Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts

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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.

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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.

By air

Fly into Boston’s Logan Airport (BOS) and you’ve got just a short drive to Boston University:

  1. Take Route 1-A through the Sumner Tunnel.
  2. Bear right onto the ramp to Storrow Drive.
  3. Continue on Storrow Drive to the Kenmore exit.
  4. At the first set of traffic lights, turn right onto Beacon Street.
  5. At this point, the road forks. The right fork is Bay State Road.
  6. Take Bay State Road for the Office of Admissions, the Towers Residence Hall, and Upper and Lower Bay State Road Area Residence Halls.
  7. The left fork takes you into Kenmore Square (the large building on the right is the Myles Standish Residence Hall).
  8. Bear right at the far end of Kenmore Square onto Commonwealth Avenue.
  9. The Warren Towers Residence Hall, the main campus, and the South and West Campus areas and Residence Halls are located on or near Commonwealth Avenue.

Where to stay

While there are plenty of (expensive) places to stay in downtown Boston, these three are wonderfully convenient to BU.

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The fabulous Hotel Commonwealth.

Hotel Commonwealth

500 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215

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.

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The entrance to the Eliot Hotel.

The Eliot Hotel

370 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215

This charming, elegant hotel is nestled next to swanky Commonwealth Avenue brownstones.

This charming, elegant hotel is nestled next to swanky Commonwealth Avenue brownstones.

Beacon Inn 1087

1087 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA 02446

This no-frills yet charming inn is located in a quiet residential area, convenient to the T.

This no-frills yet charming inn is located in a quiet residential area, convenient to the T.

Campus life highlights

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Warren Towers is a popular large dorm that houses mostly freshman students.

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A future view of the completed John Hancock Student Village.

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The BU men’s ice hockey teams gets ready to face off against a rival in the Agganis Arena.

Agganis Arena At Boston University

925 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215

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.

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.

Important school links

 

Useful spots on and around campus

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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.

Bed Bath & Beyond

401 Park Dr Ste 8, Boston, MA 02215

This Mecca of housewares is conveniently nearby to fufill every conceivable new apartment need.

This Mecca of housewares is conveniently nearby to fufill every conceivable new apartment need.

City Housewares

434 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446

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.

Staples

899 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02115

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.

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The ubiquitous Bank of America logo, which you’ll see all over Boston.

Bank of America

771 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA 02215

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. 

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Famous, must-try frozen yogurt at Angora.

Angora Cafe

1024 A Comnwlth Ave, Brookline, MA 02445

Angora has a good selection of gourmet coffee and drinks, and bonus: they have a great food menu and absolutely addictive frozen yogurt.

Angora has a good selection of gourmet coffee and drinks, and bonus: they have a great food menu and absolutely addictive frozen yogurt.

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Delicously cute coffee at Espresso Royale.

Espresso Royale Caffe

736 Commonwealth Ave, Brookline, MA 02445

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.

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Bertucci’s pizza.

Bertucci's Brick Oven Pizzeria

533 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215

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.

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A tasting flight of Boston Beer Works-brewed beers.

Boston Beer Works

61 Brookline Ave Ste 2, Boston, MA 02215

Out-of-towners love the cool, industrial feel of this restaurant serving its own on-site brewed beer and eclectic American fare.

Out-of-towners love the cool, industrial feel of this restaurant serving its own on-site brewed beer and eclectic American fare.

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The popular Brown Sugar Cafe.

Brown Sugar Cafe

1033 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215

This award-winning restaurant serves up authentic, tasty Thai food.

This award-winning restaurant serves up authentic, tasty Thai food.

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Canestaro is located near Fenway Park.

Canestaro

16 Peterborough St, Boston, MA 02215

Patrons rave about the Italian dishes, and the outdoor patio (from Spring through Fall) is a lovely spot to enjoy dinner.

Patrons rave about the Italian dishes, and the outdoor patio (from Spring through Fall) is a lovely spot to enjoy dinner.

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Sol Azteca on Beacon Street.

Sol Azteca

914 A Beacon St, Boston, MA 02215

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. 

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The slightly embarrassing but totally worth it Duck Tour.

Where it's all at

This map contains all of the locations referenced within this guide.

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