Campus Resources

Boston has a vibrant arts and culture scene, especially in the summer. From film screenings to concerts, performances, and exhibits, the summer is a great time to take advantage of all the arts in Boston. For an up-to-date listing of events in the arts, visit Free Summer Arts Events from the BU Arts Initiative. Check this page often for arts events both on and off campus. Don’t forget that your BU student ID gets you free admission into the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston, and the Harvard Art Museums. For more information, visit the BU Arts Initiative, located in the George Sherman Union at 775 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 201; email artsinbu@bu.edu; or call 617-358-0489.

The Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground is Boston University’s student center for self-exploration and community building. Like the Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman, the HTC believes that shared meaningful and creative experiences are essential to building Common Ground among all people. The HTC specializes in creating opportunities for such experiences so students can connect with themselves and those around them.

All Boston University students are invited to attend the HTC’s regularly occurring programs, like Coffee & Conversation (16 years strong!), Book Club, and Real Talk. For more information about these and all HTC programs, special events, and ways to get involved, visit their website at bu.edu/thurman or follow them on Instagram at @buhtc.

During the summer, Marsh Chapel and the Religious Life office remain open. Pastoral care is available through the Marsh Chapel staff (see the Ministry section of the Chapel website), and there are programmatic events and group activities throughout the summer. Information on Religious Life activities can be obtained through the Chapel office (617-353-3560) or on the Marsh Chapel website at bu.edu/chapel.

The BU Interdenominational Protestant Worship Service is held every Sunday at 11 am in the summer in Marsh Chapel. Dean Robert Hill preaches and the Marsh Chapel Choir leads music. When Dean Hill is away, the National Summer Preacher Series includes guests from across the country (see the Chapel website for weekly listings).

The six-story Yawkey Center for Student Services, located at 100 Bay State Road, includes the Marciano Commons dining area and is also home to the Center for Career Development, the Educational Resource Center, and several College of Arts & Sciences advising and academic support programs.

The Center for Career Development (CCD) seeks to empower BU students and alumni to make intentional decisions about their professional futures, to build purposeful lives, and to pursue goals while adapting to a changing world. The CCD offers programming on a wide range of career-related topics as well as numerous ways to connect with the labor market, especially with employers seeking BU talent. In addition, the CCD has numerous online resources as well as experienced professionals ready to help students and alumni navigate all aspects of career development—from exploring majors and careers to networking, internships, graduate study, and more.

The CCD is located in the Yawkey Center for Student Services, 100 Bay State Road, 6th floor. Please note that the CCD serves full-time and part-time BU students who are matriculated into or have graduated from a BU degree program. For more information about the CCD’s services, please visit bu.edu/careers. The CCD can also be reached at 617-353-3590 or future@bu.edu.

The Fitness & Recreation Center (FitRec) and Physical Education, Recreation & Dance department offer a wide variety of summer recreational opportunities, including classes in aquatics, climbing, outdoor programs, court sports, dance, emergency medical services, fitness, Pilates, rowing, sailing, and yoga. They also offer one-on-one services such as personal training, private swim lessons, squash and tennis lessons, golf lessons, private climbing lessons, aerial dance and dance technique, and private Pilates lessons. Programs for children include full day camps and classes in dance, gymnastics, sports, swimming, and climbing.

In keeping with the guidance of Boston University’s COVID-19 response concerning transmission of disease and social distancing, FitRec will be offering limited programming and informal recreation. Please visit the FitRec website for updates.

Beginning in the spring, a complete list of Summer 2021 programming is available at bu.edu/fitrec.

The George Sherman Union (GSU), located at 775 Commonwealth Avenue, is a central hub for student life. In addition to being home to 8 different types of dining options and a City Convenience store, the GSU hosts frequent lectures and events, acting as the focal point of campus activity. Student groups and organizations are able to showcase their work and promote upcoming events in an exhibition area at the main entrance of the building known as “The Link.” There are work spaces and study lounges available throughout the rest of the building. University-sponsored groups and organizations are able to reserve conference rooms located in the GSU for meetings and seminars through Events & Conferences.

Along with its vibrant student presence, the GSU is home to multiple departments within the Division of Student Life, including the Community Service Center, the Dean of Students office, and the Orientation office. It is also the location of departments such as the BU Hub, the BU Arts Initiative, Catering on the Charles and Dining Services, as well as the Center for Gender, Sexuality & Activism (CGSA), the Islamic Prayer Room, and Student Government offices.

The GSU Operations office provides information about activities and resources on campus to students, staff, and guests. This office manages the building’s lost and found and can provide a variety of chargers and equipment to anyone with a BU ID. For more information, please visit the Operations office on the 2nd floor of the GSU, or call 617-353-5498.

The Student Link provides online access to your student records at BU. You can use the Student Link to view and change personal information such as your address, view your student account, register for classes, see your grades, check your compliance status, confirm classroom locations, and more. To use the Student Link, you must have an active BU login name and Kerberos password.

Traveling between BU’s Charles River and Medical Campuses is easy using the BU Shuttle (BUS). The BUS departs from 33 Harry Agganis Way on the Charles River Campus and ends at 710 Albany Street on the Medical Campus, making several stops at key locations along the route. This service is provided free of charge to members of the University community. For a current schedule, route map, exact stop locations, and information regarding the Terrier Transit app, please visit the BUS website.

Parking permits may be purchased online through the Student Link.

Blue day/commuter summer student parking permits are valid all day in select lots and may be purchased for a fee of $435.

• Students residing in certain areas of Allston, Brighton, Brookline, Fenway/Kenmore, Bay Village, and Back Bay are not eligible to purchase a Blue parking permit.
• Blue permits are limited and issuance is subject to availability.

Daily parking program permits are valid in eligible lots and garages for a daily fee of $12.

• Your credit card is charged each time you park on campus.
• Instructions for signing up for the daily parking program are available here: https://www.bu.edu/parking/dpp-account/.

White evening summer student parking permits are valid in select lots after 3:00 pm and may be purchased for $120.

• Students registered for daytime classes (any class starting before 4 pm, defined by the University Registrar) are not eligible to purchase a White permit.

BU parking permits must be properly displayed at all times. Vehicles without valid permits will be subject to tow without notice and at the owner’s risk and expense. For more information, please visit bu.edu/parking, email parking@bu.edu, or call 617-353-2160.