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Hugs, Smiles—and Tears—as Families Say Goodbye to Their Boston University Freshmen

A BU Guide
for Parents
A five-part series for
parents of college students

Part 5 /Video: Parents Say Goodbye

  • 1 How To Let Go Put down the iPhone, it’s time for your student to make their own doctor’s appointment
  • 2 Money Matters Who pays? For what? How?
  • 3 Knowing When to Intervene Experts offer tips on when to step in and when to stay back
  • 4 Tips for International Students There are lots of people at BU dedicated to helping students find their way
  • 5 Video: Parents Say Goodbye It’s all hugs, smiles and tears as families go their separate ways.
Photo: 3 people hug each other outside of a BU dormitory
Campus Life

Hugs, Smiles—and Tears—as Families Say Goodbye to Their Boston University Freshmen

The bittersweet rite of passage marks a new chapter for both parents and students

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Hugs, Smiles—and Tears—as Families Say Goodbye to Their Boston University Freshmen

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Campus Life

Hugs, Smiles—and Tears—as Families Say Goodbye to Their Boston University Freshmen

August 28, 2025
  • Sheila Barrett
  • Janice Checchio
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An estimated 4,250 new Boston University students arrived on campus in late August, excited to begin their college lives following a weeklong orientation. Many were accompanied by parents, siblings, and other family members to help them unpack and settle into their dorm rooms. It was an emotional scene—a time for letting go and new chapters. 

Video producers Sheila Barrett and Alan Wong spent the weekend on BU’s West Campus, talking to families who had traveled from near and far as they said their goodbyes and shared their hopes and dreams for their newly minted collegians.

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