I did my research before moving in, now I pass my knowledge along to you:…read more
CONS:
- The internet signal is spotty, depending on where you are in the building
- While you can forward your mail in, you can't forward it out.
- Cannot use the kitchen after 10 PM
- No candles, irons, hot plates, rice cookers, space heaters, or microwaves allowed in your room
- No alcohol allowed on the premises
- Although they have coin-operated washing machines in the basement, there are no dryers
- You are not allowed to leave your cooking unattended, so don't even think about preheating the oven and then going to the bathroom!
- Monthly room checks to make sure you aren't breaking the rules
- No men above the lobby - but you can entertain guests on the first floor
PROS:
- Great location, only a 2-3 minute walk from the Kenmore T stop
- Very quiet
- Affordable
- Other lodgers are mostly kind and friendly
- Full use of the three kitchens, including stove/oven, microwave, refrigerator, and toaster oven
- Although the entrance doesn't seem to be handicap accessible, there are two elevators inside
- Entrance monitored at all times and locked at night - security cameras, too.
- Huge closets
- Furnished
- More private than your typical house share/roommate situation
- Bathroom is cleaned twice a day by cleaning staff
- No evidence of bedbugs or vermin of any kind
I haven't had any problems with administration - everyone has been friendly, kind, helpful, and polite. I am super nice to them all, just in case! Mr. Guy is an absolute doll and will go out of his way to get you what you need, even without being asked.
Yes, there are often a lot of annoying signs posted around, admonishing ladies for not cleaning up their messes, parking in front of the building, etc. If they don't apply to you, ignore them. Sometimes they are useful, like warning about parking bans, room inspections, or "anti-terrorist training exercises" happening nearby.
The bottom line is, we're lucky that places like OLGH still exist, and I wish there were more of them. Are you sick and need to be close to your doctors in Boston? OLGH is there for you. Are you escaping an abusive relationship? OLGH is there. Are you a student but you're on a waiting list for a dorm? OLGH is the answer. You can sign a lease quickly and move in the next day if you need to.
Don't expect to live in the lap of luxury, but do expect a roof over your head, a bed to sleep in, a kitchen to use, and running water. (I have had no issues with water temperatures as of yet.)
OTHER TIPS:
- Bring toilet paper and carry it with you to the bathroom; it is not supplied
- You can have a mini fridge in your room, if you're worried about your food being stolen from the community fridge, which can happen.
- Although space heaters are prohibited, the lease DOES NOT prohibit electric blankets, curling irons, or flat (hair) irons.
- If you bring your own A/C (or rent one from the building) you'll have to pay extra for electric every month. If you buy your own fan/window fan, you don't.
I'll update this sporadically if I think of anything else.