#  Housing 

 



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##  Housing Options for HGSE Students 

How OSA can help... Finding the right housing is an important part of your experience as a HGSE student. We recommend starting your housing search as early as possible to find the accommodation that best suits your needs. The Office of Student Affairs can provide guidance as you navigate through housing options.

Outside of the scope...

*The OSA is unable to help with the following:*

- Finding and/or touring apartment rentals
- Finding roommates for students
- Vetting or endorsing external services or websites (such as Zillow, Craigslist, Padmapper, Zumper…etc)
- Reviewing or co-signing leases

 

 



 [### Harvard University Housing

 ](https://www.huhousing.harvard.edu/)Harvard-owned rental properties



 

 

 [### GSAS Residence Halls

 ](https://gsas.harvard.edu/student-life/housing/gsas-residence-halls)Dormitory housing, with mandatory meal plan.



 

 

 [### Off-Campus Housing

 ](https://www.harvardhousingoffcampus.com)Non-Harvard housing



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



###    Accessibility  expand\_more  

- Assist with housing accommodations related to a disability ([Accommodations and Accessibility](https://osa.gse.harvard.edu/housing-accommodations))

 

 



###    Helpful Housing Hints  expand\_more  

 

- Rent in the Cambridge/Boston area is very high $1,950 - $4,795/month + utilities; budget accordingly.
- It is possible to find independent apartment listings online (rented directly by the landlord).
- Be wary of "too good to be true" advertisements and scams.
- DO NOT wire money (i.e. Western Union) in exchange for keys.
- ***A lease is a binding legal contract***. Before you sign a lease, make sure you read it thoroughly! If you have any questions, ask your realtor or landlord.
- Plan for significant up-front expenses to secure your lease (up to three months' rent) for security deposit, first and/or last month's rent.
- In addition to Cambridge, areas with access via public transportation include Somerville, Watertown, Belmont, Arlington, Allston, Brighton, and other Boston areas.
- If possible, go see the apartment. High rent does not always indicate how nice an apartment really is.
- July usually has the best number of available off-campus apartments.
- Living farther from Harvard will reduce rent costs.
- Ed School students may participate in a reduced rate (10% off) semester (4 months) [public transportation pass program](/mbta).
- Always find out what's included in the rent (heat, hot water, parking, etc.).
- Start looking early!



 

 

 



###    Furniture & Rentals Insurance  expand\_more  

 

Although it is optional, you should consider having personal property insurance to cover both property loss and personal liability. This may be obtained through private brokers such as [National Student Services, Inc](http://www.nssi.com/), or through the [Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriters Association (MPIUA)](http://www.mpiua.com/).

#### Furniture

Most apartments do not come with furniture (including apartments owned by HUH).

For a large selection of used furniture: the [MIT Furniture Exchange](http://web.mit.edu/womensleague/fx/) and the [Harvard Habitat for Humanity](https://www.facebook.com/HarvardHabitatforHumanity) as well as craigslist are good options.

Some students **rent** furniture. This is ideal for students who are traveling from long distances or on a tight budget. [CORT](https://www.cort.com/furniture-rental) Furniture (617) 354-3358 may be a good place to start.

**Note:** *HGSE does not endorse any of the above organizations.*



 

 

 



###    Utilities  expand\_more  

 

It is a good idea to find out if utilities are included in the monthly rental price of your apartment, if not, your rental price could be considerably higher.

- Heat - find out from your landlord what company to arrange for service
- Electricity - usually the most expensive utility
- Gas - used to heat water, stoves, fireplaces
- Water - usually included in the rent of an apartment, may be charged separately for use in a house
- Washer/Dryer - coin-operated washing machines and dryers may be available in the building; many neighborhoods have a laundromat

#### Telephone Service

- If you expect to use a landline telephone, you will need to set up telephone service before coming to campus(some students only use a cell phone).
- There is usually an installation charge, as well as a monthly fee.
- Choosing types of local and long-distance coverage service will also be necessary.

\*Please note: Students who live in Harvard housing use one phone company. You are responsible for bringing your own telephone.

Below is a list of a few companies that offer phone service (land line) in Massachusetts.

- Comcast
- Cox
- RCN

#### Cable Service 

Many students choose to have cable set up in their houses or apartments. The most popular cable service companies include:

- Comcast
- RCN



 

 

 



 

 

 

 

##  Support Staff for Housing 

 



  [### Crystal Quintanilla

 ](/people/crystal-quintanilla) [crystal\_quintanilla@gse.harvard.edu](mailto:crystal_quintanilla@gse.harvard.edu)Senior Student Affairs Administrator

 

 

 

      ![Crystal Quintanilla](/sites/g/files/omnuum4501/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/gse-osa/files/crystal_quintanilla.jpg?itok=OrG4BrBv)