The following is some basic information for students moving into the Mission Hill area.
General Boston
Get renter’s insurance. It might seem like an unnecessary expense until you have a break-in, or your upstairs neighbor’s toilet overflows while they’re out of town.
The City of Boston has many services for renters. Learn about and use them at cityofboston.gov/rentalhousing.
The City has a 24/7 hotline for questions or concerns at the phone number, 311, or the Twitter handle, @BOS311. There is also smartphone app called BOS: 311.
Introduce yourself to your neighbors, give them your contact information and get theirs. It’s just as easy and more pleasant to call them than the police.
If you have a dog, clean up after it. It’s courteous and a City ordinance.
Shovel sidewalks abutting your residence in the winter. It is your responsibility, not the City’s, to do so.
Be considerate when throwing parties: let your neighbors know about them and remember, many of them must wake up early, even on Saturdays.
Keep your property tidy.
Mission Hill-specific
Trash and recycling pick-ups are on Tuesdays and Fridays.
The local public library is the Parker Hill Branch Library, at 1497 Tremont St. The number is 617-427-3820.
The Tobin Community Center, at 1481 Tremont St., has gym facilities and classes, depending on age. It also has youth, family, and senior programs. Reach it at tobincommunitycenter.org and 617-635-5216.
Patronize local businesses. They love you.
Get involved in the neighborhood: join cleanups; go to community meetings; voice your opinions. You’re part of the community.