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There are 154 comments on Move-in 2016: What You Need to Know

  1. A question about FYSOP move-in today. Is there a height restriction for vehicles entering the garage for Warren Towers? If there is, where should SUVs park? Thank you.

    1. Thanks for your question. Vehicle height can not exceed 6 feet 2 inches. Taller vehicles will be directed to parking on Cummington Mall.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

    1. The police will take your word that you are a student moving in. They can usually tell by the car full of belongings! A friendly smile is always appreciated by the BU and Boston police and the Scarlett Squad.

    1. FYSOP students arriving at West Campus (Claflin, Sleeper and Rich Halls) should proceed directly to Babcock St. BU Police will direct them to unloading areas and the parking garage.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

  2. Planning on moving my sophmore son in on Thurs Sept 1st. There is some stuff coming from storage between 3:00 & 5:00. So the dorm will be closed at 4:00 ?

  3. What time can students for FYSOP beginning in today?

    Also, from the pics of the garage entrance, it doesn’t look like a small SUV with an overhead car carrier will fit in the garage. Is there an alternate place to park like Hindsdale or Cummington streets to unload?

      1. We are moving in on west campus on Saturday with a similar oversized small SUV with rooftop carrier, which is too tall for a parking garage… Where will we park and unload?

        1. Hi Clinton,

          There is plenty of room in the West Campus area for oversized vehicles. The Police and the Parking staff will direct you once you arrive on Babcock Street.

          Marc Robillard
          Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

  4. Hi,
    We are planning on moving our son, an incoming freshman, to campus on Friday the 2nd. He will be living at Sleeper. I realize that Friday of a holiday weekend will be busy no matter what but wondered if there was a preferable time to arrive on campus to avoid extreme traffic.
    Thanks!

    1. Thank you for your question. You are welcome to check-in from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.on Friday. There is no preferred time.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

    2. Having moved on to campus 3 times before, the earlier in the morning you go, the better. Any time after 11 will be worse than earlier in the day. I usually leave my house around 8:30 to get to BU at 9:30 and do alright

  5. My freshman son requested to move in on Wednesday. No official BU confirmation is required?

    Will we be able to pull into the garage at 575 Comm Ave?

    Thanks!

    1. Thank you for your question. No confirmation is required. Just drive directly to 575 Commonwealth Avenue on Wednesday. Check-in times are 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

    2. Hi Denise,

      You may certainly use the garage at 575 Commonwealth Avenue.

      Good luck with the move!

      Best,
      Timothy Dunn
      Operations Manager
      Parking & Transportation Services

  6. Hi, What time does FYSOP move-in begin today at Warren Towers? Will the students pick up keys at Warren, or do they get them when they register at GSU for FYSOP?
    Thanks!

    1. Hi Nancy,

      FYSOP move in “officially” begins at 4 p.m. Students assigned to Warren Towers will pick-up their keys at Warren Towers.

      All the best!

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

      1. Thanks Marc! You are having a busy morning. Will there be those wheeled bins available at Warren? And does move in “unofficially” begin any earlier than 4? (just wondering about the ” ” )

        1. Yes there are carts available at Warren. The yellow moving cart is our opening of school mascot.
          The Warren Towers staff has the discretion to start checking in FYSOP students earlier than 4 p.m. if the rooms are ready.

          Marc Robillard

  7. Hi Felix,

    Please call our office when you have a moment so we may discuss logistics. My phone number is (617) 353-2160 and I am in the office today until 5pm.

    Best,
    Timothy Dunn
    Operations Manager
    Parking & Transportation Services

    1. Sleeper Hall students will pick-up their keys at the West Campus check-in location at Rich Hall (the building adjacent to Sleeper. There will be signs and volunteers to direct you. The official check in time for FYSOP is 4 p.m.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

      1. To the BU facilities team: Just a quick word of commendation. We moved our daughter into Sleeper Hall yesterday, and having read this blog, it went like clockwork (as much as can be expected!). Excellent system once you figure it out. Thanks again to your entire team (and the student volunteers)!

