What’s Happening in Wellbeing
Be sure to check out Student Wellbeing In The Media too!
GradGather (BU Meetup) back with new mobile app!
Calling all graduate students! Are you looking to meet people from different departments and grow your BU network? GradGather (formerly BU Meetup) helps connect groups of BU graduate students from different departments for casual, flexible meetups.
GradGather launched a new website in Fall 2025, and now the GradGather mobile app is here! The app makes it easy to sign up for each matching session and message your group members. If you already have a GradGather account, you can log into the app right away, If not, it only takes a few minutes to set one up.
GradGather for Google Play is coming soon. In the meanwhile, Android users can use the mobile website with all the same functionality.
Finally, you can always use the website on computer or mobile in addition to the app.
How GradGather works:
Once you make an account, you will receive invitations to join matching sessions. If you sign up for a matching session, you will be matched into a small group of students from different departments. You can see your matches and message them from the app. Then, the rest is up to you! Schedule a coffee chat, go for a walk, give each other tours of your departments, or anything else you’d like to do.
We hope you join the thousands of BU grad students who have participated in gathers since 2022. We welcome questions or feedback and can be reached directly at admin@gradgather.com.
Happy gathering!
For more on GradGather's history, check out this feature on BU Today.
About the founders: Eric Wellers (LAW '24) and Will Saunders (GRS '24) joined forces with a great idea: to connect graduate students that are interested in meeting peers from other programs on campus. Originally piloted by Eric at LAW, Will brought his tech expertise to the table by creating an application to match graduate students into trios as an opportunity to socialize and foster community. With lots of work and determination, BUMeetUp launched in Fall 2022, and both students won first place in the 2024 $12.5k Student Wellbeing Competition.
Breath, Rhythm & Music for Your Wellbeing Spring 2026
Join Professor Igor Iwanek (CFA) and Grammy-nominated tabla player Amit Kavthekar in learning the practice of Rhythmic Breath Control (RBC).
Imagine your body is the hardware and your mind is the software. How do we keep this machine charged? RBC teaches you to create a power station for your body and mind using breath guided by rhythms of North Indian Classical music. Studies have shown how we breathe relates to how healthy we are, and in this interactive session, we'll learn powerful ancient techniques of Naad Yog (yoga of sound) designed to promote emotional resilience and holistic wellbeing.
Learning Objectives:
- Improve cognitive performance and self-management in stressful situations with RBC.
- Learn to recreate the profound relaxation of deep sleep, on demand.
- Understand the power of breath to overcome overwhelming thoughts, stabilize the mind and energize the body.
Throughout the semester, one hour workshops will be offered most Mondays at 5:15 pm in FLR 209 at the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground.
Some sessions will also be offered on-site at other campus locations (see purple).
Spring workshop dates:
- 2/2: in FLR 209
- 2/9: in FLR 209
- Wednesday, 2/25: in BU Hillel (213 Bay State Road)
- Wednesday, 3/4, 11 am: in FLR 209, in partnership with BU Diversity & Inclusion
- 3/16: in FLR 209
- 3/23, 11 am: at the Center for the Study of Asia, Pardee School of Global Studies
- 3/30: in FLR 209
- Wednesday, 4/15: in INS 110, Medical Campus Instructional Building (72 East Concord St)
- Wednesday, 4/22, 11 am: CAS Writing Center (100 Bay State Road, 3rd fl)
Thanks to our sponsors:
- BU Office for the Arts
- CFA School of Music
- BU Center for the Study of Asia
- Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground
For an idea of what to expect, check out Dr. Iwanek's recent appearance on BU Today:
Global Grads Connect Spring Kick Off Social Jan. 29
Calling all international graduate students! Student Wellbeing’s initiative - Global Grads Connect - is back for the spring semester.
This program pairs incoming first-year international grad students with upper-year international grad students who will serve as companions and guides throughout the semester. Through these connections, students can build friendships, receive support, and gain insights into navigating life at BU!
We’re hosting a kick-off social gathering for international grad students on January 29 at 5 pm in the BUMC Hiebert Lounge. RSVP here. Food and refreshments will be served!
Stress ReLeaf is Back for Spring 2026!
Discover this popular Student Wellbeing initiative that uses tea as a catalyst for mindfulness. Through education and relaxation, we will explore the ancient practice of gong fu cha (“making tea with skill”) and cultivate a space that focuses on the present moment in a light-hearted, whimsical fashion.
Workshop offered Mondays, from 4-5 pm, at the LGBTQIA+ Student Resource Center, 2nd floor, 808 Commonwealth Avenue.
Registration required. Register here.
