
Boston University offers on-campus housing to its students, with many benefits such as convenience, affordability, and a vibrant student community. The university requires first-year students to live on campus to immerse themselves in the BU experience fully. However, exceptions are made for freshmen with local residences or those who are 21 or older by October 1st of their entering year. Additionally, students under 16 as of October 1st are not eligible to live on campus and are exempt from the freshman-year residency requirement. Transfer students are encouraged to reside on campus and are provided housing throughout their undergraduate studies if specific requirements are met.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are first-year students required to live on campus? | Yes |
| Are students who received University-funded scholarships equal to or greater than tuition required to live on campus? | Yes |
| Are students who are under 16 years of age as of October 1 of their entering year required to live on campus? | No |
| Are freshmen who reside locally with a parent/child/spouse exempt from living on campus? | Yes |
| Are students who are 21 years of age or older by October 1 of their entering year exempt from living on campus? | Yes |
| Are transfer students required to live on campus? | No, but they are encouraged to do so. |
| Are there any specific housing options for juniors and seniors? | StuVi I provides apartment-style residences to 800 juniors and seniors. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- First-year students are required to live on campus
- Transfer students are encouraged to live on campus
- Students under 16 on 1 October are not eligible to live on campus
- Students can request an exception to the freshman-year residency requirement
- On-campus living offers a diverse community and 24/7 security

First-year students are required to live on campus
At Boston University, first-year students are required to live on campus. This rule applies to all freshmen, including those who have received university-funded scholarships equal to or greater than tuition. Living on campus offers several benefits, such as convenience, affordability, and a sense of community. Students residing on campus are close to their classes, friends, campus activities, and multiple dining options. Additionally, they get to experience living in the heart of a diverse and historic city.
Boston University offers a range of residence types to accommodate first-year students. One of the most popular options is Warren Towers, the largest dorm-style residence, accommodating 1,800 students. This residence provides various amenities, including a convenience store and a cinema room. Other residence options include The Towers, an 18-story building with apartment-style residences, and Living-Learning Communities, such as the Core Curriculum House, Earth House, and the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) floor, which foster community learning and students' intellectual development.
The Faculty-in-Residence program at Boston University adds a unique aspect to on-campus living. This program involves a select group of 15 professors who live alongside undergraduates in residence halls. These faculty members act as role models, resources, and advocates for students, organizing collaborative and fun activities that enhance the overall student experience.
While first-year students are generally required to live on campus, there are exceptions to this rule. Freshmen who reside locally with a parent, legal guardian, child, or spouse within a 20-mile radius of the Charles River Campus may request an exemption. Additionally, those who are 21 years of age or older by October 1st of their entering year can also apply for an exception. It's important to note that students under 16 years of age as of October 1st are not eligible to live on campus and are exempt from the freshman-year residency requirement.
International Students: University Spots and Opportunities
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$24.95

Transfer students are encouraged to live on campus
At Boston University, transfer students are not required to live on campus. However, it is strongly recommended that they do so. Transfer students are encouraged to live on campus so that they can be fully engaged in the BU experience. Living on campus offers students convenience, affordability, and a diverse community with 24/7 security. Students are also close to their classes, friends, campus activities, and multiple dining options.
To live on campus, transfer students must pay the BU enrollment deposit, complete the New Student Housing Application, and submit the $600 housing guarantee payment by June 1. While BU will accommodate as many transfer students as possible, students must submit their application and payment by the deadline to increase their chances of securing housing.
On-campus residences provide safe and supportive learning communities near classrooms, libraries, recreational facilities, and dining locations. There are a wide variety of accommodations within the BU residence system, from historic brownstones on Bay State Road to modern high-rises and private apartments in adjacent neighborhoods.
The Faculty-in-Residence program places professors in residence halls across campus, where they live alongside undergraduates, serving as role models, resources, and advocates. These faculty members help students develop interests through collaborative activities and fun experiences, such as viewing parties and preparing meals that may be introduced into dining halls.
First-year students at BU are required to live on campus unless they meet certain exceptions. Students who are under 16 years of age as of October 1 of their entering year are not eligible to live on campus and are thus exempt from the freshman-year residency requirement.
Universities: Encouraging Student Physical Activity
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Students under 16 on 1 October are not eligible to live on campus
At Boston University, all first-year students are required to live on campus to fully engage in the BU experience. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Students under the age of 16 as of 1 October in their entering year are not eligible to live on campus and are exempt from the freshman-year residency requirement. This policy ensures that underage students have appropriate supervision and support, as on-campus housing may not be suitable for them.
Boston University recognises that students under 16 may have different needs and requirements. By exempting them from on-campus housing, the university ensures that these younger students can reside with their parents, legal guardians, or in alternative accommodations that can provide the necessary care and supervision. This arrangement prioritises their well-being and safety during their transition into university life.
Freshmen above the age of 21 by 1 October of their entering year may also request an exception to the on-campus living requirement. Additionally, those who reside locally with a parent, child, or spouse within a 20-mile radius of the Charles River Campus may seek an exemption. These exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis and require written approval from the University Housing Committee.
Boston University offers a diverse range of on-campus housing options, from large dormitories to modern high-rises and cosy brownstones. The on-campus community provides a safe and vibrant environment with 24/7 security, swipe card access, and convenient access to classes, friends, professors, extracurricular activities, and dining options. The Faculty-in-Residence programme further enhances the on-campus experience by having professors live alongside students, serving as role models and advocates.
While on-campus living is mandatory for freshmen, it is not a requirement for the entire duration of a student's time at Boston University. Students can explore off-campus housing options, such as The Bon, which offers furnished apartments with all-inclusive services, communal areas, and easy access to the university.
Drexel University: Columbus Day Off or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$18.99 $28.95

