Moving to Massachusetts can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming — especially if you're new to the U.S., moving with children, coming here for work, bringing a spouse or partner, or planning a study or exchange program.
On this page we have collected useful places to start if you have questions about housing, school, daycare, networking, everyday life and studying in Massachusetts.
Housing: How to find a place to live
The housing market in Massachusetts — especially in and around Boston — can be expensive and competitive. Before you sign a lease, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with typical rental requirements, security deposits, any brokerage fees, utility costs, and what's included in the rent.
Useful places to start
- Your city or municipality's website — many cities have information about parking, waste, schools, local regulations, and practicalities for new residents — mange byer har information om parkering, affald, skoler, lokale regler og praktiske forhold for nye beboere.
- Mass.gov: Housing Assistance — official information about housing, rental assistance, and housing programs in Massachusetts official information about housing, rental assistance, and housing programs in Massachusetts
- Housing Navigator Massachusetts search tool for income-restricted and affordable rental housing in Massachusetts
School and daycare center
Public schools in Massachusetts are usually affiliated with the city or town where you live. This means that your address often determines which school district your child will attend. So it may be a good idea to research schools before choosing a place to live.
Daycare, preschool and after-school care are often private, can be expensive and may have waiting lists, so it's a good idea to start your search as early as possible.
Useful places to start
- Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education information about public schools from kindergarten to high school
- Early Learning Information for Families information about toddlers, early learning and starting school
- Licensed Child Care Search search tool for approved daycare centers and childcare arrangements
- Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care guidance on approved childcare programs
For spouses and partners
Many Danes come to Massachusetts because their spouse or partner has a job, research position, secondment or study stay. If you follow along without a job or network, it can quickly feel lonely and isolating — even if the stay is exciting.
It can help to reach out to local communities early on
- local libraries and cultural centers
- international groups and expat networks
- Danish or Scandinavian associations
- volunteer work
- adult education or English courses
- playgroups, school events and leisure activities if you have children
- network through the spouse's workplace or university
Useful places to start
- Mass.gov: New to Massachusetts official information for new residents of Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants Community Partners Directory overview of organizations that help new citizens and international families
- Massachusetts Library Directory A list of libraries in Massachusetts. Local libraries are often a good place to start when you're new to the area, as they offer events, children's activities, English-language conversation groups, museum passes, and local information.
- Danish and Scandinavian associations in New England Danish and Scandinavian associations in New England
For students and exchange students
Massachusetts has many colleges and universities, but the American education system can be difficult to understand if you are coming from Denmark. The costs often do not only consist of tuition fees. You also need to pay attention to housing, food, health insurance, books, fees and transportation.
it is a good idea to investigate
- the difference between college, university, community college, undergraduate and graduate studies
- What tuition, room, board and fees mean
- whether housing and meals are mandatory or optional
- how credits and course selection work
- what visa rule applies
- whether there are grants, scholarships or exchange agreements
- whether your Danish educational institution has cooperation agreements with American institutions
Useful places to start
- EducationUSA official US resource for international students who want to study in the US
- EducationUSA: Financial Aid information about scholarships and financial aid for international students
- EducationUSA: Find an Advising Center A search page where international students can find an EducationUSA advising center. Advisors can help with general information about applying to U.S. colleges and universities
- International Student Office at the college or university you are considering — the best source of information on visas, course choices, housing, health insurance, and local requirements
- Your Danish university or educational institution ask about exchange agreements, credits, scholarships and practical requirements
Everyday life and practical questions
Many practical matters in Massachusetts are handled locally by the city or municipality where you live. These include schools, garbage collection, parking permits, snow management, libraries, and recreational activities.
Good places to check
- your city or municipality's website
- your local library
- your school district's website
- your workplace's HR or relocation department
- the university's international office, if you are a student, researcher or visiting scholar
See also
- Mass.gov The official website for the state of Massachusetts. Here you can find information on everything from housing, health and family to transportation, taxes, driver's licenses and public services
- Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles — RMV Massachusetts' answer to the motor vehicle office. Here you will find information about driver's licenses, Massachusetts ID, car registration, license plates, car insurance and driving tests
- Mass.gov: Massachusetts ID requirements A handy page about what documents you need to get a Massachusetts ID or driver's license. The page is especially useful for new immigrants, as they often need to document their identity, address, and residency status.