FAQs for BU Families

Housing & Move-in/out Logistics

Should my student select or go with a random roommate? 

There are pros and cons to both cases, but it really depends on the student. Selecting a roommate such as someone you already know, can provide students with a good connection as they enter college. It is important to remember that just because someone is a good connection, that does not mean they are a good roommate. Going random gives students, the opportunity to meet someone new. Students should go through a roommate agreement and have good communication so that there can be a mutual understanding to make living together easy and enjoyable!

When will students find out their housing assignment?

Students will receive their housing assignment between July — August.

Can students choose their move-in date and time?

Yes, students will select their move-in date and time on the BU Housing Portal.

What are the procedures for move-in day?

For more information regarding move-in procedures, please click here.

Where do students go to pick up their room key?

When students go to check-in for their on-campus housing assignment, they will be able to pick up their room key.

Will residence halls remain open during winter break?

No, dormitory-style residences will close for Winter intersession. Students residing in dormitory-style residences who wish to remain on campus during winter intersession must apply for vacation housing. Students who submitted an application for vacation housing will be assigned to a double room with another BU student at a local hotel. Students will receive an email with the application later in the fall semester.

Is there a curfew in the residence hall?

There is no curfew for students living on-campus.

Can BU hold packages or dorm essentials delivered before the student arrives on campus?

BU can’t hold packages or dorm essentials before a student arrives on campus. If you choose to mail dorm supplies to your student on-campus housing, they should coincide with your student’s arrival on campus. Please note that there are other options to ship any items to locations near campus:

  • The UPS Store makes coming to school easy and stress free with their Ship Ahead Service. This includes receiving, storing in a climate-controlled warehouse (up to one month), and curbside delivery of your items when you arrive on the BU campus. Visit the UPS Store website for additional information on their ship ahead services and to sign up.
  • Conveniently located on campus at 870 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA is an Amazon Store Locker which you can opt to ship your Amazon orders to, instead of on-campus housing. Please note this is temporary storage, so be sure to read this website for more information about using Amazon Store Lockers.

Does BU offer storage for students’ belongings during the summer?

Yes, the UPS Store Storage Programs is the only Boston University endorsed storage and shipping vendor. Please visit their website for information and to sign up.

Are there any guidelines or restrictions on what can be brought into the residence halls?

Items that are prohibited from on campus housing can be found here.

Will parking be available during move-in/out?

Free parking will be available in designated garages/lots to make it easier for students to move into their dorm. There will be a temporary parking permit which should be printed and placed on the dashboard of your vehicle. Parking information will be updated on this webpage.

Do you have a packing list?

Yes, our office has created a great list that details all the things students are recommended to bring to their on-campus housing. The recommended packing list can be found here. Upon arrival, the dorm room has furniture provided in the room. The furniture and appliances provided in dormitories can be found here.

Where do we stay for move-in?

A general list of hotels near campus can be found here. There is also a list of hotels that offer BU discounts listed on the Alumni & Friends website.

What stores are located near campus?

Target
860 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 (small store)
1341 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215 (large store)*

        Star Market
        1065 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
        33 Kilmarnock Street. Boston, MA 02215*

        TJ Maxx
        360 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02215
        525 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA 02446

        Marshalls
        350 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111

        Macy’s
        450 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111

        CVS
        900 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
        350 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
        1341 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215 (pharmacy only, inside Target)*

          BU Campus Store
          910 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215

          Dollar Tree
          1041 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215

          Campus City Convenience Stores
          25 Buick Street, Boston, MA 02215
          775 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
          700 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215

          *Conveniently located near the Fenway Campus

          What is my student’s mailing address?

          Students assigned to traditional-style residences or apartment-style units in the Student Village will receive mail through an assigned mailbox in residence mail rooms. Please note that students’ on-campus mailbox numbers are not the same as their room numbers.

          The following address format should be used on all mail sent to students:

          Name

          Box [Mailbox Number]*

          Street Address

          Boston, MA 02215

          * Do not use the words “Post Office Box” or “P.O. Box,” as that denotes the United States Post Office, not Boston University.

          Can you rent items such as a safe or Microfridge?

          Yes, Vending Services allows students to rent a fridge and microwave (Microfridge) and safes. Additional information can be found on the BU Vending Services website here. As a reminder, your student may want to check in with their roommate(s) to rent one Microfridge. 

          Banking, Finances & Financial Aid

          What banks are on/near campus?

