Harvard Students: Somerville Living Appeal

Harvard University Housing offers housing to graduate students, faculty, and employees, with buildings located in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville. While some students opt for on-campus housing, others choose to live off-campus in nearby neighbourhoods. Somerville, located about 3 miles from campus, is one such popular choice for Harvard students. The city offers a range of housing options, from private apartments to shared rooms, catering to those seeking a vibrant community with easy access to campus.

Harvard University Housing provides off-campus accommodation in Somerville

Harvard University Housing offers a range of apartments in Somerville, with features such as parking spaces, proximity to shopping and entertainment, and access to public transportation. The Davis T stop (Red Line) is accessible from many locations by foot, and the travel time to the Harvard T stop is around 10-15 minutes.

There are several websites where students can search for off-campus housing in Somerville, including harvardhousingoffcampus.com, which is a site created by Harvard University Housing and Off Campus Partners. This site lists rental units offered by private landlords and real estate agents, as well as options for finding roommates and sublets. Other popular websites for finding off-campus housing include ApartmentList, Craigslist, hotpads, padmapper, Trulia, Zillow, and Zumper.

When searching for off-campus housing in Somerville, it is important to consider factors such as rent prices, lease requirements, and included features. Rent prices in Somerville can vary, with one-bedroom apartments starting at $1,000 per month and two-bedroom apartments starting at $1,500 per month. It is also important to be mindful of additional fees and costs associated with renting, such as realtor fees, security deposits, and utility costs.

Somerville is a popular choice for Harvard students due to its convenient location, proximity to campus, and the availability of larger apartments at more affordable prices compared to other neighbourhoods in the area.

Somerville is accessible via the Davis T stop (Red Line)

Somerville is one of the areas where Harvard University Housing offers accommodation to graduate students, faculty, and employees. Harvard University Housing has apartments in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville, all of which are located near Harvard campuses. The University Housing is ideal for many students, especially international students, as it does not require a security deposit, application fee, or finder's fee. However, it can be challenging to secure a spot due to high demand, and families are prioritised in the lottery system.

For those who prefer to live off-campus, Somerville is still a popular choice. Many current and former Harvard students have lived in private apartments in Somerville during their time at the University. The area offers bigger and better apartments with parking spaces, and it is generally more affordable than other nearby neighbourhoods. Additionally, Somerville has the advantage of being within walking distance of Harvard Square, which is easily accessible via the Red Line.

There are several online resources available for students seeking off-campus housing in Somerville, such as harvardhousingoffcampus.com, where landlords advertise their properties specifically to Harvard students. Other websites like Craigslist, ApartmentList, and Zillow are also commonly used to find housing in the area. When considering off-campus housing, it is important to be mindful of extra fees and costs, such as realtor fees, security deposits, and the first and last month's rent. Additionally, a Somerville zoning ordinance limits the number of unrelated individuals living in one dwelling unit to four.

Students can find roommates and sublets through Harvard University Housing

Harvard University students can find roommates and sublets through Harvard University Housing (HUH). HUH offers housing and real estate services to graduate students, faculty, and employees. Their apartments are conveniently located near the Cambridge, Allston, and Longwood Medical Area campuses.

HUH's website, HarvardHousingOffCampus.com, provides a list of rental units offered by private landlords and real estate agents. Students can search for roommates and sublets through this platform. The website also provides information on sublet regulations and eligibility guidelines.

Additionally, HUH does not require a security deposit, application fee, or finder's fee, making it a cost-effective option for students. Their apartments are located throughout Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville, ensuring proximity to all Harvard campuses in the area.

For those seeking off-campus housing in Somerville specifically, there are several options available. The website lists furnished private bedrooms and apartments within a few miles of Harvard's various schools and colleges. These options offer different lease types, such as short-term, month-to-month, and flexible leases.

When considering off-campus housing, it is important to be mindful of extra fees and costs associated with private rentals. Additionally, international students may face challenges due to a lack of credit history in the U.S., so current students recommend renting through Harvard University Housing.

Harvard University Housing provides a range of resources and support to help students find suitable roommates and sublets, ensuring a smooth transition into life at Harvard University.

A Somerville zoning ordinance limits the number of unrelated individuals living in one unit to four

Harvard University Housing offers a site with a list of rental units offered by private landlords and real estate agents, as well as an option to search for roommates and sublets. The University also provides guidance on the eligibility requirements for off-campus housing, including zoning ordinances and other regulations.

The City of Somerville defines specific terms related to dwelling units, such as "family," "lodging house," and "boarding house," to clarify the types of living arrangements permitted under the zoning ordinance. In contrast to Somerville, the nearby city of Medford allows no more than three unrelated individuals to live together in one unit.

Students considering off-campus housing in Somerville should be aware of the zoning ordinance limitation and plan their living arrangements accordingly. Additionally, they should be prepared for the financial commitments associated with securing a lease, including significant upfront expenses such as realtor fees, security deposits, and rent.

Harvard University Housing is ideal for international students

Harvard University Housing is a great option for international students for several reasons. Firstly, HUH does not require a security deposit, application fee, or finder's fee, which can save costs for international students who may have higher expenses due to currency exchange rates or transfer fees. Secondly, HUH apartments are located near Harvard's various campuses, making it convenient for students to access academic resources, libraries, and other facilities. This proximity to campus also allows international students to fully immerse themselves in the Harvard community and take advantage of the many events, museums, and cultural offerings that the university provides.

Additionally, HUH offers a unique interdisciplinary Graduate Commons Program that provides a "home away from home" for its residents. This program fosters a sense of community and connection among graduate students living in HUH housing, which can be especially beneficial for international students who are adjusting to a new country and culture. The program includes in-person and virtual events throughout the year, providing opportunities for socialisation and building a support network.

For first-year international students, living in on-campus dormitories is also a popular choice. During their first year, students live in suites in or near Harvard Yard, the historic heart of the university. The Dean of Students Office carefully matches first-year students, fostering a sense of community. International students benefit from living among a diverse group of students from all fifty states and over eighty countries. Through activities like Orientation and Housing Day, they can form strong connections and develop lasting friendships.

Harvard University Housing is well-equipped to support international students in their transition to life in the United States. The housing options provide convenient access to campus resources, a sense of community, and opportunities for social and academic engagement. For these reasons, Harvard University Housing is ideal for international students seeking a welcoming and enriching living environment during their time at Harvard University.

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