FAQs for the College of General Studies
What is the College of General Studies (CGS)?
The College of General Studies is a small, liberal arts college within Boston University, offering first- and second-year students an interdisciplinary and global curriculum. Upon completion of the two-year program, which includes electives toward your major, you will continue to one of BU’s nine degree-granting undergraduate schools and colleges to complete your degree. The College of General Studies provides the strong foundation for a specialized field of study, and it fulfills most BU Hub general education requirements.
The College of General Studies is a unique program at BU—it’s the only one that gives you the option to study abroad during your first year of college. You begin the year in January with a semester in Boston before completing your first-year course load with a Summer 1 or Summer 2 semester. During the summer, you can choose to study abroad in London or continue your studies in New England, using BU as a base to explore the region. Whether in Boston or London, courses are taught by CGS faculty members, and classroom material is reinforced by experiential opportunities such as trips to museums, historical sites, and theaters.
Why was I admitted for the January 2026 semester when I applied for September 2025?
This was a very competitive year for admission to Boston University. To accommodate this exceptional class, we selected a group of well-qualified students for January 2026 admission who we feel will excel in CGS.
Can I change my admission to the fall instead of January or be placed on the waitlist
Unlike students on our waitlist, you have received full admission to BU through CGS. It is not possible to change your semester of entry.
If I start in January, will I graduate on time?
Yes. You will earn a total of 32 credits for the spring semester and summer term, which fulfills first-year credit requirements. In the fall of 2026, you will continue into the second year of the program to take CGS required courses and electives toward your major.
After you have completed the CGS curriculum, which includes electives for your major, you will continue into one of BU’s nine degree-granting schools or colleges to complete your BU degree.
Is the summer semester required?
Yes, completing your first-year course load of 32 credits requires participating in the summer semester. Whether you choose to travel to London or continue your studies in Boston, the CGS summer program deeply enhances the carefully designed interdisciplinary course curriculum, with learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
Can I transfer in September 2026 to other schools or colleges in Boston University?
You will continue in CGS for your second year in the fall of 2026. After you have completed the CGS curriculum, which includes electives for your major, you will continue into the school or college of your choice to complete your BU degree.
When will I register for classes and learn more about the Summer Terms?
You will officially register for spring semester classes in the fall of 2025. Your course schedule will determine the timing of your summer term in London or Boston. The faculty who teach you during the spring semester will teach your summer courses as well.
What are the dates for the summer 2026 terms?
Summer 1 Session:
- Dates to be announced
Summer 2 Session:
- Dates to be announced
Where will I live on campus?
All incoming first-year students are guaranteed on-campus housing. You will be assigned to a residence for January 2026. On BU’s Boston campus, you will be housed in one of our on-campus residences. In London, you may live in one of BU’s residence-hall style buildings or in external housing located within commuting distance of BU classrooms.
Costs, billing, financial aid; how do I learn more?
Information about the tuition, fees, room, board and other expenses is available on our CGS tuition page. There, you will also find information about University charges and the financial aid notification and disbursement process for the spring semester in Boston and the summer term in London.
How many students will begin their studies in CGS?
Approximately 600 students will begin their first semester in January 2026.
How do CGS students fit in with the rest of the student body?
CGS students fit in seamlessly. You will attend University Orientation in the summer or winter to connect with your class, meet your faculty, and explore the city of Boston. You will also be invited to winter welcome events in January 2026. You will engage in BU’s dynamic community through your residential experience, where you will live with students from all undergraduate schools and colleges.
How should I spend the gap semester?
Many student accomplish incredible things during the gap semester. You may take this time to volunteer, participate in an internship, work, travel, take a class, or pursue a special interest. We are always impressed with the myriad experiences students bring to BU in January. See how other students have spent their gap semester.
Your CGS academic advisor will contact you in the summer to discuss any courses you might plan to take and will continue to be in touch throughout the fall. We recommend that students also stay connected to BU through BU Today, The Daily Free Press (BU’s student newspaper), and the CGS website. Be sure to join the BU Class of 2029 Facebook group, like the CGS Facebook page, and follow CGS on X and Instagram.
Will I be able to enroll at another college or university for the fall semester?
Once you have accepted your place in the College of General Studies, you are considered a Boston University student and, thus, are ineligible to matriculate at another college or university. If you do matriculate elsewhere, BU will be unable to honor your admission and enrollment. Students may take courses as a non-degree student elsewhere in the fall, and we strongly recommend you speak with your CGS academic advisor to ensure the coursework will fulfill CGS requirements and not jeopardize your enrollment at BU.
Helpful links and contact information:
CGS Experiences Page & CGS Advising & CGS Professor Profiles
CGS Student Services
Phone: 617-353-2850
Email: cgs@bu.edu
BU Admissions
CGS Student Next Steps
Phone: 617-353-2300
Email: admissions@bu.edu
BU Financial Assistance
CGS Financial Assistance, Costs, and Payment Plan
Phone: 617-353-2965
Email: finaid@bu.edu