Prospective law students are a determined bunch—and savvy consumers. Whether they’re visiting us for a guided tour, attending an information session, or previewing law school with an open house, they come armed with questions about what their future will be like.
Lots of questions.
That’s why we gathered some of those New England Law FAQs, with a series of blog posts outlining the answers. First up: student life!
Of course, if you have a question not on this list, feel free to get in touch with us directly! Our Admissions team is happy to help. Just email us or call 877-387-2417.
Do you offer housing?
No, like most law schools and other professional schools, New England Law does not provide student housing. However, given our downtown location and proximity to multiple public transportation options, our students have ample housing opportunities. Many live within walking distance of the school or in one of Boston’s many neighborhoods known for their student-friendly housing. Admitted students also get access to special apartment listings, roommate matching services, and comprehensive graduate student housing guides (sneak preview here).
Where do students live?
New England Law students live as close as Boston’s swanky Beacon Hill neighborhood and commute as far as Providence, Rhode Island. But with all the public transportation surrounding us, most live somewhere in between. Popular Boston neighborhoods amongst our students include Allston/Brighton, Fenway/Kenmore Square, Jamaica Plain, North End, and South Boston. Convenient suburbs include Malden, Medford, Cambridge, Somerville, Watertown, and Quincy.
Use our Simple Guide to Finding Graduate Student Housing to find the perfect apartment for you.
What is a typical commute like?
Commutes vary considerably between students, depending on their location. Some students live within walking distance, while others have commuted from out of state. Thought we do not have data on our students’ commute times, the average Boston commute is about 29 minutes, according to AAA Northeast.
Is the school commuter friendly?
Yes, definitively so! In addition to subway, train, and bus stations all within a short walking distance, we are also close to all major highways and surrounded by public parking. Students can get discounted commuter passes and parking rates too.
Is there parking on or near campus?
Yes, there are many public parking lots near New England Law. Students can get discounted parking passes, and guests of the school (like students coming for a guided tour) can get validated discounted parking by stopping at the security desk in our main building at 154 Stuart Street.
What is this area of Boston like?
New England Law is nestled between Boston’s Back Bay, Financial District, and South End neighborhoods, in the city’s Theater District. It’s the perfect combination of job opportunities, culture, and convenience. Boston Common and Public Gardens are just one block away—and it’s amazing what a difference a block makes. We’re close to everything, but just removed from harried hustle and bustle of the city. We know we’re biased, but it really does feel like the best of all worlds!
Can full-time students have part-time jobs?
Given the demands of the law school schedule, we strongly recommend that full-time students not hold a part-time job while in law school, particularly their first (1L) year. Students are encouraged to take advantage of other hands-on learning experience available to them, like legal internships, fellowships, clerkships, and clinics, which are relevant to their future legal career. And our Summer Fellowship Program, available to students the summer after their 1L year, comes with a $3,500 stipend. However, we do allow students to have a part-time job if they wish. Our part-time JD programs are also designed to accommodate students who wish to continue working full or part time.
What are the nearby places to eat?
Too many to possibly list here, but some of our nearby favorites are Mike & Patty's, Montien Thai, Fajitas and Ritas, The Halal Guys, and Rock Bottom Brewery. And, of course, there are tons of coffeeshops around us too, with a Dunkin’ literally across the street and at least three Starbucks in easy walking distance.
You’ll find more places to eat, drink, and relax around New England Law here.
What is the Galway program?
The study abroad program in Galway, Ireland, is New England Law’s flagship international experience. Taught by experts from Ireland and the United States, this unique program focuses on international and comparative human rights law and accountability for human rights violations. The program is hosted by the Irish Centre for Human Rights, National University of Ireland, Galway.
Do people go out together?
Yes, our students are very collegial. In fact, one of the defining characteristics of the New England Law | Boston community is its friendliness. People tell us all the time that they met life-long friends here and that our welcoming community is unique amongst law schools. The support of their friends and fellow students has an enormous impact on their time here as well—even more so in our part-time evening program, where the small, tight-knit group is known for becoming almost like a family.
What is the Charles Hamilton Houston Enrichment Program?
Charles Hamilton Houston Enrichment Program, or CHHEP, is a resource for multicultural students and anyone interested in issues of race, ethnicity, and inclusion in law school and the legal profession. Beyond offering a community for its members, CHHEP offers discussion groups, community-building activities, networking opportunities, a speaker series, and recognition of academic excellence at an annual welcome reception for students and multicultural alumni.
Learn more about student life at New England Law.