Getting Started at SPH.
Welcome! Below are a few steps you should take to begin your transition into SPH.
Now that you have accepted your offer and received your BU ID number from SPH Admissions, Boston University Information Services (ebgrad@bu.edu) will email you and ask you to set up your BU account information, including your BU email, which will be your primary means of receiving School and University communications. In addition, your account login gives you access to registration, grades and finances — it’s essential.
- MPH, Certificate, and Dual Degree Candidates:
Get advice.
Review MPH degree requirements and check out our key contacts for specific certificate advising information. For general advice on multiple certificates, start with Professor Megan Healey. The Registrar’s Office will be in touch about course registration to set you up for success in your first semester!
- Online MPH Candidates:
Customized guidance for your journey.
The Online MPH Student Success page delivers the support team contacts, orientation specialized to you, course delivery and requirements, networking and community building opportunities to meet your needs.
Your program manager will be in touch with you regarding academic planning. Please contact them with any questions:
MS in Applied Biostatistics— Chunyu Liu
MS in Epidemiology and MS in Population Health Data Science—Andrew Stokes
Get in touch with your program director to talk about course scheduling.
- Complete the required Foundations in Public Health course.
To equip you with the foundational knowledge of public health concepts, all incoming students must complete Foundations of Public Health—a self-paced online course.
Modules should take a total of up to 45 hours to complete. The course is offered through the Blackboard platform, which requires a BU Kerberos account (your BU email account setup). Please be aware that there may be a short delay between setting up a Kerberos account and being granted access to Blackboard, as well as being enrolled in the course (typically by 1-2 weeks). Blackboard can be accessed here.
For all questions or concerns related to this course, please contact spheducation@bu.edu.
Finalize financial aid and other funding sources. Contact SFS with any questions.
Start your housing search here. Learn about Boston’s neighborhoods and work with BUMC’s Housing Resources office.
- Connect with us on social media.
Reach out to us to join the Discord and stay up-to-date on what’s happening at SPH by following us on Instagram.
- Keep an eye out for emails from Graduate Student Life.
- Mark your calendars with important dates!
New Student Orientation
Summer 2026 Orientation
Virtual Summer Orientation satisfies the requirement to attend an orientation prior to starting classes. As such, if you attend the virtual orientation, you do not need to attend in-person Fall Orientation.
The virtual Summer Orientation will be held on Monday, June 29th. Please note that this Orientation is online only.
Virtual Summer Orientation is open to incoming full-time and part-time SPH students who know they cannot attend the in-person Fall Orientation, as well as incoming students in MS in Applied Biostatistics, MS in Epidemiology, MS in Public Health Data Science, and students in a dual degree or 4+1 program.
If you do not attend this virtual orientation, you must attend the in-person Fall Orientation, so please plan accordingly. Dates for Fall Orientation can be found in the dropdown menu, below.
More details regarding the virtual orientation agenda will be included on the Student Orientation page.
Fall 2026 Orientation
Fall Orientation will be held in-person only on Monday, August 31st and Tuesday, September 1st.
The International Student Welcome Workshop on Friday, September 4th is mandatory for incoming international students only.
The Experience Fair will be held on Thursday, September 24th from 3 PM to 6 PM.
More details regarding the agenda for each day of in-person orientation will be included on the Student Orientation page.
Continue to visit our Student Orientation page for all Orientation updates!
All incoming BU students must provide medical health history and immunization records before arriving on campus. Failing to submit your health history information by the start of school may jeopardize your enrollment status. Use the patient connect portal to get started. If you have questions contact, Student Health Services.
A Guide for Medical Campus Students: This is a dedicated page that hosts programs and services offered by SHS for Medical campus students.
Decide on Student Health Insurance Plan or file insurance waiver through the MyBU Student Portal.
- Let us know if you need disability services or academic accommodations.
If you had educational or physical accommodations in your last degree program, please contact Mary Murphy-Phillips, Assistant Dean of Students, and complete the 3-step process to file your accommodations with BU Disability & Access Services.
- Assess your transportation needs.
Get familiar with Boston public transportation, the BU Shuttle, and/or parking services on campus. Students can also save 11% on public transportation with a discounted semester-long MBTA pass through BU Transportation Services, find more information on the Transportation Services website.
Check your compliance status on the MyBU Student Portal. Compliance is critical; without it, students are blocked from University functions.
