Heat Advisory Information For Students Living In Residence
We know it’s hot out. Here are some tips from our Residence Life team about how to stay cool if you’re living on campus during this heat wave. (This has also been sent via email to all students living on campus this summer.) If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to us (dos@bu.edu or 617-353-4126.)
With temperatures continuing to hover in the 90 degree range, please be advised that the City of Boston has issued a Heat Advisory and is reminding residents, including Boston University students, to stay safe in the heat.
Boston University students are reminded to take precautions against heat-related illness or injuries. Athletic activities should be limited between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and/or when temperatures exceed 90 degrees. You should drink plenty of fluids, avoiding those with caffeine or alcohol. When outside, remember to wear sunscreen, seek out shaded areas and wear clothing that is light-colored and loose fitting.
Whenever possible, students should seek out air-conditioned locations to assist in remaining cool. On campus, students can go to the Mugar Library, which is air conditioned. Summer hours are: Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 11 p.m., Friday – Saturday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. The George Sherman Union is open Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 575 Commonwealth Avenue has a first-floor study lounge that is open 24 hours a day. BU’s Fitness and Recreation Center is another option. Summer hours are Monday – Thursday 6 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Please note that the Competition Pool is currently closed for maintenance and repairs. The Recreation Pool hours can be found on the Fit Rec website: www.bu.edu/fitrec.
Students are also encouraged to seek out places off-campus, which offer cooling options. These include, but are not limited to local museums (Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, The Institute for Contemporary Art), as well as movie theatres and shopping malls.
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department has public swimming pools and water spray stations located throughout the city, which are open from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. unless otherwise posted. As well, all Boston Centers for Youth and Families have been converted to Cooling Centers – offering locations to escape the heat. Information for these facilities are available via the City of Boston website: www.cityofboston.gov or by calling the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at 617-635-4500.
As a reminder, air conditioners and window-mounted fans are prohibited from the residence halls. You may use floor fans. Thank you for your cooperation.
If you have any questions, please contact your local Residence Life Office. Hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday and 7 p.m. – midnight seven days a week.