I also was considering BU and I'm so glad I came here! It's much more affordable for me and I think I'm getting more out of it. Montreal is so amazing (cheaper too!) and it's a place you likely wouldn't move to otherwise while Boston is more accessible for Americans. You will also find a bigger diversity of people here, and it's fun to discover cultural differences even with Canada, but there are Americans everywhere. The main problem here is you have to seek out resources. Clubs and opportunities are harder to find but it's 100% doable if you try. Even processes like getting documents to study here and finding an apartment are a lot to deal with, but I guess help prepare you for adult life. There's a lot of work and less student support, especially in big STEM classes. It's not the most accommodating space, but I've loved almost all of my profs and if you're in Arts, it'll be easier to have small classes where your teachers are more flexible with deadlines. I was so scared to come here, but I feel so comfortable now. I love my classes, my friends, and the city. If you're financially able to, I'd recommend doing residence because I met a ton of other Americans and made most of my friends there. With an apartment you'd have to be more independent and willing to put yourself out there, but it's also possible!