          Bank of America Financial Center (Kenmore Square)- 540 Commonwealth Avenue

          • Bank of America ATM:
            • Warren Towers- 700 Commonwealth Avenue
            • West Campus- 957 Commonwealth Avenue

          Citizens Bank (Kenmore Square)- 560 Commonwealth Avenue

          • Citizens ATM:
            • Inside Warren Towers- 700 Commonwealth Avenue
            • Inside Star Market- 1065 Commonwealth Avenue

          Santander Bank (Kenmore Square)- 552 Commonwealth Avenue

          • Santander ATM
            • Inside George Sherman Union- 775 Commonwealth Avenue
            • Inside CVS- 900 Commonwealth Avenue

          Chase Bank- 880 Commonwealth Avenue

          Where can I find tuition and billing information?

          Student Accounting Services is responsible for billing students and processing payments. Their website provides information about payment deadlines, options, and plans. Tuition bills are not sent to parents/guardians. For parents/guardians to access this information, they will need guest user permission through Delegated Access.

          Is there a breakdown of tuition expenses?

          Yes, the breakdown of expenses can be found on Student Accounting Services.

          What are the payment options?

          For detailed information about payment options, please click here to view the Student Accounting Services website. Payment options include:

          • Electronic Payment (US bank account required)
          • Flywire or Convera (international bank account)
          • Personal Checks, Money Orders
          • 529 Plan Distributions
          • Credit Card Payment (Part-Time students only)

          What is the payment plan for tuition and fees?

          Fall payment plans run from May — October and Spring payment plans run from November — February. Student Accounting Services will post payment plan enrollment deadlines here. International students are eligible to enroll in the payment plan, but a U.S. bank account is required at the time of enrollment. Payment plan FAQs from Student Accounting Services can be found here.

          How can I gain access to my student’s billing and financial aid information?

          Delegated Access is when students allow a third party (parents, employer, etc.) to view their academic and financial information. This information can be found on the Registrar’s website under Delegated Access.

          What financial aid or scholarships are available for international students?

          International Students are eligibile for credit-based educational loans. Most lenders offering credit-based educational loans to international students require that a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen credit-worthy co-borrower apply for the loan along with the primary borrower. Certain lenders do not require a co-borrower. However, their interest rates and other terms may be less favorable.

          Healthcare & Insurance

          When does the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) take effect?

          SHIP is in effect from August 15 — August 14 every year.

          How can I opt out of SHIP if I have comparable coverage under a parent/guardian plan?

          If you decide to waive coverage, the Fall waiver must be submitted by September 20. If you are entering in the Spring, the waiver must be completed by January 31. Please note, you must complete this process each academic year. Follow these simple instructions to apply for the enrollment waiver:

          • If your current plan meets all of the requirements on the comparable coverage checklist, you can access the waiver through the MyBU portal by selecting “Student Health Insurance” from the left menu, then choosing “Waive SHIP”.
          • During the process you will be redirected to the website of our partner, Gallagher Student Health & Special Risk, to complete your waiver.
          • If your waiver is approved, the credit will be applied to the student account within 1-2 business days.

          What immunizations are needed? Where do we upload this information?

          Please see the Immunization Compliance section of the Student Health Services website for detailed information.

          Who should my student contact if they are sick?

          Students should contact Student Health Services. A student may use Student Health Services if they are:

          • A full-time BU student, regardless of your insurance choice.
          • A student who participates in at least 9 credit hours.
          • Any student with the Student Health Insurance Plan.
          • A summer student or a participant in one of the high school summer programs.

          Appointments can be made through the Patient Connect website – or in case of an emergency, a student should call 617-353-2121.

          What pharmacies are nearby?

          • CVS Pharmacy – 900 Commonwealth Avenue
          • Fenway Health Pharmacy – 1340 Boylston Street
          • CVS Pharmacy (located in Target) – 1341 Boylston Street
          • Mass General Brigham Urgent Care (Brookline) – 1285 Beacon Street

          What if my student needs a doctor referral in Boston?

          If your student needs a referral, please visit the Student Health Services’ Referral Service page.

          Orientation & Arrival

          Are there orientation sessions for Parents & Family members?

          Parent & Family members can join our Know Before You Go orientation zooms held from May-June. This sessions are open to everyone and will be recorded and posted here for you to review as many times as you need. There will not be programming during student orientation week in August for parents or family members, but our office is hosting a series of Fall Welcome Events during move-in weekend.

