What should I know about housing at Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA?

When should I start looking?

BC says to begin your apartment search early, up to three months before your tenancy if possible. That gives you time to research neighborhoods, interview roommates, browse the Off-Campus Housing Database, and line up a trusted real estate agent if you want one.

• BC notes that many students still find housing in the months and weeks before the academic year starts.
• The database is for listings from local landlords, real estate agencies, properties, and property management companies.
• Source date: accessed 2026-09-14.

Which areas make the most sense?

For undergraduates, BC says many live in Brighton or Newton/Chestnut Hill; for graduate students, BC says many live in Brookline or Newton/Chestnut Hill. If you want easy car-free access and a student-heavy area, Brighton is a strong fit; if you want a more suburban feel with closer-in campus living, Newton/Chestnut Hill fits that better.

• Brighton has easy access to the B, C, and D lines plus the BC shuttle, and BC says living there without a car is no problem.
• Newton Centre is described by BC as having restaurants and shops, with parking that tends to be less expensive in Newton.
• Lake Street area/Towne Estates is noted by BC as mainly residential, with easy access to campus and about a 5-minute walk to the B line.
• Source date: accessed 2026-09-14.

How do I get around?

BC says there are free shuttle routes around and between campuses, and you can track them with Transloc. The MBTA Green Line B branch also ends at the foot of BC’s main Chestnut Hill campus, and BC says student MBTA Passes can be purchased through Student Services at an 11% discount.

• Use the shuttle when your apartment is on a BC route or you want campus-to-campus transit.
• Use the B branch if you want direct rail access to the main campus.
• Source date: accessed 2026-09-14.

What if I’m dealing with parking or repairs?

BC says parking rules vary by municipality, and most street parking around Boston College is restricted to residents of Brighton or Newton only. For repairs, BC says to contact your landlord or property manager first; if they do not respond or make proper repairs, call the local Inspectional Services Department, which enforces the Massachusetts sanitary code.

• Check your apartment’s municipality for overnight and resident-parking rules.
• If a repair issue drags on, the landlord is still the first contact, then ISD if needed.
• Source date: accessed 2026-09-14.

Sources

1. Off-Campus Student Living - Dean of Students ↗
2. Living in Boston - Woods College of Advancing Studies ↗