Boston

Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and the largest city in New England, with a population of about 5,000,000. This includes a student population of 250,000 representing over 50 colleges and universities, from all areas of the United States and the world. Boston is an exciting, diverse city to live in. Living in Boston will give you an excellent opportunity to experience one of the oldest cities in the United States, and to get a first-hand glimpse of American history. Many of the most important events of the American Revolution and the founding of this country took place in or around Boston, and historical monuments and museums can be found all throughout the city. Boston is definitely a “college city,” and many opportunities exist for study diversions! There are museums, performances, restaurants, bars, clubs and sporting activities to suit every interest and taste.

Climate

“If you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute, it will change!”<
Weather in New England can be unpredictable and changeable. However, there are four seasons with distinct weather conditions. New England is famous throughout the United States for its autumn (also known as "fall"), which begins in late September and dazzles locals and tourists alike with the bright reds, oranges and yellows of the leaves on the trees. Winter often brings very cold temperatures and snowstorms, especially December through February, although we have been known to have snowstorms in March and even April. Weather becomes milder towards April, as days become longer and warmer and flowers begin to bloom. Summer in Boston is often very hot and humid. You will need to bring clothing for all seasons, from light summer clothes to heavy coats, boots and hats for winter.

Average temperatures in Boston for each season are as follows:

Autumn: 46 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (8 to 15 degrees Celsius) Winter 0 to 37 degrees Fahrenheit (-17 to 3 degrees Celsius) Spring 38 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (3 to 15 degrees Celsius) Summer 60 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 35 degrees Celsius)

Public Transportation

Boston has a very compact downtown area, making it easy to get around by foot or via public transportation. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (more commonly known as the MBTA, or “T”) maintains the public transportation system in Boston. This system of underground trains (subway), buses and trolleys allows you to travel easily all over the city of Boston as well as the suburbs. Owning a car and paying for mandatory auto insurance can be very expensive, and parking is difficult in Boston, so using public transportation can be much more economical and worry-free.

For comprehensive schedules and route maps and fares for the subway, commuter trains and buses, please visit http://www.mbta.com

  • Subway
    MBTA stations are marked by signs with a large letter “T.” The major subway lines are the Green, Red, Blue and Orange lines. The fare for a single ride is generally $2.00 and is paid by purchasing a “Charle Ticket” at a vending machine inside a T station. Cash (exact change) can be used in limited circumstances at above ground stations. There is no fee to switch between subway lines.
  • Buses
    The subways and trolleys connect at many points with MBTA buses. The fare for a single ride is generally $1.50 and is paid by purchasing a “Charle Ticket” at a vending machine inside a T station.
  • Day/Week/Monthly Passes
    Passes can be purchased for the buses, subway or a combination of the two. Click here for more information. Additionally, Boston University students are eligible to buy discount passes through the Office of Parking Services. Click here for more information and prices.
  • Transportation to Boston University from Logan International Airport
    The airport “T” station on the Blue Line provides a link to downtown Boston. You can board a shuttle bus outside any terminal that will bring you to the subway station. Take an inbound Blue Line train (marked BOWDOIN) to the Government Center station. Exit the Blue Line train and board a “B” Green Line train to Boston University. The International Students &Scholars Office is located near the St. Paul Street station.

    You may also take a taxi to campus. This may be the easiest option if you have a lot of luggage. The taxi fare will be approximately $20-25, and drivers expect a tip of around 15-20%.

    Driving Directions to Boston University

Time for Fun!

While academic achievement is your primary goal at Boston University, part of the uniqueness of an international education in Boston is taking the opportunity to explore the pastimes, culture and nightlife of this lively and diverse city.

Historical Sites

  • The Freedom Trail
    This is a walking tour of historic Boston, and is easily identified by the red lines on the sidewalk. Begin the walk from the Visitor Center at 15 State Street, Boston. Put on your walking shoes: this tour covers 3 miles and 16 historical sites. To join a guided tour, call 617.242.5642.
  • Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum
    This is a replica of the ship where the famous “Boston Tea Party” took place. It is located on Congress Street at Fort Point Channel. For hours call 617.338.1773.
  • USS Constitution
    This is the oldest commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy. It is located at Charlestown Navy Yard. For hours call 617.242.5670.
  • The Paul Revere House and Old North Church
    This is the restored home of Paul Revere, one of the most important figures in the American Revolution, and the church where he famously warned Boston area residents that “The British are coming.” These attractions are located at 19 North Square, in the historic North End district. After sightseeing, visit one of the many Italian restaurants or bakeries in the area.
  • Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum
    This is a replica of the ship where the famous “Boston Tea Party” took place. It is located on Congress Street at Fort Point Channel. For hours call 617.338.1773.

Other Sites

  • Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market
    This area boasts numerous shops, restaurants, street performers and atmosphere. For shopping or people watching, this is one of the most popular places in Boston. Take the T to Government Center or Haymarket to access this area.

Museums

Music, Theatre, Movies, Ballet….find out what’s going on!
No matter what your taste, there is sure to be something going on in Boston to interest you. The possibilities are too long to list here, so check out these resources and explore the options!

  • The Boston Globe Calendar Section, which is part of every Thursday’s Globe, lists performances and activities in the Boston area for that week. You can also check http://www.boston.com for this information.
  • Ticketmaster, http://www.ticketmaster.com, lists musical, sporting and theatre performances in the area. You can check dates and purchase tickets online
  • Bostix, located at Faneuil Hall or Copley Square in Boston, offers half price tickets on day of performance for many performing arts events. Cash or traveler’s check only. Tel. 617.723.5181.

Sports

Boston is the home of several world-class professional sports teams, including the 2002 Super Bowl Champions the New England Patriots! Sports fans in Boston usually take their teams quite seriously, and attending a game is one of the best ways to experience Bostonians’ pride in their city.

  • Boston Red Sox
    The “Sox” are Boston’s professional baseball team. They play at Fenway Park, which is located in Kenmore Square and is very convenient to the B.U. campus. The baseball season lasts from April to October. For team information, schedules, and tickets visit http://www.bostonredsox.com
  • Boston Celtics
    The Celtics are Boston’s professional basketball team. They play at the Fleet Center, which is located near North Station. Basketball season runs from January to May. Visit http://www.nba.com/celtics
  • New England Patriots
    The Patriots are Boston’s professional (American) football team. They play at Foxborough Stadium in Foxborough, MA. The football season lasts from August to January. Visit http://www.patriots.com
  • Boston Bruins
    The Bruins are Boston’s professional ice hockey team. They also play at the Fleet Center, and the hockey season runs from October to April. Visit http://www.bostonbruins.com
  • New England Revolution
    The Revolution is Boston’s professional soccer team. They play at Foxborough Stadium in Foxborough, MA. The season runs from March to October. Visit http://www.revolutionsoccer.net
  • Support your Boston University Terriers athletic teams!
    Visit http://www.bu.edu/athletics for information, schedules and news for all men’s and women’s athletic teams. University sporting events are a great way to experience the “school spirit” that is unique to the United States.

For additional information about the city of Boston, check out these websites:

http://www.boston.com
http://www.cityofboston.gov/
http://www.boston-online.com