Community Resources

Finding resources to cover living expenses while in law school can be challenging for some students. While financial aid resources such as scholarships and loans can work for most students, you may find yourself in a situation where you need an alternate solution. This page is not an exhaustive list of resources, and we encourage you to use this information as a starting point.

The community resources listed on this page include BU programs and a selection of non-BU resources.

BU Support – Offices and Online Resources
Outside BU Law, BU has several offices that provide services to support students. These offices may list resources on their websites that may help you with a specific need.

Food
The reasons students experience food insecurity vary and are driven by your personal challenges. There is no one solution that will resolve food insecurity for all students and the right solution for you depends on your circumstances and needs.

These BU programs are available to all BU students.  The right program for you will depend on whether your food needs are occasional or more lasting.

Food Insecurity Resources – on BU’s Graduate Education website

BU Dining Services: the meal plans offered through BU Dining Services may be a good resource for busy students by providing regular access to meals that you don’t have to prepare.

BU’s Community Cares website also has a listing of off-campus resources. Here is a sample:

Clothing
As a law student, you need professional clothing starting fall semester of your 1L year. Any 1L or 2L can increase their cost of attendance budget for BU Law by $600 for the cost of professional clothing (receipts required). You could then use scholarships or loans to cover all or a portion of that amount.

BU’s Newbury Center has a Professional Clothing Closet that is available to all BU students.

Thrift stores or consignment shops can also provide less expensive options.

Healthcare
You may find yourself faced with choosing a health insurance plan during law school. That health care and insurance is expensive and complicated is not a secret.

Housing
After tuition, housing is the next, single largest expense you’ll have during law school. We wish that we could provide a list of economical housing choices available to all students. We do have a few suggestions and resources that may prove helpful – for the right students.

  • Fisk House – a cooperative residence for BU women graduate students
  • Peabody Hall – a dormitory-style residence for BU graduate students; common kitchens, baths, and laundry on each floor
  • Resident Assistant – BU’s Office of Residence Life offers three different positions for full-time BU graduate students

Utilities
Utilities are necessary but can stress your budget. You can always check with your service provider to see if they have plans or programs to reduce your monthly bills (under the premise that it doesn’t hurt to ask).

Heat
In New England, heat is a necessary expense, but longer periods of exceptional cold or drafty windows can tax even the most well-planned budget. While renting an apartment that includes the cost of heat in the rent is the best option, it isn’t always available. There are programs available in Massachusetts that can help. Also, don’t forget to check with your utility provider to see if they provide options that can offer relief.