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Myles Standish Hall at Boston University (BU): Your Complete Guide

Myles Standish Hall at Boston University (BU): Your Complete Guide

Explore the ins and outs of living in Myles Standish Hall, one of Boston University (BU)'s most iconic on-campus dorms. Get insider tips, student reviews, and essential facts to make the most of your BU housing experience.

Photo: Naomi Hébert
HousingUpdated 2026-0112 min read

Myles Standish Hall at Boston University (BU): Your Complete Guide

Explore the ins and outs of living in Myles Standish Hall, one of Boston University (BU)'s most iconic on-campus dorms. Get insider tips, student reviews, and essential facts to make the most of your BU housing experience.
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GuideToBU Team

Student-run editorial team

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#1The Quick Answer

Myles Standish Hall at Boston University (BU): Your Complete Guide is one of the residence options at Boston University (BU) in Boston, Massachusetts. This guide covers what current and former BU students actually experience living here—including the details that don't appear in official housing descriptions.

#2Welcome to Myles Standish Hall

As a Boston University (BU) student, you'll quickly learn that Myles Standish Hall, affectionately known as 'Myles,' is an iconic part of campus life. This historic high-rise dorm has been a home-away-from-home for countless Terriers over the years, providing a unique living experience in the heart of BU's bustling Comm Ave community.

Whether you're a prospective student exploring housing options or a current Myles resident, this comprehensive guide will give you an insider's look at one of BU's most popular and recognizable dormitories. From its rich history and prime location to the amenities, room types, and student reviews, we've got you covered on all things Myles Standish Hall.

#3The History of Myles Standish Hall

Myles Standish Hall has been an integral part of the Boston University (BU) campus since its construction in 1949. Named after Mayflower passenger Myles Standish, the dorm was designed in the International Style by renowned architect Paul Rudolph.

Originally constructed as a men's-only residence hall, Myles Standish became co-ed in 1971 and has remained so ever since. Over the decades, it has housed countless BU students from all walks of life, contributing to the diverse, vibrant community that defines campus culture.

Today, Myles Standish Hall stands as a Boston University landmark, its distinctive 16-story tower visible from all around Comm Ave. As one of the largest dorms on campus, it continues to be a hub of activity, hosting student events, study sessions, and late-night snack runs in its bustling common areas.

#4Prime Location on Comm Ave

One of the biggest draws of living in Myles Standish Hall is its unbeatable location right on Boston University (BU)'s main thoroughfare, Commonwealth Avenue. Situated just steps from the BU West T stop on the Green Line, Myles provides residents with easy access to the heart of campus and the surrounding Allston-Brighton neighborhood.

From Myles, you can walk to nearly every BU building, dining hall, and student hub in a matter of minutes. The GSU, Mugar Library, Agganis Arena, and countless other campus landmarks are all within a short stroll. And when you need a break from studying, the eclectic shops, restaurants, and nightlife of Allston are just down the street.

Whether you're grabbing lunch at Warren Towers, meeting friends at the BU Beach, or heading to a hockey game, Myles Standish Hall puts you right in the center of the action.

#5Amenities & Facilities

As one of BU's largest and most prominent residence halls, Myles Standish is equipped with a wide array of amenities and facilities to support student life. Some of the key features include:

  • Dorm Rooms: Myles offers a variety of room types, including singles, doubles, triples, and quads. All rooms come furnished with beds, desks, dressers, and closet space.
  • Communal Lounges: There are multiple common lounge areas throughout the building for studying, socializing, and relaxing. Many have TVs, pool tables, and other recreational equipment.
  • Laundry Facilities: Myles has multiple laundry rooms with washers and dryers available for resident use.
  • Dining Options: Just downstairs in the Myles Standish basement is a Dunkin' Donuts, providing a convenient caffeine and snack fix. The larger Warren Towers Dining Hall is also located right next door.
  • Fitness Center: Myles residents have access to a small fitness center with basic workout equipment.
  • Security: The dorm has 24/7 security, with card-swipe access and staff monitoring the entrances.

While the facilities and amenities in Myles are certainly impressive, keep in mind that as a large, high-traffic dorm, it can sometimes feel crowded or noisy, especially in common areas. Managing your time and finding quiet study spots may take some creativity.

#6Room Types & Layouts

When it comes to room options, Myles Standish Hall offers a variety of configurations to suit different living preferences and group sizes:

  • Singles: These private rooms provide a quiet, independent living experience, though they are the most limited in availability.
  • Doubles: The most common room type, doubles are shared between two residents and come furnished with two beds, desks, and dressers.
  • Triples: As the name implies, these rooms accommodate three students, with bunk beds to maximize the space.
  • Quads: The largest room option, quads house four residents, again with bunk beds to fit everything in.

Regardless of the configuration, all Myles Standish rooms include the basic furnishings - bed, desk, dresser, and closet space. You'll need to provide your own linens, decor, and any additional furniture or accessories.

Room assignments are determined through the general BU housing lottery process, so your specific room type and layout will depend on availability and your lottery number. But no matter where you end up in Myles, the close-knit community and prime location make it a coveted BU housing option.

