Welcome!
Orientation aims to facilitate new students’ transition into Boston University School of Public Health and to enrich each individual’s unique educational experience. You’ll learn about life inside and outside the classroom, from academics to research, employment, and volunteer opportunities. Orientation is also an excellent opportunity to meet your peers, the faculty and staff, and deans of the School.
Orientation is designed to introduce new students to the school, acquaint them with resources and involvement opportunities, and officially welcome them to the “Terrier Family”. Through educational and social opportunities, both online and in-person, the newest members of our community can begin their next big adventure on the right path.
Getting Started at BUSPH
Virtual 2026 New Student Orientation
Virtual New Student Orientation has been postponed from the end of June to Monday, August 3rd. Continue to visit us here for all Orientation updates!
Register for Virtual 2026 New Student Orientation!
Virtual 2026 New Student Orientation Schedule to Come
Virtual New Student Orientation will begin at 8:30 AM EST and conclude at 1:30 PM EST. More details to come!
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**Any IDs printed at Charles River Campus will not work at the Med Campus. All IDs will be prepared by the Medical Campus ID Office**
Terrier Card ID Photo Upload Guidelines for Incoming Students
Terrier Card ID Photo Upload Deadline is TBD
On-Campus 2026 New Student Orientation
On-Campus Fall 2026 New Student Orientation will be held on Monday, August 31st and Tuesday, September 1st.
On-Campus Fall 2026 New Student Orientation Schedule to Come
The Experience Fair will be held on Thursday, September 24th from 3 PM to 6 PM. Continue to visit us here for all Orientation updates!
On-Campus Spring 2027 New Student Orientation Info
On-Campus Spring 2027 New Student Orientation will be scheduled for January 2027. The exact date is TBD. Continue to check back here for updates later in the fall semester.
This orientation is best for students beginning SPH classes in Spring 2027.
Orientation FAQs
Is Orientation Mandatory? and why?
Yes! All of orientation is mandatory.
Why is orientation mandatory? We’re partnering with offices and organizations all over campus to help provide information to ease your transition into graduate school, introduce you to campus services and opportunities to get involved, and help you get connected with graduate student communities.
While Boston University views Orientation as the foundational experience for a successful start both academically and socially, we understand that there are some circumstances that could prevent a student from being able to participate. If for any reason you are unable to participate in an orientation session, you may access this page to review recordings after orientation.
BUSPH Virtual New Student Orientation is held virtually over Zoom.
Will Attendance be Taken?
We keep an accurate account of students for orientation events via registration. We also provide a variety ways to access orientation, so it’s hard to miss it. While Boston University views Orientation as the foundational experience for a successful start both academically and socially, we understand that there are some circumstances that could prevent a student from being able to participate. If for any reason you are unable to participate in an orientation session, you may access recordings after orientation on this page.
When can I pick up my BU ID?
**SPH Students that have uploaded a photo by TBD will be able to pick up their ID at Spring Orientation. IDs not picked up at orientation can be picked up at the Medical Campus ID Office (650 Albany St.) Monday through Friday 7 am to 3 pm; closed 9 am to 9:15 am and noon to 12:30 pm each day.
Terrier Card ID Photo Upload Guidelines for Incoming Students
Incoming students also have the option to update their Terrier Card display name. For more information, please visit the website here.
How can I update my directory list?
Who do I contact for Aetna Health Plan Assistance?
Connect with us
Find Graduate Student Life on social media @thegradlife_busph
If you have questions contact Graduate Student Life at sphgsl@bu.edu.
