Frequently Asked Questions

Who’s invited to Alumni Weekend?

All Terrier alumni are invited to come make new BU memories! The reunion Classes of 1959, 1984, 1999, and 2008 are our guests of honor, with special events planned just for them, but Alumni Weekend is for BU alums of all graduation years.

Can I bring my kids?

Alumni Weekend offers activities that kids will enjoy, like the Deck Out the Dogs–contest judging and Saturday night’s Rhett ’n’ Roll Party and hockey game. But some programming is not appropriate for children. The program descriptions on the Events pages can help you determine which events your kids would enjoy. (We ask that you be sensitive to others when deciding whether or not to bring your child to Alumni College classes.)

Will parking be available?

Yes, free parking will be available in University lots on Thursday evening, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Visit Hotels & Parking for more details and to download an Alumni Weekend parking pass.

Why can’t I stay in a residence hall?

Since class will be in session during Alumni Weekend, students have dibs on the dorms. But we’ve arranged discounted rates at local hotels for our returning alumni. Visit the Hotels & Parking page to see what we’ve lined up. Be sure to reserve your room early!

Can I work out at the Fitness and Recreation Center?

Sure! Daily guest passes are available at the FitRec front desk for $10 and provide access to all of the facility’s first-class amenities, including a climbing wall, weight rooms and exercise machines, basketball and squash courts, a 1/8-mile indoor jogging track, an Olympic-size lap pool, and a recreation pool with a hot tub and lazy river. Visit the FitRec website for more information.

What should I wear?

Pack casual clothes—that’s what you’ll need for most Alumni Weekend activities, unless an event description specifies otherwise. Throw in some dressier items for evening receptions. If you are participating in the community service project, bring some clothes that can get dirty. And don’t forget a poodle skirt or letterman’s jacket for the Rhett ’n’ Roll Pregame Party!

The average temperature on campus in late October is between 44 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit. But remember: this is Boston, so anything can happen. Pack a sweater and check The Weather Channel for Boston’s five-day forecast before you start your trip.

Will the bookstore be open?

Yes! You can stock up on BU gear at the Barnes & Noble at Boston University (660 Beacon Street, in Kenmore Square) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Don’t forget to show your BU alumni card to get a 10-percent discount! (You can request a new or updated alumni card online here. Allow ten days for delivery.)

Will there be campus tours?

You have three options for touring campus during Alumni Weekend: register for a campus walking tour on Saturday, led by a student guide; sign up for Friday’s Golden Terrier Campus Tour on Wheels (for the Class of ’59 and earlier); or call Boston University Admissions at 617-353-2318 to join one of their prospective-student tours, which will be running all day on Friday.

Can I eat in the dining halls?

Ready to try a new generation of University dining? Register for Saturday’s Breakfast in the Dining Halls to taste an array of dining options—including healthy and organic fare—that you might not recognize as college food! The West Campus dining hall and BU’s retail dining locations will also be open to the public at à la carte prices throughout the weekend. Visit the Dining Services website for locations and hours.

Can I attend a religious service?

There are opportunities for worship in many traditions on campus. Visit the Marsh Chapel website for more information about religious gatherings during Alumni Weekend.

How do I get around campus?

An Alumni Weekend shuttle bus will stop at designated spots around campus on Friday and Saturday, with schedules available at the Alumni Weekend registration desk.

The MBTA’s 57 bus and B-Line trains run the length of campus and are also a convenient way to get from place to place. They run from 5 a.m. to midnight—approximately; visit the MBTA website for detailed fare, route, and schedule information. The subway costs $2 per ride (60¢ for seniors and persons with disabilities) and the bus, $1.50 (40¢ for seniors and persons with disabilities). Children under eleven ride free with a paying adult. At the Kenmore Square T stop, at the eastern end of campus, you can buy a link pass and get unlimited rides for a day ($9) or a week ($15), or purchase a Charlie Card and add rides as needed for $1.70 (trains) or $1.25 (buses) apiece.

On Friday, hop on the BU Bus free of charge to get across the Charles River Campus and to the Medical Campus in the South End (visit the BU Bus Website for route and schedule information).

What happens if an event is cancelled due to weather?

Bostonians (and former Bostonians) can handle any weather! If it rains or snows, all outdoor events will either move inside or continue as planned.

What if I need to cancel my registration?

Cancel your registration by calling Alumni Relations at 800-800-3466. If you cancel before October 9, we will refund the cost of your registration in full.

If I’m not an alum of a particular class, college, or group, can I still go to their event?

Absolutely. Just be sure to register!