Boston University: On-Campus Living Requirements For Students

Boston University requires first-year students to live on campus, as it is believed that this will allow them to get the most out of their BU experience. The university also offers housing for transfer students, although this is not mandatory. Students who wish to live off-campus can do so, but they must navigate Boston's competitive rental market.

First-year students are required to live on campus

Boston University requires first-year students to live on campus. This rule is in place to ensure students can get the most out of their BU experience. Living on campus offers students a range of benefits, including convenience, dining options, and a sense of community.

Benefits of on-campus living

On-campus residences provide students with a variety of advantages that enhance their overall university experience. Firstly, the residences are conveniently located close to classes, dining options, and other campus facilities. This proximity makes it easier for students to navigate their daily routines and access the resources they need. Additionally, on-campus housing offers a wide range of dining options to suit different preferences, ensuring that students have nutritious and convenient meals during their busy college lives.

Another advantage of on-campus living is the sense of community it fosters. Students living on campus become part of a diverse and vibrant community, with easy access to social events, extracurricular activities, and a network of peers. This environment encourages friendships and provides opportunities for personal growth and development beyond the classroom.

Residence options

Boston University offers a diverse range of residence types to cater to different student preferences. These include large traditional dormitories, modern high-rises with stunning city views, 19th-century brownstones, and apartment-style suites. Most first-year students opt for the large dormitories due to their convenience and the ease of socialising with peers.

One of the largest dorm-style residences, Warren Towers, accommodates 1,800 students and offers various amenities such as a convenience store and a cinema room. Additionally, Boston University provides Living-Learning Communities that focus on experiential learning and discovery beyond the classroom. These communities, such as the Core Curriculum House and the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) floor, promote intellectual development and a collaborative learning environment.

Exceptions to the on-campus living requirement

While Boston University strongly encourages on-campus living for first-year students, there are certain exceptions to this requirement. Students who reside locally with a parent, child, or spouse within a 20-mile radius of the university may request an exception. Additionally, students who are 21 years of age or older by October 1st of their entering year may also be exempt from the on-campus living requirement. It is important to note that these exceptions must be formally requested and approved by the University Housing Committee.

Students can request an exception to the freshman-year residency requirement

Boston University requires all freshmen to live on campus. However, students can request an exception to this rule. If you are a freshman at BU and would like to live off-campus, you can submit a request for an exception. Your request will be considered if you meet one of the following criteria:

• You reside locally with a parent, child, or spouse whose principal place of domicile is within a 20-mile radius of Boston University's Charles River Campus and has been for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding your registration as an entering freshman.
• You are 21 years of age or older by October 1 of your entering year.

If you meet one of these criteria, you can send a letter requesting an exception, along with a written statement of parental consent, to the following address:

Boston University Housing

25 Buick Street

Boston, MA 02215

The University Housing Committee must provide written approval for any exceptions to the freshman-year residency requirement. It is important to note that transfer students are not required to live on campus, but it is strongly recommended to fully engage in the BU experience.

Boston has one of the most expensive, competitive rental markets in the country

Boston University requires all first-year students to live on campus. This is to ensure that students can fully engage in the BU experience and have easy access to their classes, friends, campus activities, and dining options. However, this also provides a respite from Boston's notoriously expensive and competitive rental market, which is considered one of the most challenging in the country.

The high demand for rentals in Boston has led to a highly competitive market. On average, eight renters compete for every vacant apartment, and these units are quickly snapped up, typically within a month. The high occupancy rate of 94.9% further limits options for prospective tenants. Additionally, the slow growth in supply, with only 0.19% of new apartments added in the area, contributes to the tight market conditions.

The cost of living in Boston is notoriously high, and this extends to the rental market. The city's robust job market and the presence of prestigious educational institutions like Harvard and MIT make it a desirable location for professionals and students alike. As a result, renters often face steep prices for accommodations.

