BU vs. BC vs. Simmons (Boston, Cambridge: schools, living, shops)

[SubconsciousMe]

Ah yes, another poster coming in and asking for advice. I'm sure you get them all--I'm from Phoenix and we get a lot ourselves.

With that said, I'm considering applying to BU, BC, and/or Simmons for my MSW. I am confident I will be a commuter because my girlfriend and two cats will be coming along. I have lived in the Boston burbs before so I am familiar with the weather, etc. But it's been awhile so any help you can lend me would be stellar.

[shiver]

I'm not sure what your question is. I know a couple of people who have gotten their MSW from BC and from my understanding it's a highly regarded program. But I don't know much about BU or Simmons' programs. If you attend BU or Simmons, you're probably want to take public transportation. They're not all that far from each other actually.

BC is in Chestnut Hill so driving may be more of an option. A big question is what will your girlfriend do and what area is convenient for her and what is your housing budget?

[SubconsciousMe]

I'm mostly trying to make sure public transit is an option for all schools. While we will have a car (because not having a car really isn't much of an option here)... they are all similar in terms of tuition but I'm an older student (in my 30s) and looking for any opinions on the schools in general. My GF won't immediately get a job as she will need to adjust to her new surroundings. I'm not one for partying but we like coffee shops, a lot.

Something I don't remember about the T stops in the city since I just commuted in from Newton when I lived in the Boston area is that is it required to go up/down stairs at T stops? I can't do stairs due to some lung issues so I just want to be sure the T stop I will be using is handicap accessible.

[silverbelles]

Originally Posted by SubconsciousMe

I'm mostly trying to make sure public transit is an option for all schools. While we will have a car (because not having a car really isn't much of an option here)... they are all similar in terms of tuition but I'm an older student (in my 30s) and looking for any opinions on the schools in general. My GF won't immediately get a job as she will need to adjust to her new surroundings. I'm not one for partying but we like coffee shops, a lot.

Something I don't remember about the T stops in the city since I just commuted in from Newton when I lived in the Boston area is that is it required to go up/down stairs at T stops? I can't do stairs due to some lung issues so I just want to be sure the T stop I will be using is handicap accessible.

The T stations are handicap accessible. They are elevators that will take you up or down to the platform, if the stations are two storey.

[Cantabridgienne]

Each of these schools is accessible by the T. How convenient the commute is depends on where you live.

All T stops have escalators and/or elevators. Whether they are in working order is another story.

[SubconsciousMe]

Thanks for that, good to know. I hope I/we can find somewhere cheapish to live. I understand cheap Phoenix is entirely different story in Boston.

[charolastra00]

Originally Posted by SubconsciousMe

Thanks for that, good to know. I hope I/we can find somewhere cheapish to live. I understand cheap Phoenix is entirely different story in Boston.

I would consider $1000 cheap for a 1 bedroom in the outer burbs (ie not Newton, Brookline, Cambridge, or Somerville). Studios go a little cheaper, but it might be hard to find a place that would allow 2 cats in a studio (and would be difficult even for a 1 bedroom - Boston is not pet friendly).

BC is probably going to be the most convenient in terms of a commute from the burbs. Additionally, it is certainly the most prestigious and offers the most job options after you are done.

[orangetravelerJP]

I, too, am considering these three schools and have gone to visit with each of them. I was told that each of the programs has a distinct personality but the conversation changed before I could ask about it further. Does anyone have thoughts about the personality of the school, program, or the type of student it attracts? Being a transplant to the area, there may be a reputation about the school that I'm not familiar with.

[HenryAlan]

Originally Posted by SubconsciousMe

Thanks for that, good to know. I hope I/we can find somewhere cheapish to live. I understand cheap Phoenix is entirely different story in Boston.

I don't know the particulars of these programs, but I believe all three are highly regarded. As for where to live, you probably would do well in Brighton for all three. The very best location for accessibility to all three would be Cleveland Circle, which is walking distance to BC, and short rides on the C or D lines to BU and Simmons respectively. It is a less expensive option than living near either of the other campuses.