Welcome College of General Studies (CGS) Freshmen

FAQs

When can I move into my dorm room on campus? 
When you sign up for QUICKSTART, you are cleared for early move-in on Thursday, August 28.  The Resident Advisor in your dorm will have a key for your room upon arrival.

When does the program start?
Quickstart begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, at the College of General Studies, 871 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston. Dinner will be provided.

What about meals prior to the weekend? 
You will be on your own for meals on Thursday.  There are lots of restaurants and campus food outlets near your dorm.  We serve a continental breakfast before leaving on the bus Friday morning, and all meals are provided at Sargent Center from then on.

Can you handle special diets at Sargent Center? 
Yes.  There are always vegetarian alternatives at each meal.  If you eat a vegan diet or have other restrictions, please email us as soon as possible.  We can accommodate almost anything, given notice; if we cannot, we will contact you about bringing substitutions.

How do I get from the BU campus to Sargent Center?
Comfortable coach transportation is provided round trip from Boston to the Center in New Hampshire.  The bus departs from the CGS building at 8 a.m. on Friday and returns by
4 p.m. on Sunday.

What will I miss at BU over the weekend? 
Nothing!  During that time, there are no events scheduled in Boston that you are expected to attend.  Dorm meetings begin on Sunday evening, after your return.

What do I need to bring to QUICKSTART? 
Mainly your enthusiasm and excitement about beginning your BU career!  There is a complete clothing list in the Site Information link at www.bu.edu/outdoor/quickstart.  Cabins come with linens, blanket, pillow, and towel.  All specialized equipment and food will be provided – even a QUICKSTART t-shirt!

What if I need medical attention while I’m at QUICKSTART? 
All the instructors have first aid training and carry first aid kits.  There is an excellent hospital in Peterborough, 15 minutes away, and the Center is served by a local ambulance team.  Make sure you carry your insurance information with you and any personal care items you would pack for an overnight trip.

Where should I keep my valuable items? 
Because QUICKSTART is intended to be a weekend to get to know your classmates and faculty face to face, electronics such as cell phones and iPods are best locked safely in your BU dorm room.  There also are no stores or vending machines that require money, so you won’t want to carry much with you.

Can I add my Quickstart registration fee to my fall semester invoice? 
No. Quickstart is a separate registration fee through Sargent Center and must be paid for directly, at the time of registration.