{"id":23504,"date":"2013-10-02T10:32:01","date_gmt":"2013-10-02T14:32:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/?page_id=23504"},"modified":"2026-06-03T17:03:51","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T21:03:51","slug":"getting-started-at-busph","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/students\/getting-started-at-busph\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting Started at SPH"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Welcome! Below are a few steps you should take to begin your transition into SPH.<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Make it official.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <br \/>\nNow that you have accepted your offer and received your\u00a0BU ID number from SPH Admissions, Boston University Information Services (<a href=\"mailto:ebgrad@bu.edu\">ebgrad@bu.edu<\/a>) will email you and ask you to set up your <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/tech\/accounts\/kerberos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BU account information<\/a>, 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 \u2014\u00a0it&#8217;s essential.<\/p>\n \n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>MPH, Certificate, and Dual Degree Candidates:<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Get advice.<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n<p class=\"p1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/sph\/programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Review MPH degree requirements<\/a> and<span>\u00a0check out our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/students\/getting-started-at-busph\/key-contacts\/\">key contacts<\/a><span>\u00a0for specific certificate advising information. For general advice on multiple certificates, start with Professor <a href=\"mailto:healeym@bu.edu\">Megan Healey<\/a>.\u00a0The <a href=\"mailto:sphregr@bu.edu\">Registrar\u2019s Office<\/a> will be in touch about course registration to set you up for success in your first semester!<\/span><\/p>\n \n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Online MPH Candidates:<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Customized guidance for your journey.<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n<p class=\"p1\">The <a href=\"\/sph\/students\/online-mph-student-success\/\">Online MPH Student Success<\/a> page delivers the support team contacts, orientation specialized to you, course delivery and requirements, networking and community building opportunities to meet your needs.<\/p>\n \n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>MS Candidates:<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Your program manager will be in touch with you regarding academic planning. Please contact them with any questions:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/education\/degrees-and-programs\/ma-ms-programs\/ms-biostats\/\">MS in Applied Biostatistics<\/a>\u2014 <a href=\"mailto:liuc@bu.edu\">Chunyu Liu<\/a><a href=\"mailto:jschlezi@bu.edu\"><br \/>\n<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/education\/degrees-and-programs\/ma-ms-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">MS in Epidemiology and MS in Population Health Data Science<\/a>\u2014<a href=\"mailto:acstokes@bu.edu\">Andrew Stokes<\/a><a href=\"mailto:vaparker@bu.edu\"><br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n \n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>PhD and DrPH Candidates:<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Get in touch with your program director to talk about course scheduling<\/span>.<\/p>\n \n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Complete the required Foundations in Public Health course.<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n<p>To equip you with the\u00a0foundational knowledge of public health concepts, all incoming students must complete Foundations of Public Health\u2014a self-paced online course.<\/p>\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/learn.bu.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">accessed here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For all questions or concerns related to this course, please contact <a href=\"mailto:spheducation@bu.edu\">spheducation@bu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Money matters.<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n<p>Finalize financial aid and other funding sources.\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/osfs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Contact SFS<\/a> with any questions.<\/p>\n \n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Find a place to live.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Start your housing search here.<\/a> Learn about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/grad\/grad-student-life\/living-in-boston\/neighborhoods\/\">Boston&#8217;s neighborhoods<\/a>\u00a0and work with <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BUMC\u2019s Housing Resources office<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Connect with us on social media.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n<p>Reach out to us to join the Discord and stay up-to-date on what&#8217;s happening at SPH by following us on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/busph\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/students\/student-services\/\">student life<\/a>\u00a0on campus.<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/qrLj1gH33GYgyDQJ7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">MAP<\/a><span>\u00a0\u00a0| Reference our\u00a0<\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/files\/2018\/11\/BUMC-map_2018.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">campus map<\/a><span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span>to find your way around campus when you arrive!