- Finding Housing Information
Step 3: Finding Housing Information
Register for our services and request an OCHO packet
We will send you an OCHO packet after we receive your registration. The packet includes basic materials to start your off-campus housing search process. We will provide you with guidelines for your search, tips and checklists, utility information, as well as city of Boston resources. Our services and the OCHO packet will only be available to Suffolk community members, including incoming/current students, faculty, staff and alumni.
Finding a Roommate
It can sometimes be very expensive to live by yourself in Boston. Having a roommate can cut costs dramatically. If you have an apartment to share or if you don’t have a place but would like to find roommates to share one apartment, we will help you post it on our message board.
Living with a roommate can be one of the most difficult or rewarding experiences while in school. The key to living with someone is to remember that everyone has the right to live in a safe, clean and healthy situation, which allows him or her to pursue academic and personal endeavors. With that in mind, we have included some suggestions in hopes that your experience is a successful, healthy roommate relationship. Create a roommate contract when you move in with your roommates. It can help your roommates and you remember and clarify what was discussed and agreed upon. Please visit our Roommate Resources page to learn more about the ins and outs of living with others.
Subletting
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.
If you have a place for sublet or you would like to sublet a room, please do one of the following:
- If you are a current student, please access our Message Board on Campus Cruiser. This can be found on our Committee Page. If you do not have access to this, please request membership and we will add you to the member list.
- Email us at ocho@suffolk.edu.
Local Realtors
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).
For a list of realtors that Suffolk University students have used in the past, please check out our Committee Page on Campus Cruiser.
Homestay/Work Exchange/Boarding House
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. For more specific information contact the Off-Campus Housing Office (OCHO) at 617-573-8647.
Are you looking for more housing resources? Please visit our Resources page.