Living off Campus

Before looking for a place to live off campus, it's important that you take the time to think critically about what you're looking for. It will help you narrow down places as you search, and it will guarantee that you find a place that fits all of your needs. You'll also want to make sure you have a general idea of what it means to rent in Boston. 

View the recording of our most recent off-campus housing webinar, Navigating Your Off-Campus Experience, here. 

• Starting Your Off-Campus Housing Search: Download this worksheet to help you identify the features you should look for in your off-campus housing options. If you're planning on living with roommates, make sure to fill this worksheet out with them.
• Off-Campus Housing 101: Check out a recording of a previously hosted webinar covering all of our off campus housing resources in depth.
• Boston Neighborhoods: One factor you will want to consider is what neighborhood(s) you may want to live in. The City of Boston maintains this page, which covers information on all the neighborhoods in the city.
• Renting in Boston: If this is going to be your first time renting in Boston, this page provides a great overview of commonly used terms, how to get assistance for a wide variety of issues, and how to be a good neighbor. 

Once you have a good sense of what you're looking for, it's time to start searching and then select an off-campus housing option. 

• On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Cost Comparison: Download this worksheet to help you map out how your off-campus housing costs might compare to your on-campus housing costs.
• Berklee's Off-Campus Site: This site allows you to search listings from reputable realtors, look for roommates, and more. 

Once you've found a place to live, there are a few steps you need to take care of before your move-in day. 

• Understand your Lease: Make sure you have fully read through and understand your lease before signing. Your lease should contain the following:
  • The amount of rent and security deposit
  • The term of the lease, or the amount of time the lease is for
  • Your obligation for utilities
  • Whether or not a guarantor or cosigner is required
• Do a Walkthrough: Before you sign a lease, do a thorough walkthrough of your living space where you'll take note of any preexisting issues so that you aren't held liable for them upon moving out. Check the following:
  • Make sure that all things like the burners on the stove and light fixtures are properly working.
  • Make notes of the quality of things such as flooring and carpet, any provided furnture, etc. Take pictures if necessary.
  • If your landlord needs to fix anything, get it in writing. 

Now that you've found a place to live off campus and signed your lease, here are some tips for move-in day and beyond: 

• Moving in: Make sure you plan ahead for your move-in day to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.
  • One of the busiest move-in days in Boston is September 1. If your move-in day is around this date, consider moving in earlier or later if possible.
  • If you require a moving van, reserve one far in advance.
  • Read the Boston Trash and Recycling Day guide to avoid any fines.
• What's Next?: Remember that most on-campus services are still available to you as an off-campus student and that you should still use them when needed.

• Tenant's Rights: This Massachusetts government page covers your rights as a tenant in the state, including common terms and definitions, and information on what your landlord must provide to you.
• City of Boston COVID-19 Information: The City of Boston maintains this page with resources specific to COVID-19, including information on common scams, support for individuals experiencing housing insecurity, and details on any legislation passed in Boston as a result of the pandemic that may impact you.
• BOS: 311 Information for Reporting Non-Emergencies: BOS: 311 details a number of ways for you to report non-emergencies in your off-campus community, such as a broken street sign, graffiti, a missed curbside pickup, or a pothole that needs to be fixed. You can call the number provided, tweet at them, download their app, or submit a report online.
• Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination: The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) site allows you to file a complaint of discrimination and receive assistance from a MCAD investigator. They also offer various trainings and events for those looking to learn more about their rights in Massachusetts.
• Boston Neighborhoods: Learn more about each of the neighborhoods in Boston, including local events happening in that community. 

• RentSmart Boston is a free resource that compiles data from BOS: 311 and the City’s Inspectional Services Division to give prospective tenants a more complete picture of the apartments they are considering renting. The tool prompts users for an address and generates a report to assist prospective tenants in understanding any previous issues with the property, including the following:
  • Housing violations
  • Building violations
  • Enforcement violations
  • Housing complaints
  • Sanitation requests
  • Civic maintenance requests
• My Smart Renter is a paid resource (approximately $35 per report) that provides a comprehensive background report on the owners, landlords, and property managers of any property you’re considering leasing/renting. Give yourself peace of mind at a fraction of what you could potentially lose in a scam or by dealing with a negligent landlord.

• The Inspectional Services Department protects and improves the quality of life for all Boston residents by enforcing building, housing, health, sanitation, and safety regulations as mandated by the city.
• The Tenant's Guide to Eviction is a Massachusetts government resource that provides information on eviction and your rights as a tenant. This page covers the proper process for being evicted and your rights during that process.
• The Office of Housing Stability provides advice, information, and assistance to Boston landlords and tenants who have problems with or questions about rental housing. They also oversee the Good Neighbors Handbook, designed to help landlords and tenants understand and comply with the complex landlord and tenant laws.