Students can request an exception to the freshman-year residency requirement
At Boston University, freshmen are generally required to live on campus. However, students can request an exception to this rule under certain circumstances. Boston University recognises that on-campus living is not suitable for everyone and offers an opt-out for those who meet specific criteria.
Freshmen may request an exception to the on-campus residency requirement if they live locally with a parent, child, or spouse. To qualify under this criterion, the student's principal place of domicile must be within a 20-mile radius of Boston University's Charles River Campus. Additionally, the student must have resided at this address for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding their registration as an entering freshman. In such cases, students must submit a letter, along with a written statement of parental consent, to Boston University Housing at 25 Buick Street, Boston, MA 02215.
Alternatively, freshmen students who are 21 years of age or older by October 1 of their entering year may also request an exception to the residency requirement. Similarly, this request must be made in writing and sent to the Boston University Housing address mentioned above. The University Housing Committee must provide written approval for any freshman to be released from the on-campus living requirement.
It is important to note that students who are under 16 years of age as of October 1 of their entering year are not eligible to live on campus and, therefore, are not required to meet the freshman-year residency requirement. Additionally, transfer students are not mandated to live on campus, although it is strongly recommended to facilitate their engagement in the BU experience.
Boston University encourages on-campus living as it offers students a safe and supportive learning environment, along with a diverse community. On-campus residences are conveniently located near classrooms, libraries, recreational facilities, and dining options. The university also offers a Faculty-in-Residence program, where professors live alongside students in residence halls, fostering a collaborative and engaging environment.
Trump's Warm Welcome at Liberty University
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$29.95

On-campus living offers a diverse community and 24/7 security
At Boston University, first-year students are required to live on campus to fully experience the BU experience. This requirement does not apply to students who are 21 years or older, live locally with a parent or guardian, or are under 16 years of age as of October 1 of their entering year.
On-campus living at Boston University offers a diverse community with 24/7 security checkpoints and swipe card access. Students can enjoy the convenience of being close to their classes, friends, campus activities, and multiple dining options. They can also take advantage of the vibrant social spaces that are ideal for meeting new people, collaborating on projects, or simply having a good time.
Living on campus provides students with a sense of belonging and a community that contributes to their academic success and personal growth. It offers an opportunity to make long-term friendships and connections with people from diverse backgrounds. With residence halls designed to provide comfort, connection, and learning, students can focus on their studies while also enjoying the social aspects of university life.
The benefits of on-campus living extend beyond convenience and community. Boston University's on-campus housing is equipped with 24/7 security checkpoints, ensuring that students feel safe and secure at all times. This feature is especially important for students who are living away from home for the first time or who are seeking a peaceful environment conducive to studying.
Additionally, the Faculty-in-Residence program at Boston University enhances the on-campus living experience. A select group of professors lives alongside undergraduates in residence halls, serving as role models, resources, and advocates. These faculty members organize collaborative and innovative activities, such as viewing parties and meal preparation, fostering a sense of community and providing opportunities for students to explore their interests.
Out-of-State Students at University of California: How Many?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, first-year students are required to live on campus. This includes full-tuition scholarship recipients.
No, transfer students are not required to live on campus. However, they are encouraged to do so to fully engage in the BU experience.
Yes, there are exceptions. First-year students who live locally with a parent/guardian, child, or spouse within a 20-mile radius of the Charles River Campus may request an exception. Additionally, students who are 21 years or older by October 1 of their entering year are not required to live on campus.
Living on campus at Boston University offers many benefits, including convenience, a sense of community, and enhanced security. Students have easy access to classes, friends, campus activities, and dining options. It also provides opportunities to make new friends and engage in the university's vibrant culture.











