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n<ul>\n<li>Keep an eye out for emails from Graduate Student Life.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Mark your calendars with important dates!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>New Student Orientation\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Summer 2026 Orientation<\/h6><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>The virtual Summer Orientation will be held on Monday, June 29th. <em>Please note that this Orientation is online only.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>If you do not attend this virtual orientation, you\u00a0<strong>must<\/strong> attend the in-person Fall Orientation, so please plan accordingly. Dates for Fall Orientation can be found in the dropdown menu, below.<\/p>\n<p>More details regarding the virtual orientation agenda will be included on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/students\/getting-started-at-busph\/student-orientation\/\">Student Orientation page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Fall 2026 Orientation<\/h6><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><span>Fall Orientation will be held in-person only on Monday, August 31st and Tuesday, September 1st.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The International Student Welcome Workshop on Friday, September 4th is\u00a0<strong>mandatory<\/strong> for incoming international students only.<\/p>\n<p><span>The Experience Fair will be held on Thursday, September 24th from 3 PM to 6 PM.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>More details regarding the agenda for each day of in-person orientation will be included on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/students\/getting-started-at-busph\/student-orientation\/\">Student Orientation page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><span>Continue to visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/students\/getting-started-at-busph\/student-orientation\/\">Student Orientation page<\/a> for all Orientation updates!<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Medical Requirements. <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>All incoming BU students must provide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/getting-started\/incoming-health-requirements\/\">medical health history<\/a> and<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/getting-started\/immunization-compliance\/\"> immunization records<\/a> before arriving on campus. Failing to submit your health history information by the start of school may jeopardize your enrollment status. Use the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/getting-started\/incoming-health-requirements\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">patient connect portal<\/a><span> to get started.\u00a0<\/span><span> If you have questions contact,\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/getting-started\/how-can-we-help-you\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Student Health Services<\/a><span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/getting-started\/a-guide-for-medical-campus-students\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">A Guide for Medical Campus Students:\u00a0<\/a>This is a dedicated page that hosts programs and services offered by SHS for Medical campus students.<\/p>\n \n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Choose health insurance.<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n<p>Decide on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/getting-started\/student-health-insurance-plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Student Health Insurance Plan<\/a> or file insurance waiver through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/mybu\/\">MyBU Student Portal<\/a>. <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><\/span><\/p>\n \n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Let us know if you need disability services or academic accommodations.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n<p>If you had educational or physical accommodations in your last degree program, please contact <a href=\"mailto:mcmurph@bu.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mary Murphy-Phillips<\/a>, Assistant Dean of Students, and complete the 3-step process to file your accommodations with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/disability\/current-students\/requesting-accommodations\/\">BU Disability &amp; Access Services<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Assess your transportation needs.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n<p>Get familiar with\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.mbta.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Boston public transportation<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/thebus\/\">BU Shuttle<\/a>, and\/or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/parking\/parking\/permits-rates\/\">parking services on campus<\/a>. Students can also save 11% on public transportation with a discounted semester-long MBTA pass through BU Transportation Services, find more information on the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/transcomm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Transportation Services website.<\/a><\/p>\n \n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Check your compliance.<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n<p>Check your compliance status on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/mybu\/\">MyBU Student Portal<\/a>. Compliance is critical; without it, students are blocked from University functions.<\/p>\n \n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Add your phone number to the BU Alert system<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n<p>This can be done on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/mybu\/\">MyBU Student Portal<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Buy books, course readers, and a computer or tablet.