Boston University (BU) has been a staple of the city since its founding in 1839—though it actually started in Vermont—and it’s a big part of the Boston scene today. The campus, with its sprawling collection of high-rise buildings, stretches along the bustling Commonwealth Avenue, right in the heart of the city. Whether you’re dreaming of a career in acting, journalism, music, medicine, or real estate, BU has something to offer.
Campus and Urban Landscape
The campus itself is pretty much a part of the urban landscape—there’s no real “campus quad” to speak of, but there are some tree-lined streets and beautiful Victorian brownstones just off the main drag. On the cutting edge, you’ll find the WBUR CitySpace, a new multi-use performance and broadcast studio. BU is also making waves with its Center for Antiracist Research, led by author and activist Ibram X. Kendi, which tackles issues of racial injustice through research, advocacy, and education.
The Hub is Everything!
BU is all about pushing students beyond the classroom with its BU Hub, a four-year general education program that launched in 2018. The Hub emphasizes experiential, interdisciplinary learning, covering everything from diversity and global citizenship to communication and quantitative reasoning. A highlight of the program? The BU Cross-College Challenge, where juniors and seniors team up with classmates and faculty from different disciplines to work on real-world projects.
Every Interest at BU Has a Program
With 10 different undergraduate schools and more than 300 majors and minors, BU has a program for just about every interest. Business, communication, economics, and psychology are especially popular, but you’ll also find standout programs like the College of Communication’s mix of theory and hands-on experience (with adjunct professors who work at major media outlets) and the School of Theatre’s well-equipped facilities, including a 250-seat theater and design labs. The College of Arts and Sciences offers a huge variety of majors, plus advising for premed and prelaw students. There’s even a super-competitive seven-year program that admits students to both BU’s undergrad program and its medical school simultaneously.
The Questrom School of Business is known for its honors program and concentrations like innovation, law, and business analytics. Students in the School of Hospitality Administration can score internships in exotic spots like Sydney or Shanghai. The College of Engineering is famous for its biomedical engineering program and cutting-edge robotics labs, while students in the Wheelock College of Education and Human Development can test their ideas for school reform in the local public schools.
First Year Outreach Project and Study Abroad Programs
At BU, 62% of classes have fewer than 20 students, and students say the academic environment fosters both collaboration and competition. BU also encourages its students to engage with the community, like through the First-Year Student Outreach Project, which sends freshmen to do community service a week before classes start. And if the cold Boston winters get to be too much, BU has nearly 100 study abroad programs in 22 countries, with 37% of students taking advantage of the chance to explore the world while earning credits.
Kilachand Honors College—A Tight-Knit Community on a Big Campus
For those looking for a more tight-knit community, the Kilachand Honors College offers small classes and close interactions with faculty—plus the resources of a major research university.
BU students tend to be cool geeks—smart but also down-to-earth and fun, according to one biology major. The student body is diverse, with 212% of undergraduates coming from outside the U.S. (including 147% Asian Americans and 112% Hispanics). However, some students note that there’s a lack of socioeconomic diversity on campus, as many students come from higher-income backgrounds. To help with affordability, BU guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, and it promises that any tuition hikes will be matched by an increase in need-based aid. Freshmen eligible for Pell Grants won’t have to take out loans as part of their financial aid package, and BU also offers merit scholarships averaging $23,600 each year, plus athletic scholarships.
Housing is Guaranteed All 4 Years at Boston University
About 70% of students live on campus, with housing guaranteed for all four years (though it’s assigned via a lottery). The dorms start off pretty basic but get better as you get older—some of the senior housing options are like “luxury apartments,” according to one student. There are flexible meal plans, and one of the six dining halls is kosher. If you’re craving something beyond campus food, there’s a farmers market and a food court with familiar chains like Starbucks and Panda Express. And for a big-city campus, BU is considered very safe. The Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Center offers programming and support for survivors, too.
Greek Life at Boston University
When it comes to social life, BU has a lot going on, from on-campus events every day to easy access to everything Boston has to offer. With less than 1% of men and only 3% of women participating in Greek life, BU’s social scene is more about student-run events, off-campus parties, and exploring the city. St. Patrick’s Day is a big deal, thanks to Boston’s Irish roots, and other annual favorites include the Splash activity fair, homecoming, and comedy nights with big-name comedians like Colin Jost and Hasan Minhaj. Lobster Night, when the dining halls serve up whole lobsters, is another crowd favorite. If you’re feeling adventurous, BU students head on road trips to Cape Cod, Providence, or anywhere else you can get to from Boston. And if you’re a baseball fan, Fenway Park is just a short walk away.
No Football, But Hockey Rules Supreme For Terriers
BU doesn’t have a football team, but hockey is where the action’s at. The Terriers compete in Division I sports, with a solid showing in men’s ice hockey and basketball, as well as women’s sports like ice hockey, soccer, and rowing. BU’s hockey team has won the Beanpot 30 times, which pits them against rivals like Boston College, Harvard, and Northeastern. There are also intramural sports (broomball is a big hit) and 34 club teams.
BU isn’t for the shy or indecisive. But if you’re up for the challenge, BU offers an environment where you can really thrive—academically, socially, and professionally.
Boston University Application Requirements:
BU accepts the Common Application for Early Decision I and II, as well as Regular Decision. Applicants must apply to a specific school or college, and if you’re applying for a fine arts program, you’ll need to submit a portfolio or audition. Be sure to check BU’s website for the most current info on standardized test requirements!
