Best Apps to Find International Student Housing in Boston

Finding the perfect place to live as an international student can feel overwhelming, especially in a vibrant city like Boston. With so many neighborhoods, housing options, and roommates to consider, it is easy to get lost in the search. Platuni makes this process simple and stress-free. As one of the leading platforms for student housing Boston, Platuni helps students find safe, verified, and compatible living arrangements while also providing tools to manage roommates, bills, and household tasks.

Are you wondering how to find the right student housing in Boston or how to choose the best roommate? You might be asking:

• How do I find safe and verified student housing Boston options?
• Which apps help me connect with compatible roommates?
• Can I manage bills and chores with my new roommates easily?
• How do I know I am choosing the best neighborhood for campus and lifestyle?

This guide will answer all these questions and more. We explore the top apps for finding student housing Boston, showing you how to match with verified roommates, filter housing options, and simplify the entire co-living experience. With Platuni, international students can enjoy a smooth, secure, and smart housing journey from the first search to moving in and managing daily life with roommates.

Also See: International Housing in Columbia | Best Options for Students

What are the Best Neighborhoods for Student Housing in Boston

Finding the right neighborhood can make your student life easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Boston has many areas that cater to students, offering easy access to campuses, public transport, and lively social scenes. Here are the 5 best neighborhoods for student housing in Boston:

#1. Allston

Allston is one of the most popular areas for students. It offers affordable rents, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of restaurants, cafes, and study-friendly spots. The neighborhood is very student-friendly, with easy access to Boston University, Harvard, and other nearby campuses via public transit. Allston is perfect for international students looking for a lively community and budget-friendly student housing Boston options.

#2. Cambridge

Cambridge is home to prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT, making it ideal for students seeking convenience and academic resources. The area combines historic charm with modern amenities. While rents are higher here, the neighborhood offers excellent public transport, libraries, and cultural events, making it a top choice for students who value both learning and lifestyle. Platuni can help you find compatible roommates to share costs in this sought-after student housing Boston area.

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#3. Fenway-Kenmore

Fenway-Kenmore is another student hotspot, located near Northeastern University and Boston University. The area is bustling with shops, restaurants, parks, and gyms. Its central location makes commuting to class easy. Students enjoy a mix of urban energy and study-friendly environments. Using Platuni, you can find verified roommates and apartments in Fenway-Kenmore, ensuring a safe and comfortable living experience.

#4. Back Bay

Back Bay is a stylish and upscale neighborhood that offers modern apartments and close proximity to downtown Boston. It’s perfect for students who want a mix of student life and city living. Cafes, libraries, and shopping areas are just steps away, making it easy to balance studies and leisure. Platuni helps students connect with compatible roommates to make living in Back Bay more affordable and organized, ideal for international students seeking student housing Boston.

#5. South End

South End combines a vibrant community with artistic charm. Known for its brownstone apartments, cultural events, and diverse dining options, it appeals to students looking for a balanced lifestyle. Public transport makes it easy to reach campuses across Boston. Using Platuni, you can find verified roommates and shared housing in South End, ensuring safety, convenience, and a friendly living environment for international students.

Also See: Find Affordable Off Campus Housing In Harvard University

Average Cost of Living in Boston As a Student

Here are typical monthly costs for a student living in Boston, broken down by major expense categories. These are estimates; exact costs will depend on the neighborhood you pick, how many roommates you share with, and your lifestyle.

#1. Housing / Rent

• Shared housing or a room in a shared apartment often costs about US $900–1,500/month per person, depending on location and number of roommates.
• For a private one‑bedroom apartment or studio, especially in central or popular neighborhoods, rent may run US $2,200–3,000/month (or more) depending on size and location.

Rent tends to be the biggest expense for many students seeking student housing Boston. Sharing a place with roommates is a common way to lower this cost.

Also See: What are the Best Neighborhoods In Los Angeles

#2. Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water, Internet)

Basic utilities for a share of an apartment, including electricity, heating, water, and internet, typically add around US $100–200/month, although this can rise in winter when heating needs go up. Internet or WiFi plans may cost roughly US $50–70/month, depending on the plan and speed.

#3. Food & Groceries

A student cooking at home and buying groceries might spend about US $300–500/month on food. If dining out occasionally or mixing home cooking with take‑outs, costs may go higher depending on how often you eat out.