    1. The Bookstore is open both days. The hours are: Sunday September 4 from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Monday September 5 from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

  8. We should also acknowledge the important role that our teams at Facilities Management & Planning (FMP) and Residence Life play in preparing for and welcoming our resident students. Student rooms, suites, and apartments are being cleaned by FMP so they’re ready for occupancy; no small feat. Residence Life staff personally greet and welcome each resident student upon arrival. The collaboration among BU Housing, Facilities Management & Planning, and Residence Life began months ago to ensure we have a successful Move-in 2016. We in ResLife look forward to an excellent week ahead.

  9. Since first years can’t live in StuVi 1, can returning students show up to move in as early as 9 AM on Sunday? If not, when is the earliest time we can move into StuVi 1 on that day?

    1. Yes you can check in at 9 a.m. at 10 Buick Street on Sunday. Buick Street will be closed on Sunday from approximately 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. for the Matriculation Walk.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

  10. If taking an Uber onto campus to unload the usual pile o’ stuff on 8/29 at Warren, will that vehicle be permitted to go into the garage off Hinsdale? Like everyone else, I am trying to find the closest permissible access for ease of unloading.

    1. Thanks for the question. If the vehicle is less than 6 feet 2 inches high it will be allowed to enter the Warren Towers garage.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

    2. Hi Zack,

      Yes, the vehicle will be able to access the garage. Please have your Terrier Card with you to allow the garage attendant to confirm your Boston University affiliation.

      Best,
      Timothy Dunn
      Operations Manager
      Parking & Transportation Services

    1. Thanks for the question. Danielsen Hall residents will unload in front of Danielsen Hall. Parking will be available at the Questrom lot, the 575 Commonwealth Avenue lot or you can park at a meter on Beacon Street (you will have to pay the meter).

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

    1. All South campus residents check in and pick up their room key at the South Campus Area Office located at 518 Park Drive.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

  11. I am a continuing student moving into south campus on Sunday Sept. 4. My flight arrives early in the morning , how will I be able to move in if the time begins at noon? My family won’t be with me and I have boxes arriving curbside before noon as well. I made these arrangements months ago before I realized the 9am check ins were only for freshman. I would love to know if there is anyway for me to check in earlier I don’t want to be stranded in front of my dorm for hours.

  12. My son is moving into 1047 Commonwealth Ave. on Sunday afternoon. If we wanted to ship an Amazon pantry box to him, will the mailroom be open on Sunday? Also from the mailing info available on his Student link, it appears mail should still be sent to the Rich Hall address. Is this correct?

    1. Thank you for your questions. Yes the mail rooms will be open on Sunday (and on Monday too). Packages for residents of 1047 Commonwealth Avenue will be available at Rich Hall.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

    1. Good question. There are no handicap parking spaces in front of 140 Bay State Road. After unloading your vehicle in front of the building, I recommend parking in either the Harari Building lot at 595 Commonwealth Avenue (directly behind The Towers)or the CAS Lot located at the west end of Bay State Road. The area around the Towers and Bay State Road is flat and there are no stairs to navigate

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

  13. We are attending freshman orientation Sept 1 & 2. Can my daughter check in to her dorm (Bay State Rd.) on Friday afternoon instead of Saturday morning?

    1. Thank you for your question. Students attending Orientation Session 8 usually arrive and check-in on Wednesday August 31. It is OK with us if you want to wait until Friday afternoon.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

      1. Yes, we are arriving Wednesday August 31, but I think her housing for orientation is different than her dorm assignment for the academic year. Please clarify if I am mistaken.

        1. Students attending Orientation go directly to their academic year room assignment. There is no special orientation assignment for Session 8.

          Marc Robillard

  14. Hello!

    I plan on either taking an Uber or taxi to move-in on Saturday to a Bay State dorm. Am I just supposed to have the driver go directly to my residence and park in front for unload?

    1. Hi Brittany,

      First you will need to pick up your room key. You can see where to pick up your key at myhousing.bu.edu.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

    1. Hi Evan,

      The Terrier Card office is located on the lower level of the George Sherman Union. The hours are 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. this week and all weekend including Labor Day. Bring a government issued photo ID such as drivers license or a passport.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

    1. Hi Abi,

      The police will direct you to available parking after you unload at Myles. The most convenient lots are the 575 Commonwealth Avenue lot and the Harari Building lot at 595 Commonwealth Avenue.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

  15. My son is moving in on Wednesday to Warren Towers…when can we start sending him mail/packages? Also, when do the dining halls open? Many thanks to all at BU for coordinating these move in processes:)

  16. My daughter is in FYSOP and arriving today. We are arriving Wed. with the rest of her stuff. Will the Warren Towers garage be open for us to drop off the rest of her stuff after 7pm?

