I lived in Cleveland Circle for about 5 years. It’s a perfect option for your situation IMO. Easy to get to campus, plenty of food and a bar or two. Direct access to Back Bay and downtown via the C line (and B or D depending on where you live precisely).

I wouldn’t bring a car unless you’ll need it for off campus work or something. The snow isn’t that big of a deal but parking is a nightmare. I had a car the whole time I lived in the neighborhood and it was hit while parked 5 different times. Just a total pain in the ass.

Some other options for you would make more sense with a car (Newton, Chestnut Hill, etc).