Spring 2026 Workshop Dates:
January 26
February 9
February 23
March 2
March 16
March 23
March 30
April 6
April 13
April 27
A combination of photography and livestreaming will be used during each workshop. The facilitator will respect the privacy of those students who do not wish to be photographed or filmed.
And be sure to check out this video in BU Today for a sneak peek at this awesome workshop!
The Wellbeing Experience Hits BU Med Campus 1/22/26
The Wellbeing Experience hits the Medical Campus Thursday, January 22, from 4:30-6:30 pm in the Hiebert Lounge!
Intentionally scheduled at the start of a busy semester, the Wellbeing Experience invites all students to momentarily step away from academic commitments to enjoy some activities that promote community, relaxation, gratitude, creativity and play. By visiting unique stations, students will experience wellbeing activities that can be incorporated into their lives in ways big and small during their academic program years and beyond!
Hot chocolate and snacks will be served. This event is always a student favorite, so grab your friends and we'll see you there!
Announcing the 2025 Wellbeing Innovation Seed Grant Recipients
This fall, Boston University students submitted proposals for how BU could address wellbeing challenges across campus—from financial stress and social isolation to physical health and academic pressure. Through the Wellbeing Innovation Seed Grant, a partnership between BU Student Wellbeing and Innovate@BU, 14 students receive $500 and mentorship to launch their projects and create real change in how we support student wellbeing at BU.
“We are beyond excited to partner with Innovate@BU through this new format,” says Pedro Falci, Managing Director of BU Student Wellbeing. “It’s been wonderful to tap into students’ unique and novel ideas for growing a culture of wellbeing at BU.”
These student-led initiatives span all seven dimensions of the Wellbeing Framework and reflect the creativity, empathy, and problem-solving skills of the BU community.
Here are this year’s recipients:
Benjamin Brosnahan (CAS’27) | Automated Financial Wellness App
An automated financial-wellness app that uses AI to handle budgeting, bill payments, and savings for students while providing culturally responsive financial education. The mobile platform aims to reduce financial stress and close the wealth gap by automating money management rather than requiring students to prioritize it over their studies and other commitments.
Sophia Chen (SPH’27) | Social Prescribing AI Platform
An AI platform that matches BU students with peers, mentors, and groups based on shared interests and wellbeing needs to combat loneliness. She has a working prototype and plans to partner with the Student Activities Office to implement the “campus compass” system.
Tanya Chhabra (Questrom’26) | Chakra Sync
A program that teaches BU students to use ancient Indian chakra science—including breathwork, meditation, and visualization—to manage stress and enhance focus through energy alignment. The initiative offers workshops and micro-activation tools that address emotional, physical, spiritual, and intellectual wellbeing dimensions.
Emma Chuo (Questrom’29) | Maker Space Using Recycled Materials
A program to gather BU’s recycled materials and reprocess them into supplies, tools, games and crafts that better students’ holistic wellbeing, creating a more environmentally & emotionally sustainable college maker space.
Armon Farahani (CAS’28) | Write It Down BU
A journaling program that uses weekly prompts to help students connect personal wellbeing experiences to social justice and advocacy. Student reflections will be compiled into a report to identify barriers and inform campus-wide improvements in wellbeing access.
Leon Han (CAS’29) | Fitness for Students App
A student fitness tracking app that creates realistic workout plans tailored to individual goals, factoring in student schedules.
Siddhi Iyer (Questrom’28) | Letters of Light
A rotating pop-up wall where students can anonymously write and take uplifting notes to spread kindness and connection across campus. The initiative will be installed in locations like the GSU and Mugar Library to provide accessible emotional support through peer-to-peer encouragement.
Josh Jana (Questrom’27) | Midnight Mode
A system of visual prompts and QR-linked resources placed in dorm study areas to help students adopt healthier habits during late-night study sessions and exam periods. The project addresses gaps in awareness of existing wellbeing resources by delivering condensed guidance on sleep, nutrition, caffeine use, and stress management directly in the spaces where students study.
Mya Kelly (CAS’27) | Financial Wellness Hub Course
A Hub course focused on financial wellness that will teach students practical money management skills through case studies, games, and workshops. The psychology major aims to address the financial strain and mental health impacts that college students face due to education costs and student loans.
Sophia Lorenz (CAS’28) | Redefining Wellness
Campus-wide educational materials featuring interviews with disabled and chronically ill BU students about their personalized approaches to staying healthy. The project will distribute pamphlets and graphics through Student Health Services, BU Buses, and campus buildings, with plans to expand to Boston Medical Center and potentially Boston Children’s Hospital.
