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The Ultimate Guide to StuVi at Boston University (BU)

The Ultimate Guide to StuVi at Boston University (BU)

Discover everything you need to know about living in Boston University (BU)'s iconic StuVi dorms. Get insider tips, reviews, and essential details to make the most of your StuVi experience.

Photo: Naomi Hébert
HousingUpdated 2026-0112 min read

The Ultimate Guide to StuVi at Boston University (BU)

Discover everything you need to know about living in Boston University (BU)'s iconic StuVi dorms. Get insider tips, reviews, and essential details to make the most of your StuVi experience.
BU
GuideToBU Team

Student-run editorial team

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#1The Quick Answer

The Ultimate Guide to StuVi at Boston University (BU) 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 StuVi: BU's Premier Student Housing

When it comes to student housing at Boston University (BU), one name stands out above the rest: StuVi. Short for 'Student Village,' StuVi is the university's flagship residential complex, home to thousands of undergrads and a quintessential part of the BU experience.

StuVi is actually made up of two separate dorms - StuVi1 and StuVi2 - located right on the heart of Comm Ave. As a BU student, there's a good chance you'll end up living in one of these iconic high-rises at some point during your time on campus. But what's it really like to call StuVi home? Let's dive in and explore the ins and outs of these beloved BU dorms.

#3The Unbeatable Location of StuVi

One of the biggest draws of StuVi is its prime location right on Boston University (BU)'s main campus. Situated along the iconic Comm Ave, StuVi1 and StuVi2 are just steps away from the heart of student life.

Steps from the Green Line: With the B branch of the Green Line running right through campus, StuVi residents have easy access to the entire MBTA system. The BU East, BU Central, and BU West T stops are all just a short walk away.

Close to Classroom Buildings: Many of BU's academic buildings, including the College of Arts & Sciences, Questrom School of Business, and College of Communication, are clustered around the StuVi area. You can roll out of bed and be in class in no time.

Near Dining & Amenities: The George Sherman Union (GSU), Agganis Arena, and Marciano Commons dining hall are all right next door, giving StuVi residents tons of convenient dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

#4Unpacking StuVi's Dorm Life

So what's it actually like to live in StuVi? Here's a closer look at the dorms themselves:

Dorm Rooms: StuVi1 and StuVi2 each have their own distinct styles and room layouts. StuVi1 features traditional double-occupancy rooms, while StuVi2 offers larger suite-style accommodations with 4-6 residents per unit. All rooms come furnished with a bed, desk, dresser, and closet space for each student.

Amenities: Both StuVi buildings have great on-site amenities, including 24/7 front desk service, in-dorm laundry facilities, and study lounges. StuVi2 even has its own convenience store, Rhett's Market, right in the lobby.

Dining: As for dining, StuVi residents are spoiled for choice. The huge Marciano Commons cafeteria is connected directly to StuVi1, offering an all-you-can-eat dining experience. There are also several cafes and eateries scattered throughout the StuVi complex.

Community: One of the best parts of living in StuVi is the strong sense of community. With thousands of students packed into the two high-rises, it's easy to meet new people and get involved in dorm activities and events.

#5Student Life in the StuVi Bubble

For many BU students, life in StuVi becomes the center of their entire university experience. Here's a glimpse into what student life is like in these iconic dorms:

Convenience is King: From dining and shopping to classes and transportation, StuVi residents have almost everything they need right at their fingertips. This allows students to maximize their time and focus on academics and extracurriculars.

Social Opportunities Galore: With so many students packed into a small area, it's easy to make friends and get involved in the lively social scene. Dorm events, club meetings, and spontaneous gatherings are a constant in the StuVi complex.

Plenty of Study Spots: While StuVi is known for its vibrant social life, there are also plenty of quiet nooks and crannies for students to hunker down and focus on their studies. The dorms have designated study lounges, and the GSU is just a stone's throw away.

Dorm Pride & Traditions: StuVi residents take a lot of pride in their dorms, and there are even some fun traditions that have emerged over the years. From friendly rivalries between the two towers to annual events like the StuVi Olympics, the sense of community is palpable.

