[MikeDubreuil]

Congratulations on coming to Boston. I have spent the last four years in Boston and can tell you that it is a marvelous place to live.

Boston is divided into many "neighborhoods" collectively known as Boston proper. While in college I lived in a studio/efficiency apartment in the Fenway area. The apartment cost me $1050/month, heat was included. Parking was available on the street but I chose to buy a spot from my landlord for $120/month.

Today I have a life not unlike yourself if you choose to live in Boston. I currently live in Allston in a 3 floor house with 2 friends. The rent is $2400/month. I commute to Wilmington (about 5 miles from Woburn) to work everyday. The commute is about 30 minutes long and against the traffic; most traffic is going into Boston, not out. We actually found this house on Craigslist but also used a real estate agent to look for apartments...

Never trust a real estate agent. Real estate agents in Boston are literally snakes. Unfortunately, often times they are the easiest way to find a place to live so here are some tips.
1.) Real estate agents make their money by commissions made from the signing of leases. The commission is usually 1 months rent. Sometimes the landlord will pay half the commission. Rarely is there no fee associated with a good apartment.
2.) A real estate agent will take you out to see apartments around the city. They will show you their worst apartments first and will show their best apartments at the end.
3.) Real estate agents are used to screen prospective tenants for landlords. If you tell a real estate agent that you are a college student you will be shown a different set of apartments than if you told them you are a "working professional." Therefore, it would be wise to say you were a working professional. (A landlord can not legally discriminate against you because you are a college student but a real estate agent can)

Landlords can also be a problem. With a lot of college students landlords don't always follow the tenants right set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For instance, the following happened to me in Fenway:
1.) The landlord would show up unexpectedly without notice to look at the apartment.
2.) Windows in common areas were broken and not replaced.
3.) The heat was not turned on when it became cold.
4.) After moving out I have not gotten my security deposit back. It is now 24 days late.

When signing a lease for a house or apartment be prepared to spend ALOT of money. Upon signing the lease the following are usually due:
a.) First month's rent
b.) Last Months rent
c.) Real Estate agent commissions
d.) A security deposit (sometimes half, usually a full month's rent)

Nightlife in Boston? You bet'ya. Here's a list of some good nightspots:
a.) Faneuil Hall
b.) Lansdowne St near Fenway Park
c.) Boylston area
d.) Around the intersection of Harvard Ave and Brighton Ave in Allston.
e.) Many other local favorites.

If you have any questions about Boston feel free to post or PM me. Good Luck.

FYI Everyone: The Boston Regional will be held in Allston.