• Massachusetts Attorney General: This is the page for the current Massachusetts Attorney General's Office and includes a number of resources as well as information on filing a consumer, workplace, or civil rights complaint.
• Boston Bar Lawyer Referral Service: This is a convenient resource that gives you 24/7 access to panels of qualified lawyers where you can compare attorney profiles, filter by geographic region and the topic of legal need, and get matched with an appropriate lawyer.
• Greater Boston Legal Services: This provides free legal assistance and representation on civil (noncriminal) matters to low-income residents in the city of Boston and 31 surrounding cities and towns.
• Lawyers for Affordable Justice: This is a collaborative legal incubator providing Boston residents with affordable legal assistance. They specialize in immigration, small business, employment, and landlord/tenant issues.
• Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyer Referral Program: The Dial-a-Lawyer program encourages members of the public to call with their legal problems and questions. This program was created in order to assist the people of Massachusetts who have fallen through the cracks of the legal and criminal justice system. On the first Wednesday of each month, volunteer attorneys give free, basic legal information by phone from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Massachusetts Legal Answers Online: This is a website where low-income Massachusetts residents can post their civil (noncriminal) legal question. Volunteer attorneys will answer the questions through the same website.
• Massachusetts Legal Help: This provides information about tenants’ rights in Massachusetts. You will find self-help forms, sample letters, booklets, handbooks, and frequently asked questions.
• Small Claims Court: Learn more about how to file, what to do if you receive a summons, and how to prepare for your court date.
• Small Claims Advisory Service (SCAS): Find information about Massachusetts small claims court, relevant laws for case resolution, and contact information to receive further help from SCAS staff.
• Volunteer Lawyers Project: This page allows you to apply online for legal assistance with appeals or other matters. 

When trying to make the decision between on- or off-campus housing, we recommend checking out our Getting Started section on this page to learn more about renting in the Boston area. You can also download worksheets to help you identify what you're looking for and compare the costs of your off-campus housing options to what it costs to live on campus. 

When calculating costs, be sure to factor in services and benefits included with on-campus housing, such as maintenance services, internet, proximity to classes and dining, practice rooms, and access to residence hall staff. 

Students who fill out the housing application, pay the prepayment, and are offered housing will be responsible for paying the full amount stated in their contract. The only students permitted to be released from their housing contract are those who are withdrawing from the institution. 

Students who have applied for housing on campus should not sign leases for off-campus housing. 

A number of local and on-campus resources are available for students experiencing food insecurity. Visit Health and Wellness's page Food Assistance and Other Basic Needs Assistance (login required) to review the help available to you. You can also schedule a meeting with Berklee's case manager/student health liaison to further discuss these resources and determine what might be the best fit for you. 

Looking for off-campus housing in Boston can be challenging, especially if you are searching alone or for the first time. Our team is happy to meet one on one with students to speak in depth about the housing search process and how to navigate it. To set up a meeting with a team member, please email us at housing@berklee.edu. 

Berklee students facing financial difficulties are encouraged to request funding through the Student Emergency Fund. The fund is intended to help students navigate emergencies or unexpected hardship. Funds will be provided as grants and typically range from $250 to $2,000, depending on the need.

Visit Medical Care for Students through Health and Wellness to learn about accessing medical care, including telehealth services, immunizations, and STD testing. 

The public transportation system in Boston is run by the MBTA and is referred to as the "T". It is a network of bus and subway lines that connect all areas of the city. Berklee's campus is within walking distance from a number of T stops. All Berklee students are eligible for a discounted MBTA pass (login required), referred to as a Charlie Card.  

We strongly discourage students from bringing a vehicle to campus as the only available parking is limited and metered. Parking restrictions are strictly enforced.

Off-campus students have the option of purchasing a meal plan through Dining Services. All meal plans are purchased directly online and can be paid for using a credit or debit card. The meal swipes are automatically added to your Berklee card. There are many different meal plans to choose from, and you can always add additional meal swipes to your card later in the semester. Off-campus meal plan options are generally posted several weeks before the start of the new semester. 

Please note that meal plans are not available for the fall 2020 semester.

For more information regarding meal plans, visit berklee.campusdish.com or call 617-747-8964.

Beginning fall 2023, all lockers on campus are overseen by Campus Life. Please email campuslife@berklee.edu for more information. 

Conflict is a normal, healthy, everyday occurence. Successfully resolving conflicts can provide opportunities for growth, development, and learning. Berklee's Office of Community Standards and Conflict Resolution is committed to helping students mediate and resolve interpersonal conflicts while providing students with the skills to succesfully navigate conflicts throughout their lives.

Conflict coaching and mediation sessions are available to students. For more information on these services, please visit the Office of Community Standards and Conflict Resolution website. To request conflict resolution support, please email communitystandards@berklee.edu.