Economics Graduate Student Orientation

BU owns several properties on the Charles River and Fenway campuses. All are administered by BU Graduate Housing and rented only to full-time graduate students. They have furnished and unfurnished rooms, studios, and one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments.

You can explore detailed information on the housing options here. However, I can highlight the following:

Peabody Hall

The Peabody Hall is a five-story building in the Fenway Campus, a 20-minute walk from the center of the Charles River Campus and connected by the BU Shuttle. This is the cheapest housing option that BU offers, mainly because Peabody Hall is a dormitory-style residence with shared areas. Therefore, rooms are in high demand. All 138 rooms are fully furnished (single bed, dresser, desk, desk chair, side chair, mini-fridge, and microwave oven) and are single occupancy only. Rent is $775 to $975/month, depending upon the room (mainly a function of how many people share the same bathroom). The rent includes all utilities (heat, hot water, and electricity), Boston University cable, and Wi-Fi. There is one shared kitchen and coin-operated laundry facility per floor. More information about the apartments can be found here.

580 Commonwealth Avenue

This is a relatively modern eleven-story building in the Charles River Campus, a 5-minute walk from the College of Arts and Sciences. There are 11 one-bedroom and 209 studio apartments. Rent varies on the type of apartment and area, from $1,625 to $ 1,825/month for a studio apartment and $1,925/month for a one-bedroom apartment. The rent includes all utilities (heat, hot water, and electricity), central air conditioning, and Boston University cable and wifi. All of them are unfurnished (however, essential kitchen appliances are included in all apartments). More information about the apartments and the application process can be found here.

For the academic period, full-time students are required to complete a Graduate Housing Application. The application requires you to submit a $500 guarantee payment (using a credit card or bank account). The fee shall be applied as a pre-payment towards the first month’s rent and is nonrefundable except in the case you cannot be assigned to a unit. More information can be found here.

If you are considering sharing an apartment with roommates, much of the BU-owned housing is more expensive than some options in neighborhoods close to campus. However, in my experience, there are some benefits of living in a BU apartment that you might want to take into account:

If you want to live alone or you are going to live with your partner, the rent offered by BU could be cheaper than other one-bedroom apartments in the area.

BU apartments are closer to campus than any of the available options. This implies that you would not spend time and money commuting to class. During cold and snowy days, proximity to campus could be a big plus.

BU only requires two months of rent upfront (the first month of rent and a security deposit); meanwhile, most non-BU apartments require between three and four months of rent upfront.

BU maintenance manages apartment maintenance problems and emergencies. They respond quickly most of the time and work 24/7 in emergencies.

The most commonly used websites to find apartments off campus are: Apartments.com, Trulia, Zillow, Padmapper, Craigslist, Facebook (Boston University (BU) Housing, Sublets & Roommates group, or other), BU Off-Campus Listings.

Another option is to work directly with a broker. Contacting a broker (or real estate agency) directly means that someone else is looking for apartments for you, which can save you time and aggravation. Note that when working with a realtor, paying a realtor’s or broker’s fee is standard when obtaining the apartment. The fee often equals one month’s rent and is not refundable.

