What’s Happening in Wellbeing
Be sure to check out Student Wellbeing In The Media too!
Stress ReLeaf Workshops Offered Fall 25
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.
Workshop offered Mondays, from 4-5 pm, at the LGBTQIA+ Student Resource Center, 2nd floor, 808 Commonwealth Avenue.
Registration required. Registration links will be updated here each week in advance of the following week’s session.
Register here for the next workshop (11/17)
Fall 2025 Workshop Dates:
September 15
September 22
September 29
October 6
October 20
October 27
November 3
November 17
November 24
December 1
A combination of photography and filming 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!
Breath, Rhythm & Music for Your Wellbeing Fall 2025
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 Wednesdays at 5:30 pm in FLR 209 at the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, with the exception of the first session on 9/17 (see below).
Fall workshop dates:
- 9/17: Located in CAS 313 featuring Dr. Ramesh Bijlani
- 9/24: FLR 207
- 10/1: FLR 207
- 10/8: FLR 209
- 10/15: FLR 209
- 10/22: FLR 209
- 10/29: FLR 209
- 11/5: FLR 209
- 11/12: FLR 209
- 11/19: FLR 209
Thanks to our sponsors:
For an idea of what to expect, check out Dr. Iwanek's recent appearance on BU Today:
Global Grads Connect: Creating Community for International Graduate Students
Student Wellbeing is delighted to announce a new initiative for Fall 2025, Global Grads Connect: Creating Community for International Graduate Students.
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!
To start, this initiative is open to all international graduate students on the Boston University Medical Campus (BUMC).
Sign-up here for Upper Year Students!
Sign-up here for First-Year Students!
Program Details
Matches are made based on shared commitment, intentionality, and other preferences indicated in the sign-up form. Once paired, students will be introduced via email and can choose their preferred mode and frequency of communication. Whether you meet up for coffee, study together, talk about cultural adjustment, or simply hang out, the connection is what you make of it!
In addition to the one-on-one companion matches, the program will host monthly Cultural Mosaic events, welcoming, informal gatherings that give students a chance to meet others from across schools, share their cultures, and build community in a relaxed setting.
Program History
This program was founded by Manasa Sivakumar (SPH ’26), who won second place in BU's $12.5k Student Wellbeing Competition for pitching this idea. As an international graduate student herself, she saw a need for more intentional opportunities for international students to connect across the university.
Her vision is to create a space where students can support each other, build friendships, and feel a sense of belonging. With the support of Student Wellbeing, the program is now open to students across the BUMC community.
BU Food Pantry Open This Summer
The BU Food Pantry opens for Summer Hours on Monday, June 23 in its NEW CRC location! Pick ups will remain in the same location on the Medical Campus.
Orders on the Charles River Campus can be picked up at 930 Commonwealth Ave, Room 266. Use the entrance on Pleasant Street, labeled 940 Commonwealth Ave. Go to the second floor and follow the signs to the BU Food Pantry.
Orders on the Medical Campus can be picked up at 72 E. Concord St, in the Med Instructional Building, in the cabinets next to Room L-309.
The Food Pantry also has a new ordering system. Students will access the ordering system online and orders will be filled within three business days.
Place an Order
Food Pantry Hours
The BU Food Pantry is here to support all students on campus who may be facing episodic food insecurity and to educate students about how they they can make nutritious and budget friendly choices. Learn how you can support the Food Pantry.
Meet the winners of BU’s 2025 Hospitality Innovation and Student Wellbeing Competition
It all starts with an idea.
Do you have an innovative idea about how to support students' social wellbeing at BU?
These students did!
In the spirit of Experience Innovation, Boston University School of Hospitality Administration and Student Wellbeing celebrate these winners of the 2025 $12.5k Student Wellbeing Competition.
The Student Wellbeing Competition focuses on innovative ideas or initiatives that promote the social wellbeing of students at BU. The success of these ventures were assessed on creativity, novelty, reach, and feasibility to implement.
