When choosing a seat, make sure you pick an empty one and don't sit on top of a random stranger. I've made that mistake more times than I care to admit and only once did the experience lead to a new friend.

Thank you! 👻

This probably falls under common sense, but it was a rookie mistake I made:

If it can be avoided, don't sit on the eastern facing side of the train in the morning, unless you enjoy intense strobing direct sunlight for the duration of your commute.

Made this mistake once and it actually managed to make me ill, despite closed eyes, sunglasses, and a hat.

Some folks aren't sensitive to it so YMMV.

It can be a very pleasant trip when nothing is delayed. The operator’s accent over the PA usually gets a laugh or two out of me. Watch a tv show or get a chance to read that book you’ve been putting off.

Getting off at Back Bay is my favorite stop. Only because there are usually pigeons at the back of the Dunkin Donuts line inside.

Literally walk into any cafe and look at the bulletin board, there’s so many events and activities going on!

Should be quite straightforward. The Providence line is probably the best CR line. Fairly punctual, no safety concerns at all, easy to purchase tickets on the app. Just make sure you board the right train and don’t miss your stop.

The commuter rail really isn't bad. Make sure you know your train's schedule, and either buy a ticket in advance or have money with you.

While in Boston, the trains are fine (except maybe the orange line? Not sure what its status is right now), though they're generally packed (green line) and very noisy (red line). It's honestly easier to walk most places if it's close enough. Make sure you don't miss the last commuter rail train.

Oh, I don't know when they added these, but there are these kiosks where you can rent portable batteries to keep your phone charged. Saved my butt the last time I went into Boston

100% agree. If you’re not in a rush, and looking to get across to Cambridge or something lackadaisically, it’s fine, but you cannot schedule around in-Boston lines anymore. The city is very walkable if you’re only needing to go around back bay, south end, north end areas.

Man, I take this all the time to go to BOS and back. It’s incredibly convenient, especially looking at the rest of the country’s options.

No safety concerns, but please pay attention to the stops and train schedule. Use the MBTA app. Don’t be the guy getting on a train that doesn’t go to your stop. You can pay on the app on your train.

Activate your ticket right before they come to collect. Sometimes they are understaffed or striking by not collecting, and you got yourself a free trip and you can save your digital ticket for later.

Always check the Amtrak schedule because the trips can get down to $9, and cheaper than the T. As you said though, that schedule is harder to line up.

Edit: edited for grammar

Yes. 110%. If you can walk it then walk (ex. North to South Station). They shut down all the time, are late, and generally a bit sketchy to ride on. It still depends on the line color but still, I wouldn’t recommend it to anybody not looking for a very uh “Bostonian Experience”

Thanks! Just out of curiosity, should you avoid the in-Boston lines because of reliability?

Thanks for the input! I was considering biking but I'll grab a ride instead. Good to know about rush hour, too. I'll keep that in mind and do my best to be early.

Persimmon or Al Forno

I’m assuming purple line? We shit on MBTA but the lines that actually go outside of greater Boston aren’t bad and fairly reliable. It’s really the in-Boston lines (Orange, Red in particular) people advise you to avoid

Edit: realized this was the PVD sub not BOS, I take it all the time you’re fine. It’s cheaper than amtrak

How are you getting to the train station? If you’re driving, you’ll be able to park at the PPM lot on Hayes St and walk over. There’s a parking lot closer to the train station but it feels up quickly.

If you’re biking, the train station is where everyone gets their bike stolen so either bring it with you (if you’re not on peak commuter hours) or lock it down Fort Knox style.

Some booths have outlets for chargers so you can get some work done. You’ll probably loose signal somewhere around Sharon though.

Rush hour is a lot. Train fills up fast on the BOS > PVD route.

Hey man I’m in the same boat (22 yo guy). I luckily have a group of friends because I attended undergrad in RI but it certainly hasn’t been easy meeting other people my age just in the city. I’ve gone out to a lot of bars only and it seems like everyone is either college age or upper 20s/30s. I haven’t had much luck finding a good drinking spot for younger 20s besides Fish Co. As for sport and other groups I haven’t tried that much. Hit me up though we could try to send some together!

Name some interests will make it easier to help. The bar scene is very alive for the early 20’s crowd so those are easier recommendations to make

Also a 22 year old who is moving to Providence soon, I just asked the same question in the Rhode Island forum so ill lyk what they say in that one!

Social sports groups

There’s more to the neighborhood than atwells ave.

The East End

[deleted]

Waterman Grill, can't beat the river view!

Technically yes, but practically, it's everything north of Broadway. The vibe between Westminster and Broadway isn't a federal hill vibe.

I recommend meetups. Find something you’re interested in or there are a few 20s-30s groups!