The competition for rentals in Boston can be fierce, and it is not uncommon for multiple applicants to vie for the same unit. The process can be especially challenging for international students, who may have additional requirements and considerations when searching for housing. The high demand and limited supply drive up rental prices, making Boston one of the most expensive cities in the country for housing.

For students at Boston University, the option to live on campus provides a convenient and potentially more affordable alternative to navigating the city's challenging rental market. With the high cost of living in Boston, remaining on campus can offer a more predictable and budget-friendly option, at least for the first year.

BU Housing offers a variety of residence types

Boston University Housing (BU Housing) offers a wide range of residence options for its students. From large traditional dormitories to modern high-rises and historic brownstones, BU Housing has something for everyone.

Large Traditional Dormitories

Warren Towers, BU's largest dorm-style residence, offers convenience and an easy way to make friends. With 1,800 students living together and amenities like a convenience store and a cinema room, it's a great choice for those wanting a typical college experience.

Modern High-rises

For students wanting a more contemporary living experience, BU Housing provides modern high-rise residences with sweeping city views. StuVi I, an 18-story building at 10 Buick Street, is one such example, providing apartment-style living for 800 juniors and seniors.

19th-Century Brownstones

For those seeking a blend of history and charm, BU Housing offers the opportunity to live in 19th-century brownstones. These residences are located on Central Campus and East Campus, providing easy access to classrooms, libraries, and the vibrant city life of Boston.

Apartment-Style Residences

BU Housing also caters to those seeking more independent living arrangements with apartment-style suites. These include the East Campus Apartments and Central Campus Apartments, which offer a balance of community and privacy. The John Hancock Student Village, comprising two modern buildings, is another option, providing stunning views of the Charles River and the Boston skyline.

Living-Learning Communities

BU Housing promotes intellectual development and community learning through its Living-Learning Communities. These include the Core Curriculum House, Earth House, and the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) floor, where students with similar academic interests can connect and engage in experiential learning beyond the classroom.

Specialty Communities

For students seeking a smaller community with like-minded peers, BU Housing offers Specialty Communities. These are specific houses or floors within large and small dormitories for students with similar academic or cultural interests. For example, the College of Communication and College of Fine Arts students may choose to live together.

With such a diverse range of residence options, BU Housing ensures that students can find a place that truly feels like home during their time at Boston University.

Students can choose their roommates and buildings

At Boston University, students are allowed to choose their roommates and buildings. The online Housing Application allows students to create groups of potential roommates. When the Housing Application opens in early February, students can start sending and accepting roommate requests using their friend's BU ID number. Students can only be a member of one group, and once they send or accept a request, they will not be able to join any other group. However, they can still add members to their group. It is important to note that any unconfirmed or pending requests will expire in 48 hours, and there is a maximum of 10 pending and accepted roommate requests.

Students can have a multi-gender roommate group, and any individual in the group can assign other members during room selection. It is recommended that students communicate actively with group members and confirm requests to join groups. Students can leave a group at any time unless they are the group creator. During the Same Room portion of Room Selection, occupants of a room may assign as many students as the room, suite, or apartment accommodates. Current occupants are given priority to return to their same room, suite, or apartment. After all current residents have had the opportunity to select their room, the option to pull in other roommates into the remaining spaces will be based on room selection numbers and selection times.

To choose a building, students can refer to the different residence types offered by BU Housing. These include large traditional dormitories, modern high-rises with city views, 19th-century brownstones, apartment-style suites, and private singles. Most first-year students opt for one of the large dormitories for the convenience and ease of socialising. For example, Warren Towers, BU's largest dorm-style residence, houses 1,800 students and offers amenities like a convenience store and a cinema room. On the other hand, StuVi I provides apartment-style residences to 800 juniors and seniors in an 18-story building. Additionally, BU offers Living-Learning Communities that promote intellectual development and community learning, such as the Core Curriculum House and the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) floor. There are also specialty communities for students seeking a smaller community with like-minded peers, such as houses or floors within large and small dormitories for specific academic or cultural interests.

Frequently asked questions