UMass Boston

Finding Your Apartment and Roommates: A Conversation with Off-Campus Living’s John Sears

For many, especially those who have never rented before, the idea of renting an apartment in Boston can seem like an intimidating process sure to cause stress and anxiety.

Is there university assistance with finding an apartment?

The Division of Student Affairs maintains an office to educate and assist students in finding an apartment and roommates. Off-Campus Living (OCL) helps students and families navigate the Boston rental market to find the accommodations and roommates that meet their needs. Off-Campus Living is staffed by Commuter Assistants (CAs) who answer questions and guide students through the renting process. The office is located in the Campus Center suite 3400 and can be reached at 617.287.6373 or at offcampus@umb.edu. 

I’ve never rented before; how do I get started?

Simply contact the OCL team at offcampus@umb.edu (feel free to copy anyone on your support network – roommates, friends, family). The OCL staff will reply with our list of search websites, featuring UMass Boston’s exclusive off campus housing website for UMB community members, where you can search apartment listings, create a roommate profile, and learn about the rental process. The search features allow you to screen for apartment criteria important to you, see street-level views, and build your commute to campus, among others.

Is there financial support available?

OCL does not have financial resources. However, OCL does have information and tools designed to equip students to find accommodations that fit their circumstances. Loans, savings, and job income can be used to pay for off campus rent and expenses.

Are staff available to consult about my situation?

OCL staff are available to meet with students and family members in person or on zoom. During this meeting, we will walk you through our search website, share tips that can inform your rental search, and help you devise a search strategy that best meets your needs.

How can I learn about renting in Boston?

OCL maintains a handy Resources webpage that includes tips and tools to help inform your search. Resources include a step-by-step guide to renting, budget template, roommate agreement, short articles and checklists.

How much will renting an apartment cost?

OCL recommends that students initially plan for about $1,000 per month for just rent. Many students come in under that, especially when they take time to learn about the market and factor in roommates. An important first step is to have a conversation with your support network (roommates and/or family) about your budget. Download our budget template on the Resources webpage and plug in your numbers to help account for all of your potential expenditures. Completing this first step will save you time and effort so that you can focus your search on listings that fall within your criteria.

When should I start looking for an apartment and roommates?

OCL recommends starting your search ideally about two or three months ahead of your anticipated move-in date for a stress-reduced apartment search. Educating oneself about the market, learning the Boston neighborhoods, and discovering your preferred apartment features are important parts to a successful search. The more you know, the more confident you will feel about your decision when it comes time to sign a lease. 

I am worried about fraudulent listings. How do I avoid scams?

OCL maintains a checklist on the Resources webpage to conduct a financially safe apartment search. Be sure to look it over before you actively search. A cardinal rule is never wire or send money through an app before seeing the unit and confirming the person you are interacting with is the legitimate representative of the listing. 

Is a broker’s agent necessary to find an apartment in Boston?

Hiring a broker's agent is not necessary to successfully find an apartment in Boston. A broker’s agent typically charges the equivalent of a month’s rent in exchange for their services. Given an appropriate search lead time, OCL provides all of the tools and knowledge for students and families to find an apartment that meets their needs.

How do I get started?

To get started, simply send us an email at offcampus@umb.edu and we’ll take it from there to get you started on your apartment and roommate search.