Life at BU

Boston University’s campus extends over 131 acres in Boston’s Back Bay. Stretching along the banks of the Charles River and straddling historic Commonwealth Avenue from Kenmore Square to Allston, BU is a distinctly urban university. Campus classrooms and residence halls coexist next to eclectic shops and diverse eateries. Charming neighborhoods, iconic landmarks—such as Fenway Park, home to the Boston Red Sox—and world-class museums are within walking distance. A short trolley ride downtown puts you in the midst of Boston’s rich heritage and culture. And just across the river is Cambridge. Wherever you turn, you will find something new to pique your curiosity during the summer you spend in Boston.

As part of BU’s Summer Term community, you will have the opportunity to interact with students, scholars, and faculty from more than 145 countries and a wide variety of ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Whether you reside in summer housing on the BU campus or live locally, you have access to a rich array of academic, social, and professional resources at BU—including 19 libraries with more than 2 million print and electronic book titles, 1 million print and electronic serials titles, and 200,000 physical and electronic media titles. (Library resources are also accessible online.) Facilities available to students include the 270,000-square-foot Fitness & Recreation Center (FitRec) and the George Sherman Union (GSU) student center.

Explore the links in the menu to the right. If you have any questions about how to secure housing, getting started at BU, how to get to campus, what to expect of summer in Boston, or how to access BU resources, please feel free to contact us—we’re glad to help.

Please note that all visiting international students in Summer Term programs are required to check in with the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) after arriving on campus. Please see Arriving on Campus for details on where to find ISSO and what to bring with you.