Located in America's number one college town, Boston University is a large, private university located along the Charles River in the outskirts of Boston, Massachusetts. BU offers a top-notch education, the culture of a large city and a diverse student body, and an exciting, active campus life.
This sculpture in BU’s Marsh Plaza, called “Free at Last”, was unveiled in 1975 in memory of one of BU’s greatest’s alumni, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Traveling to Boston University
By car
If you live in New England, most likely you’ll opt to drive to Boston University. And while the thought of driving into a big city may sound intimidating, BU is easy to get to from all points.
A little bit of luxury in Kenmore Square, this hotel is worth every penny. Its professional, friendly staff and beautiful rooms are a treat to come “home” to.
A little bit of luxury in Kenmore Square, this hotel is worth every penny. Its professional, friendly staff and beautiful rooms are a treat to come “home” to.
BU has a very diverse selection of on-campus housing available: from large-style dorms to smaller brownstones and apartments, students have a wide variety of choices to choose from to ensure they are living in a residence that is most comfortable and ideal for them.
A future view of the completed John Hancock Student Village.
Upon its completion, the $225 million John Hancock Student Village (aka “StuVi”) will be a 10-acre hub of student life and athetics at Boston University. Currently, it houses a dormitory of apartment suites, the Agganis Arena, and a state-of-the-art fitness and recreation center. Two more residential facilities are due to be completed in 2009.
The BU men’s ice hockey teams gets ready to face off against a rival in the Agganis Arena.
Located within the new John Hancock Student Village, Agganis Arena is a 290,000 square foot venue with capacity for 7,200. The arena hosts sporting events and big-name concerts.
Located within the new John Hancock Student Village, Agganis Arena is a 290,000 square foot venue with capacity for 7,200. The arena hosts sporting events and big-name concerts.
While some schools pride themselves on their football teams, BU is unique because its shining star is the men’s ice hockey team. And with alumni like Shawn McEachern, Jay Pandolfo, Keith Tkachuk, and Chris Drury who have all gone onto successful NHL careers, it’s no wonder that watching just a season of hockey at BU is like getting a sneak peek at the NHL superstars of tomorrow. And, giving you quite a show while you’re at it.
Year after year, BU hockey wows students with their exciting, adrenaline-packed games, and are always a competitor in the very tough Hockey East league.
George Sherman Union
775 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA 02215
The GSU is Boston University’s Student Union, located in the center of campus and bustling with students in the food court, convenience store, post office and study rooms. Various administrative offices also reside in this building, including the Office of the Dean of Students.
This Barnes & Noble is more than just a bookstore: it’s BU’s official campus bookstore, so here is where students come to stock up on their textbooks. But, with over five floors, you’re getting much more than books—there’s dorm/home furnishings, school supplies, Boston University apparel and gifts, and an ultra-popular Starbucks.
This Barnes & Noble is more than just a bookstore: it’s BU’s official campus bookstore, so here is where students come to stock up on their textbooks. But, with over five floors, you’re getting much more than books—there’s dorm/home furnishings, school supplies, Boston University apparel and gifts, and an ultra-popular Starbucks.
Student-lead tours are always a great idea for parents and prospective (or new) students. You’ll be lead around the Charles River Campus and will gain a student’s perspective on all that the campus has to offer.
Boston University Student Health Services provides primary care for BU students for short-term conditions, and will refer students to other doctors if necessary.
This list will quickly link you to the specific school or college you’re enrolled in or are interested in enrolling in.
Useful spots on and around campus
The Green Line train runs up and down Commonwealth Avenue, and there are plenty of convenient places to shop and eat which aren’t more than a short train ride away.
Apartment and dorm essentials
Even a pre-furnished dorm is missing those essentials that make it just a smidge more homey. And, when the time comes to move off-campus, students practically need to build their space from scratch. Here are the ideal places to help.
City Housewares is a tinier, stripped-down, locally-run version of Target: great houseware and kitchen items, topped off with wonderfully friendly service.
City Housewares is a tinier, stripped-down, locally-run version of Target: great houseware and kitchen items, topped off with wonderfully friendly service.
This local hardware store not only carries your standard hardware store goods (think tools and a section to make keys) but also apartment essentials like furniture and kitchen goods.
This local hardware store not only carries your standard hardware store goods (think tools and a section to make keys) but also apartment essentials like furniture and kitchen goods.
Every office supply and piece of equipment imaginable is here, along with a great copy and print center for any last-minute project needs.
Every office supply and piece of equipment imaginable is here, along with a great copy and print center for any last-minute project needs.
ATMs and banks
The most prominent bank in the Boston area is Bank of America, and as a result they have by far the most abundant and accessible ATM and branch locations around. Whether students live on campus or off, there is always a location nearby.
The ubiquitous Bank of America logo, which you’ll see all over Boston.
Located in the George Sherman Union, this ATM and branch is ultra-convenient.
Bank of America ATM
660 Beacon Street Boston, MA 02215
Located inside the BU Bookstore.
Bank of America ATM
881 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA 02215
Bank of America ATM
700 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA 02215
Located inside the centrally-located Warren Towers, one of the largest dorms on campus.
Coffee shops
In college (as in life), coffee is the gas that fuels students. But even the most harried coeds like to sit and enjoy their java every once in awhile. These two spots are popular on-campus spots to do just that.
Pair excellent coffee with a hip, comfortable atmosphere and you’ve got Espresso Royale.
Pair excellent coffee with a hip, comfortable atmosphere and you’ve got Espresso Royale.
Good nearby eats
There are plenty of places to grab takeout in and around the Boston University campus, but ultimately the time will come when you want to enjoy a real, sit-down meal.
Don’t overlook this chain—for a reliable, quick-yet-comfortable meal, its always-tasty brick oven pizzas and completely addictive rolls are a delicious standby no matter what city you’re in.
Don’t overlook this chain—for a reliable, quick-yet-comfortable meal, its always-tasty brick oven pizzas and completely addictive rolls are a delicious standby no matter what city you’re in.
A tasting flight of Boston Beer Works-brewed beers.
Excellent Mexican food and top-notch service are packed inside this charming, cozy restaurant.
Excellent Mexican food and top-notch service are packed inside this charming, cozy restaurant.
Boston attractions
Boston is a unique city full of history and charm, and its great shopping and sightseeing should not be missed. Make sure to make time to explore and enjoy what the city has to offer—and these guides are full of ideas to get you started.
The slightly embarrassing but totally worth it Duck Tour.