Checking Accounts
Many local banks offer free checking accounts, usually with some basic restrictions. These banks also frequently offer non-free accounts with additional features (most of which you are unlikely to require), so when you sign up, you are getting the account you want.There are several large banks in the Boston area, and you should feel free to find the one that best suits your needs. Since all banks now offer similar online banking features, the main difference between banks from your perspective is likely the convenience of affiliated ATMs and/or branches. Bank of America, Citizens Bank, Santander Bank, and Chase have branches and ATMs on or around campus (map).Not all banks are located in all U.S. cities. Thus, if you expect to travel frequently to specific other cities in the U.S. (for example, to visit family or a significant other), consider which bank has the best network in your expected destinations. You will always be able to use an ATM that is not affiliated with your bank, but you might be charged fees for doing so.Most of these banks have dealt with international students before, so you do not have to be afraid that opening an account as an international student will be an issue.There are also purely internet-based banks in the U.S., such as Charles Schwab or Ally. These banks have no branches or their own ATMs, but they generally allow you to use a wide range of ATMs for free, as they are either affiliated with ATM networks or reimburse you for the ATM fees. They may also yield more interest in your money if you carry a large balance. I do not have personal experience with these banks, but I have heard good references, and they may be worth considering.Credit Cards
Getting a credit card might be necessary for those of you who are planning to stay in the U.S. for a longer period than a year or two (either because your program is longer, you intend to keep studying or get a job) to cover unexpected expenses and/or build a credit history. However, please note that it is a bit more challenging to get a credit card than simply opening a bank account.All types of loans in the U.S. (either housing, auto, or credit card loans) are based on computerized records of your “credit history.” These records are maintained by private credit bureaus, and they produce a “credit score” based, generally, on a full listing of your current and prior credit accounts and information on whether you made prior payments on time or not. In most cases, if you have never gotten into trouble with paying off your loans in the U.S., you should have a good credit score. This means that applications for anything that requires you to have a good credit score, such as applying for a credit card, are easier. However, here comes the tricky part: it is impossible to build a credit score without a Social Security Number (SSN). And if you are not working, you are not eligible for such a number. Thus, applying for a credit card without an SSN means that you have to make some other arrangements.Some banks will be willing to give you a credit card if you “back up” the allowance on your credit card beforehand. Suppose you want a $1,000 limit on your credit card every month. Then, they might ask you for $1,000 in advance, which they will put in a separate account if you do not pay your bill for one month. Usually, by the end of the year or when your card expires, if all payments have been made and no other issues arise, they will transfer the money set aside back to your checking account. Of course, this means that the bank is not truly providing you with much, if any, real loan value. However, this can be an effective way to build a credit score and, thus, have access to better credit cards and other types of loans in the long run. For example, after one year is up, you will likely be able to apply for and receive a traditional credit card.A cosigner is another option that may help you to establish a credit history in the U.S. Basically, if you have a family member, a relative, or another person who lives in the U.S. or has a good credit history here, then that person can sign up to be liable for paying your credit card debt in case you fail to pay. In exchange for them taking on this risk, you may be able to get a credit card. In some cases, you will also get access to a higher credit limit, a lower interest rate, or other benefits. This may not be feasible for many international students, but if you have close contacts in the U.S. willing to back you up, it may be a good option.Finally, a word of caution. The credit card market in the U.S. is highly sophisticated, which means that credit card offers will vary significantly in terms of credit limits, interest rates, international exchange fees, over-limit fees, and many other potential benefits or fees. Before you sign up, please be sure that you understand your contract well to make sure that you are getting the best deal for your situation and that you are not hit with unexpected fees or charges in the future.Getting a credit card might be necessary for those of you who are planning to stay in the U.S. for a longer period than a year or two (either because your program is longer, you intend to keep studying or get a job) to cover unexpected expenses and/or build a credit history. However, please note that it is a bit more challenging to get a credit card than simply opening a bank account.

If you already have a cell phone and just want to get a cell phone line (often called a wireless plan), you should know a few things. There are four major providers: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile. Within the Boston area, the networks of these major providers are all reasonably good. However, if you expect to travel a lot, you should determine which provider will have the best coverage in your destinations. It is always a good idea to ask friends and classmates to see their experience with a particular service provider.If you do not already have a phone and will stay in the U.S. for more than a couple of years, things may get more complicated. Like some other places worldwide, cell phones in the U.S. are typically purchased at a heavily “subsidized” price. In exchange for this subsidy, people sign a contract agreeing to maintain service with that provider for a fixed term (usually between one year and a half to two years). Terminating a contract early can lead to substantial fees. This type of contract option may make sense for some students, especially since there is rarely a discount on monthly service for foregoing the device subsidy.

If you are signing a contract and do not have a credit history (see above in the “banking” section), cell phone providers will typically ask for a deposit. Research online before deciding on which provider you want to use.

However, it may also make sense to find a nearby shop, go in, and simply ask if they are willing to provide you with a contract without a deposit. Always mention that you are a BU student and be willing to provide evidence of that. Several of these companies have branches near the university (see BU map) and are used to deal with international students. Hence, they may be more lenient if you prove that you are affiliated with a nearby institution.

