Student Support Services

The Office of the Dean of Students and Division of Student Affairs is comprised of compassionate and experienced professionals who are focused on sustaining a community where all students can thrive and reach their full potential as individuals and as scholars. During your time at Boston University, you may encounter challenges – either social, personal, financial, professional or other — that complicate that journey.

For assistance, please explore the resources on this page. You can also call (617) 353-4126 or email dos@bu.edu. Our caring staff can connect you with an ever-expanding list of resources we have to assist you during these times.

Emergency Assistance Resources

Terrier Meal Share Program

Terrier Meal Share is an initiative that gives students the opportunity to donate their unused guest meal swipes online to any undergraduate, graduate, or professional student in need at Boston University.

Students experiencing food insecurity will be able to request meals by completing the Student Emergency Fund Request. Please note that this program is only available for the Fall and Spring semesters.

All of this is possible thanks to the collaboration of Housing, Dining Services, Auxiliary Services, Information Services and Technology (IS&T), The Wellbeing Project, and the many members of the BU community who have called for this over the years.

Supporting Food Needs

In addition to the Terrier Meal Share Program, BU supports students with food needs through the BU Food Pantry, Marsh Chapel Community Dinners, Food Funding and Food Education. Learn more with BU Wellbeing.

Student Emergency Assistance Fund Request

The Student Emergency Fund exists to assist students with unexpected expenses they may incur while attending Boston University. We recognize that students may experience unforeseen circumstances that may impact them. Through generous donations from students, alumni and friends of Boston University, students may seek relief from financial hardships. The funds are provided on a case-by-case basis and are intended to be used as a short-term solution.

Criteria

• Must be enrolled as a Boston University student
• Student demonstrate an immediate need due to a financial emergency or other unforeseen circumstance
• Must complete the emergency request form and provide detailed expense breakdown with relevant documentation supporting the cost(s)

Eligible expenses

Food assistance
Emergency temporary housing
Housing utilities (i.e., gas, water, phone, electric)
Assistance with replacing items loss in fire, flood, or natural disaster
Textbooks and class supplies
Emergency travel
Medical expenses
Laptop repairs

Ineligible expenses

Tuition and fees
Non-emergency travel expenses
New laptop purchase
Non-essential utilities (e.g., cable)
Student organization fees
Conference registration and attendance
Relocation expenses
Storage expenses
Housing expenses (i.e., broker’s fee, deposits, rent)
Legal fees

If you’re needing to apply for emergency assistance funds, please review the instructions and complete the Urgent Assistance Request form here.