Living in Boston

As a student at Emerson College, you’ll live and learn in the heart of Boston, a city defined by innovation, culture, and, with so many colleges in the area, Boston boasts an unmistakably student-friendly energy. Our campus is located right in downtown, so you’ll be surrounded by everything the city has to offer.

Boston is one of the most walkable cities in the world. Just steps from your residence hall, you’ll find the historic Boston Common—home to festivals, rallies, and the annual Shakespeare on the Common—as well as the iconic Public Garden.

When you want to explore beyond campus, the MBTA makes it easy. Whether you’re meeting friends in Cambridge, trying new restaurants in Allston, or heading to Salem for Halloween, you can get there by train, trolley, bus, commuter rail, or ferry. Emerson also helps you get around by offering a discounted T pass each semester.

Your safety is supported around the clock. The Emerson College Police Department provides 24/7 safety escorts for students, faculty, and staff. You can request a walking or vehicle escort anywhere on campus, as well as to nearby MBTA stations including Park Street, Chinatown, and Arlington, along with points in between.

If you’re interested in living off campus, you can utilize a number of resources provided by the Office of Off-Campus Student Services, including a roommate portal.

Cultural Attractions

With almost 60 museums, Boston is a destination for every kind of interest. Check out the Museum of Fine Arts and its collection of almost 500,000 pieces; enjoy the intimate art oasis of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum; or, if modern art is your thing, visit the Institute of Contemporary Art in the Seaport District.

And it’s all free! Your Emerson ID grants you admission to these beloved institutions.

Neighborhoods

Boston is made up of diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own blend of history, culture, and energy. From Beacon Hill’s Insta/TikTok-worthy cobblestone streets, to Fenway and the Red Sox, to the peaceful trails of the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain, there’s always somewhere new to explore.

Just a short walk from campus, Back Bay features some of Boston’s best shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, including Newbury Street, the Prudential Center, and the Boston Public Library.
Adjacent to campus, Chinatown offers countless cultural experiences, including dim sum, specialty markets, and Lunar New Year festivities.
A short walk or ride from campus, the North End is famous for its Italian restaurants, historic sites, waterfront parks, and beloved bakeries serving some of Boston’s best cannoli.
Accessible by the Green Line and several bus routes, Allston and Brighton are lively neighborhoods popular with students for their music venues, restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
Hop on the Red Line and cross the river into Cambridge, where you’ll find a lively mix of vibrant squares like Harvard Square and Kendall Square, independent shops, cultural attractions, and popular dining spots, not to mention Harvard and MIT.

Theaters

Being an Emerson student means being immersed in Boston’s vibrant Theatre District, with Emerson’s Cutler Majestic Theatre, Colonial Theatre, and Paramount Center. Additionally, Citizens Opera House and the Boch Center’s Wang Theatre are only a short walk away. Throughout the city, professional theaters and touring companies— many featuring Emerson alumni on stage and behind the scenes—bring Broadway and off-Broadway productions to Boston. Through ArtsEmerson, you can experience contemporary world theater, join conversations on social issues, and access discounted or rush tickets. And don’t forget all of the student-produced Emerson Stage performances that are right on campus—you can get involved in those, too.

Parks and Rec

One of the perks of being a Bostonian is the easy access to iconic parks and outdoor spaces. As an Emerson student, you’ll be just steps from Boston Common and the Public Garden, perfect for relaxing between classes or enjoying free performances and events. Whether you’re watching the sunset along the Charles River Esplanade, strolling along the Southwest Corridor Park in Back Bay, exploring the beauty of the Forest Hills Cemetery, or going to the Franklin Park Zoo, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature without leaving the city.