Cracking the Code: Decoding the Unique Vocabulary of Boston University Students
![Rhett Boston University Notebook cover](/files/2023/08/BU-Slang-Carousel-Post-Final-2000-×-1308-px.jpg)
Rhett’s Declassified BU Slang Survival Guide
The (un)official Boston University slang dictionary. You’ll be talking like a Terrier in no time!
With a 140-acre campus and climbing upwards of 150 years old, Boston University has a vast community of prideful Terriers. But have you ever had a conversation with a Boston University student and just got…confused? Well, that’s because BU students have their very own Terrier vernacular. To help you understand the lingo, we’ve created a dictionary so you can sound like you’re part of Terrier Nation.
Define: BU Beach
![This is a photo of what Boston University students refer to as the 'BU Beach.' It is not an actual sandy beach but it is a place where students lay down and hear the noises of the highway, which is supposed to sound like ocean waves. The photo shows green grass with green trees lining the outside of parameter. To the left and the right, there is road that has cars lined on the sides of it. Across the green grass, there are students scattered about, laying down. Most of them are reading or looking up at the sky.](/files/2023/08/hanging-on-bu-beach.jpg)
Definition: Located across from Marsh Plaza, the BU Beach is a grassy area with trees, chairs to lounge in, room to walk your dog, and even space to play yard games. This beach does not lead to the ocean or a sandy oasis, but it does provide a relaxing getaway for students. However, re: “the beach”: if you sit on the lawn and close your eyes, the traffic on Storrow Drive sounds like waves crashing on a beach.
“Frisbee at the BU Beach later?”
Define: Jenga building
![](/files/2023/08/22-1700-CDS-001-scaled-1-1024x683.jpg)
Definition: Slang, aka the Center for Computing & Data Sciences. The new state-of-the-art 19-story building’s architecture has a similarity to a stack of books, or the game Jenga, on Boston’s skyline, hence its polarizing nickname.
“I’m gonna go to the Jenga building to get some work done.”
Define: Late Nite
![This is a blurry action photo taken at a Boston University dining hall. There are multiple students that are blurry and walking all different ways. The person closest to the camera is wearing a white and black shirt and is walking to the left of the shot. In the back, there is a blurry mess of individuals, heading towards the food menus and seats. The food menus are displayed on two different TVs. There is also a vending machine and a reach in freezer.](/files/2023/08/resize-19-1754-LATE-030-1024x684.jpg)
Definition: Where students go to grab grub—well, late at night. It is hosted at dining halls all over campus (including Bay State Underground). They have all the food you can imagine, from fries to wings to milkshakes to smoothies and pizza—you name it, they’ve probably got it. The best part? You can use your dining points.
“Wanna go to Late Nite after we finish studying tonight?“
Define: West
![](/files/2023/08/Screenshot-2023-08-24-at-10.54.56-AM-1-1024x680.png)
Definition: aka West Campus, which has easy access to the Student Village (Agganis Arena, Buick Street Market, and FitRec). The five dorms on West are StuVi 1, StuVi 2, and Claflin, Rich, and Sleeper Halls. While students on West say their side of campus is superior, the Terriers on East beg to differ.
“West is best.”
Define: East
![This is a photo in front of the Brown Stone dorms at Boston University on east campus. There are two individuals on the side walk in front of the brownstones and they are jumping in the air smiling and flailing their arms out. A blonde girl in a black jacket and blue jeans is on the left while a brunette man in a red jacket, black shirt, and black jeans is on the left.](/files/2023/08/feat-R6__0686-1024x684.jpg)
Definition: aka East Campus, where you’re just a few minutes from your classes, Kenmore, or Fenway. East dorms offer single, double, triple, or quad occupancy with a common bathroom and kitchen. It’s the best of three worlds: campus, park, and the city. Those on West will probably give you side-eye 👀 for bragging about this.
“East is best.”
Define: GSU
![This photo was taken inside of Boston University's George Sherman (student) Union (GSU). The photo features a set of table and chairs with white and grey flooring. In the background, you can see students scattered around, either walking or sitting. On the left, there is a food window that has food displayed for grab.](/files/2023/08/bu-gsu-crbc2-1024x626.jpg)
Definition: The George Sherman (Student) Union (GSU). It’s a central meetup point for friends, with a Starbucks, Panda Express, Basho, and more. It’s easy to pop in and out of on your daily Comm Ave commute.
