BU Support Pathways
Welcome to BU Support Pathways—a resource hub designed to support, inform, and guide Boston University’s global community.
At BU, we are committed to ensuring that all of our community members feel supported and empowered. That’s why we’re offering free, confidential legal consultations with an external immigration attorney. These one-time sessions are available to eligible BU undergraduate and graduate students, recent graduates, faculty, and staff seeking guidance on their immigration status in the US.
For those opting to stay on campus after the spring semester, the Dean of Students office and BU Housing have gathered key resources to help navigate summer housing options and access available financial support.
We also understand the importance of well-being during uncertain times. Student Health Services and the Faculty & Staff Assistance Office are here with mental and physical health tools to help you care for yourself and those around you.
At Boston University, our global community is essential to who we are. We stand with you—now and always.
Boston University strives to support all of our students, staff, and faculty. We have contracted with external immigration attorneys to provide eligible community members with an initial legal consultation to discuss their current immigration status. An eligible community member is a person who is not a US citizen or national and is one of the following:
- A Boston University student
- A recent graduate of Boston University who is within the “grace period” granted by immigration regulations following the completion of their studies or is within a period of previously authorized optional practical training (“OPT”) or academic training (“AT”)
- A Boston University employee (including faculty members)
Each consultation will take up to one hour and will be provided at no cost to the individual.
This one-time free confidential consultation meeting with an external lawyer is for individuals concerned with the following immigration-related matters:
- Department of State notice of nonimmigrant visa revocation.
- Termination of your student or scholar record in SEVIS.
- Notification from the Department of Homeland Security that you are being put in removal proceedings.
- Your ability to reenter the United States after planned travel to your home country.
- Steps to be taken to help ensure your ability to maintain your current immigration status or transition to another immigration status.
Please schedule a consultation, or email supportpath@bu.edu for assistance.
The International Students & Scholars Office also provides a list of immigration attorneys and legal aid organizations on their Maintaining Status page. The University does not take responsibility for the actions of these entities, nor does it guarantee that their services will meet your needs. When contacting law firms on this list, please expect that they will likely charge you for consultations and their legal services.
To ensure visa status, be sure to follow all guidelines for your visa. BU’s Global Programs and International Students & Scholars Office specify many of the requirements to be aware of to remain in good standing.
Boston University has a Student Emergency Assistance Fund that supports students with unexpected expenses. Filling out the Urgent Assistance Request form helps connect the Dean of Students office with students to provide necessary assistance and resources in a timely manner.
Housing needs for members of the BU community are supported by a variety of offices on campus. International students who plan to remain in Boston over the summer are encouraged to contact Dr. Nancy Martinsen in the Dean of Students office for guidance and support. This initial outreach helps ensure that students receive the necessary information and resources to navigate summer housing and campus life. Eligible students may register for summer housing on the BU Housing website. Additional housing information can be found below:
- Emergency Temporary Housing
If you are a student in need of emergency housing on a temporary basis, please fill out the Urgent Assistance Request form on the Dean of Students website.
- Summer Housing
Housing options for students remaining on campus during the summer terms.
- BU Housing
On-campus housing for undergraduate and graduate students. - Bridge Housing
Finding students accommodations for the time between the end of summer housing and the opening of the academic year.
- Residential Life
Support and guidance for students living on campus.
- BU Off-Campus Services
Helps students and scholars find short- and longer-term housing in the Boston area.
- BU Real Estate
BU-owned apartments for current faculty and staff.
Boston University is committed to the mental and physical well-being of all its community members. Tools to support individuals as they navigate this environment are provided by a variety of on-campus offices, including:
- Student Wellbeing
A campus-wide initiative to support students’ health and well-being during their time at BU.
- Dean of Students
Find student support services, review student-related University policies, or schedule a meeting with one of our staff.
- Student Health Services—Behavioral Medicine
Mental health counseling and psychiatry services for students. - Student Health Services—Behavioral Medicine Support Groups
A variety of student groups to support your mental health and well-being.
- Student Health Services Mental Health Resources & Tips
- Student Health Services—Online 24/7 anonymous peer support through Togetherall
A safe online space to connect with other students or consult with a licensed clinician. Free to BU students. - BU Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Support for students living with mental health challenges. - Albert & Jessie Danielsen Institute
Outpatient mental health services and psychiatric and neurological assessments.
- Faculty & Staff Assistance Office
A resource where BU faculty and staff can find help for a range of personal, work-related, and family concerns, including free and confidential short-term counseling offered by our licensed professionals.
- Office of the Ombuds
A confidential, independent, and impartial resource where any member of the BU community may seek assistance addressing concerns related to life, work, or study.
- University Chaplains
Serving the BU community, representing diverse religious backgrounds, and available to members of the community from any tradition.
Review best practices regarding a personal safety plan, what to do if you need to travel, what documents to carry, and more.
Messages from University leadership about immigration.
- Letter from the President: Important Resources for Our Community
Below are several questions that can assist you as you navigate your immigration status.
- How much does it cost to use the legal aid service?
The one-time confidential consultation meeting is free.
- Who is eligible to use the legal aid service?
Boston University undergraduate and graduate students, recent BU graduates (within the “grace period”), and faculty and staff who need immigration legal advice relating to their status within the United States.
- How many consultations am I allowed to receive through the legal aid service?
One.
- Are there other resources I can use outside of the free legal guidance offered by BU?
The International Students & Scholars Office provides a list of immigration attorneys and legal aid organizations on their Maintaining Status page. The University does not take responsibility for the actions of these entities, nor does it guarantee that their services will meet your needs. When contacting law firms on this list, please expect that they will likely charge you for consultations and their legal services.
- What if ICE comes to campus?
For information about what to do if you’re approached by an outside law enforcement official seeking access to University property or other campus situations, please visit our Safety, Security & Preparedness website.