#4. Transportation

Public transit using Boston’s system (bus/subway) is one of the most popular options for students. A monthly transit pass costs around US $90/month. Many students rely on public transportation, walking, or biking, which helps keep transport costs moderate compared to owning a car.

Also Read: 10 Best Roommate Matching App in the US

#5. Typical Monthly Budget (Student with Shared Housing)

For a student sharing housing (room or shared apartment) and using public transport, a reasonable monthly living budget, including rent + utilities + food + transport, is roughly:

US $1,500–2,300/month (depending on number of roommates, lifestyle, and location).

If the student opts for private accommodation or lives alone, costs can rise significantly, often reaching US $2,500–3,200/month or more.

Also Read: Affordable Coliving in San Francisco | Best Places to Live

Best Apps to Find International Student Housing in Boston

#1. Platuni

Platuni is the top choice for students looking for student housing Boston. This platform is designed to make finding roommates and housing simple, safe, and fast. International students can create a profile, take a roommate compatibility quiz, and see verified listings that match their budget, location, and lifestyle. Platuni goes beyond just showing rooms, it helps you find a compatible roommate, chat securely, and even manage bills and chores once you move in. The platform’s smart tools reduce stress and make moving to Boston easier.

Try Downloading the Platuni App Today

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#2. Diggz

Diggz is a useful app for finding rooms and roommates in Boston. It focuses on connecting students with shared apartments or houses that match their preferences. You can filter listings by budget, neighborhood, and lifestyle, making it easier to find a place near your campus. For international students, Diggz simplifies the process by showing safe and verified options. Using Diggz ensures that you don’t waste time on random listings or unreliable contacts, helping you secure the right student housing Boston quickly.

#3. Roomster

Roomster is a global roommate and housing platform that works well for students moving to Boston. It allows you to search for rooms in shared apartments, meet potential roommates online, and filter results by rent, location, and lifestyle. Roomster has many international users, making it perfect for students coming from abroad. Its verified profiles and real reviews make the housing search trustworthy. Students can feel confident using Roomster to find safe and compatible student housing Boston options.

#4. Roomi

Roomi is designed for students and young professionals who want flexible and safe housing. It lets you find rooms in shared apartments, create listings if you have a room to rent, and connect with roommates before moving in. Roomi’s verified listings and in-app chat system make communication safe and convenient. For international students, Roomi provides access to affordable and secure student housing Boston, helping you focus on your studies instead of worrying about where to live.

Also Read: Affordable Coliving in Chicago | Best Places to Live

#5. BeRoomie

BeRoomie uses a swipe-and-match approach to help students find compatible roommates. You can set preferences for budget, lifestyle, and location, and the app shows matches that fit your profile. This app is perfect for students who want to find not just a room, but a roommate with similar habits and schedules. BeRoomie’s design makes the search fun and fast. For international students seeking student housing Boston, it helps reduce stress and increases the chances of finding a roommate you’ll get along with.

#6. Cirtru

Cirtru is a platform that focuses on safe and verified roommate and room listings in Boston. Students can find shared apartments, private rooms, or multi-family housing that matches their budget and preferences. The app allows you to filter results by location, price, and lifestyle, making it easier to find the perfect student housing Boston. Cirtru is especially helpful for international students because it highlights trustworthy listings and verified roommates, giving peace of mind while adjusting to a new city.

Also Read: How Much Rent Can I Afford in NYC | NYC Rent Calculator

#7. RoommateGroups

RoommateGroups is an online platform where students can post or browse room and roommate listings in Boston. It allows you to connect with students or young professionals looking for shared housing. International students can use this app to find affordable student housing Boston, meet potential roommates, and negotiate room arrangements. The platform simplifies communication and helps you explore multiple options at once, saving time and avoiding unreliable listings.

#8. Rentser (Roommate Finder Section)

Rentser is a housing platform with a dedicated section for finding roommates in Boston. Students can search for rooms based on budget, neighborhood, and lease terms. The platform makes it easier to compare different housing options and roommate preferences. International students benefit from Rentser because it offers clear listings, verified contacts, and flexible options that match student life needs. Using Rentser can make the process of finding student housing Boston faster and safer.

Also Read: How To Find Roommates In New York City | Top 10 Apps

#9. CityRoommates.co

CityRoommates.co is a simple and user-friendly platform for finding roommates and shared housing in Boston. Students can create profiles, post rooms, or browse listings to find compatible living arrangements. The app emphasizes matching roommates with similar lifestyles and schedules, which is essential for students sharing an apartment. International students can rely on CityRoommates.co to find affordable and compatible student housing Boston, making the move to a new city smoother and less stressful.