    1. Hi Wendy,

      Yes, the garage will be open and you may certainly pull in after 7pm. However, please keep in mind that the elevator that will take your daughter’s belongings up to the lobby from the garage will only be in operation until 8pm on Wednesday. Staff will be on the third level of the garage until that time to assist with unloading.

      Best,
      Timothy Dunn
      Operations Manager
      Parking & Transportation Services

  17. Hi – I registered my move-in time a while ago for Saturday, but I just realized that continuing students are supposed to move in on Sunday (I’m a sophomore). I specifically wanted Saturday because I’d like my dad to help me move in, and he’s leaving on Sunday. Will I still be able to move in on Saturday since I registered that as my time? Thanks!

    1. Hi Ian,

      Yes you can check in on Saturday. We are looking forward to having you back on campus.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

    1. Hi Shelley,

      Drive down to Babcock Street. The BU and Boston Police will direct you to the unloading zone and then to the best parking available either in the Langsam Garage on Babcock Street or the Agganis Arena garage right next door.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

  18. Hi! We are moving our daughter in to 1047 Commonwealth on Sunday – once we have quickly unloaded our vehicle, where can we park? Thanks!!

    1. Thanks for the question. Parking will be available in the Langsam Garage directly behind 1047 Commonwealth Avenue.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

  19. Hey there. My girlfriend and I are moving tommorow (Aug 30) from Fenway near the baseball park to Davis Square and Brookline respectfully. What’s the best way to get through to somerville while avoiding traffic? We are moving in the morning. Are there any roads that we should outright avoid? We aren’t affiliated with BU. But we live so close at we should we should ask.

    Lastly. Where can we pick up boxes for free?

    1. Hi Kyle –

      There is no official BU move-in on August 30th (it is the only day this week that students cannot move in) so you are in luck. Besides the usual Boston traffic woes, you should be fine to get over to Somerville. Best of luck!

      -Kat Cornetta
      Dean of Students office

    2. Kyle,

      Tomorrow should be a lighter day traffic wise around campus as no Move-In activities are scheduled. If you are moving between 11am and 3pm you should avoid rush hour traffic as well as any increased traffic due to the game at Fenway.

      Good luck with the move.

      Timothy Dunn
      Operations Manager
      Parking & Transportation Services

    1. Hi Kevin,

      Please unload and park at either the Agganis Arena Garage (Lot A) or the Agganis Arena Surface Lot (Lot C-2). Both of these facilities are accessible from Commonwealth Avenue by turning right off of Commonwealth Avenue on to Buick Street if you are travelling westbound or by turning left on to Harry Agganis Way off of Commonwealth Avenue if you are travelling eastbound.

      Best,
      Timothy Dunn
      Operations Manager
      Parking & Transportation Services

  20. Hey Thanks for all the answers!! I am not planning on arriving with my daughter’s stuff [she’s at FYSOP] until later on Saturday. Maybe 4:00ish. She’s in the Towers. Is there always parking available nearby, even that late, or does it fill up?

    1. Hi Chris,

      After unloading in front of the Towers you may proceed down to Bay State Road to the CAS Lot (Lot J). This open air lot, located just after the Castle and across from the Admissions Reception Center, will have more than enough capacity when you arrive.

      Best,
      Timothy Dunn
      Operations Manager
      Parking & Transportation Services

  21. Hello. I will be traveling to Boston with my freshman son on Friday September 2nd, and then move him into the Kilachand Hall on Saturday.

    We have off-campus accommodations on Friday in the vicinity of Langsam Garage. Will I be able to charge my electric vehicle overnight in the Langsam Garage (Friday)?

    Which parking lot can I use on Saturday after unloading at the Kilachand Hall?

    Thank you

    1. Good Morning Vladimir,

      Happy to help.

      Parking & Transportation Services utilizes ChargePoint to access the EV stations on campus therefore please bring your ChargePoint card with you if you have one. Unfortunately, the only method of payment for the EV stations on campus is the ChargePoint card. The cost of charging your vehicle will be $0.25 per hour. If your vehicle remains charging longer than 4 hours, the cost of charging will increase to $0.50 per hour thereafter.

