Understand the Boston apartment search process. Review the International Student Apartment Guide, research Boston’s neighborhoods, and watch our off campus video series! After you know more about your budget and where you want to live,  you can start finding roommates and available apartments.

Use the Northeastern Housing Database to find apartment listings, rooms available, verified agencies, and potential roommates. We recommend that you create a roommate profile.

Be careful: If you choose to use platforms outside of our database, visit our Rental Scams page to protect yourself. 

Many landlords/property managers will require a co-signer. A cosigner is someone with an income that agrees to cover any unpaid rent. We recommend you take the following steps:

• • Let your realtor or property owner know that you are an international student. Some applications are automated and co-signing may be waived if they know you are a student with a visa.
  • Learn about and use third-party co-signing companies. These services charge a fee to serve as a co-signer and may be the right choice for you.
  • Discuss your application with the landlord/property manager. Most landlords/property managers know that international students may not have a co-signer and will opt to charge a fee instead.
  • If there isn’t much flexibility, consider using a different realtor or property.