Student Wellbeing Winners
1st Place – Missed Connections ($6,000)
Frank Yang – College of Arts & Sciences (CAS), Class of 2027
Andrea Rojas Doupovec – College of Fine Arts (CFA), Class of 2025
Mohammed Hit – College of Arts & Sciences (CAS), Class of 2027
Joseph Marotta – College of Arts & Sciences (CAS), Class of 2027
Jodi Yu – College of Arts & Sciences (CAS), Class of 2026
MissedConnections is an iOS social app that fosters meaningful friendships among BU students. Using location tracking and interest-based matching, the app connects students who crossed paths during the day but didn’t interact, helping reduce loneliness and spark real-life friendships.
2nd Place – You and Me Both for International Graduate Students ($4,000)
Manasa Sivakumar – School of Public Health (SPH), Class of 2026
You and Me Both is a two-part program designed to combat isolation among international graduate students. The initiative pairs first-year international students with upper-year peers for mentorship and hosts monthly cultural events to build community and promote cross-cultural connection.
3rd Place – Kindness Chain ($2,500)
Qilin Liu – College of Communication (COM), Class of 2026
Chen Yang – College of Communication (COM), Class of 2026
Kindness Chain is a digital platform that cultivates a culture of giving at BU. Students can request or offer help, but to receive assistance, they must pledge to help someone else—creating a visible, growing chain of kindness across campus.
View the winning teams and their final pitches:
In addition to SHA and Student Wellbeing, partners include BU Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences and Innovate@BU.
Learn more about the BU School of Hospitality's Innovation Competitions.
Take Care of Yourself During Graduation Season 2025
Congratulations! You’re graduating! You’ve made it! Take a moment to breathe deeply and feel proud of yourself for all you have accomplished. Feeling overwhelmed?
We've got you! Check out our wellbeing guide: Taking Care of Yourself During Graduation Season to navigate the next chapter, with tips to support all dimensions of your wellbeing.
Taking Care of Your Wellbeing During Graduation Season (Downloadable)
International Day of Dance
Join BU Global Programs, Student Wellbeing and four fabulous student dance groups to celebrate the International Day of Dance on April 29.
Join us at 4 pm on April 29 in the Metcalf Ballroom in the GSU for a fun-filled event celebrating the art of dance from around the world. Get ready to move to different styles of dance, watch amazing performances, and even join in on a dance workshop or two. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking to have a good time, this event is perfect for everyone. Don't miss out on this exciting celebration of international dance and culture!
The event will feature the following BU student dance groups:
Support the BU Food Pantry on Giving Day April 9
Wednesday, April 9 is #BUGivingDay, BU’s annual 24-hour giving campaign!
Celebrate the cause that makes you #proudtoBU by making your gift to the BU Food Pantry.
Visit our Giving Page to learn more or give early! Mark your calendars for April 9!
Ramadan Iftar Celebration at Med Campus
Join Us: Charles River Esplanade Clean Up April 26
In observance of #EarthDay365 and Global Days of Service, join us for the 26th Annual Charles River Cleanup on Saturday, April 26, from 10 am to 12 pm!
Boston University students, faculty, staff and alumni will gather along the Charles River Esplanade near Warren Towers and the Questrom School of Business to remove trash and debris, preserving this iconic historical landmark. This event isn't just about making a positive impact on our local community; it's also an opportunity to connect with fellow Terriers who share a passion for volunteerism, sustainability, and service. It sounds simple, but you’ll have a great time chatting with others, enjoying nature and taking in some amazing views.
The Esplanade Association will provide gloves and all the tools we need to remove trash and debris from the section of the Esplanade adjacent to our campus. So bring yourself, a water bottle and all the Earth Day vibes!
You will be notified via email of the 10 am meeting spot!
Learn about the rich history of the Charles River, once known as Quinobequin, and the contributions of its indigenous stewards, including the Massachusett, Wampanoag, and Pawtucket peoples who lived in what would become known as Boston and Cambridge by their colonizers. Click here for more information on the history of the Charles River and the contributions of the Charles River Conservancy (CRC).
Hosted by:
- Boston University Development & Alumni Relations
- BU Warren Towers Residence Life
- BU Student Wellbeing
- BU Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA)
- BU Questrom Graduate Students of the African Diaspora (GSAD)
- BU Questrom Social Impact and Nonprofit Club
- Idori
- BU Questrom Energy and Sustainability Club