- Add your phone number to the BU Alert system
This can be done on the MyBU Student Portal.
- Buy books, course readers, and a computer or tablet.
Textbooks can be purchased or rented through the BU Bookstore. Please visit the Registration and Course information page to learn more about course scheduling, registration and course readers and textbooks. Also, be sure to assess your tech needs. If you need an upgrade or a new computer, discounts are available if you buy software or a computer through BU.
SPH students will need a laptop for classes. BU Information Services and Technology (IS&T) recommends personal technology purchases for both Apple and Lenovo products. Should you plan to be enrolled in a certificate that includes statistical computing classes (MPH Certificates: Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Design and Conduct of Public Health Research, and Monitoring and Evaluation; MS in Applied Biostatistics; MS in Epidemiology; MS in Public Health Data Science) you are highly encouraged to purchase a device that can run a Windows operating system. For more information, please read the recommendations of the Medical Campus Information Technology professionals.
- Assess your internet & technology needs
The University provides secure, encrypted wireless access in most residences, libraries, campus dining facilities, the athletic facilities, and most other public areas. Be sure to test your connection to internet in your home, or on campus where you intend to take classes when you are not in the classroom. Other technological needs include a computer or tablet, headphones with a working microphone, and a Zoom account for online classes. For detailed information on how to connect your devices to network, visit the IT Help site. The IT Help Center is open extended hours to assist with your technology needs. Call 617-353-4357, write to ithelp@bu.edu.
Before purchasing a new laptop, please consider the following recommendations. These configurations were selected to ensure that students have the computing power to use the applications that will be required of the BU Hub general education curriculum and various graduate program courses. Contact the IT Help Center for any additional questions you may have.
Student Computer Recommendations
| Specifications |
Minimum |
Recommended |
| RAM |
8GB |
16 / 32GB (required for advanced video production) |
| Storage |
256GB SSD |
256 / 512GB+ SSD (for advanced video production) |
| Operating System |
Windows 10 1709 64 bit
macOS Catalina (10.15) or later |
Windows 10 1709 64 bit
macOS Catalina (10.15) or later |
- Zoom Meetings/Sign In Using BU Login Credentials
To maintain secure zoom access, Boston University requires students to set up an account with https://bostonu.zoom.us/. When signing in to Zoom using the desktop or mobile applications, you’ll need to follow a few additional steps to authenticate with your BU Login. By default, the application will prompt you for an email address and password. Follow the steps here to authenticate your zoom account with your BU username and Kerberos password.
- Learn more about the technology you need for online learning
Read more about online learning technology.
- Complete the Required SPH plagiarism tutorial.
With your BU email address and password, please login and review the SPH Plagiarism Tutorial. The quick and informative electronic presentation is mandatory for all SPH students.
- Transfer credits and course waivers.
Submit transfer credit or course waiver requests to the Registrar.
Browse other BU branded merchandise at the BU Barnes and Noble bookstore here.
International Students
- If you are an international student, register for BU First Class.
- BU First Class is a free online noncredit pre-arrival course that Global Programs created with the assistance of many at BU and designed to prepare incoming international students for their transition to the BU classroom and community
- Click here to learn more
More Resources and Recommendations for International Students
International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO)
The International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) provides essential services to ensure student, scholar, and institutional compliance with federal regulations. Within this office, students can access professional expertise on immigration and employment issues. ISSO also promotes the academic, professional, and personal growth of this diverse community while cultivating an appreciation of its many contributions to the BU campus.
As you prepare to enter the U.S. and begin your studies at SPH, the ISSO will be a resource to you for the following:
Visa and Immigration Services
- Maintenance of lawful immigration status
- Assist with processing to:
- Travel outside and return to the U.S.
- Work on campus
- Drop below a full course of study
- Withdraw from school
- Extend time limit for completion of study
- Change major field of study
- Change academic level
- Transfer to or from another school
- Assist with Immigration authorization to:
- Work off campus
- Change immigration status
- Work after graduation
- Maintenance, renewal, and replacement of passport, visa, I-94, I-20, DS-2019
Other Services
- Assist with:
- New student orientation
- Cultural adjustment
- Intercultural programs and events
- Social Security card application
- Provide information on:
- Boston University services, policies, and procedures
- Community programs and services
- Holiday programs and travel opportunities
- Scholarships, fellowships, and educational loans
- Embassies and consulates
For more immigration and visa information, please contact one of the International Student Advisors
888 Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd Floor | Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617-353-3565
Email: isso@bu.edu
Finances and Banking
There are a few steps to take before coming to Boston regarding finances and banking. You will need to pay your tuition and fees, and may want to consider setting up a bank account.
