Student housing in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The first important fact to keep in mind is that the cost of living in this part of ​​the United States is one of the highest in the country. That’s why it’s crucial to start looking for accommodation as soon as possible in order to find something affordable and with all the features you want.

Student apartments for rent in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Are you looking for a flat? In this American city, there are plenty of student apartments for rent. Most of them have one or two bedrooms, although there are some three-bedroom options. Keep in mind that in one-bedroom apartments you have to assume the cost of the entire property by yourself, while in those with two or three bedrooms you can split the cost between everyone who lives there. For this very reason, the latter are preferred by students with tighter budgets.

A very important thing to keep in mind is that you have to check whether the cost of utilities (water, electricity, heating, etc.) is included in the monthly price or not. If they aren't, you should know that your monthly cost can rise significantly, especially during the cold winter months.

Many of these student apartments are part of condominiums or buildings that include access to common areas, such as a swimming pool, barbecue area, gym, and/or washing machine and dryer area (very useful if the apartment doesn’t include it).

Student rooms for rent in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Do you think renting a room is best for you? The cost of living in this city is so high that most international students choose to live in a shared apartment or university residence. However, you should know that most of the rooms are single, meaning that there aren’t many shared room options available (which tend to be cheaper).

Student rooms are usually furnished with everything you need to move in, including a bed, desk, and wardrobe. They also provide access to common areas in the apartments they are part of, such as the living room, kitchen, and bathroom.

We recommend that you take a close look at the requirements to rent each room. For example, in some cases, rooms offer the option of paying a non-refundable security deposit of one month's rent or a one-time move-in fee of about US $500 per room.

Student accommodation in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The following are some of the most popular areas for young people to live in this American city:

Flats for rent in Harvard Square

This is one of the most emblematic neighbourhoods of Cambridge, right next to Harvard University. Its streets are full of independent bookshops, coffee shops, pubs with lots of history, and venues with live music. There are also frequent cultural events, street markets, and street performers that bring a lot of life to the neighbourhood. It's a safe, very busy area, and perfect for meeting other international students.

Apartments in Somerville

Somerville’s actually another town that’s north of Cambridge. However, many students choose to live there because the cost of housing is usually more affordable. It has an excellent public transport network, including the underground (Red Line), buses, and train stations.

Somerville is home to a diverse community, with residents of various nationalities, making it easy for international students to blend in. It also offers a wide range of cultural activities, festivals, and community events.

Rooms for rent in Central Square

Central Square is a very popular area among students looking for a more alternative atmosphere and slightly lower prices than Harvard Square, for example. It's located between Harvard and MIT, so it's ideal if you're studying at either university. The neighbourhood has an artistic and diverse vibe, with colourful murals, live music, cool bars, and restaurants serving international cuisine. It’s also known for its lively nightlife.

Accommodations near MIT

Some of the best areas to live near this prestigious institution are Kendall Square, Central Square, and Inman Square.

If you want to know more about the accommodation near the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, you can access this article we wrote about it.

Student residences in Cambridge, Massachusetts

In this American city, most of the student residences available are those offered by the universities to their own students. They’re usually divided between different levels of study. Also common in this city are fraternities, sororities, and "student co-ops," a type of accommodation similar to a residence run by and for students independently.

FAQ about studying in Cambridge, Massachusetts