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, see bu.edu/arts/summer. 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 at 775 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 201, Boston, MA 02215, email artsinbu@bu.edu, or call 617-358-0489.

Founded by Dean George K. Makechnie in 1986, the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground (HTC) has been a source of programs, events, and experiences that foster critical thought, encourage new connections, and provoke conversation on the issues of the day. The conversations vary in range and intensity, covering topics from domestic and international politics to the history and future of Boston, to more local conversations like the best ways to study for exams at BU. Check out our recurring programs like “Coffee & Conversation” and “Tea Time,” or visit the center at 808 Commonwealth Avenue to meet new people. It just might become your home away from home on campus. 

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 Marsh Chapel. Dean Robert Hill preaches and the Marsh Chapel Choir leads music. When Dean Hill is away, our National Summer Preacher Series includes guests from across the country (see the Chapel website for weekly listings). We hope you will join us this summer.

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.

Stop by the FitRec front desk to find out about your membership options. A list of Summer 2020 offerings 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 11 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 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 to subscribe to our mailing list, please visit the BUS website.

Parking permits may be purchased, exchanged, or returned at the Parking & Transportation Services office which is located at 1019 Commonwealth Avenue.

Blue day/commuter summer student parking permits are valid all day in select lots and may be purchased for a fee of $435.00.

• Students residing in Allston, Brighton, Brookline, Fenway/Kenmore, Bay Village, and Back Bay are not eligible to purchase a Blue parking permit.
• Students residing outside of the neighborhoods noted above must provide a copy of their current apartment lease or a current utility bill to confirm their residence location at time of purchase.
• Blue permits are limited and issuance is subject to availability.

White evening summer student parking permits are valid in select lots after 2:30 pm and may be purchased for the fee of $120.00.

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

To obtain a parking permit, you must present your valid BU Terrier Card and a completed application form at the time of purchase. Application forms are available at our office windows. White evening summer student permits may also be purchased online via the Student Link. Parking permit purchases may be secured with check, American Express, MasterCard, Visa, or Discover.

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.