Living in Boston
Countless service and direct ministry opportunities at parishes, schools, and nonprofits, hundreds of places of worship and faith centers, unrivaled academic resources, an abundance of art and culture—Boston offers all this and so much more.
It’s also a center of American history and an internationally renowned hub for higher education, healthcare, and technology. Here, you’ll enjoy vibrant music and sports scenes and convenient access to green space—and the ocean and outdoor recreation are always nearby. With such a variety of offerings, Boston is an ideal city to pursue personal and professional fulfillment.
Top 10 Favorite Things About Boston
“So, when my husband Michael and I moved to Boston to study at CSTM, we found ourselves completely enamored with all the treasures and treats of East Coast life. Without further ado, here is a completely subjective list of my 10 favorite things about life in Boston ...”
Encounter
A community blog from the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry
Hiking spots in and around Boston
CSTM students and faculty share some of their favorite hiking spots they have found near Boston.
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A Perfect Day in Boston
Brooke Douglass, M.A./M.S.W. '25, shares a description of her favorite things to do in and around Boston.
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From Sea to Shining Sea
Joe Penny takes us into his life in Boston, sharing how the many communities he joins along the way shape his experience of our dynamic city.
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A Day in the Life: hot dogs, beaches, trains, and bike lanes
Ethan Strouse, M.Div., 2024, gives us an inside look at an ideal day in Boston
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Living in Boston
How will I find housing? What will it look like? Who will I live with? Four STM students have answers.
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Local Parish Reviews, by CSTM Students
CSTM students were asked to share their experiences at a handful of local parishes.
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Seasons at CSTM
We asked students to share pictures and reflections of their favorite things to do in each season.
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The best part about the CSTM is getting outside (of the classroom)
This Minnesota native was excited to explore New England and all the amazing places that are within reach.
Read MoreLiving in Boston
52
Colleges and universities in Greater Boston
#3
in U.S. cities for quality of living
Mercer
10
Schools in the BTI Consortium
Social Life
Home to over 50 colleges and universities, a wealth of world-class cultural institutions, and a wide array of professional and collegiate sports teams, the city buzzes with energy, knowledge, and new ideas. And with the Charles River and Atlantic Ocean, Boston offers endless recreational possibilities. Students take advantage of many of these opportunites throughout the year.
- Whale watching and harbor cruises
- Boston Harbor Islands National Park
- The Museum of Fine Arts (free with BC ID)
- The Freedom Trail, Bunker Hill, and the U.S.S. Constitution
- Red Sox baseball games
- Concerts and events on Boston Common
- Boston's vibrant Theater District
- Kayaking on the Charles River
- The historic Italian North End (filled with delicious restaurants)
- Cape Cod and the Islands
- Gloucester and other seaside towns
- Easy travel to NYC, Montreal, Portland ME, and Newport RI
- Walden Pond
- Historic Lexington and Concord
- Salem
- Plymouth Rock
- Hiking in the Blue Hills
What to do in Boston?
Symphony Hall is just one of dozens of venues in Boston for taking in live music, including some performed by BC's Symphony Orchestra (pictured here).
Established in 1837, the Boston Public Garden was the first public botanical garden in America.
Boston's Back Bay is famous for its rows of Victorian brownstones and ample shopping and dining options.
Beacon Hill is famous for its narrow gaslit streets, brick sidewalks, and history that dates back to 1625.
Located between Newton's Chestnut Hill and Boston's Brighton neighborhoods, Boston College is just 5 miles from the heart of Boston's downtown.
The Seaport is one of the city's new bustling neighborhoods.
Located just three miles down Beacon Street from Boston College, Fenway Park is a popular destination for BC students looking to take in a baseball game and even to attend Mass (seen here during the University's Sesquicentennial Celebration).
The North End is the city's oldest residential neighborhood and home to some of its best food.
Trinity Church in Boston's Copley Square
The Boston Marathon, run every year in April, passes Boston College at Mile 21.
Swan Boats have been paddling the lagoon in the Boston Public Garden since 1870.
The Museum of Fine Arts is just one of the 58 museums in Boston.
