The Commuter Survival Guide
Living at home while going to BU? It's a different experience, but you can absolutely make it work. Here's how to stay connected and sane.
Getting There
Your commute options, honestly reviewed
T (Green Line)
$90/month (semester pass)- No parking hassle
- Study during commute
- Weather-proof
- B Line is slow
- Crowded at rush hour
- Service delays happen
Get the semester pass through BU - it's discounted. The B Line stops at every BU building.
Driving + BU Parking
$890-1,960/year- Flexibility
- Can leave late
- Weather comfort
- Expensive
- Limited spots
- Snow emergencies
Parking lots fill early. Arrive before 9am or after 2pm for best chances.
Park & Ride
$20-50/month + T pass- Cheaper than campus parking
- Avoid city traffic
- Guaranteed spot
- Longer total commute
- Need to time it right
- Two-leg journey
Riverside or Woodland on the D Line have free parking. Train to Kenmore, then B Line.
Biking
Free-$100/year (Bluebikes)- Exercise
- Fast in nice weather
- Free with your own bike
- Boston winters
- Theft risk
- Sweaty arrivals
BU has secure bike storage. Bluebikes has a student discount for the annual membership.
The Real Challenges
What commuting is actually like (and how to deal)
You Miss Everything Social
Reality: Dorm hangouts, late-night study sessions, spontaneous plans - you're not there.
Solution: Schedule intentional hang time. Stay late one day a week. Join clubs that meet in the evening.
Gap Hours Are Annoying
Reality: An hour between classes isn't enough to go home but too long to just wait.
Solution: Find your spots - study lounges, the library, cafes. Make gap hours productive.
Early Classes Are Brutal
Reality: An 8am class means leaving at 6:30am. Traffic and T delays add stress.
Solution: Avoid 8ams when possible. If you can't, pack everything the night before.
You Feel Like an Outsider
Reality: Residential students have their own world. You can feel like a visitor.
Solution: Make friends with residents who'll let you crash. Get involved in campus activities.
Bad Weather Days
Reality: Snow days barely exist at BU. You still have to get there.
Solution: Know alternate routes. Have a backup plan. Sometimes Zoom is the answer.
Your On-Campus Survival Kit
Know these spots - they'll make your life easier
Locker
GSU, some academic buildings
Don't carry everything all day. Store your coat, extra books, gym clothes.
Commuter Lounge
George Sherman Union
Dedicated space for commuters. Microwave, fridge, and people who get it.
Library Study Spots
Mugar Library, Questrom, Law Library
Quiet places to kill time between classes productively.
Fitness Center
FitRec (915 Comm Ave)
Free with tuition. Perfect for gap hours. Showers available.
BU Shuttle
Stops across campus
Free campus shuttle when you don't want to walk the mile from East to West.
Save Money
You're saving on room & board - keep it up
| Tip | Savings |
|---|---|
| Pack lunch | $50-100/week |
| Commuter meal plan | Varies |
| Free campus coffee | $20-30/week |
| Library printing | $50/semester |
| Carpool | $100-200/month |
Making Friends as a Commuter
It takes more effort, but it's absolutely possible
The Ideal Commuter Day
You're a Terrier Too
Commuting is different, not lesser. You'll graduate with the same degree and real-world skills.