      After unloading at Kilachand on Saturday, please proceed to the Hariri Garage, 595 Commonwealth Avenue or the CAS Lot, 240 Bay State Road. Both facilities are a short distance from Kilachand.

      Timothy Dunn
      Operations Manager
      Parking & Transportation Services

    1. Good Morning,

      In order to keep vehicles from parking in the bicycle lane on Commonwealth Avenue, please park in the 730/750 Commonwealth Avenue Lot or the 766 Commonwealth Avenue Lot. Both parking facilities are a short distance, about a half block, from your daughter’s residence.

      Timothy Dunn
      Operations Manager
      Parking & Transportation Services

  22. Hi,
    I’m an incoming freshman, I was wondering what the logistics are for parents coming to matriculation. Do they come to Agannis Arena at 11:30?

    Thanks:)

    1. Parents should arrive at the arena around 1:30pm or so. The ceremony begins at 2pm. Students will walk to Matriculation together – depending on where you live, you will either begin walking at 12:50pm, 1pm or 1:15pm.

  23. We are moving our son into Warren Towers on 9/2. What time slots is the dorm open that day for moving in? Where does he get his keys? We have a Volvo small SUV and will have an overhead Thule rack on it to fit Zach’s stuff. If it doesn’t fit in the garage, how far is Cummington Mall from the dorm? Will there be people to help us? Will there be moving carts that we can use? Thank you.

    1. Thanks for your questions. On Friday September 2 check-in will be from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Zach can pick up his room key in the 4th floor multipurpose room. He will also get a moving cart there. The Cummington Mall is directly behind Warren Towers. Because Friday is early move-in the Scarlett Squad will not be available to help.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

        1. Hi Alice,

          The BU Police and Parking staff will direct you to available parking. We have a number of surface parking lots in the area. A good option is the CAS lot.

          Marc Robillard
          Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

    1. Claflin Hall is 273 Babcock Street. Once on Babcock St. BU and Boston Police will direct you to he unloading area and parking.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

  24. Our son is on the FYSOP and has already checked in his room. We are reaching on Thursday ….we need to drop off rest of his stuff at TOWERS ! How late can we drop off? Also when will we be able to go up to his room?

    1. Good questions. You should make arrangements to meet your son at the Towers on Thursday evening. We do not allow parents to deliver student belongings to the room without the student present. As strange as it may seem this is now your son’s residence and you will be a guest.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

  25. My son is at band camp and moving in kilachand on Wednesday but we’re bringing his stuff up sat evening is there certain times or since he’s already in is anytime OK? Also were do we park Sunday to watch the event my dad who will be with us has handicap parking

    1. Thanks for your questions. Since your son is already here you can meet him at anytime on Saturday. Saturday is a very busy day on campus thus later is better to avoid congestion in the area. For Sunday I suggest that you park in central campus, the Harari Building garage at 595 Commonwealth Avenue, and take the BU Shuttle Bus to the Agganis Arena.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

  26. Do online-degree students in Metropolitan College qualify for a Terrier Card? What about conditionally admitted graduate students taking undergrad prerequisites?

    1. Any student registered for a class at BU can obtain a Terrier Card through the Terrier Card office, located in the basement level of the George Sherman Union, 775 Commonwealth Ave. The office is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day and after that Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  27. Moving our son into 207 Bay State Rd on Sat 9/3. Does he have to check in somewhere else or will it all be handled at Music House? Thank you for your help.

    1. Thank you for question Marie. Your son will pick up his room key at the The Towers, 140 Bay State Road.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

  28. If my daughter is planning to move in on Buswell on the 31st, will we need to pay for street parking on Buswell that day (and during move-in days in general)?

    1. Hi N Y,

      The Police in the area will direct you to available drop off areas and both off street and on street parking. The Red Sox have a day game on Wednesday so after you unload I suggest that you park in a BU lot on Commonwealth Avenue.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

    1. Hi Andrew,

      You can park right in the Warren Towers garage. Although we may ask you to move to a different location within the garage after unloading.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

  29. Hi, my freshman is moving in to Baystate rd. We looked but can’t find out where to pick up the keys on my housing.bu.edu. Any ideas? thanks.

    1. Thanks for your question. The answer depends upon the building to which your new student has been assigned. Ask your student to go into the Housing portal at myhousing.bu.edu. The check-in information will be there. As a last resort please call BU Housing at 617-353-3502.