MBTA
The MBTA subway system (commonly known as “The T”) is old. Portions of the Green Line constitute the oldest subway system in North America. In recent years, the T has entered into a process of modernization (which sometimes causes service interruptions and delays) that includes putting new vehicles into service and expanding the system. However, the T is an indispensable option for getting around the Greater Boston Area, specifically to BU.BU is lucky to have several stops on the Green Line “B” along with the Charles River Campus. The “Boston University Central” and “Boston University East” stations are located just outside of the BU College of Arts and Sciences, where most of the economics graduate classes occur, and close to the Economics Department. The Green Lines “C” and “D” are also within walking distance from the campus. The T’s fare of the T is $2.4 per ride.Greater Boston also has a network of buses, which complements the T. The network is efficient, but as in any major city, traffic might cause delays. The bus fare of the T is $1.7 per ride. BU also has several bus stops along with the campus:Route 57 connects BU with Watertown Yard and Brighton, passing through the Allston neighborhood.Route 47 connects BU with Harvard Square on one side and South End and Lower Roxbury on the other.Route CT2 connects BU with Northeastern University on one side and Cambridge and Somerville on the other.Like in many cities, the subway and the bus are part of an integrated system. Transfers in the system are available up to two times within 2 hours of your first trip, and you pay only the cost of the highest-priced service. For instance, you can first take the T, pay its rate, get off, and take a bus towards your destination without paying extra. Similarly, you can first take a bus, pay its rate, and then take the T, paying only the difference between the bus and the T rates. More information about transfers can be found at the MBTA site.Both accept cash. If no change is available, the machine gives back a ticket (CharlieTicket) that can be used to pay for future rides.I strongly recommend getting a CharlieCard from an MBTA worker at any of the significant T stations (Kenmore is the closest to BU). These are refillable cards to add value to T stations, T cars, buses, or authorized retail locations. The CharlieCard allows you to board the T and the bus quickly and ride at a discount. In addition, you can also get daily, weekly, or monthly passes, which allow unlimited travel on the T and the bus for the duration of the pass. Once you have a CharlieCard, you should create a MyCharlie Account, which allows you to add value online, buy passes, and restore your value into a new CharlieCard if the previous one is lost, damaged, or stolen.Now, if you expect to use the T and bus system very often, such as part of your daily commute (or at least more than nine rides per week), you will want to purchase a semester pass for a flat amount at the beginning of the semester. This allows unlimited travel on the T and the bus for the semester (four months). The semester pass offers an 11% discount with respect to the regular monthly T pass price. You can find more details about the semester pass on the BU Parking & Transportation Services site.The MBTA website has all the mapping and timetable information you might need. Boston’s trains and buses are also equipped with GPS, which means that you can find out when the next bus you want will arrive at your stop using Google Maps or Citymapper apps, among other apps.Bicycles
Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation in and around Boston. Within the city, they’re cheap, fast, and relatively convenient. There are usually plenty of places to park your bicycle wherever you go, and the city has an increasing number of dedicated bike lanes that have helped to make biking even more comfortable. While biking in the dead of winter is not always feasible, this can be a great way to get around for most of the year.However, you may find that cyclists sometimes have a poor reputation in the U.S. for failing to obey traffic laws and being reckless. You will probably see some cyclists wearing headphones while biking, cycling without a helmet, riding the wrong way down one-way streets, and engaging in other behaviors that can be dangerous to themselves and inconsiderate to others. Don’t be one of these cyclists! If you are biking regularly, I strongly encourage you to learn about local bicycle laws at MassBike.org, general bike safety, and BU-specific bicycle policies on the BU Bike Safety site. A little knowledge and some common sense will go a long way toward keeping you safe!Invest in a solid lock if you buy a bike or have one. A cable lock would not do! So get a good “U-lock” style lock. While bike theft in Boston is not as much of a problem as it may be in some other cities, it is still a concern, even on campus. Register your bike with the BU Parking & Transportation Services so that they can be helpful if it is stolen. There are plenty of outdoor bike racks across BU. You can also request access to the indoor locations at Warren Towers and CILSE bike rooms.If you do not have a bike and are not planning to get one, you can consider getting a Bluebikes pass or membership. Bluebikes is the public bike share program in the Boston Area (Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Everett, and Somerville). It consists of a system of stations where you can rent and unlock a bike. After that, you have 30 to 45 minutes to use the bike and return it to a station. Extra charges are applied if you do not return the bike on time. You do not need a membership to get a bike; you can take a single trip or get a daily pass. However, it is considerably cheaper to get a monthly or yearly membership. BU students are eligible to get an annual membership at a discount. More information can be found here.Remember, no matter what you may see others doing, it’s always a good idea to wear a helmet, use a headlight and taillight at night, avoid distractions such as headphones, and generally obey traffic laws. BU offers free helmets to anyone who incorporates bicycling into their commute to the university. You can pick them up at the Parking & Transportation Services (1019 Commonwealth Avenue).BU Shuttle
BU has a shuttle system that runs on a regular schedule and has different stops, free of charge to the BU community. Although its main purpose is to connect within and between its campuses (Charles River, Fenway, and Medical Campus), the BU Shuttle could be a good option if you live in Longwood or South End neighborhoods. It can also save you some minutes if you live in the Allston area and walk to the school.The different lines of the BU Shuttle differ based on the campuses they connect to and the stops they make.

