What you need to know about moving in Boston provided by Boston.gov.

Boston is a city of diverse and vibrant neighborhoods; Boston.gov is a great place to learn about each one.

Provides information on weather, transportation and things to do in Boston.

Subletting works in two ways: either you may be able to lease all or part of the leased premises to another person and retain some right to the original lease; or, you can be the person subletting the apartment. You must check with the landlord, in most cases, the lease will have a provision for subletting with their permission. The original tenant is responsible for the actions of the sub-tenant. To avoid any confusion, enter into an arrangement carefully and obtain a written sub-lease.

Most agents charge a fee can be usually equal to one month rent. You may be required to sign a contract that holds you responsible for payment of the agent’s fee. This fee should be paid only after you have actually signed a lease for an apartment referred to you by that agent. Some agents do require the fee, deposit, and initial rent upon application for a specific apartment. If this is required, do not relinquish money unless you are certain you want the apartment if the application is approved. Many landlords require initial payments of first and last month’s rent and a security deposit. If a realtor helps you find an apartment, you can also expect to be charged a fee equal to one month’s rent (i.e., if one month’s is $600, expect to put down $2400 for the apartment).

Home stays will enrich the lives of exchange students as well as their own. As an alternative to apartment or dorm-life, home stays are a way for international students to become acclimated and to learn about American customs, all while in the comforting setting of a home. Home stays can range from a complete immersive family experience to a very basic room rental. In exchange for money students receive food, room and board as well as the security net of family life in a new country. Students thrive in this environment socially and mentally.

(get a MA drivers license, register an out-of-state vehicle)

(a by-the-hour car rental option)

(Boston residents)

The Institute offers a number of different options for transportation in and out of the Navy Yard.

32-44 Charles River Avenue
Charlestown, MA
(866) 296-2297 toll free
(617) 242-9000

Located 1/2 mile from the Institute on the waterfront, guests can easily walk over the bridge to the North End. An all-suite hotel, suites feature fully equipped kitchens and high-speed, wireless internet. The hotel is smoke-free. Parking onsite for $32.00 per night.

150 Third Avenue
Charlestown Navy Yard
(800) 495-9622 toll free
(617) 241-8400

Connected to the YMCA – guests may enjoy the heated indoor pool, full work-out equipment, sauna; discounted parking at the MGH Garage for $7.00 per night; located less than one block from the Institute. Rooms have one king or two queen-sized beds; kitchenette available upon request at no additional charge. High-speed wireless internet access is available throughout the hotel. Because the YMCA is a non-profit organization, there is no additional charge for room tax on accommodations.

Shipyard Quarters Marina, 13th Street
Charlestown Navy Yard
(617) 337-0202

Four blocks from the Institute, and directly on the water, the Green Turtle offers guests two private rooms, each with a queen-size bed, kitchenette and private bathroom en suite. High-speed wireless internet access, flat screen TV with cable and DVD. Continental breakfast delivered to you door each morning. Smoke free, no pets or children allowed. The water taxi picks you up at your front door to take you to Boston or the airport. Free parking.

The MBTA water ferry (10-minute trip) provides direct access to the Charlestown Navy Yard from Long Wharf/Aquarium, which is also accessible via the Blue Line, and is a short walk from South Station. Two hotels just steps from the harbor ferry include:

• Harborside Inn (888) 723-7565
• Boston Marriott Long Wharf (617) 227-0800

In addition, Massachusetts General Hospital maintains a list of "affordable accommodations" in the vicinity, which is updated periodically. Download the Affordable Accommodations list.