          Can new students arrive in Boston early?

          Yes, students are allowed to arrive in Boston early, but they will not be allowed into their on-campus housing assignment until their move-in date.

          Is participation in orientation mandatory?

          Yes, participation in Orientation is mandatory for all new undergraduate students. Students are expected to check in with their Orientation Leader every day of Orientation (Monday, August 25 – Friday, August. 29).

          Where should I go when I first arrive on campus for move-in/orientation?

          If you are living on campus, first go to your housing check-in location on Saturday, August 23 or Sunday, August 24. During Housing check-in you will receive your BU Terrier Card and move into your housing assignment. Check-in for Orientation will take place on Monday, August 25, 2025 at the BU Fitness & Recreation Center on the 2nd floor. Orientation check in will be from 8:00am-9:45am. After you are checked-in for Orientation, students will walk next door to Agganis Arena for the Orientation Welcome at 10am.

          Is there a deadline to register for orientation?

          The deadline to register for our on-campus Orientation for Fall 2025 is Tuesday July 1, 2025. If students miss this deadline, they should contact the orientation office at orientation@bu.edu or 617-353-3555 for assistance.

          Which orientation will College of General Studies (CGS) students attend?

          All incoming College of General Studies first-year students (Spring 2026 start date) will attend Spring Orientation which will take place Thursday, January 15 – Sunday, January 18, 2026.

          What is FYSOP?

          First-Year Student Outreach Program (FYSOP) aims to inspire students to become active citizens of their community. Through an initial day of service in August followed by several opportunities throughout the fall semester in a cohort of other first-year students, participants will build community by engaging in service, education, and reflection, and fun.  Participants will start their time at BU with a greater understanding of Boston, a better sense of self, and a stronger sense of community. By providing opportunities for students to grow with the support of mentors, participants will learning essential skills to help them successfully navigate their transition into college and build support systems for both themselves and their community.

          • Registration can be completed on the “MyBU Portal” by selecting the “service track” within Orientation registration.

          Safety & Security

          What safety measures are in place in and around the dormitories?

          Our large residences provide uniformed security coverage 24-7 at the main entrances to make sure only authorized residents enter. Students must show their Terrier Cards at the security desk each time they come in, so keep your card with you at all times. The Boston University Police Department also patrols, and responds to emergencies, on campus and the surrounding streets 24 hours a day.

          What is the BUPD contact information?

          • Police, Medical, and Fire Emergencies
            • 617-353-2121 (Charles River & Fenway Campuses)
          • Toll-Free
            • 888-255-9411
          • Other Business & Info
            • bupolice@bu.edu
            • 617-353-2110

          Will BU offer any safety or security training for students?

          • The Boston University Police Department (BUPD) have the Safety Awareness For Everyone (SAFE) Course available for everyone in the BU Community.
          • Scarlet Safe Walk provides walking escorts to students and employees seven nights a week, from 9 pm to midnight on the Charles River Campus only. Please call 617-353-4877 to address any questions or concerns about the Scarlet Safe Walk service.
          • The Resisting Aggression with Defense (R.A.D.) Basic Personal Defense System is a national program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques. Our programs are offered for free on campus throughout the academic year for students, faculty, and staff. This course is taught by nationally certified instructors from the BUPD.  

          How can I stay informed if any emergencies occur on campus?

          The BU Alert notification system for the purpose of communicating with the campus community for weather closures, utility outages, emergencies, or situations requiring the response or attention of the University community. More information on joining can be found here.

          Academics

          When do students register for classes?

          The Office of the University Registrar posts the course registration dates & times here.

          How does my student transfer credit to BU?

          • Information on transferring AP credits can be found here.
          • Information on transferring International Baccalaureate (IB) credit can be found here.
          • Information for transferring previous college credit can be found here.

          How does my student contact Disability & Access Services for accommodations?

          To contact Disability & Access Services (DAS) for accommodations, please visit the DAS website and fill out the intake form.

          Where do we find the academic calendar?

          The academic calendar can be found here.

          Can students change majors during their time at BU?

          Yes, students are encouraged to find the program and major that works for what they are interested in. Students can easily change majors within their college or transfer to a new college. If students want to change their major, they should work with their academic advisor.

          Student Life

          What types of meal plans are available for my student?