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n<p>Textbooks can be purchased or rented through the <a href=\"http:\/\/bu.bncollege.com\/webapp\/wcs\/stores\/servlet\/BNCBHomePage?storeId=13555&amp;catalogId=10001&amp;langId=-1\">BU Bookstore<\/a>. Please visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/students\/advising-and-registration\/sph-registrar-faqs\/courses\/\">Registration and Course information page<\/a> to learn more about course scheduling, registration and course readers and textbooks.\u00a0Also, be sure to assess your tech needs. If you need an upgrade or a new computer, discounts are available if you <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/tech\/support\/purchase\/personal\/\">buy software or a computer through BU<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><span>SPH students will need a laptop for classes. BU Information Services and Technology (IS&amp;T) recommends <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/tech\/support\/purchase\/personal\/shop\/\">personal technology purchases<\/a><span> 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 <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/it\/support\/site-licensed\/statistical\/sas\/\">recommendations<\/a><span> of the Medical Campus Information Technology professionals.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n \n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Assess your internet &amp; technology needs<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n<p><span>The University provides secure, encrypted wireless access in most residences, libraries, campus dining facilities, the athletic facilities, and most other public areas.<\/span> 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/tech\/support\/student\/get-connected\/\">IT Help site<\/a>. <span>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/tech\/support\/student\/\">IT Help Center<\/a> is open extended hours to assist with your technology needs. Call 617-353-4357, write to\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"mailto:ithelp@bu.edu\">ithelp@bu.edu<\/a><span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Before purchasing a new laptop, please consider the following <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/tech\/support\/student\/find-software-services\/laptop-recommendations\/\">recommendations<\/a>. 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. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/tech\/about\/help-center\/hours\/\">Contact<\/a> the IT Help Center for any additional questions you may have.<\/p>\n<h4>Student Computer Recommendations<\/h4>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Specifications<\/th>\n<th>Minimum<\/th>\n<th>Recommended<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>RAM<\/th>\n<td>8GB<\/td>\n<td>16<em><span>\u00a0<\/span>\/ 32GB (required for advanced video production)<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>Storage<\/th>\n<td>256GB SSD<\/td>\n<td>\u00a0256 \/<span>\u00a0<\/span><em>512GB+ SSD<\/em><span>\u00a0<\/span><em>(for advanced video production)<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>Operating System<\/th>\n<td>Windows 10 1709 64 bit<br \/>\nmacOS Catalina (10.15) or later<\/td>\n<td>Windows 10 1709 64 bit<br \/>\nmacOS Catalina (10.15) or later<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n \n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Zoom Meetings\/Sign In Using BU Login Credentials\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n<p>To maintain secure zoom access, Boston University requires students to set up an account with <a href=\"https:\/\/bostonu.zoom.us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/bostonu.zoom.us\/<\/a>. When signing in to Zoom using the desktop or mobile applications, you&#8217;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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/tech\/services\/cccs\/conf\/online\/zoom\/getting-started\/signing-in-using-your-bu-login\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">here<\/a> to authenticate your zoom account with your BU username and Kerberos password.<\/p>\n \n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Learn more about the technology you need for online learning<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/students\/getting-started-at-busph\/learning-technology\/\">Read more about online learning technology.<\/a><\/p>\n \n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Complete the Required SPH plagiarism tutorial.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n<p>With your BU email address and password, please login and review the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/mymedia.bu.edu\/media\/SPH+Plagiarism+Demo\/1_lwxyck5d\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">SPH Plagiarism Tutorial<\/a>. The quick and informative electronic presentation is mandatory for all SPH students.<\/p>\n \n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Transfer credits and course waivers.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/students\/advising-and-registration\/policies-and-procedures\/forms\/\">Submit transfer credit or course waiver requests to the Registrar.<\/a><\/p>\n \n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>BU Merchandise<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n<p>Browse other BU branded merchandise at the BU Barnes and Noble bookstore <a href=\"https:\/\/bu.bncollege.com\/?search=public+health&amp;displayImage=N&amp;solrSearchEnabled=Y&amp;catalogId=10001&amp;langId=-1&amp;storeId=13555&amp;requiredfields=PRODUCTGM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>International Students<\/h3>\n \n<ul class=\"sph-list-checklist\">\n<li><strong>If you are an international student, register for BU First Class.