Summer Challenge: Calendar & What to Expect

As a Summer Challenge student, your day-to-day schedule will include structured time in and out of class.

Each weekday, you will attend seminars in the morning and afternoon. Meals are provided by one of the dining halls, with a range of cuisines available that include vegetarian and vegan options. The dining staff can also accommodate food allergies or other dietary restrictions.

After class, you will participate in fun, organized social activities during the afternoon or evenings and on weekends. These events will give you a chance to socialize with your new friends and peers while introducing you to Boston and to Boston University. See the Schedule of Social Events below for an idea of the exciting activities we plan. In addition, you can purchase a short-term membership to BU’s Fitness & Recreation Center (FitRec), study at one of BU’s libraries, relax on the “BU Beach” (a popular student hangout with views of the Charles River), or visit Boston’s diverse neighborhoods.

There will be plenty of free time to do your homework, enjoy the campus, and explore the city.

The schedule below will give you a good idea of what your days will look like:

*Organized social activities, some of which are mandatory, are held every weekday—either in the afternoon or evening time block.

You are a hardworking, highly motivated student. But you’re also excited about exploring Boston and college life at BU.

We’ve got you covered. How does this sound? Group outings to Faneuil Hall and Newbury Street, movie and game nights in the dorm, basketball at FitRec, ultimate frisbee on the Boston Common—and so much more.

Take a look at the schedule of events from previous summers—it will give you an idea of how you can spend your time when you are here. Optional and impromptu events planned by the program assistants and staff also take place throughout the summer.

In addition, we offer a number of academic workshops designed to get you ready for college. One such workshop, offered in partnership with BU Admissions, focuses on helping you prepare for the college admission process and provides strategies for how to succeed when you get to college.

Note: We aim to build a close-knit community among Summer Challenge students, and as a result, participation is mandatory for many of our planned events. During scheduled free time, students will have an opportunity to participate in other activities—such as visiting museums, playing sports at FitRec, or exploring Boston’s neighborhoods.

Sample schedule of Summer Challenge events

This is a sample schedule from recent summers; activities may be different in summer 2026. Each day of the program includes time to work on seminar assignments and enjoy free time with friends around campus.

Sunday

• Check-in
• Dinner and floor meeting with your Program Assistant

Monday

• Student orientation
• Public safety talk
• Welcome Night Activities

Tuesday

• Floor event: your Program Assistant plans a bonding activity for you and the rest of your floor

Wednesday

• Showcase your vocals at Karaoke Night, visit the Museum of Fine Arts, or take a trip to Harvard Square

Thursday

• See the Institute of Contemporary Art, visit Boston’s historic Faneuil Hall, or attend a panel on academic majors

Friday

• Summer Term photo shoot
• Team up with your friends and test your knowledge at Trivia Night

Saturday

• Trip to Hampton Beach or Wrentham Premium Outlets

Sunday

• Free time: use your “What to do for free in Boston” handout to find fun, no-cost activities around the city

Monday

• Visit Newbury Street, take a trip to Boston Common, or relax with canvas painting on BU Beach

Tuesday

• Participate in a college admissions workshop with BU Admissions

Wednesday

• Decompress with Yoga at FitRec, see a movie, or explore Boston’s North End

Thursday

• Farewell dance

Friday

• Final presentations
• Closing reception