Symphony Hall is just one of dozens of venues in Boston for taking in live music, including some performed by BC's Symphony Orchestra (pictured here).
Established in 1837, the Boston Public Garden was the first public botanical garden in America.
Boston's Back Bay is famous for its rows of Victorian brownstones and ample shopping and dining options.
Beacon Hill is famous for its narrow gaslit streets, brick sidewalks, and history that dates back to 1625.
Located between Newton's Chestnut Hill and Boston's Brighton neighborhoods, Boston College is just 5 miles from the heart of Boston's downtown.
The Seaport is one of the city's new bustling neighborhoods.
Located just three miles down Beacon Street from Boston College, Fenway Park is a popular destination for BC students looking to take in a baseball game and even to attend Mass (seen here during the University's Sesquicentennial Celebration).
The North End is the city's oldest residential neighborhood and home to some of its best food.
Trinity Church in Boston's Copley Square
The Boston Marathon, run every year in April, passes Boston College at Mile 21.
Swan Boats have been paddling the lagoon in the Boston Public Garden since 1870.
The Museum of Fine Arts is just one of the 58 museums in Boston.
Symphony Hall is just one of dozens of venues in Boston for taking in live music, including some performed by BC's Symphony Orchestra (pictured here).
Established in 1837, the Boston Public Garden was the first public botanical garden in America.
Boston's Back Bay is famous for its rows of Victorian brownstones and ample shopping and dining options.
Beacon Hill is famous for its narrow gaslit streets, brick sidewalks, and history that dates back to 1625.
Located between Newton's Chestnut Hill and Boston's Brighton neighborhoods, Boston College is just 5 miles from the heart of Boston's downtown.
The Seaport is one of the city's new bustling neighborhoods.
Located just three miles down Beacon Street from Boston College, Fenway Park is a popular destination for BC students looking to take in a baseball game and even to attend Mass (seen here during the University's Sesquicentennial Celebration).
The North End is the city's oldest residential neighborhood and home to some of its best food.
Trinity Church in Boston's Copley Square
The Boston Marathon, run every year in April, passes Boston College at Mile 21.
Swan Boats have been paddling the lagoon in the Boston Public Garden since 1870.
The Museum of Fine Arts is just one of the 58 museums in Boston.
Living in Boston FAQ
Do CSTM students have off-campus jobs?
Yes! Multiple CSTM students supplement their incomes with off-campus jobs! There are many different employment opportunities in the Boston area, ranging from food services to hospital and mental health facilities. While on-campus jobs only permit students to work a maximum of 20 hours per week, often only during normal office hours, off-campus employment can be a good option for flexible hours.
How is getting around Boston? Do I need my car?
If you poll current CSTM students on the car question, you’ll find about a 50/50 split. Some people really want to have a car here, while others think it’s too much of a hassle. Either way, getting around campus and Boston, in general, is very easy. There are buses and trains that will take you from Boston College to downtown Boston in less than an hour, with several stops at stores and restaurants in between. The BC shuttle is also a great service for students. It is totally free and runs throughout the entire BC campus and surrounding residential areas. With all the transportation opportunities, Boston is easy to navigate and fun to explore.
What is the best way to find housing in Boston?
Although housing is on the forefront of everyone’s mind, it is not as stressful as it seems! Boston College does not offer on-campus housing for graduate students, but ample tools are provided to enable students to find comfortable housing situations in the local area. Through the off-campus housing portal, students are able to create a profile that lists their needs and browse available apartments. Another great resource is the CSTM Facebook Group! Current and graduated CSTM students often post vacant rooms or apartments that they are looking to pass down to incoming CSTM students. Joining the CSTM student page can be a very helpful tool once you confirm your attendance!
What type of housing and living options are available?
The city of Boston and its surrounding communities offer an array of housing options. Although the CSTM does not offer on-campus housing, we do all that we can to provide support throughout the process, including helping students find roommates and local listings. Boston College is located 6 miles from downtown Boston, so many CSTM students live closer to campus where rents can be less expensive than in the center of the city.
Graduate students are also welcome to apply to be Resident Assistants for Boston College.