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n<ul>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"> <\/span>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<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/sph\/files\/2021\/07\/Fall-2021-BU-First-Class_Memo-from-W-Wang.pdf\">Click here to learn more<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">More Resources and Recommendations for International Students<\/h6><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<h3>International Students &amp; Scholars Office (ISSO)<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/isso\/students\/index.html\">The International Students &amp; Scholars Office (ISSO)<\/a><span>\u00a0<\/span>provides essential services to ensure student, scholar, and institutional compliance with federal regulations.\u00a0 Within this office, students can access professional expertise on immigration and employment issues.<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/isso\/students\/index.html\">ISSO<\/a><span>\u00a0<\/span>also promotes the academic, professional, and personal growth of this diverse community while cultivating an appreciation of its many contributions to the BU campus.<\/p>\n<p>As you prepare to enter the U.S. and begin your studies at SPH, the<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/isso\/students\/index.html\">ISSO<\/a><span>\u00a0<\/span>will be a resource to you for the following:<\/p>\n<p><b>Visa and Immigration Services<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Maintenance of lawful immigration status<\/li>\n<li>Assist with processing to:\n<ul>\n<li>Travel outside and return to the U.S.<\/li>\n<li>Work on campus<\/li>\n<li>Drop below a full course of study<\/li>\n<li>Withdraw from school<\/li>\n<li>Extend time limit for completion of study<\/li>\n<li>Change major field of study<\/li>\n<li>Change academic level<\/li>\n<li>Transfer to or from another school<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Assist with Immigration authorization to:\n<ul>\n<li>Work off campus<\/li>\n<li>Change immigration status<\/li>\n<li>Work after graduation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Maintenance, renewal, and replacement of passport, visa, I-94, I-20, DS-2019<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>\u00a0<\/b><b>Other Services<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Assist with:\n<ul>\n<li>New student orientation<\/li>\n<li>Cultural adjustment<\/li>\n<li>Intercultural programs and events<\/li>\n<li>Social Security card application<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Provide information on<b>:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li>Boston University services, policies, and procedures<\/li>\n<li>Community programs and services<\/li>\n<li>Holiday programs and travel opportunities<\/li>\n<li>Scholarships, fellowships, and educational loans<\/li>\n<li>Embassies and consulates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>For more immigration and visa information, please contact one of the International Student Advisors<\/strong><br \/>\n888 Commonwealth Avenue, 2<sup>nd<\/sup><span>\u00a0<\/span>Floor | Boston, MA 02215<br \/>\nPhone: 617-353-3565<br \/>\nEmail:\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:isso@bu.edu\">isso@bu.edu<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"secondheading\">Finances and Banking<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wire Transfers<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The simplest way to pay your tuition and fees is by wire transfer<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span>to\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/studentaccountingservices\/your-bill\/payment-options\/\">BU\u2019s Student Accounts &amp; Finances<\/a>:<\/p>\n<p>Visit the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/studentaccountingservices\/your-bill\/payment-options\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Student Accounts &amp; Finances site<\/a>\u00a0for information on payment options, including electronic payment, international payment, personal check, and credit card.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Banking<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>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).<\/p>\n<p>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.\u00a0<b>Please do not travel with large sums of cash as it is not safe.<\/b><\/p>\n<p>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\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/isso\/contact\/index.html\">contact the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO)<\/a>\u00a0upon arrival to Boston University.<\/p>\n<p><b>There are two types of accounts that you may open:<\/b><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span>Checking accounts<\/span><\/b>\u00a0allow 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\u2019t charge a monthly fee for students. Also make sure to inquire about the locations of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).<\/li>\n<li><b><span>Savings accounts<\/span><\/b>\u00a0allow 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<table border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"210\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.citizensbank.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Citizens Bank<\/b><\/a><b><\/b>560 Commonwealth Avenue<br \/>\nBoston, MA 02215 USA<br \/>\n617-536-6138<br \/>\nFax: 617-247-1823<\/td>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"210\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bankofamerica.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Bank of America<\/b><\/a><b><\/b>771 Commonwealth Avenue<br \/>\nBoston, MA 02215 USA<br \/>\n617-443-2709<br \/>\nFax: 617-247-0568<\/td>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"210\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.citigroup.