Wire Transfers
The simplest way to pay your tuition and fees is by wire transfer to BU’s Student Accounts & Finances:
Visit the Student Accounts & Finances site for information on payment options, including electronic payment, international payment, personal check, and credit card.
Banking
Keeping your finances in order while studying in the United States is an important responsibility for each student. If possible, you should either open a bank account in Boston before you arrive or bring funds with you in a form that local banks will allow you to use immediately (such as travelers checks in U.S. dollars).
If you open a bank account using a personal check drawn from a financial institution that is not located in Massachusetts, local banks will require you to wait a week or more before you can withdraw money from the account. If your check is not in U.S. dollars, you will have to wait even longer before you can use your money. Banks do this to allow time to make certain that the check will be honored by the bank on which the check was written. Please do not travel with large sums of cash as it is not safe.
To open a bank account, you will generally need to provide identification materials such as passport and visa documents, proof of attendance at Boston University, and a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). For information on how to apply for a Social Security number or an ITIN, please contact the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) upon arrival to Boston University.
There are two types of accounts that you may open:
- Checking accounts allow for easy access to your money to pay bills and make purchases. Most banks charge a monthly fee for a checking account. When opening a checking account, make sure to compare banks and ask about fees. It is often possible to negotiate for lower fees and many banks won’t charge a monthly fee for students. Also make sure to inquire about the locations of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).
- Savings accounts allow you to save your money and earn interest. Again, be sure to compare interest rates, fees, and rules regarding minimum balances at different banking institutions.
There are many banks in the Boston area that are well known and that have branches on or near the BU campus. Many offer special services for students.
Citizens Bank560 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215 USA
617-536-6138
Fax: 617-247-1823 |
Bank of America771 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215 USA
617-443-2709
Fax: 617-247-0568 |
Citibank880 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215 USA |
Housing
On-campus housing is not available for SPH students. Once you have explored Boston-area neighborhoods, begin your housing search and plan to finalize your accommodations as soon as possible. Visit the Housing Resources page for more information and resources.
Housing is typically available for students to move in on the first of the month, but if you arrive in Boston before the start of your lease, you will want to arrange for temporary housing with a hotel or hostel:
Hostelling International Boston
19 Stuart Street
Boston, MA 02116
General Manager: Bob Sylvia
617-536-9455
gm.boston@hiusa.org
bostonhostel.org
The International Guest House (male international students only)
237 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02116
617-437-1975
mail@intlguesthouse.com
www.intlguesthouse.com
At Home in Boston
15 Cedar Road
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Director: Mrs. Joan Cohen
617-277-6444
athomeinboston@gmail.com
www.athomeinboston.org
Working While a Student
Working while on a student visa requires you to follow the rules and procedures for employment established by Boston University, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and their sponsoring agencies. For more information, visit the ISSO Employment and Internship page. If you have any questions regarding your Visa status or working on-campus, contact the International Students & Scholars Office at isso@bu.edu or 617-353-3565.
Climate and Clothing
Weather in New England can be unpredictable. However, there are four seasons with distinct weather conditions. New England is famous throughout the United States for its autumn (also known as “fall”), which begins in late September and dazzles locals and tourists alike with the bright reds, oranges and yellows of the leaves on the trees. Winter often brings very cold temperatures and snowstorms, especially December through February, although we have been known to have snowstorms in March and even April. Weather becomes milder towards April, as days become longer and warmer and flowers begin to bloom. Summer in Boston is often very hot and humid. You will need to bring clothing for all seasons, from light summer clothes to heavy coats, boots and hats for winter.
Autumn: 46 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (8 to 15 degrees Celsius)
Winter: 0 to 37 degrees Fahrenheit (-17 to 3 degrees Celsius)
Spring: 38 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (3 to 15 degrees Celsius)
Summer: 60 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 35 degrees Celsius)
Click here to view some pre-arrival information from the International Students & Scholars Office.
Protect Yourself Against Scams
Here are some helpful BU resources that detail information on how to protect yourself against a variety of scams that target undergraduate and graduate students, sometimes specifically international students.
Housing Scams
Job Scams
Phone Scams
Phishing