Arriving on Campus for International Students
Helpful Links
We are looking forward to seeing you on campus at Boston University this summer. Once you have arrived, you'll have a few things to do before you start your classes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how and where to get your ID, set up a BU email account, buy your books, find your classes, obtain housing information, and much more.
Boston University is located in the heart of Boston, and is easily accessible by public transportation or car. Boston's subway and bus system, known as the “T,” provides service to the BU campus via the Green Line “B” train. The main BU stops are BU East, BU Central, and BU West. Driving directions to campus can be found here.
We recommend that you take care of the following items as soon as you arrive.
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Check-in with the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO)
All visiting international students attending Summer Term programs at Boston University are required to check-in with the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) immediately upon arriving on campus, regardless of US immigration status. Be sure to take your immigration documents with you. The ISSO is located at 888 Commonwealth Avenue on the second floor. Call 617-353-3565 if you have any questions, or visit bu.edu/isso.
In addition to reporting to the ISSO when you first arrive, students in F-1 status on an I-20 issued by Boston University must also report to the ISSO for any of the following reasons:
- If you plan to register part-time or withdraw from courses to part-time study, even if for medical reasons.
- Before you interrupt a program of study at the University, whether due to a temporary leave of absence, suspension, or permanent withdrawal.
- If there are errors in your legal name, date of birth, country of citizenship, or country of birth as such information appears on your I-20 or in your University record.
- At any such time there is a change to your or your dependent’s legal name (within 10 days), country of citizenship, program of study, or financial sponsorship as such information appears in your passport or on your I-20.
- If there is a change to your or your dependent’s residential address (within 10 days) during your stay in the US in F-1 status while on an I-20 issued by Boston University.
Failure to report such changes promptly to the ISSO could result in a violation of your F-1 status, and may even prevent you from remaining in the United States to complete your studies.
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International Student Orientation
Summer Term will offer international student orientation activities and receptions on the following dates:
Summer 1: Wednesday, May 23, 2012; 3:30 – 6 pm
Summer 2: Tuesday, July 3, 2012; 3:30 – 6 pmWe require all international students to attend orientation. You will learn about University resources such as the ISSO, Student Health Services, and the Fitness & Recreation Center facilities and membership.
If you can’t attend our orientation, please stop by the Summer Term office, located at 755 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 105. Office hours are 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.
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Your Student ID: The Terrier Card
All Boston University students are assigned a nine-character, computer-generated ID number. This University ID number or "U" number is used for all University records including registration and class adjustments.
Terrier Cards for new students are issued at the start of each Summer Term session. Photo identification must be presented to receive a new Terrier Card, so bring your passport with you for identification.
For information on obtaining a new or replacement Terrier Card, contact:
Terrier Card Office
George Sherman Union
775 Commonwealth Avenue, Lower Level
Boston, MA 02215
Monday–Friday, 9 am – 5 pmIf you have questions regarding the Terrier Card, please call 617-353-9966, email tco@bu.edu, or visit bu.edu/terriercard.
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Set Up Your Computer Account
A BU login name and Kerberos password are provided to all students. They are required to access most online resources at BU, such as the wireless network, course sites (such as Blackboard), and the Student Link. The BU login name and Kerberos password can also be used in conjunction with the general purpose personal computing lab located at the Mugar Memorial Library, 771 Commonwealth Avenue, which provides access to a variety of popular PC software and high-speed printing.
To open an account or for IT assistance, bring your BU ID (Terrier Card) with you to either IT Help Center location: 533 Commonwealth Avenue in Kenmore Square or Mugar Library, 771 Commonwealth Avenue.
IT Help Center
533 Commonwealth Avenue or 771 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617-353-HELP (4357)
Email: ithelp@bu.edu
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Pay Your Bill
If you have not paid your bill already, please visit Student Accounting Services in person or go to our How to Pay section for more information on payment options.
Student Accounting Services
881 Commonwealth Avenue, Basement Level
Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617-353-2264
Email: studenta@bu.edu
Payment is due by May 22 for Summer 1 and by July 2 for Summer 2. Late fees are charged if you do not pay by these deadlines.
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Update Your Health Immunizations
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires all full-time and part-time international students to submit proof of immunization against the following communicable diseases: measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), tetanus, hepatitis-B, and (bacterial) meningitis.
If you are not in compliance with all Boston University Health Immunization requirements when you arrive on campus, you have seven (7) days to obtain the necessary vaccination(s), or you will be considered out of status. You may obtain vaccinations at:
Student Health Services
881 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215Contact Student Health Services at 617-353-3575, or visit bu.edu/shs.
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Buy Your Books
The textbooks for your courses are available at the Barnes & Noble @ Boston University bookstore, located at 660 Beacon Street in Kenmore Square.
Summer Hours
Monday–Friday, 9 am – 9 pm
Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday, 12 pm – 6 pmThe bookstore’s main phone number is 617-267-8484 and the textbook direct line is
617-236-7420. The website is bu.bkstore.com and the email address is bksbu@bncollege.com. -
Locate Your Classes and Check Your Schedule
You'll want to make sure you know where to go—and when—on the first day of class. After you register, you will receive a copy of your course schedule and room location.
For example, if your course is “CAS PS 101S B1 GEN PSYCHOLOGY TR 0600P 0930P GCB155,” then your Summer 2 course, Psychology 101, will meet on Tuesdays (T) and Thursdays (R) from 6 - 9:30 pm in the GCB (General Classroom Building), room 155.
To find your building code and locate your class, please use the following links:
We are here to make your summer study experience a pleasant and rewarding one. If you have any questions about arriving on campus or studying at Boston University—or if you have not received a copy of your course schedule—please be sure to contact us.