Boston

Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and the largest city in New England, with a population of about 5,000,000. This includes a student population of 250,000 representing over 50 colleges and universities, from all areas of the United States and the world. Boston is an exciting, diverse city to live in.  Living in Boston will give you an excellent opportunity to experience one of the oldest cities in the United States, and to get a first-hand glimpse of American history. Many of the most important events of the American Revolution and the founding of this country took place in or around Boston, and historical monuments and museums can be found all throughout the city. Boston is definitely a "college city," and many opportunities exist for study diversions! There are museums, performances, restaurants, bars, clubs and sporting activities to suit every interest and taste.

Weather in New England can be unpredictable and changeable. However, there are four seasons with distinct weather conditions. New England is famous throughout the United States for its autumn (also known as "fall"), which begins in late September and dazzles locals and tourists alike with the bright reds, oranges and yellows of the leaves on the trees. Winter often brings very cold temperatures and snowstorms, especially December through February, although we have been known to have snowstorms in March and even April. Weather becomes milder towards April, as days become longer and warmer and flowers begin to bloom. Summer in Boston is often very hot and humid. You will need to bring clothing for all seasons, from light summer clothes to heavy coats, boots and hats for winter.

Average temperatures in Boston for each season are as follows:

Subway
MBTA stations are marked by signs with a large letter "T." The four major subway lines are the Green, Red, Blue and Orange lines. Tokens, which cost $1 each, are used on the subway and can be purchased in underground stations. There is no fee to switch between subway lines. At above ground stations, tokens or exact change are required.

Buses
The subways and trolleys connect at many points with MBTA buses. Exact change is required for buses, and the fare is $.75. You may request a free bus transfer ticket from the driver when you board if you must switch buses to reach your final destination.

For comprehensive schedules and route maps for the subway, commuter trains and buses, please visit http://www.mbta.com

Monthly Passes
Passes can be purchased for the buses, subway or a combination of the two. The passes can be purchased during the first three days of each month and the last three days of each month. The passes may be purchased at several “T” stations, including Park Street, Government Center and Harvard. Additionally, Boston University students are eligible to buy discount passes through the Office of Parking Services. For more information and prices, see http://www.bu.edu/parking/t-passes/student-tpass.html

Transportation to Boston University from Logan International Airport
The Airport “T” station on the blue line provides a link to downtown Boston. You can board a shuttle bus outside any terminal that will bring you to the subway station. Take an inbound blue line train (marked BOWDOIN) to the Government Center station. Exit the blue line train and board a “B” green line train to Boston University. The International Students and Scholars Office is located near the KENMORE station.

You may also take a taxi to campus. This may be the easiest option if you have a lot of luggage. The taxi fare will be approximately $17-20, and drivers expect a tip of around 15-20%.

Driving Directions to Boston University

Historical Sites

• The Freedom Trail
  This is a walking tour of historic Boston, and is easily identified by the red lines on the sidewalk. Begin the walk from the Visitor Center at 15 State Street, Boston. Put on your walking shoes: this tour covers 3 miles and 16 historical sites. To join a guided tour, call 617.242.5642.
• Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum
  This is a replica of the ship where the famous “Boston Tea Party” took place. It is located on Congress Street at Fort Point Channel. For hours call 617.338.1773.
• USS Constitution
  This is the oldest commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy. It is located at Charlestown Navy Yard. For hours call 617.242.5670.
• The Paul Revere House and Old North Church
  This is the restored home of Paul Revere, one of the most important figures in the American Revolution, and the church where he famously warned Boston area residents that “The British are coming.” These attractions are located at 19 North Square, in the historic North End district. After sightseeing, visit one of the many Italian restaurants or bakeries in the area.
• Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum
  This is a replica of the ship where the famous “Boston Tea Party” took place. It is located on Congress Street at Fort Point Channel. For hours call 617.338.1773.

Other Sites

• Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market
  This area boasts numerous shops, restaurants, street performers and atmosphere. For shopping or people watching, this is one of the most popular places in Boston. Take the T to Government Center or Haymarket to access this area.

Museums

• Museum of Fine Arts
  465 Huntington Avenue, Boston. 617.267.9300. For information about hours, prices and special events, visit http://www.mfa.org
• Museum of Science
  Science Park, Boston. 617.723.2500. For information about hours, prices and special events, visit http://www.museumofscience.org
• New England Aquarium
  Central Wharf, Boston. 617.973.5200. For information about hours, prices and special events, visit http://www.newenglandaquarium.org
• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
  280 The Fenway, Boston. 617.556.1401. http://www.gardnermuseum.org
• Institute of Contemporary Art
  955 Boylston Street, Boston. 617.266.5152. http://www.icaboston.org
• Children’s Museum
  300 Congress Street at Museum Wharf, Boston. 617.426.8855. http://www.bostonkids.org

• The Boston Globe Calendar Section, which is part of every Thursday’s Globe, lists performances and activities in the Boston area for that week. You can also check http://www.boston.com for this information.
• The “Arts” section of the Boston Phoenix newspaper, which is free at newsstands every Friday, lists performances for the week. http://www.bostonphoenix.com
• Ticketmaster, http://www.ticketmaster.com, lists musical, sporting and theatre performances in the area. You can check dates and purchase tickets online
• Bostix, located at Faneuil Hall or Copley Square in Boston, offers half price tickets on day of performance for many performing arts events. Cash or traveler’s check only. Tel. 617.723.5181.

• Boston Red Sox
  The “Sox” are Boston’s professional baseball team. They play at Fenway Park, which is located in Kenmore Square and is very convenient to the B.U. campus. The baseball season lasts from April to October. For team information, schedules, and tickets visit http://www.bostonredsox.com
• Boston Celtics
  The Celtics are Boston’s professional basketball team. They play at the Fleet Center, which is located near North Station. Basketball season runs from January to May. Visit http://www.nba.com/celtics
• New England Patriots
  The Patriots are Boston’s professional (American) football team. They play at Foxborough Stadium in Foxborough, MA. The football season lasts from August to January. Visit http://www.patriots.com
• Boston Bruins
  The Bruins are Boston’s professional ice hockey team. They also play at the Fleet Center, and the hockey season runs from October to April. Visit http://www.bostonbruins.com
• New England Revolution
  The Revolution is Boston’s professional soccer team. They play at Foxborough Stadium in Foxborough, MA. The season runs from March to October. Visit http://www.revolutionsoccer.net
• Support your Boston University Terriers athletic teams!
  Visit http://www.bu.edu/athletics for information, schedules and news for all men’s and women’s athletic teams. University sporting events are a great way to experience the “school spirit” that is unique to the United States.

For additional information about the city of Boston, check out these websites:

Boston University Information Center

http://www.boston.com

http://www.cityofboston.gov/

http://www.boston-online.com

 

ISSO
Boston University
February 28, 2005