          Boston University offers seven different meal plans, each designed to accommodate a variety of needs and lifestyles. You can choose the plan that best fits your preferences and dining habits. Detailed descriptions and costs of the meal plans can be found here.

          What are the campus dining halls and where are they located? 

          We have 5 dining halls on campus where your students different dietary needs (gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, allergies) can be met. More information about dining hours and menus of following dining halls can be found on the dining website.

          • Warren Dining Hall – 700 Commonwealth Avenue
          • West Dining Hall – 275 Babcock St
          • Fenway Dining Hall – 150 Riverway 
          • Marciano Common  – 100 Bay State Road
          • Granby Commons – 213 Bay State Road

          How does laundry work?

          Students can use the TerrierWeb found on the MyBU Student Portal to see the availability of washers and dryers within/near their residence. Students can pay for laundry using Convenience Points on their terrier card or with quarters. To load Convenience Points onto your terrier card read this website.

          What are the best ways to communicate with my international student?

          Here’s a list of helpful communication apps accessible to all mobile devices:

          • WhatsApp
          • WeChat
          • Messenger

          What are the different types of phone carriers available for my international student?

          There are several phone carriers to choose from, each offering different plans and coverage options. We recommend reviewing the plans offered by each carrier to determine which best fits your individual needs and budget. Some of the most popular carriers are:

          • T-Mobile 
          • Cricket 
          • AT&T
          • Verizon 
          • Sprint 
          • Mint Mobile

          Is there a bookstore on campus?

          Yes! There is the Boston University Campus Store, located at 910 Commonwealth Avenue. Students will find their textbooks, school supplies, clothing/school swag, and much more.

          How to print at BU?

          There are many ways to print here at BU. One way, will have you configure the BU printer system to your devices; for more information on following these steps, click here. Another way to print at BU is by going to the myprint website and uploading your documents, which will hold your documents until you find a nearby BU printer to access.

          What are the transportation options on campus?

          Students can easily walk over campus, use a bike/scooter, and access the BU Shuttle Bus, or the MBTA. For more information click here.

          • Bike and Scooter storage on campus can be found here.
          • Information on the BU Shuttle Bus can be found here.
          • Information on BlueBike pricing can be found here, but also note that BU offers student discountsfor memberships.

          Does my student need a T pass for the MBTA?

          This answer will vary depending on the student’s situation. A T pass might not be needed on a day-to-day basis, since most classes are quick to get to, and there is the BU shuttle service available. However, a T pass might be nice to have on hand if a student plans on exploring the city and using MBTA services often. More information can be found here.

          Are international students allowed to work on campus?

          Students with F-1 and J-1 immigration status may work on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session, and over 20 hours per week during vacation periods (winter intercession, spring break, summer break). For more information regarding on-campus or off-campus employment as an international student, please refer to the Student Employment Office’s guide found here.

          What forms does my student need to fill out for an on-campus job?

          The student employment office provides all information regarding work-study/non work-study positions on campus, getting paid, and job eligibility. For more information read here. To work on campus, a student must complete the I-9 form. For more details for domestic and international students on completing the I-9 form read here.

          What forms do I need to fill out if I have a minor attending BU?

          Please find the consent forms for minors available here.

          Immigration & Visa Information

          Who can we contact if we have questions/concerns about obtaining a visa?

          The International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) is dedicated in helping support and advise international students and families on their journey at BU. If you have any questions regarding academic or advising questions, please contact the ISSO office at isso@bu.edu and their phone number is 617-353-3565.

          Events

          What is Matriculation?

          New Student Matriculation is a ceremony where the President, University staff and administrators officially welcome new students into the Boston University community. Other than Commencement, this is the only time when an entire class will collectively be together. The ceremony usually takes place in Agganis Arena during the Move-In Period. Parents and family members are welcome to attend.

          When is Family & Friends Weekend?

          Family and Friends Weekend typically takes place the third weekend in October, which is also the same weekend as the Head of the Charles Regatta – one of the biggest Regattas in the world. View the Family & Friends website here.

          Where can I view the schedule for Family & Friends Weekend?

          A schedule of Family and Friends Weekend events will be available to view once the fall semester is underway. You can also find out details on how to register for Family and Friends Weekend and purchase tickets for specific events here.

          Is housing offered for parents during Family & Friends Weekend? If not, where can I find a list of area hotels?

          Housing is not offered for parents during Family and Friends Weekend because all the residence halls are occupied by students. A general list of hotels near campus can be found here.