Radioheadblue said:
A lot of people say that the South End(where the BUdschool is) isn't the best place to walk alone at night, but I think that holds true to most areas of cities.
I wouldnt worry too much about that, I'm just going to try to live within a reasonable distance to the school, say 15 minute walk, or easy bus ride, possibly in the Back bay or Fenway/Symphony area.
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Just a few thoughts if you guys are going to attend BU in the fall. EXCEL isn't worth the money, and you can always make friends throughout the year, and will have time too to get to know the city later. Don't feel pressured to attend EXCEL unless you are extremely nervous, which you shouldn't be at all about starting school in the fall. Save that money, it will be very handy once you realize how much money you have to borrow to pay for tuition at BU.
About living situation. If you are very disciplined and can get up early in the morning to take public transportation, then yes, living in Back Bay, Fenway or any other areas should be fine.
But if you are the type of student that stays up late, gets up late and runs to class, you should live close to school, and I mean 5-10 min. walk because as you already said, it's not safe walking around BUMC, but it's not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. You can't get to Back Bay or Fenway or any other areas without walking out of the South End first, so you might as well live in the South End, hehe, SE has tons of nicer corners, areas, so there are many choices.
If you study at the library often, it's also good to stay close to campus. Waiting for buses and walking to the subway stations is a pain, especially when it is cold, windy, snowing, or hot and humid, which is....well how Boston is in that exact cycle year round...
So that is just a preview.
More questions? ask me and I will check back when i am avoiding studying before an exam and answer you.
Good luck and see you around...