Student Services
Boston University offers a variety of convenient services designed to make your time here as comfortable as possible. We provide amenities such as wireless internet access, student work stations, access to multiple research libraries, an email account, mail services, laundry facilities, and tutoring. Students in high school programs can also access support from offices like Disability & Access Services and Student Health Services.
In case of emergency
Please use the applicable phone numbers in the event of an emergency.
- Summer Term Pre-College Programs office: 617-353-1378 (weekdays, 9 am–5 pm)
- Program assistant on-call mobile phone: Available 24 hours a day during the program. The number will be emailed to you two weeks before your program begins.
- Boston University Police Department: 617-353-2121 (available 24 hours a day)
The George Sherman Student Union
The George Sherman Union (GSU), located at 775 Commonwealth Avenue, is a central hub for student life. Along with hosting frequent lectures and events, the GSU is home to 8 different types of dining options, a City Convenience store, a student organization tabling area known as “The Link,” as well as study lounges and work spaces.
The GSU also houses the Dean of Students office; the Student Leadership & Impact Center; Orientation Office; Catering; Dining Services; the BU Office of the Arts; the BU Hub; and the undergraduate Student Government office.
University-sponsored groups and external organizations are able to reserve conference rooms for meetings and seminars through Events & Conferences.
Mail
You can receive mail at the dorm, and your mailbox number will be given to you (this will be different from your room number) upon arrival. Only after check-in will the mailroom be able to collect your mail; please wait until your arrival to give out your mailing address. Personal mail for students should NOT be sent to the Summer Term office.
Mailing Address:
Name
Box #: S-xxxx (on room key envelope received at check-in)
Building Name
Street Address
Boston, MA 02215
Laundry
Washers and dryers are available for your convenience. There are double-load washers and dryers in each residence. The washers and dryers cost $1.75 per load and accept quarters or Convenience Points, which can be added to the student ID via Give the Point. You will need to provide your own laundry detergent. You can either bring detergent with you or buy it at nearby stores.
Wiring money
If you need spending money, wiring services are available. We recommend using MoneyGram or Western Union.
The nearest MoneyGram service location is on campus:
CVS
900 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
617-232-2100
The nearest Western Union service location is off campus:
7-Eleven #33615
532 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
617-267-5158
Program assistants are available to accompany students to CVS or 7-Eleven.
Boston University’s Emergency Alert System
Boston University uses an on-demand alert and response system called BU Alert. In the event of a campus emergency, BU Alert’s technology allows us to contact the entire campus community immediately through a variety of electronic means, including text messaging, email, and voicemail.
To ensure the effectiveness of the BU Alert system, you are required to provide your emergency alert phone number (typically your personal mobile phone) when you enroll in the program, so you can be reached on campus.
How to comply
When completing the Participation Agreement in your Applicant Portal, please remember to fill out the BU Emergency Alert Contact Phone Number on the form. This is the phone number that the BU Alert system will use to reach you in case of a University-wide emergency. Please provide your own mobile phone number (not your parent’s number). This information is required for registration.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
