What nobody tells you about housing near NEU
Most landlords in Mission Hill and Roxbury won't rent to international students without a US cosigner. Your best bet is the Fenway/Longwood corridor — property managers there are used to F-1 visa holders. Start your search in June for an October lease, not September when everyone else panics. If a listing says "credit check required" without mentioning guarantors, skip it.
Fenway / Longwood
SafeThe closest thing to a NEU Indian student hub. Most buildings here have dealt with international tenants and many accept guarantor letters instead of US credit. Evans Way Park is right there, and Star Market is a short walk. If you want to be surrounded by other Indian students, this is the default choice.
India Quality Market
Best Indian grocery in Boston. Full spice selection, fresh curry leaves, frozen parathas. 484 Moody St, Waltham — worth the trip every 2 weeks.
Indian GroceryPatel Brothers
Go-to for bulk dal, rice, masalas. Cheaper per unit than anything near campus. Plan a group trip and split the Uber.
Indian GroceryStar Market (Fenway)
Your everyday grocery. Use the Star Market app for digital coupons — actually saves meaningful money over a semester.
EverydayDesi Dhaba
Casual Indian restaurant near campus. $10–12 lunch specials. Thali on weekends. Most Indian students end up here every Friday without planning it.
Indian FoodCVS (Huntington Ave)
Closest 24-hour pharmacy to campus. Download the CVS app — the ExtraCare savings are real. Bring your Indian passport when you first register.
PharmacyT-Mobile (Boylston St)
Get a SIM card here on day one. $30/month prepaid works fine. Bring your passport — they're used to international students.
EssentialsMBTA U-Pass
Per semester. Unlimited T rides. NEU students get a discounted U-Pass — check your student account before buying a regular pass.
Bluebikes Annual
Per year. Great for short trips under 30 min. Buy a basic helmet from Target for $25 — the ones on Bluebikes are grim.
Walking
If you live in Fenway or Mission Hill — 10–20 min walk. Works great May–October. Boston winters will humble you.
Uber / Lyft
Per semester if used regularly. Split rides wherever possible. It adds up before you realise it on a student budget.
Charles River Kayaking
Rent from Charles River Canoe & Kayak near campus. Peak season May–September. Group trips of 4–6 are common and cheap.
Kings Bowling (Back Bay)
The go-to weekend spot. $5–7 per game on weekday evenings. Usually the first group outing Indian students do together.
Cricket at Moakley Park
Informal matches every weekend during warm months. Show up and you'll find a game. Bats are always in short supply so bring your own if you have one.
NEU ISA Events
Diwali, Holi, cultural nights every semester. Free or $5 entry. Best way to meet 200 Indian students at once in your first month.
Blue Hills Hike
30 min from campus via split Uber. Peak foliage in October is stunning. Very popular Indian student outing. Free entry to the reservation.
Lansdowne St Nightlife (21+)
Multiple clubs near Fenway. Cover is $10–20 on weekends. Get there before 11pm to avoid long queues. Most Indian students end up here eventually.
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