Our Services & Programs
The Office of Student Housing has a number of services that can be utilized by current and prospective students.
Resources
OSH provides students with information including maps of Boston; bus, train, and subway schedules; and other brochures, worksheets, and tools to assist them as they transition to living independently in the City of Boston. OSH also has an extensive website with helpful information.
Programming and Education
The Office of Student Housing engages in educational programming for students to provide information about services available to them both on and off campus. OSH also works to provide opportunities for students to stay connected to the UMass Boston campus community as well as other students living in their neighborhoods.
Roommate “Meet and Greets” and Roommate Matching
OSH provides students with opportunities to meet other students looking for roommates. These social programs take place during the spring semester. The office also manages a voluntary online roommate matching service for students based upon their responses to questions about their living styles. Potential matches are emailed to students at their UMass Boston email address. You can find out more about our roommate matching program by clicking here.
Roommate Mediation
Living with roommates can be rewarding, but it is also challenging at times. Students who sign a lease are bound to continue their living arrangements until the lease expires. OSH provides roommate mediation services for students who experience conflict with their roommates. The office will not take sides or guarantee a resolution to the problem. Students must be invested in working through the issue together and agree to compromise. You can find out more about our roommate mediation program by clicking here.
Off-Campus Housing Listings
The Office of Student Housing maintains a searchable database of local housing options. OSH acts only in an advisory capacity and does not make reservations, appointments, and rental commitments, nor does the office participate in any negotiations with individual landlords on behalf of students. Students must, on their own, meet with the landlords, inspect the apartments, check for conformity with local housing code and make the necessary lease arrangements. To access the Housing Registry Database, click here.
Referrals
OSH will refer students to local resources to help locate housing opportunities, help students decide what they are looking for in an apartment or house, inform students about the steps necessary to secure housing, and educate students about tenants’ rights and landlord responsibilities.
