrooms, that receive daily cleanings and fresh linens and towels. Laundry machines are available onsite for personal use.
Meals are included with the price of your stay. Our cook provides two meals per day, served buffet style, in our dining room.
Room prices vary depending on the length of stay and room preference. Rooms are reserved on a first-come first-serve basis. Pricing is per person and does not include the refundable one time security and key deposit of $200.00.
Currently, we are offering:
One month free on a 12 month lease for the Fall 25 term, which runs 8/18/25-7/31/26.
Limited 6 month lease terms, which would run 8/18/25-1/31/26.
Limited Academic Year lease terms, which would run 8/18/25-5/31/26.
Short-term housing is offered as an option for students who do not want to sign a yearlong lease. Typically, these rentals start with a minimum of a week and rent out furnished spaces that may be shared with other individuals.
ESL Townhouse provides comfortable, furnished private and shared apartments in the heart of Boston to ESL students at the many English as a Second Language schools and undergraduate & graduate students at Boston-area colleges and universities.
June Homes offer students fully furnished apartments without having to lock into a long-term lease. Stays can be as short as one month and come with useful benefits and helpful customer service experience.
Blueground offers fully furnished short-term rentals in and around Boston. Stays can be as little as one month, and includes all utilities and WiFi.
Live Thatch provides furnished housing solutions in Boston that include co-living and full apartment options. Stays can be customized, and includes all utilities, WiFi, and a cleaning service.
Another option to consider is renting a room or subletting an apartment. Options include furnished and unfurnished spaces that are either a room in a shared apartment, or the entire apartment to yourself.
Sublet.com offers varying lengths of stays for furnished and unfurnished spaces around the city.
AirBnB offers furnished spaces, either a room or entire apartment, to rent out for varying lengths of time.
Hotels
Some local hotels offer short- and long-term stays, which may be a good fit for some students. Please check their websites for rates and availability.
Boston Marriott at Copley
110 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA
www.marriott.com
No. 284 Back Bay
284 Commonwealth Ave
Boston, MA
https://no284.com
Copley Square Hotel
47 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA
www.copleysquarehotel.com
Hilton Boston Back Bay
40 Dalton Street
Boston, MA
www.hilton.com
Arcadian Hotel Brookline
1200 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA
www.arcadianhotel.com
Hotel Commonwealth
500 Commonwealth Ave
Boston, MA
www.hotelcommonwealth.com
Newbury Guest House
261 Newbury Street
Boston, MA
www.newburyguesthouse.com
The Eliot Hotel
370 Commonwealth Ave
Boston, MA
www.eliothotel.com
463 Beacon Guest House
463 Beacon Street
Boston, MA
www.463beacon.com