Sathvika Mallavarapu (Questrom’26) | $5 Meal Lab
A weekly peer-led cooking circle where students learn to make healthy meals using BU Food Pantry ingredients. The program addresses food insecurity by teaching students to transform available pantry staples into nutritious meals while building cooking confidence and community connections.
Thao Nguyen (Questrom’26) | Room Sync
RoomSync helps BU students manage shared households while building real community through a neighbor-to-neighbor food sharing network. Less waste, less stress, more connection.
Sophia Parma (CAS’28) | Wellbeing Circles: Unplug to Reconnect
A program offering weekly peer circles, kindness challenges, and creative activities to help BU students combat loneliness and build authentic friendships. The initiative addresses the gap between online connection and meaningful social bonds through low-pressure, action-oriented gatherings.
Parastoo Shafiei (CFA’29) | Active Meditation Through Music
A 10-minute musical ear training “game” that requires focused listening to displace anxious thoughts and prepare students for sleep. The program will be available as audio tracks, a potential mobile app, or through physical listening stations on campus.
Yurou Wang (CAS’29) | MoveMinute @ BU
MoveMinute @ BU is a QR code-based initiative that delivers 1-2 minute desk exercises to students in study spaces across campus. The project uses posters and digital guides to help students combat stiffness and fatigue during long study sessions with quick, accessible movement breaks
You’re Invited: Thanksgiving Meal for All Students
Don't have a meal plan or plans for Thanksgiving? Join our community for a traditional Thanksgiving meal with plenty of sweet goods, delicious side dishes, and oven-roasted delights, including great vegan options!
Thursday, November 27
11am - 3pm or 5pm - 8 pm
Marciano Commons.
You must register to attend by midnight 11/24.
You are welcome to bring a guest who is not a BU student; however, their cost will be $22 per person, payable at the door. If you have a meal plan and guest passes available, you can use those for your guest.
Executive Director of Student Wellbeing, Carrie Landa, notes, "It’s our hope that all BU students who remain in Boston for the Thanksgiving Break will join us at this all-university community meal. This event is a unique and wonderful opportunity to come together, relax around a table with friends, and pause to express gratitude. Plus, Dining Services does such an incredible job with the food - this meal is not to be missed!"
What’s Your Big Idea to Promote Students’ Social Wellbeing?
It all starts with an idea.
Do you have an innovative idea about how to support students' social wellbeing at BU?
In the spirit of Experience Innovation, Boston University School of Hospitality Administration is calling all innovators to submit ideas for the $50k Hospitality Innovation Competition or $20k Student Wellbeing Competition.
The Student Wellbeing Competition focuses on innovative ideas or initiatives that promote the social wellbeing of students at Boston University. The success of these ventures is assessed based on creativity, novelty, reach, and feasibility to implement.
1st prize – $10,000
2nd prize – $6,000
3rd prize – $4,000
Applications open December 5 and are due February 4, 2026. Learn more about deadlines and the application process.
Upcoming Info Sessions: November 6 and November 20. Register here.
The Student Wellbeing Competition has grown each year thanks to partnerships across campus, including funding provided by BU Student Wellbeing, College of Communication, Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Hospitality Administration, School of Social Work, and Wheelock College of Education & Human Development.
National BU-Led Study Finds College Student Mental Health Continues to Improve
BU public health researcher Sarah K. Lipson on decrease in students experiencing depression—and what you can do to support your own well-being
Student Wellbeing To Offer Two Hub Cocurriculars in Spring 2026
Student Wellbeing is excited to continue to partner with Undergraduate Affairs and the BU Hub to offer cocurricular experiences to undergraduate students. In Spring '26, Student Wellbeing will offer two Hub Cocurriculars. Registration starts October 31 for both:
Thriving Together
Need to fill a Hub Teamwork/ Collaboration unit? This exciting cocurricular examines what wellbeing looks like in your own life, as well as at BU. Explore wellbeing concepts through teamwork activities that culminate in a proposal to engage your peers. HUB CC 107: Thriving Together meets Wednesdays 2:30-4 pm.
Wellbeing for Leaders
Leaders have a unique role in their organizations and community. It’s critical that they know how to care for themselves as individuals in addition to caring for their organizations. This Hub cocurricular invites students to explore how to manage the demands of being a leader by learning skills and strategies they can use to promote their own wellbeing and simultaneously cultivate a culture of wellness within their organizations. Wellbeing for Leaders satisfies 1 Hub unit in “Teamwork/Collaboration” within the “Intellectual Toolkit” capacity. HUB CC 108: Wellbeing for Leaders meets Tuesdays, 3:30-4:45 pm.