Harvard Square is a great option for those looking to move out of Vandy. It's within easy access of the M2 shuttle, which takes about 25 minutes from Harvard Yard to Longwood. The M2 shuttle runs Mon-Sat with frequent buses during AM and PM rush hours (the schedule can be found at http://www.masco.org/transit/ptsM2.htm). While it's definitely not as convenient as walking across the street to school, the commute offers a time to talk to classmates, read, or contemplate life. The Harvard T stop and buses make traveling downtown or pretty much anywhere in Boston relatively easy.

There's tons to do in the area. The atmosphere is lively and stimulating, especially on nights and weekends with streets bustling with a diverse array of people and performers. For those of you who like go out to eat good food or imbibe liquids, there are myriad restaurants, bars, dessert/ice cream stores and tea/coffee shops. Some of my favorite haunts are John Harvard's for hanging out over a beer, Grendel's Den for their half-priced "happy hour" menu, Dado's for the best jasmine bubble tea, Burdick's for yummy hot chocolate on a cold day, and Pho Pasteur for a steaming bowl of beef noodle soup on an even colder day. For late night munchies, Pinocchio's, Tommy's Pizza, and the Kong will make your stomach happy. For shopping, you'll find your basic mainstream stores (Gap, Urban Outfitters, EMS, Aldo's, etc.), but also an eclectic mix of small, unique shops and a plethora of bookstores and new/used CD stores. A few steps away from the Square flows the Charles River, which offers gorgeous views while you walk, run, rollerblade, or bike.

Being close to the Harvard main campus is a plus. With the swipe of an ID, you can workout at the Malkin Athletic Center, which offers a wide range of recreational classes, houses basketball courts and a pool, and has fully equipped cardio and weight rooms. The Harvard libraries, including Widener, Lamont, and Langdell, offer nice, peaceful places in which to study. Paine Music Building has practice rooms for students and offers the use of Steinway grand pianos and a harpsichord. The Harvard museums, such as the Fogg Art Museum and the Museum of Natural History, are free with a Harvard ID. The American Repertory Theater offers discounts for students, and there are always plenty of worthwhile and low-priced performances at Sanders Theater. If you're into artsy films, check out the Loews Harvard Square, Brattle Street cinema, and the Harvard Film Archive.

Rent is on the high side, with a lower range of about $600-800/month for a room in a multiple bedroom suite. I'm not sure how much utilities are in general, but I pay $20-40/month depending on how much heat we use (I live in a 4BR apartment with poor insulation). Harvard Square is well-lit and populated, so the area is relatively safe. However, there have been incidents of thefts and assaults in the area, so follow common-sense guidelines such as not walking by yourself late at night, keeping an eye on personal belongings, and locking your doors and windows.

In short, Harvard Square is definitely worth checking out.