Charles River and Medical Campuses connection. This line could be helpful if you have to go to the Boston Medical Center or the Symphony area or live in the Allston or South End area.

Charles River and Fenway connection. This line could be helpful if you decide to live in Peabody Hall or the Longwood area.

Charles River connection. This line covers only the Charles River Campus along Commonwealth Avenue.

Buses are equipped with GPS, allowing live tracking of their route on the shuttle website. However, the GPS might not work in some cases, so I encourage you to follow them on Twitter (@BUShuttle). In addition, BU has developed the Terrier Transit app, which gives you information about the different lines of the BU Shuttle and the public T and buses.

Cars
Most BU students do not own cars. Driving and parking around Boston can be pretty expensive. However, in some circumstances, such as if you plan to leave town frequently or often travel to rural locations, you may consider buying a car. Buying a car will involve many different costs, such as maintenance and insurance, and that discussion is beyond the scope of this website.

If you already have a car and want to commute daily to BU, you should consider getting a parking permit. However, I strongly suggest using the semester pass as another commuter option. To identify which permit type fits your needs and eligibility, you should review the BU Parking & Transportation Services site.

If you need a car – but infrequently – try Zipcar. Zipcar is easy, allowing you to book a reservation through your phone, show up to a car, unlock it with your membership card, and be on yours. Insurance and gas are included in the cost, and the cars are scattered throughout the city, so there’s usually one nearby when needed. To use Zipcar, you must become a member. BU has a special arrangement with them which gives you a membership discount. Depending on your home country, you must provide different documents to join. However, the whole process (verification, approval, and Zipcar delivery) could take some time, depending on your home country.

Regular car rental services are also available near BU. For instance, Enterprise has a location around the BU campus. Given this, they are used to dealing with students and might sometimes offer special conditions and rates.

Intercity Buses and Trains
If you want to get out of town, consider taking an intercity bus or a train. Greyhound is the largest US bus company. However, people consider it to be terribly run.

Many smaller companies provide frequent, inexpensive, and high-quality service for trips between large cities (especially between Boston and New York). I have experience with Megabus and Bolt Bus, which are reasonable options, though there are others. Their prices vary, but they are generally quite cheap, and most buses have complimentary Wi-Fi.

Amtrak is your only option for train travel. Taking a train to other major cities on the East Coast can be a very good option; it is certainly a comfortable and relaxing way to travel, and the trains make stops in smaller locations that may be difficult for the intercity bus companies to reach. However, Amtrak tends to be more expensive than taking a bus, and it is not usually much faster since even the U.S. high-speed trains are relatively slow.

If you are looking for a bus or a train ticket, search for Wanderu or Omio. Like any metasearch platform, they give you several possibilities for your trip, including bus, train, and flight options.

