Your first 30 days in Boston
A calm, practical checklist for arriving students in Boston: housing, money, a phone, and health cover, in the order you’ll actually need them.
See live housing near Boston →Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you use them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. We only list options we’d point a friend to.
Before you fly
Line up a room or a roommate through listings and curated posts. Video-tour before paying anything.
Open a US bank account you can use on day one.
Zolve: US bank account, no SSN — View offer →Set up an eSIM so you have data the moment you land.
Airalo: eSIM data plans — View offer →
Your first week
Move in, sign the lease, and keep all receipts.
Send your first rent or deposit safely with a low-fee transfer.
Wise: send money abroad — View offer →Sort out health cover before classes start. Most universities require proof.
SafetyWing: student health cover — View offer →
Settling in
Learn the transit and grocery basics around Boston.
Meet your roommates’ networks. Most rooms get found by word of mouth.