#6What BU Students Say About StuVi

So what do current and former StuVi residents really think about living in these iconic BU dorms? Here's a sampling of student reviews and testimonials:

'Living in StuVi was the best decision I made at BU. The location can't be beat, and the sense of community is unreal. I made so many great friends just by stepping out of my dorm room.' - Sarah, Class of 2021

'StuVi2 is legit like a luxury hotel compared to other dorms. The suites are so spacious and modern. It was perfect for my group of friends.' - Ethan, Class of 2023

'The only downside to StuVi is how crowded and loud it can get, especially on the weekends. But the pros definitely outweigh the cons for me.' - Jada, Class of 2022

'As a freshman, I was a little intimidated by the sheer size of StuVi1. But the RAs and upperclassmen did a great job of making me feel welcome and helping me get settled in.' - Noah, Class of 2024

#7The Pros and Cons of Living in StuVi

Like any campus housing option, StuVi has its fair share of advantages and drawbacks. Here's a quick breakdown of the key pros and cons of living in these iconic BU dorms:

Pros:

  • Unbeatable location on Comm Ave, steps from classes, transit, dining, and more
  • Strong sense of community and school spirit
  • Modern, well-equipped dorm rooms and amenities
  • Convenience of having everything you need right at your fingertips
  • Opportunities to get involved in dorm life and traditions
Cons:
  • Can feel overcrowded and noisy, especially on weekends
  • Limited privacy compared to off-campus apartments
  • Long lines and crowds at the Marciano Commons dining hall
  • Less independence than living in a self-contained apartment
  • Difficult to find quiet study spaces within the dorms

#8What 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. The Ultimate Guide to StuVi at Boston University (BU) 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:Is it hard to get assigned to StuVi as a freshman?

A:Securing a spot in StuVi as a first-year student can be quite competitive. The dorms are some of the most popular housing options at BU, so they tend to fill up quickly during the housing lottery process. However, BU does try to accommodate as many freshman applicants as possible. With a bit of luck and some strategic lottery planning, many first-year students are able to land a spot in either StuVi1 or StuVi2.

Q:What's the difference between StuVi1 and StuVi2?

A:The main differences between StuVi1 and StuVi2 lie in their room layouts and building amenities: - StuVi1 features traditional double-occupancy dorm rooms, while StuVi2 offers suite-style accommodations with 4-6 residents per unit. - StuVi2 has more built-in amenities like an on-site convenience store (Rhett's Market) and a larger number of common lounge spaces. - Both buildings have 24/7 front desk service and in-dorm laundry facilities. - Dining options are similar, with Marciano Commons connected to StuVi1 and various cafes/eateries throughout the StuVi complex.

Q:How much does it cost to live in StuVi?

A:The cost of living in StuVi can vary depending on several factors, including room type, meal plan, and the specific academic year. However, as a general guideline: - StuVi1 double rooms typically range from $12,000 to $14,000 per year. - StuVi2 suite-style accommodations are usually between $14,000 and $16,000 annually. - These prices include a mandatory meal plan, which adds an additional $5,000-$6,000 to the total cost. Keep in mind that BU housing and dining expenses are subject to change each year, so be sure to check the latest pricing information on the university's website.

Q:What's the best way to maximize the StuVi experience?

A:Here are some tips to make the most of living in StuVi: - Get involved in dorm activities, events, and traditions to build a strong community. - Take advantage of the convenient location by exploring all the dining, shopping, and entertainment options nearby. - Use the various study spaces and lounges within StuVi and the adjacent GSU to find the right balance between work and play. - Befriend your Resident Assistants (RAs) - they can be great resources for navigating campus life. - Be mindful of noise levels, especially on weekends, to maintain a respectful living environment.

Q:Is StuVi a good option for upperclassmen?

A:StuVi can be a great housing option for upperclassmen at BU, especially juniors and seniors. The convenience and community aspects of StuVi tend to be most appealing to upperclassmen who have already settled into campus life. The suite-style rooms in StuVi2 are particularly popular with juniors and seniors looking for a bit more privacy and independence compared to traditional dorms. However, some upperclassmen may prefer the more independent lifestyle of off-campus apartments as they get closer to graduation.

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