Getting Started at BU
If you are new to Boston University, the information below is designed to help you prepare for attending classes this summer. You’ll find instructions for obtaining your student ID and finding your classrooms, directions to the bookstore, and more.
To proceed through the steps below, you’ll need your University ID number (or “U” number), which is a nine-character, computer-generated ID number assigned to BU students, faculty, and staff. Your “U” number is used for all University records, including registration and student accounting.
Things to do before you arrive on campus
1. Set up your BU login account
If you registered for courses using our online registration system, you already have a BU login name and Kerberos password and are all set to use important BU resources such as the wireless network, the MyBU Student Portal, and course sites such as Blackboard Learn. Note that if you are a visiting student, all email sent to your @bu.edu address is forwarded to your external email account.
If you do not have an active BU login name and Kerberos password, please contact the IT Help Center by email (ithelp@bu.edu) or phone (617-353-4357). You will need to have your BU ID number and photo identification available to establish your account.
More information about establishing your BU login account can be found here. You’re also welcome to stop by one of the IT Help Center locations below.
IT Help Center
771 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
(inside Mugar Memorial Library)
or
179 Amory Street, Brookline, MA 02446
(across from the College of Fine Arts)
Phone: 617-353-HELP (4357)
Email: ithelp@bu.edu
Website: bu.edu/tech
2. Upload photo for your student ID: the Terrier Card
Students studying in person this summer will need to obtain a BU student ID card, also known as a “Terrier Card,” to access University buildings and other resources. To ensure a BU student ID card is created for you, please upload a photo through the “Terrier Card Center” in the MyBU Student Portal.
Instructions about the Terrier Card photo upload procedures and guidelines can be found here.
Once your uploaded materials have been approved, Terrier Cards will be available for pickup on campus at the start of the summer session. Students staying in University residences can pick up their Terrier Cards at their assigned residence hall when checking in. Students who are not staying in residence halls will receive an email with information on where and when they can pick up their cards.
If you have questions regarding your Terrier Card, please email tco@bu.edu or call 617-353-9966.
Things to do when you arrive on campus
1. Pay your bill
If you have not already paid your bill, please visit Student Accounting Services in person or click here for more information on payment options.
Student Accounting Services
25 Buick Street, Suite 130
Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617-353-2264
Fax: 617-353-3313
Email: studenta@bu.edu
Website: bu.edu/studentaccountingservices
A late payment fee may be assessed to your student account if your Summer Term payment or receipt of settlement documentation is received after the payment deadline. The late fee schedule for summer 2025 is available beginning in February on the Student Accounting Services website.
2. Buy or rent course materials
You can buy or rent new, used, and digital textbooks for your courses at the Boston University Campus Store, BU’s official campus bookstore. Course materials can be reserved ahead of time on the MyBU Student Portal; under the “My Academics” tab, choose “My Courses” and then “Buy Books.” You can also view and order your textbooks by entering your course information in the Find Course Materials section of the Campus Store’s website.
Boston University Campus Store
910 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617-267-8484
Email: bksbu@bncollege.com
Website: bu.bncollege.com
3. Check your schedule and locate your classes
You’ll want to make sure you know where to go—and when—on the first day of classes. You can check your course schedule and classroom location under the “My Academics” tab on the MyBU Student Portal.
Please use the following links to match your building code with the appropriate location to find your class.
If you do not know your course location, you may contact us during our regular business hours to find out where your classes are being held.
4. Check in with BU ISSO (visiting international students only)
All visiting international students attending BU Summer Term courses and programs are required to complete a check-in with BU’s International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) after arriving on campus, regardless of US immigration status.
It is the responsibility of the ISSO to keep complete and accurate records on every BU international student and provide them to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) upon request. It is critical that all students complete their check-in with the ISSO at the beginning of their Summer Term program to ensure accurate reporting.
For more information about arriving on campus as a visiting international student, visit Arriving on Campus.
