| Q: |
Is it easy to get involved? |
| A: |
It is very easy to become involved in any
number of our nearly 400 student organizations. The Student
Activities Office, located on the fourth floor of
the George Sherman Union, has a resource room which lists
University as well as community opportunities. And if
you can't find what you're interested in, just find a few
friends and apply to start your own group. |
 |
| Q: |
Is the campus safe? |
| A: |
Boston University's safety program has been nationally recognized and has been featured on several television documentaries. Boston University has also received the Jeanne Clery National Safe Campus Award. The University takes proactive steps to ensure student
safety and has its own fully deputized police force of 60 academy-trained police officers, some of whom are
also emergency medical technicians. There are more than 60
"blue light" emergency call boxes on campus. Each large residence hall is manned by security guards 24 hours a day ensuring that only residents and their guests may enter the building. There is also an escort security service that walks and drives students around campus at night. |
|
| Q: |
Can I bring a car? |
| A: |
Students are allowed to bring cars to Boston
University and can purchase a parking permit at the
University's Office of Parking Services. However, while the pass
allows you to park in University lots, it does not
guarantee you a spot. Most students find a car to be an
unnecessary hassle in Boston, especially since the "T" (Boston's public transportation system) makes several stops throughout campus. |
|
| Q: |
Is social life concentrated on campus or
off campus? |
| A: |
Because we have the resources of a city at
our fingertips, we have many options for social outlets. The city is a very
popular place to go, but the campus also has many different activities day and
night, from movies and lectures to concerts and dances. For an idea of what's
happening on campus today, check out the University
Calendar. |
|
| Q: |
Is there a Greek system? |
| A: |
Yes, it
includes about 6 percent, or about 1,000 students, of the University community.
There are thirteen fraternities and eight sororities. Fraternity houses are
located off-campus; a strange Massachusetts state law
prohibits sorority houses from even existing. |
|
| Q: |
What is the minority population? |
| A: |
Of the students reporting their ethnic background:
Asian or Pacific Islander: 12.8 percent; Hispanic/Latin American:
6.4 percent; African American: 2.8 percent; Caucasian:
56.2 percent. Take a look at our Common Data Set for more information about our
students, and visit the Admissions Student Diversity Board website for more information on diversity at Boston University. |
|
| Q: |
If I want to play competitive sports, what
are my options? |
| A: |
We have intramural sports, club sports, and
Division I varsity sports. In club and varsity sports we compete with other colleges and
universities; intramural sports are organized teams within the
University. |
|
| Q: |
Where will I live? |
| A: |
There are four distinct areas of campus:
west, south, east, and central (You thought we were going to say
"north," didn't you?). There are also four different types of
housing: large dormitory-style residence halls, brownstones (historic, refurbished row
houses), suite-style residences, and University-owned apartments. Boston
University also has specialty housing, if you want to live with people who have
interests similar to yours. Although there is no official freshman residence,
many freshmen prefer to live in the larger residences their first year, for the
opportunity to meet people, make friends, and participate in the many
activities that are scheduled there. In fact, we recommend that. |
|
| Q: |
What are the residences like? |
| A: |
Really, there are too many different kinds
of residences to discuss them all here, but our section devoted to housing at
Boston University may help you further. |
|
| Q: |
Is housing guaranteed? |
| A: |
All entering freshmen are guaranteed housing for four years,
as long as they remain within the housing system.
All freshmen are required to live on campus, and all students who receive University-funded scholarships equal to or greater than tuition are required to live on campus.
Freshmen may request an exception to the freshman residency requirement if they reside locally with a parent, child, or spouse; or if they are 21 years of age or older by October 1 of their entering year. To request any exception, send a letter (accompanied by a written statement of parental consent) to:
University Housing Committee
985 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 100
Boston, MA 02215
The University Housing Committee must give written approval for a student to be released from the requirement to live on campus and occupy a residence other than one in University housing.
Students who are under 16 years of age as of October 1 of their entering year are not eligible to live on campus.
|
|
| Q: |
Can I live off campus? |
| A: |
Yes, after freshman year you can choose to
live off-campus. We do, however, have the second-largest housing system of any
private university in the country. Overall, more than 75 percent of our undergraduate students live on campus. Off-campus options can be investigated through local real estate
agents, as well as at the Boston University Office of Orientation and Off-Campus Services. |
|
| Q: |
How's the food? |
| A: |
Students tell us time and again that we
offer the best college food they've had. There are plenty of options, both in
terms of where you can eat on campus—there are five residence dining halls including a Hillel kosher dining program and more than 10 retail locations that accept dining or convenience points—and the
number of plans from which to choose (six of them). And you thought choosing a
college was tough. |
|
| Q: |
What are points? |
| A: |
Dining points come with each type of meal
plan. You can also purchase additional dining points when you run out. They are
used like cash at all Campus Dining Services locations. Dining points can be used to purchase meals at any retail dining
location on campus, for pizza delivery, and for meals in residence dining rooms. |
|
| Q: |
I thought points could also be used to do
your laundry and to make photocopies? |
| A: |
Actually, you're half right. Those are called
Convenience Points. They offer a convenient (hence the
name) way for managing your on-campus spending. Like Dining
Points, Convenience Points can be used at all Campus Dining
Services locations. They can also be used to purchase
books and supplies at Barnes & Noble at Boston University
(the campus bookstore), get supplies and necessities at
any one of five Campus Convenience stores, wash your laundry,
get snacks and soda from vending machines, and, yes, even
make photocopies. |
|
|
| For more information about life
at Boston University, visit Experience
Student Life. |
