International Information

Off Campus Living

Off-Campus Housing

There are a number of apartments located near Simmons.  Given the large student population in Boston there is a fair amount of turnover each year.  Typically early summer is the easiest time to find an apartment; however, given time you will be able to find an apartment at anytime of the year.

If you are interested in finding roommates, the Roommate Assistant web site will be a good resource for listings of open rooms or for posting your own roommate listing.  The home page is located at http://www.roommates.com/

Working with a realtor can enable you to see a large number of apartments quickly.  However, most realtors charge a finder’s fee ranging from one half to one full month’s rent.  If you have the time, the local newspapers publish apartment listings so that you can find an apartment without using a realtor. (See <here> for online-resources for apartments)


Landlords may require first and last month’s rent at the time of signing the lease plus a security deposit which will be returned to you when you move out.  Often they require a social security number on the renter application.  While it is illegal to require that a social security number be provided, it is common practice to request that it be included on the renter’s application.  If you do not plan to obtain a social security number, your passport, Simmons identification card and proof of a local bank account should suffice.

Rent in the Boston area can range from approximately $600 per bedroom on up.  Make sure you check out if this figure includes (heat, electricity, water, telephone).

Most buildings are equipped with alternating electrical service (110V/220V), an adapter will be needed for any electrical appliances you bring with you from home. 

Resources: http://my.simmons.edu/life/off-campus/resources/index.shtml

Apartment Listings: http://my.simmons.edu/life/off-campus/listings/index.shtml