      Marc Robilard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

    1. Hi Marie,

      Yes he can move in on Friday. The first dining room meal is breakfast on Saturday starting at 9 a.m. So we will take him off of your hands on Friday but you will need to buy him dinner that evening.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

    1. Hi Emma,

      Students arriving at West Campus will unload on Babcock Street and then be directed by the Police to the Langsam Garage. If this garage is full the Parking staff will re-direct you to the Agganis Arena Garage.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

  30. My son is supposed to be moving into Sleeper hall on Saturday. I want to perform this ‘rite of passage’ with my son, but I have some mobility issues and a handicapped parking placard for my car. What is the best thing for us to do so that walking/standing at least for me, is limited? Would moving him in Friday be better?

    1. Hi Valerie,

      You are welcome to arrive on Friday. The Scarlett Squad will not be working on Friday so your son will have to do all if the work. Saturday will be busy but there are more people around to help. If your son does not bring everything he owns in the world Friday may be the better option for you. The first dining hall meal is Saturday breakfast.

      Marc Robillard

  31. We are dropping our son off at 29 Buswell tomorrow 9/1. What our the procedures for parking and dropping off his stuff? I know where to pick up the key and check in put I am not clear on parking for Buswell Thanks so much!

    1. Thanks for your question. The BU and Boson Police will be in the South Campus Area and will assist you in where to unload and park. I usually advise people to move to a BU parking lot on Commonwealth Avenue (Warren Towers or Harari) after unloading.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

  32. Hi, I’m a continuing student moving back in on Sunday to Myles. Is the cut off time at 5:30 sharp? If I arrive after that, can I still get my key and a cart?

    1. Hi Nicole,

      If you arrive after 5:30 you can contact the Resident Assistant on duty for your key and a cart. The security assistant at the front door will have the contact information for the RA if the office is closed.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

  33. Hi,
    Because of flight availability constraints I’ll be arriving at my 1047 Commonwealth apartment on Monday, September 5th at about 12 am. Will this present any problem if I am planning for my roommate to let me in?

    1. Hi Melissa,

      Good to hear that you have an understanding roommate. Make sure that you have your Terrier Card for access to the building. If needed, the Resident Assistant on duty can help you at any time.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

    1. Kate, a drive-in movie, Captain America-Civil War is being shown on the BU Beach at 8 p.m. on Saturday evening. For more official campus welcome events, go to http://www.bu.edu/wow. Tomorrow, BU Today will be publishing a list of events taking place both on campus and throughout the city over the weekend that will be of special interest to students so check our site tomorrow.

  34. Hello, I will be moving my son into 521 Beacon Street, directly across from Danielsen Hall, on Sunday Sep 4 (around noon-ish). Will I be able to park in front of or near his building for unloading? Where should I park once we’ve unloaded? Thanks!

    1. Hi John,

      The police officer in front of Danielsen Hall will direct you to a place where you can unload. After you have unloaded I suggest that you park in the Hariri Garage at 595 Commonwealth Ave and then take some time to explore the city.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Directer of Auxiliary Services

    1. Parents are advised to go directly to Agganis Arena so they can be sure to get seats, and not to watch the procession as it moves up Comm Ave. The ceremony runs approximately 90 minutes.

    1. Hi Charlie,

      The police officer in front of Danielsen Hall will direct you to a place where you can unload in front of the building. After you have unloaded I suggest that you park in the Hariri Garage at 595 Commonwealth Ave.

      Marc Robillard
      Executive Directer of Auxiliary Services

  35. Hi,
    I am moving into a whitestone on Commonwealth Avenue. Where is the best area to park & unload? Just worried about the traffic and amount of cars that will be parked in that area for tomorrow morning.

  36. Thank you for this helpful webpage. Two questions. Do you know if the registrar’s office is open on Saturday (today)? We have an item to address. Also, I take it there is no problem with moving in a continuing student today. An earlier posting on the BU site had listed Sept. 2 as a good day. Again, thank you.

    1. The Matriculation Ceremony begins promptly at 2 p.m. and the best place to park at this point is Langsam Garage under New Balance Field off of Babock St.

  37. Where can we find information and options for long-term parking , including overnight, for BU law students?

    What is needed for a parking pass for Boston street parking?

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