A guide for Mexicans in Boston

Before traveling, gather and bring with you: - A valid passport — make sure it's valid for at least six months past your travel date. - F-1 or J-1 student visa — apply early and bring supporting documents (acceptance letter, Form I-20 or DS-2019). - Form I-20 or DS-2019 — required for your visa and for entering the United States. - SEVIS I-901 fee receipt — pay this before your visa appointment and bring the receipt. - Health insurance — get coverage through your school or an alternative that meets its requirements. - Financial documents — bank statements, scholarship letters, or other proof that you can cover your stay. - Your university acceptance letter. Note: always check your school or program's official page to confirm requirements specific to you.

As a university student, you may be able to live in school-run housing. Off-campus, check Zillow, Apartments.com, your university's official listings, and WhatsApp/Facebook groups. You can also work with a realtor. In Boston, it's common to pay up to four months upfront before moving in: first month, last month, security deposit, and realtor/broker fee. Leases typically run September through August 30.

Budgets vary widely — whether you bring family, travel, eat out, or cook at home. Common monthly costs, excluding tuition and insurance: - Rent: $1,000 to $1,800 for a room in a shared apartment or house. - Transit pass: $55 to $90; some schools offer a 20% discount. - Groceries: $400–$600. - Going out: beers and cocktails usually run $8–$15 USD. - University social events: party tickets between $35 and $90 USD. - School trips (treks): $1,500–$3,000 USD. - Gym: $50–$150 USD a month if not included. Harvard note: the Kennedy School charges about $525 a year; other schools may be free. - Medical costs: with insurance, medications are typically cheaper, but hospital or dental services may carry coinsurance.

Boston has an extensive public transit system (the MBTA). The simplest options are the subway — known as the “T” — and the buses. Google Maps is solid for picking efficient routes. The Red, Green, and Blue lines come up most for students. The Green Line has B, C, D, and E branches. B, C, and D converge at Kenmore Square and continue downtown; E joins at Copley Square. Examples: - Boston University and Boston College are on the B branch. - Harvard and MIT are on the Red Line. - Harvard Medical School sits between the D and E branches. - BU's medical campus is mainly bus-accessible.

In an emergency, call 911. Boston has world-class hospitals, including Massachusetts General Hospital, with 24/7 ER service. Get familiar with the hospitals and urgent-care clinics near your school.

Some people keep their Mexican number — useful if your phone is carrier-locked or you're still paying for a plan there — but it can make using local services like Venmo harder. US phone options: - Prepaid plans: no contract, no credit check. Carriers: T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Mint Mobile, Cricket Wireless. Usually need a passport and a card. - Postpaid plans with a contract: better rates and perks, but require a contract, an address, and possibly a deposit if you don't have an SSN. Carriers: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile. - Family or group plans: cheaper, but typically someone on the line needs an SSN. Harvard note: the Smith Center, 8th floor, hands out free Mint Mobile SIMs. Follow the instructions to top up credit after activation.

- Museum of Fine Arts (MFA): vast collection from antiquity to contemporary. - Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: personal collection inside a Venetian-style villa with gardens. - Museum of Science: by the Charles River, interactive exhibits. - Harvard Art Museums: three museums under one roof, broad collection. - Arnold Arboretum: Harvard-run botanical garden. - Boston Public Garden: historic public garden with flowers, a lake, and Swan Boats. - Boston Children's Museum: interactive museum in Seaport. - ICA: contemporary art in Seaport. Many museums offer free days and student discounts. Check their pages before you go and bring your student ID.

The Consulate is the diplomatic representation of the Mexican government in Boston, serving the six New England states. Services: - Passport renewal. - INE (voter ID) processing. - Notarized powers of attorney. Appointments: - Phone or WhatsApp: +1 424 309 0009. - Online: https://citas.sre.gob.mx/