OUR COMMUNITY
People are the heart and soul of our program. From amazing students to our wonderful network of social sector professionals, we aim to build a community of passionate and driven individuals who care about creating a positive impact as much as we do. AS a Social Innovation Fellow, we provide you the opportunity to expand your experience outside of your internship through our classes and events. We also know that learning should not end once you leave your internship or the classroom for the day. We have found that one of the most valuable parts of our program is the supportive peer cohort experience.
Building a strong community inside and outside your internship is a cornerstone of our program. We aim to cultivate an atmosphere of support within the cohort that allows you to flourish socially and professionally outside of your internships and class.
“I gained great friends and inner confidence that I didn’t have before the program.”
photo above courtesy of the University of New Hampshire
WELCOME TO BOSTON
EXPLORING BOSTON
Boston has so much to offer and we want to make sure you get to explore all of it! We provide the cohort with monthly events where students enjoy activities in different parts of the city. You’ll enjoy getting to know our city, whether you’re apple picking, exploring diverse neighborhoods, or cheering on the Red Sox! Boston has so much to offer and we want to make sure you get to explore it all.
Here are some resources to see what is happening in Boston!
photo courtesy of the University of New Hampshire
“Working and living in Boston gave me a lot of independence and confidence. It taught me patience, life skills, and how to live with other people. I learned a new lifestyle and work ethic that I couldn’t get from dorms and college.”
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Semester in the City apartments are located in Allston, a hip and easily accessible part of the city, right off the Green Line. This eclectic Boston neighborhood has a large student and young professional population, near Boston University and Boston College. Diverse restaurants, arts & culture venues, and shops are all steps away waiting for you to explore!
Learn more about the housing options below.
WELCOME HOME
HOUSING
Semester in the City offers fellows an apartment housing option for participating students. As a fellow, you will share a three or four bedroom, furnished apartment with other Semester in the City students. Apartments feature both single bedroom and shared bedroom options, as well as a shared kitchen, bathroom and living room area.
Housing costs are similar to or below typical on-campus housing costs at partner colleges. Housing options include single and double bedrooms in a four bedroom apartment. Pricing includes wifi and utilities. Housing costs for the Fall semester are $3,700 for a double room; this may vary from semester to semester. Single rooms cost $5,250 for a semester.
You must live in Boston to participate in our program. Fellows may opt out of our apartments to live with friends or family in Boston, as long as they are within the MBTA service area.
Interested in a discount in housing? Consider applying to be a Community Advisor! Learn more below!
THE APARTMENTS
Students who choose to live in CFSI Housing will reside with other Social Innovation Fellows in a shared apartment in Allston. Units are three or four bedroom, one-and-a-half or two bathroom apartments that include a kitchen with a dishwasher, living, and dining room area.
All apartments are fully-furnished and include utilities and internet.
You will need to provide your own linens; this includes sheets (twin XL or full-size based on your room assignment), pillow(s), blanket/comforter, towels, etc. Your apartment does include a shower curtain. You will need to provide your own toiletries and will be responsible for purchasing your own cleaning supplies for your new place.
COMMUNITY ADVISORS
Are you looking to gain even more leadership skills during your semester with us? Consider becoming a Community Advisor! As a Community Advisor (CA) you support our goal in creating a safe, fun, and inclusive atmosphere in our program experience. Our goal is to create a supportive environment that compliments the internship and academic experience along with students well-being and overall development. In addition to leadership skills, in this role you will gain experience building community, practicing interpersonal communication, and supporting our policies that help create a healthy environment for students. Apply to be a Community Advisor today!
Some of the benefits include:
$2,000 discount on housing for the semester;
Specialized training in motivational counseling with support from a local counseling agency;
Leadership development and one one one coaching; Gain experience as a peer coach;
Event planning skills and advanced problem solving skills as a key support in a diverse community of fellows.
Interested in learning more? Check out the full Community Advisor description here.
“I HAVE ENJOYED BEING A CA THIS SEMESTER, IT HAS ALLOWED ME TO GET OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND INTERACT WITH MY PEERS IN AND OUTSIDE OF CLASS. I HAVE MET AND CONNECTED WITH AN AMAZING COHORT, SUPERVISOR, AND SOME CFSI STAFF WHO HAVE MADE MY WORK MORE MEANINGFUL AND REWARDING.”
TRANSPORTATION
All Fellows who reside in CFSI housing are a short 5-7 minute walk from the Green line or six different bus stops. Every fellow in the Semester in the City program is given an MBTA card which allows students to travel as much as they need, whenever they need, free of cost, throughout Greater Boston.
To familiarize yourself with the Boston public transportation system, how to ride the T, and to plan your commute or other trips, we encourage you to visit Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority website.
The favorite apps of our CFSI fellows and staff for getting around the city are Google Maps, Transit, Proximi-T, and the MBTA's Realtime Subway and Bus tools on their website.
SUMMER HOUSING
Are you living or interning in Boston during the Summer? Live in Semester in the City housing! During the summer months we offer sublet opportunities for our fully-furnished apartments. This is a great option for students or young professionals. Talk to someone about our summer housing options here.
Summer sublets are available May — August. Rentals for 1 month or longer stays will be given priority. Shorter term (week to week) rentals will be considered.
ROOM PRICES:
Inquire for current room and full apartment pricing. Contact Rachel Burke for details. Please note: Alumni and Non-Alumni will be charged different rates.
SUMMER HOUSNG PROCESS:
Apply for housing, specifying the apartment size you need, and the dates you are requesting. This brief application asks for your basic contact information and references. College for Social Innovation review and accept or deny your application.