City Guide
Boston Guide for BU Students
Your city. Your guide. Everything you need to explore Boston as a BU student - from neighborhood tips to hidden gems.
4 Key Neighborhoods
MBTA Tips
Updated Jan 2025
Neighborhoods Near BU
Where to hang, eat, and exploreAllston
0.5 miStudent HavenThe unofficial BU neighborhood. Affordable, young, and lively.
Cheap eatsNightlifeMusic venuesThrift stores
Brookline
1 miUpscale SuburbSlightly nicer neighborhood with great cafes and restaurants.
Coolidge CornerGood restaurantsSafe areaGreen Line access
Back Bay
2 miUrban LuxuryUpscale shopping and beautiful brownstones. Great for a day out.
Newbury StreetShoppingArchitecturePublic Garden
Cambridge
3 miAcademic HubHome to Harvard and MIT. Intellectual vibe with great bookstores.
Harvard SquareMITBookstoresCoffee shops
Getting Around
MBTA Guide for BU Students
How to navigate the T, bus routes, and get around Boston cheaply
590 searches/moBU Shuttle & Bus Routes
Free campus shuttles and how to use them effectively
320 searches/moGetting to Logan Airport
Best ways to get to the airport from campus
210 searches/moMBTA Quick Facts
Green Line B
Runs directly through campus. Stops at BU East, BU Central, BU West, St. Paul Street.
Student CharlieCard
Get a reduced-fare CharlieCard at the BU ID Office. Saves ~50% on fares.
Must-Do in Boston
The essential Boston bucket listBoston Common & Public Garden
Park2 mi from BU
Fenway Park
Sports1.5 mi from BU
Museum of Fine Arts
Museum0.8 mi from BU
Newbury Street Shopping
Shopping2 mi from BU
North End (Little Italy)
Food4 mi from BU
Boston Harbor Walk
Outdoors4 mi from BU
Free Stuff
Free with Your BU ID
Museums & Culture
- *Museum of Fine Arts (free admission)
- *Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (free)
- *ICA Boston (free Thursdays)
- *MIT Museum (free)
Entertainment & Deals
- *Discounted Red Sox tickets
- *Free Agganis Arena events
- *BU Beach outdoor movies
- *Student rush theater tickets