Boston, Massachusetts, is world-renowned as a cultural, education-centric city. With 44 institutions of higher education in the region (including Harvard University!), there are opportunities for students around the world to pursue a high-quality post-secondary education in Boston. It can be nerve-wracking to make the decision to leave your home country to pursue education in Boston, but learning about Boston and getting your affairs in order before leaving will make for a smooth transition. Wherever you hail from – Canada, Central or South America, Europe, Asia, or Africa – Boston is a prime location for your international student experience.
Learn About the Beautiful City of Boston
If you are considering attending a university or college in Boston, the first step after learning about your particular school is to research the city of Boston. There are several different areas that you should explore when learning about Boston:
Culture – Boston’s rich history traces its roots back to New England. The city has its own unique slang, known as Boston English, which most residents speak. Much of Boston’s culture originates at its universities, giving you a unique opportunity to experience Boston culture firsthand as an international student. Many consider Boston a highly cultured city, which is prominent in its many Arts centers, museums, cuisine, and events. Learning about Boston culture can help you integrate with the locals more easily, but you are free to display your own heritage as well.
Laws and Policies – Being an international student is no excuse for not knowing your rights and responsibilities in the United States. Take some time to learn about laws in the United States, especially those pertaining to international students. For example, full-time international students may not work off-campus in their first year but may work up to 20 hours a week on campus. Violating student visa conditions may cause you to lose your student status.
Climate – Boston is a city that has four seasons, with spring and fall being the most pleasant. The summers can be hot and humid, while the winters can be stormy with occasional heavy snowfall. This will not be an issue if you are an international student coming from a country with a similar climate. Still, international students from tropical climates should ensure they are equipped with the proper clothing to handle cold temperatures and snow.
Get Your Paperwork in Order
As an international student, a lot of paperwork needs to be done to obtain a study visa, which you need to bring to Boston. These will include:
- Proof of acceptance from your post-secondary institution
- Proof of identity, which will consist of travel documents such as your passport
- Proof of financial support, which includes financial documents such as proof of bank loans, or proof of paid housing/tuition fees
- Proof of proficiency in the English language as required by your post-secondary institution
Taking the time to ensure that you have correctly completed all required paperwork and have the necessary documents for your studies abroad will ensure a smooth transition on the legal front.
Navigate the Rental Housing Market
As an international student, you have access to housing on campus for the duration of your stay in Boston. However, you may decide it is better to live off campus in a rental property. Boston has 23 designated neighborhoods in the city, so it can be helpful to have some idea of locations before you start checking out rentals.
The first thing you should do when looking for a rental is to find the location of your post-secondary institution. Many will have rentals within walking distance catered toward students, and fellow students are always looking for roommates. If you decide to live further away, rest assured that Boston’s transit system can get you anywhere you need to go in no time, using buses, a subway, commuter rail, and a ferry.
Find Your Go-To Necessary Services
Once you arrive in Boston and move into your new home for the next year (or four), you can spend some time before classes begin looking around for any services that will make you feel more comfortable in Boston. These could include but are not limited to:
Internet services – In this age of technology, having reliable internet service as an international student is crucial to school success. Many Boston internet providers offer special discounts for students, so shopping around and finding the best deal is worth your time.
Groceries – An easy way to feel at home in a new country is to buy food and other supplies that remind you of your home and family. Boston is chock-full of ethnic grocers, so the odds are that there is one close to your new home where you can shop for your favorite foods.
Health providers – Many of Boston’s post-secondary institutions include a basic student health insurance plan that is automatically added to tuition costs. Since your health insurance is covered, finding a doctor, dentist, and any other healthcare professional you may require that you trust and close by can be helpful. If you have any prescriptions, make sure that you get them transferred to a local pharmacy as soon as possible.
Some of Boston’s post-secondary institutions offer additional student services catered explicitly to international students, such as assistance with student visas and help with finding on-campus employment. Check with your school to learn about the accommodations that are available to you.
Enjoy Your International Learning Experience!
As home to some of the country’s finest learning institutions, relocating to the city of Boston can provide a unique opportunity for international students to further their skills while learning about the culture of a new country. Contact relo-to for all your relocating needs, and we’ll help you settle into Boston and enjoy your study abroad. It will be a time you’ll treasure for the rest of your life!