“Let’s meet at the GSU for coffee later.”
Define: SPLASH
![This is a bird's eye view of Nickerson Field during SPLASH. There are tables scattered down the field, with people crowded around each table. There are lots of students crowding towards the inner tables.](/files/2023/08/Everything-You-Need-To-Know-About-SPLASH-And-Why-You-Should-Attend-1200x1200-1-1024x1024.jpg)
Definition: A twice a year (fall semester and spring semester) back-to-school fair where over 450 BU student organizations gather on Nickerson Field (fall) and the GSU (spring) to give students a chance to learn more about the various groups, meet the members, and sign up to be a member. The 2023 fall semester Splash was September 9.
“I can’t wait for SPLASH so that I can get involved at BU!”
Define: Nickerson Field
![This is a photo of Nickerson Field at Boston University. The field is located adjacent to the Charles River and is a green expanse with a red track looped around it. On the right side, there are sets of bleachers. Next to that, you can see the tall buildings that are BU dorms.](/files/2023/08/BU_Athletics_081716_570-1-1024x683.jpg)
Definition: A historic stadium that sits in the heart of the BU community. The 107-year-old field is home to BU’s soccer and lacrosse teams. It also hosts BU’s annual All-Commencement ceremony. When teams aren’t practicing, you can catch students playing frisbee, football, or pickup soccer.
“Want to play pickup at Nickerson later?”
Define: Fit Rec
![The Fitness and Recreation Center located at Boston University.](/files/2024/08/Untitled-design-3.jpg)
Definition: The Fitness and Recreation Center is an athletic facility at Boston University. Built in 2004–2005 to replace the aging and inadequate Case Gym, it was built as part of the John Hancock Student Village. It includes an 18,000 square feet (1,700 m2) weight and cardio room, a 1/7 mile indoor jogging track, a climbing wall, two swimming pools, a ProShop, various gyms, racketball and squash courts, and an oft-cited lazy river. Many students located in West Campus opt to work out here.
“After class, wanna go to FitRec and get a workout in?”
Define: Mugar
![inside the book stacks at Mugar Memorial Library, Boston University's library in Central Campus.](/files/2024/08/Untitled-design-3-1.jpg)
Definition: Located in the heart of the Charles River Campus, Mugar Memorial Library is the largest and most central of BU Libraries’ branches and houses the majority of the University’s print collections. Mugar provides a variety of study spaces catering to students’ needs and preferences. You’ll see many Terriers here during midterms and finals season.
“I was a Mugar last night until 2AM, fully locked in.”
Define: StuVi I and StuVi II
![From a point of view on the other side of the charles, you can clearly see Boston University's dorms a part of the John Hancock Student Village. Two of these buildings include StuVi I and Stuvi II, Boston University's high-rise, apartment-style living quarters.](/files/2024/08/cu_12-5417-STUVII-117.jpg)
Definition: The John Hancock Student Village offers sweeping views of the Charles River and Boston skyline. It boasts two residences—10 Buick Street and 33 Harry Agganis Way, affectionally known as “StuVi-1” and “StuVi-2″ and are located in West Campus. The two buildings are apartment style housing and are not available to freshman.
“I need to live in StuVi when I’m a junior.”
Define: The Bridge
![The bridge that connects Boston University to Cambridge, MA.](/files/2024/08/Untitled-design-3-2.jpg)
Definition: The Boston University Bridge, commonly referred to by students as the BU Bridge, is a bridge that goes over the Charles River, connecting the Boston University campus to Cambridge, Massachusetts. The bridge also connects West to Central Campus.
“I’m going to take a walk over the Bridge to meet up with my friends at Harvard.”
Define: South
![](/files/2024/08/21-1267-HOUSING-141-1200x826-1-1024x705.jpg)
Definition: With a quick trip over the St. Mary Street bridge, you’ll find yourself in South Campus. The campus mainly consists of student and graduate apartment-style housing.
“South is best.”
This list of definitions could go on and on, but this should cover it for now. We hope this helps you to better understand Terrier lingo—we’re sure it’ll help you feel (and sound) like you’re a BU dictionary.
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