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Citibank<\/b><\/a>880 Commonwealth Avenue<br \/>\nBoston, MA 02215 USA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3><span class=\"secondheading\">Housing<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"secondheading\"><\/span>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\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Housing Resources page<\/a>\u00a0for more information and resources.<\/p>\n<p>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:<\/p>\n<p><b>Hostelling International Boston<\/b><br \/>\n19 Stuart Street<br \/>\nBoston, MA 02116<br \/>\nGeneral Manager: Bob Sylvia<br \/>\n617-536-9455<a href=\"mailto:gm.boston@hiusa.org\"><br \/>\ngm.boston@hiusa.org<\/a><br \/>\n<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/bostonhostel.org\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">bostonhostel.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>The International Guest House<\/b><span>\u00a0<\/span>(male international students only)<br \/>\n237 Beacon Street<br \/>\nBoston, MA 02116<br \/>\n617-437-1975<a href=\"mailto:mail@intlguesthouse.com\"><br \/>\nmail@intlguesthouse.com<\/a><br \/>\n<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.intlguesthouse.com\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">www.intlguesthouse.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>At Home in Boston<\/b><br \/>\n15 Cedar Road<br \/>\nChestnut Hill, MA 02467<br \/>\nDirector: Mrs. Joan Cohen<br \/>\n617-277-6444<a href=\"mailto:athomeinboston@gmail.com\"><br \/>\nathomeinboston@gmail.com<\/a><br \/>\n<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.athomeinboston.org\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">www.athomeinboston.org<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Working While a Student<\/h3>\n<p>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<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/isso\/employment-internships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ISSO Employment and Internship page<\/a>. If you have any questions regarding your Visa status or working on-campus, contact the International Students &amp;\u00a0Scholars Office at<span>\u00a0<\/span><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:isso@bu.edu\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">isso@bu.edu<\/a><span>\u00a0<\/span>or 617-353-3565.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"secondheading\">Climate and Clothing<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>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 \u201cfall\u201d), 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Autumn:<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>46 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (8 to 15 degrees Celsius)<br \/>\n<strong>Winter:<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span>0 to 37 degrees Fahrenheit (-17 to 3 degrees Celsius)<br \/>\n<strong>Spring:<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span>38 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (3 to 15 degrees Celsius)<br \/>\n<strong>Summer:<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span>60 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 35 degrees Celsius)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/isso\/getting-started-old\/pre-arrival\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Click here to view some pre-arrival information from the International Students &amp; Scholars Office<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"secondheading\">Protect Yourself Against Scams<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Housing Scams<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/internationalstudents\/\">International Students &#8211; Medical Campus Housing Resources<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/articles\/2021\/students-warned-to-look-out-for-rental-scams\/?utm_campaign=bu_today&amp;utm_source=email_20210706_full&amp;utm_medium=2_must_read_1&amp;utm_content=technology\">Students Warned to Lookout for Rental Scams &#8211; BU Today<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Job Scams<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/seo\/student-job-board\/job-scam-alerts\/\">Job Scam Alerts &#8211; Student Employment Office<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/careers\/how-to\/search-for-job-internship\/avoiding-job-scams\/\">Avoiding Job Scams &#8211; Center for Career Development<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Phone Scams<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/articles\/2024\/frauds-committed-against-bu-students-prompt-police-warning\/\">Frauds Committed Against BU Students Prompt Police Warning &#8211; BU Today\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Phishing<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/tech\/support\/information-security\/security-for-everyone\/phishing\/\">BU Phishing Guide &#8211; BU TechWeb<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u00a0BU 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7187,"featured_media":0,"parent":18480,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"bu-publication":[],"profile_tax":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23504"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7187"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23504"}],"version-history":[{"count":59,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23504\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":265392,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23504\/revisions\/265392"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18480"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23504"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"bu-publication","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-publication?post=23504"},{"taxonomy":"profile_tax","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/profile_tax?post=23504"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}