#10. RoommateFinder.app

RoommateFinder.app helps students in Boston find roommates and room rentals quickly. It allows filtering by budget, location, and lifestyle to ensure compatibility. The platform also focuses on verified listings and secure communication, giving students confidence in their housing choices. For international students, RoommateFinder.app provides access to reliable student housing Boston and helps them find roommates who match their habits and preferences, making shared living easy and stress-free.

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How to Find Student Housing in Boston Using the Platuni App

Finding student housing Boston is simple and stress-free with the Platuni app. The platform is designed for students, especially international students, to find safe, verified, and compatible housing quickly. From creating your profile to moving in, Platuni guides you at every step to ensure you get the right room and roommate.

#1. Create Your Free Account

Start by downloading the Platuni app or visiting the website. Sign up with your basic details, including your name, email, and location. This allows the app to personalize housing and roommate suggestions in Boston according to your preferences. The process is fast, and you can start searching almost immediately.

Download the Platuni App Today

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#2. Build Your Student Housing Profile

Next, complete your student housing profile. Include details like your preferred rent, move-in date, lifestyle habits, and type of apartment you want. Platuni uses this information to match you with rooms and roommates that suit your needs. A complete profile increases your chances of finding the perfect student housing Boston quickly.

#3. Take the Roommate Compatibility Quiz

Platuni offers a short quiz to assess your habits, routines, and preferences. It asks questions about cleanliness, noise tolerance, guests, and shared expenses. Your answers generate a compatibility score that helps Platuni suggest roommates who match your lifestyle. This makes finding compatible roommates easy and reliable.

You Can Also Take the Roommate Compatibility Quiz To Find Your Roommate

#4. Explore Verified Housing Listings

The app automatically shows verified student housing options in Boston. You can filter listings by budget, location, and apartment type. Every listing is carefully verified to ensure safety and transparency. This step eliminates the stress of dealing with unreliable or fake postings.

#5. Chat Safely with Potential Roommates

Platuni includes a secure in-app chat feature. You can message potential roommates to learn more about them before deciding to share a space. Safe and private communication helps build trust and makes it easier to finalize your choice.

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#6. Join or Create a Housing Listing

You can either join an existing student housing listing or create your own if you have a room to rent. Include details like rent price, house rules, and apartment amenities. This feature ensures that your listing reaches the right audience looking for student housing Boston.

#7. Finalize Your Roommate and Housing Choice

Once you find a compatible roommate and a suitable room, confirm the arrangement directly in the app. Platuni encourages clear communication about rent, house rules, and move-in schedules to avoid misunderstandings.

#8. Use Platuni’s Tools After Moving In

After moving in, Platuni continues to help you manage shared living. You can track bills, assign chores, and manage household responsibilities. These tools make co-living fair and organized, allowing you to focus on studies and enjoy student life in Boston.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Student Housing Boston

How can I find affordable student housing in Boston?

Affordable student housing in Boston can be found through trusted apps like Platuni, school housing boards, and verified rental platforms. Platuni makes the process easier by showing safe and budget-friendly rooms, verified roommates, and secure listings. Using filters for price, location, and roommate type can help you find options that fit your budget fast.

When should I start looking for student housing in Boston?

Students usually start searching 3–4 months before moving. Boston is a competitive city with thousands of students from Harvard, MIT, BU, and other schools. Early search gives you better prices, better locations, and more roommate options. Platuni helps you stay ahead with instant alerts on new and verified listings.

Is it safe to find student housing online in Boston?

Finding student housing online is safe when using trusted platforms. Platuni supports safety by verifying listings, screening roommates, and offering secure in-app chats. These features help you avoid scams and unsafe arrangements. You should avoid listings without clear details or verified information.

How can I avoid scams when searching for student housing in Boston?

Avoid sending money before seeing a verified contract, avoid listings with no photos, and avoid landlords who rush you. Platuni protects students through verified listings, identity checks, and secure communication. These features reduce the risk of scams and keep students safe.

What documents do I need when renting student housing in Boston?

Landlords may require your ID, school acceptance letter, proof of income or sponsor, and sometimes a guarantor. Platuni helps you organize your information early so you can submit everything smoothly during your housing application.