A room in a shared apartment in Dorchester or Quincy usually runs about $1,000-$1,600/month, and South Boston costs more. One-bedrooms often start around $2,200. Sharing a triple-decker unit with roommates is the most common way to keep costs down.

Yes, since 2018. The residence halls on Columbia Point hold about 1,077 students, which isn't many for a school of about 16,000. Most students commute or rent off campus.

Most UMass Boston students commute, and more than 90% of the student body lives off campus. Check with Housing and Residential Life for current on-campus eligibility and deadlines.

Take the Red Line to JFK/UMass station, then catch the free campus shuttle. Most students live along the Red Line or on a bus route that connects to it.

March or April for a September 1 move-in. Almost every Boston lease starts that day, so the best-priced units near the Red Line get claimed in spring.

Usually not anymore. Since August 1, 2025, Massachusetts law says whoever hires the broker pays the fee. If the landlord hired the broker, you shouldn't be charged.

Only first month's rent, last month's rent, a security deposit no bigger than one month's rent, and the cost of changing the locks. Application fees aren't allowed.

Savin Hill and Fields Corner in Dorchester are the closest and most affordable. South Boston is more expensive but lively, and North Quincy and Wollaston are good value on the Red Line.

Not really. The Red Line and campus shuttle cover the commute, and campus parking costs money. A car helps if you live somewhere the T doesn't reach well.

Yes. Boston has students from dozens of schools, so rooms in shared apartments come up all year and summer sublets are common. Start early for a September 1 move-in.