Flying
Boston’s Logan Airport has many domestic and international flights, and for more specific international travel needs, connecting flights to the major international hubs of New York’s JFK Airport and Newark Airport are generally easy to get.

Kayak is a good option for most domestic flights, though many others exist. Most major US domestic airlines provide similar services, so you don’t need to worry about which airline you will be flying to most of the time. Some airlines whose flights do not show up on the major travel websites are Southwest and Frontier, which offer many inexpensive flights and are often worth checking separately.

Airport and air travel security in the US is taken very seriously, so I strongly suggest you learn about the security requirements and be prepared before arriving at the airport. This will make your life easier when traveling.

An interesting thing is that if you land at Boston Airport, your commute into the city is free if you use the “Silver Line” buses. You must look after the “Silver Line” signs in your exit from the Logan Airport. The “Silver Line” connects the Airport and South Station via Seaport. Then, if you stay on the bus until you get to South Station, you can catch the “Red Line” and remain in the “T” system to your destination. If you exit the system to catch a bus, you will only have to pay the bus fare ($1.7 per ride). It is the cheapest option if you have time and can get around the city.

Boston has a very active nightlife, with many different types of options that are worth exploring. While going out is not always the best thing for your pocketbook, it is an excellent way to get to know and understand the city and its culture better, and it is a good way to relax and get away from your studies.

Bars, restaurants, and clubs in the Boston area are generally quite strict about checking the IDs of their young patrons because most undergraduate students are under the legal drinking age of 21, and Boston has a lot of students. Many places will not admit you without checking your ID, even if you do not intend to drink (for example, the BU pub). Therefore, if you are an international student and expect to go to Boston, you should bring your passport to get into most places. Losing your passport (which has your visa and importance) is a hassle and a risk you don’t need to take!

To avoid bringing your passport, I highly recommend you either get a Massachusetts ID or an MA Liquor ID. Neither of these documents is very expensive, and they will enable you to buy alcohol and get into bars without carrying your passport around 24/7. Read the websites carefully to see if you complain about all the requirements and have all the documents.

The Social Security Number (SSN) or the Tax ID Number (TIN) is required to get a job, pay taxes in the U.S., and, in some cases, apply for certain financial services. Matters regarding SSN and Tax ID numbers can sometimes be confusing, and sometimes you do not always know where to turn. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) or the graduate school. They will have most of the information on hand for you.

Even if you are an international student, you will often be filling out a lot of paperwork used primarily by U.S. citizens. Therefore, you may often receive or face the question: “And what is your SSN or TIN?”. It is helpful to be prepared so you know what to do even if you have neither!

Fortunately, in most places, this is just a formality. You can still order a product, book a reservation, or accomplish whatever you want without one of these numbers. Tell them you are an international student on a student visa, and since you are not working, you do not have this number.

If you get an SSN or a TIN, keeping these numbers safe and only sharing them in particular cases and through protected means is vital. Access to these numbers by unscrupulous people could cause identity theft. For example, with these numbers, people could open credit and bank accounts and commit fraud under your name.

Please get in touch with ISSO or the graduate school if you have any formal questions about getting or keeping an SSN or a TIN.

GEA– Our department has a Graduate Economics Association (GEA). The GEA assists students in the graduate programs in economics (PhD, MSQE, MSEPP, MAGDE) and provides peer resources on a variety of topics. The GEA also hosts a series of events during the year, aimed at bringing together students and professors in an informal setting, such as pub nights and move nights. Additionally, the GEA puts on the annual Rosenthal Memorial Lecture, choosing a notable speaker to give a guest lecture at the University. I encourage you to email the GEA if you have questions at mailgea@bu.edu.

GSO– The Graduate Student Organization is Boston University’s official representative body for students in the College of Arts and Sciences. The GSO meets throughout the year and performs many functions, from acting as a liaison between students and the administration to providing funding for research-related travel.

Mental Health Resources– Transitioning to a new city and starting a graduate program can be tricky. BU’s Behavioral Medicine unit offers different ways of helping you cope with mental stress while here.