1. I'll probably get downvoted to hell but I usually am anyways, but Allston is a shit hole filled with rats and hipsters. Sure you can find some nice and cheap apartments but you can also find nice apartments in mattapan. I rather give my left testicle than live near any of those goddamn hipsters, if that's your thing then all the power to ya mate. If i were you I'd stay near downtown if I were you (back bay, bay village, beacon hill, etc) it's where a lot of the yuppies live... look up the Boston Facebook housing group and sure you can find a sublet.

2. Social life sucks ass here. Everyone is reserved and it's not a city to approach a stranger in and do small talk. If you talk to someone here most of them will look at what you like "wtf do you want from me?"

3. Must see activities are all the boston stuff. Sure they're tourist traps, but they're important and historical. Our country was practically founded in Boston. Look on trip advisor. Once you get all the touristy Boston shit outta your system, start looking for more low key shit but those tourist things are a must in my opinion, especially if you're only here for 6 months.

4. Boston is one of the most bike friendly cities in America. I've been to other cities that think they're bike friendly like those goddamn hipsters in Seattle and San Francisco, umm yeah if you wanna bike up a 1000 foot elevation then sure but here mostly everything is flat and biking is one of the fastest ways around town.

Take all this shit with a grain of salt though, I'm not the best advice giver on this fucking sub.

Cheers mate and tips fedora