Frequently Asked Questions

You will be able to register for classes online starting in June. Detailed instructions and instructional videos are provided to assist you with the process. If you have any trouble, please feel free to contact the Undergraduate Programs Office at (617) 353-6447.

Probably. Once Boston University receives official notification of your advanced credit scores, they will be reviewed for credit. Please remember AP credits will not be awarded until we receive your scores. View the Boston University Advanced Credit Guide to better understand how your credit will be evaluated by the College of Engineering.  Transfer credits will be reviewed on an individual basis. Please review the transfer credit process for detailed instructions on how courses are evaluated by Boston University.

The Office of the University Registrar posts the official academic calendar. Visit their site to view important dates.

Your Boston University ID number was sent to you in your admit packet when Boston University received your deposit. If you do not know your ID number, please call the College of Engineering Undergraduate Programs Office at (617) 353-6447 or the BU Admissions Office at (617) 353-2300. You will need your Social Security Number in order to have your BU ID number released.

This account must be established for you to register for classes at University Orientation. If you have difficulties establishing these accounts, please call the BU IT Help Center at (617) 353-4357.

After you complete the New Student Housing Application online, and submit your deposit, the Office of Housing will assign you a room. Assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis. The Office of Housing will mail your fall room assignment to you in mid-July, including: on-campus mailing address & phone number, room & dining plan charges, roommate’s name and information about moving in for the fall semester.

The College of Engineering recommends that you come to campus with a laptop. Please see our computer recommendations below.

The College of Engineering recommends that you come to campus with a laptop. If you plan on purchasing a PC, the College of Engineering recommends Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating systems (OS). Linux and Mac OS X are also compatible with the College’s network infrastructure. Google Chrome OS is not recommended and will greatly limit availability of on campus resources.

The College of Engineering does not have specific hardware recommendations or software configurations as each user’s needs will vary greatly. However, the following configurations are provided for your convenience:

Minimum Configuration

Intel Core i3 processor, AMD Ryzen 3, or better
8/16GB RAM, or more
256GB+ Solid State Drive

Recommended Configuration – If you are purchasing a new laptop

AMD Ryzen 5, Intel Core i5 processor, or better
16/32GB RAM, or more
256GB+ Solid State Drive

If you anticipate running CAD applications, be sure to purchase a computer with a dedicated video card. NVIDIA GPUs have broader support, but AMD Radeon is fine, and you don’t need to purchase SolidWorks certified GPUs. Vendor certification is for professional workstation support, but in our experience the consumer GPUs are fine for homework and most projects.

Minimum CAD requirements and Vendor certified video cards can be found here:

Solidworks minimum requirements

Solidworks Vendor Certified Graphics Cards(Windows Only)

PTC CREO Graphics Requirements (Windows Only)

Sample configurations for recommended systems for running CAD and other various Engineering programs can be found here: http://www.bu.edu/engit/studentconfigs/

The IT Help Center provides academic discounts to many popular computer manufacturers such as Apple and Lenovo. Additional details about computer configurations, prices, and details about the IT Help Center may be accessed at
bu.edu/tech/support/purchase/personal/shop/

For a list of software accessible to users in the BU community, please visit
bu.edu/software

For information about the Boston University College of Engineering, please visit our website:
bu.edu/eng