#7Pros and Cons of Living in Myles

Like any dorm, Myles Standish Hall has its fair share of both positives and negatives. Here's a quick rundown of the key pros and cons that current and former residents have identified:

Pros:

  • Unbeatable location on Comm Ave, steps from the Green Line and all of BU's central hubs
  • Large, active community with lots of opportunities to get involved and meet new people
  • Variety of room types to accommodate different living preferences and group sizes
  • Proximity to campus resources like dining halls, libraries, and recreational facilities
  • 24/7 security and card-swipe access for added peace of mind
Cons:
  • Can feel crowded and noisy, especially in common areas and at peak times
  • Limited availability of singles for those seeking a more private living situation
  • Dated decor and facilities compared to some of BU's newer, more modern dorms
  • Lack of in-room amenities like kitchenettes or private bathrooms
  • Occasional maintenance issues due to the building's age and high occupancy

Overall, the pros of Myles Standish Hall's iconic status, prime location, and vibrant community tend to outweigh the cons for most BU students. But it's important to weigh your own living preferences and priorities to see if Myles is the right fit.

#8What Students Say About Myles

To get a better sense of the Myles Standish Hall experience, let's hear directly from some current and former BU students who have called the dorm home:

'Living in Myles was the quintessential BU dorm experience. The location is unbeatable, and I made so many of my closest friends just by hanging out in the common areas. Sure, it can get a little crazy and noisy at times, but the sense of community more than makes up for it.' - Emily, Class of 2020

'As an introvert, I was worried about the social aspect of dorm life, but Myles ended up being the perfect balance. I had my own quiet space when I needed it, but there was always an opportunity to socialize if I wanted to. The common lounges made it easy to meet new people.' - Tina, Class of 2021

'My quad room in Myles was a bit cramped, but we made it our own and had a blast living together. The location is so convenient, and I loved being able to just roll out of bed and grab breakfast at Warren Towers. The only real downside was the aging facilities - the elevators are a bit slow and the laundry rooms can get crowded.' - Jamal, Class of 2022

'If you want the full BU campus experience, Myles Standish is the place to be. It's not the fanciest dorm, but the community and energy more than make up for any shortcomings. I have so many great memories of late-night Dunkin' runs and study sessions with my floormates.' - Samantha, Class of 2023

#9How Does Myles Stack Up to Other BU Dorms?

When comparing Myles Standish Hall to other on-campus housing options at Boston University (BU), a few key factors stand out:

Location:

  • Myles Standish: Unbeatable Comm Ave location, steps from the Green Line and central campus
  • Other Dorms: Variable locations, some closer to main campus than others
Room Types:
  • Myles Standish: Wide variety of singles, doubles, triples, and quads
  • Other Dorms: More limited room options, often focused on doubles and triples
Facilities & Amenities:
  • Myles Standish: Large common areas, Dunkin' Donuts, fitness center
  • Other Dorms: Newer, more modern facilities with additional in-room amenities
Community & Culture:
  • Myles Standish: Highly social, vibrant atmosphere with lots of events and activities
  • Other Dorms: More varied community vibes depending on the building

Overall, Myles Standish Hall stands out for its prime location, diverse room options, and bustling community feel. But it may lack some of the modern comforts and amenities found in BU's newer residence halls. The 'right' dorm ultimately comes down to your individual living preferences and priorities as a student.

#10What Surprises BU Students Most

Many first-year BU students don't expect how much the social dynamics of their dorm affect their entire freshman experience. Myles Standish Hall at Boston University (BU): Your Complete Guide has its own distinct culture that takes a few weeks to understand—from floor traditions to unwritten rules about common spaces.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What is the cost of living in Myles Standish Hall?

A:The cost of living in Myles Standish Hall varies depending on the room type. For the 2022-2023 academic year, the rates are: - Single room: $13,480 - Double room: $12,740 - Triple room: $12,330 - Quad room: $11,900 These prices include housing, utilities, and basic furnishings. Additional fees may apply for things like parking or special accommodations.

Q:Can you request to live in Myles Standish Hall?

A:Yes, BU students can request to live in Myles Standish Hall through the general housing lottery and assignment process. However, keep in mind that Myles is one of the most popular and in-demand dorms on campus, so securing a spot is highly competitive. Your chances of getting assigned to Myles will depend on factors like your class year, lottery number, and room type preferences.

Q:What's the best way to get involved in the Myles Standish community?

A:There are plenty of ways for Myles residents to get involved and connected within the dorm community: - Attend Myles-specific events and activities hosted by the Resident Assistant (RA) staff - Join one of the Myles Standish Hall government organizations, like the Myles Standish Hall Council - Participate in intramural sports teams or other recreational programs based out of Myles - Volunteer for community service projects or initiatives organized by Myles residents - Simply spend time in the common lounges, getting to know your floormates and neighbors

Q:How do the rooms in Myles Standish compare to other BU dorms?

A:The rooms in Myles Standish Hall are generally on the smaller side compared to some of BU's newer, more modern dorms. They also tend to have a more dated, institutional feel in terms of decor and furnishings. However, Myles offers a wider variety of room configurations - from singles to quads - which can be beneficial for students with specific living preferences or group sizes. The tradeoff is that amenities like private bathrooms and in-room kitchenettes are less common in Myles compared to other BU housing options.

Q:Is Myles Standish Hall a good choice for freshmen?

A:Yes, Myles Standish Hall is an excellent choice for incoming Boston University (BU) freshmen. As one of the largest and most iconic dorms on campus, Myles provides new students with an immersive, quintessential BU housing experience. The active community, prime location, and variety of room types make Myles a popular and sought-after option for first-year students. Living in Myles can help freshmen quickly acclimate to campus life and build a strong social network from the start of their college journey.

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