Roxbury Community College Student Move-In Guide
Moving to Boston to attend Roxbury Community College? Plan off-campus housing, Orange Line commuting, September apartment move-in, furniture, Wi-Fi, study space and apartment setup near RCC’s Roxbury Crossing campus.
Starting at RCC
Plan for housing and commuting rather than a traditional dorm move
Roxbury Community College is primarily a commuter college. Students generally live at home, share apartments or arrange private housing elsewhere in Boston and Greater Boston.
RCC’s main campus is located at 1234 Columbus Avenue in Roxbury Crossing. The campus sits directly across Columbus Avenue from the MBTA Orange Line’s Roxbury Crossing station, making transit access an important factor when choosing housing.
Fall 2026
Confirm your academic calendar before signing move-in plans
RCC students should confirm their exact Fall 2026 semester start date, orientation requirements and individual course schedule directly through the College before finalizing travel or apartment move-in.
Students arriving for the fall semester should also plan around the Boston rental market’s heavy late-August and September 1 turnover.
Campus location
Roxbury Crossing gives RCC strong transit access
1234 Columbus Avenue
RCC’s 16-acre campus includes academic, administrative, health sciences and media arts facilities, along with the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center.
Orange Line across the street
Roxbury Crossing station is directly across Columbus Avenue from the campus, providing one-line access from neighborhoods along the Orange Line corridor.
Where to live
Neighborhoods RCC students may compare
Roxbury
Housing near Roxbury Crossing can provide walking, bus or very short Orange Line access to RCC.
Mission Hill
Mission Hill offers a substantial student-rental market and can provide walking, bus or short transit access depending on location.
Mission Hill guideJamaica Plain
Housing near Jackson Square, Stony Brook, Green Street or Forest Hills can offer a direct Orange Line trip to Roxbury Crossing.
Jamaica Plain guideSouth End
Parts of the South End provide walking, bus or Orange Line access to the RCC campus.
South End guideDowntown Boston
Downtown Orange Line stations offer a direct trip to Roxbury Crossing, though apartment costs are often higher.
Downtown Boston guideDorchester
Dorchester may offer a broader range of apartments with bus connections toward Roxbury, Ruggles and the Orange Line.
Dorchester guideTransit
Test the real commute before signing a lease
RCC can be reached by the Orange Line at Roxbury Crossing as well as several bus routes serving Columbus Avenue and nearby Malcolm X Boulevard.
An apartment that looks close on a map may still require multiple transfers. Test the complete trip at the time of day you expect to attend class.
| Area | Typical RCC access | Housing style | Move-in consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roxbury | Walk, bus or Orange Line | Multifamily homes and apartments | Street parking and stairs |
| Mission Hill | Walk, bus or short transit | Student rentals and multifamily homes | September turnover |
| Jamaica Plain | Direct Orange Line from several stations | Triple-deckers and apartment buildings | Permit parking and older stairs |
| South End | Orange Line, bus or walking | Brownstones and managed apartments | Limited curb access |
| Dorchester | Bus and subway connections | Multifamily homes and apartments | Commute varies widely by location |
Apartment search
Verify the rental before paying anything
- Verify the exact property address
- Confirm the landlord or licensed broker
- Read the complete lease
- Confirm first month, last month and deposit terms
- Ask whether a broker fee applies
- Check which utilities are included
- Calculate the commute to 1234 Columbus Avenue
- Confirm laundry access
- Check internet-provider availability
- Review overnight parking rules
- Ask about drilling and wall-mounting restrictions
- Confirm lease start and key pickup time
September move-in
Expect heavy Boston apartment turnover
Many Boston leases begin September 1. Students moving to Roxbury, Mission Hill, Jamaica Plain or nearby neighborhoods may encounter crowded streets, limited curb space, furniture deliveries and heavy moving activity.
Reserve movers, internet installation, furniture delivery and setup help early whenever possible.
Boston September 1 move-in guideMove-in day
Inspect the apartment before unpacking
- Photograph every room before moving furniture
- Document wall and floor damage
- Check locks and windows
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Check hot water and plumbing
- Inspect appliances
- Locate the electrical panel
- Measure furniture placement
- Confirm trash and recycling procedures
- Save emergency landlord contacts
- Connect internet before classes start
- Test the commute to campus
Study setup
Create an apartment that supports school and work
Dedicated Desk
Even in a shared apartment, create a reliable study area with comfortable seating and good lighting.
Reliable Wi-Fi
Position the router to support online coursework, video meetings, streaming and multiple roommates.
Wi-Fi optimization guideStorage
Use compact shelving and vertical storage to keep books, supplies and personal belongings organized.
Furniture Assembly
Beds, desks, chairs, bookcases and storage furniture may require assembly after move-in.
Curtains and Privacy
Measure windows before purchasing rods, blackout curtains or privacy treatments.
TV and Wall Setup
Confirm landlord permission before mounting a television, shelves or other hardware.
Identify your wall typeParking
RCC has campus parking, but transit may still be easier
RCC publishes driving directions to its Cedar Street parking lot near the Columbus Avenue campus. Students who drive should confirm current permit, access and parking rules directly with RCC.
Because Roxbury Crossing station is directly across from campus, students living near the Orange Line may find public transportation more predictable than driving through Boston traffic.
Boston student parking and loading guideStudent support
RCC offers support beyond the classroom
RCC’s student-success resources include academic advising, tutoring, accessibility services, career support and Project Access.
Project Access can connect students with resources that may include housing assistance, legal services and financial counseling.
Continue planning
Related Roxbury Community College move-in guides
College and Campus Guides
Return to the full Boston-area college and university directory.
College guide hubMission Hill Student Guide
Plan apartments, parking, September move-in and transportation near RCC.
Mission Hill guideApartment Setup Guide
Plan furniture, storage, Wi-Fi, curtains, television placement and study space.
Apartment setup guideNeed help setting up a Roxbury Community College student apartment?
Mr Home Guy helps Boston-area students and families with furniture assembly, television mounting, curtains, shelves, mirrors, artwork, Wi-Fi-related setup and room organization. Same-day and next-day availability may be limited during peak August and September move-in.
See Boston Student Move-In ServicesFrequently asked questions
Roxbury Community College move-in questions
Does Roxbury Community College have dorms?
Roxbury Community College is primarily a commuter college and does not operate traditional on-campus residence halls. Students generally arrange housing independently.
Where is Roxbury Community College located?
RCC’s main campus is at 1234 Columbus Avenue in Roxbury Crossing, Massachusetts.
Which subway stop is closest to RCC?
Roxbury Crossing station on the MBTA Orange Line is directly across Columbus Avenue from the RCC campus.
Where do RCC students commonly look for apartments?
Students may compare Roxbury, Mission Hill, Jamaica Plain, the South End, Downtown Boston and Dorchester based on budget and transit access.
Is September 1 important for RCC student housing?
Yes. Many Boston-area apartment leases begin around September 1, creating heavy demand for moving, parking, furniture delivery, internet installation and apartment setup.
Can RCC students commute by Orange Line?
Yes. Roxbury Crossing station is directly across from the campus, making housing along the Orange Line particularly convenient.
Does RCC offer support for students with housing problems?
RCC’s student-support programs include Project Access, which can help connect students with housing assistance, legal services, financial counseling and other resources.
Does Mr Home Guy help RCC students move?
Mr Home Guy focuses on apartment setup rather than traditional moving transportation. Services may include furniture assembly, television mounting, curtains, shelves, mirrors, artwork and room organization.