https://guidetobu.com/ The independent student guide to Boston University — housing, dining, admissions, and campus life. en-us Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:31:29 GMT 1440 https://guidetobu.com/academics/boston-college/ https://guidetobu.com/academics/boston-college/ Complete guide to Boston College: #36 US News ranking, 14% acceptance rate, $91,792 total cost, 9,677 undergrads, Jesuit identity, ACC athletics, and a detailed BC vs BU comparison from someone who chose BU. Academics Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/academics/boston-university-ranking/ https://guidetobu.com/academics/boston-university-ranking/ Boston University ranks #42 nationally (US News), #88 globally (QS 2026), and #53 (Forbes). Full breakdown of rankings by program including business, engineering, law, medicine, and public health. Academics Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/academics/bu-academic-calendar/ https://guidetobu.com/academics/bu-academic-calendar/ Boston University academic calendar for 2025-2026. Fall classes start September 2, spring starts January 12. Full schedule of breaks, finals, registration deadlines, and commencement. Academics Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/academics/bu-hub-requirements/ https://guidetobu.com/academics/bu-hub-requirements/ The BU Hub requires 26 units across 6 capacities. Complete breakdown of every requirement, which courses double-count with your major, and strategies to finish without extra semesters. Academics Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/academics/bu-law-school/ https://guidetobu.com/academics/bu-law-school/ Boston University School of Law ranks #22 nationally with a 170 median LSAT and 20.6% acceptance rate. Complete guide to admissions, tuition ($71,382), clinics, employment outcomes, and notable alumni. Academics Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/general/bu/ https://guidetobu.com/general/bu/ The definitive guide to Boston University: #42 US News, 12.83% acceptance rate, $94K sticker price ($27K net), 37,737 students, 17 schools, 300+ programs. Everything you need to know about BU. General Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/academics/cgs-bu/ https://guidetobu.com/academics/cgs-bu/ BU's College of General Studies (CGS) is a two-year interdisciplinary program with a January start and summer in London. 93% retention, guaranteed BU transfer, and the same diploma. Here's everything you need to know. Academics Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/academics/famous-bu-alumni/ https://guidetobu.com/academics/famous-bu-alumni/ Boston University's most famous alumni include Martin Luther King Jr., Julianne Moore, AOC, Howard Stern, and the Miracle on Ice team. Complete list of notable BU graduates by field. Academics Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/academics/questrom-school-of-business/ https://guidetobu.com/academics/questrom-school-of-business/ Questrom is ranked #16 undergrad (Poets & Quants) with ~8% acceptance rate, $73,827 avg starting salary, and 99% employment rate. Full guide to BSBA curriculum, 13 concentrations, Hub integration, career outcomes, and how to transfer in. Academics Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/academics/what-is-boston-university-known-for/ https://guidetobu.com/academics/what-is-boston-university-known-for/ Boston University is known for its communication program (#9), public health (#7), hockey, research ($579M), study abroad, urban campus, and famous alumni including MLK and Julianne Moore. Academics Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/admissions/boston-university-acceptance-rate/ https://guidetobu.com/admissions/boston-university-acceptance-rate/ Boston University acceptance rate is 12.83% for Class of 2029. Early Decision ~29%, Regular Decision 5-7%. Waitlist, transfer rates, school-specific data, and strategic application tips. Admissions Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/admissions/boston-university-transfer-deadline/ https://guidetobu.com/admissions/boston-university-transfer-deadline/ Boston University transfer deadlines: February 1 (fall) and October 1 (spring). Full checklist of requirements, GPA expectations, acceptance rates, and tips from successful transfer students. Admissions Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/admissions/bu-acceptance-rate/ https://guidetobu.com/admissions/bu-acceptance-rate/ BU acceptance rate is 12.83% overall for the Class of 2029. ED acceptance rate ~29%, estimated RD rate 5-7%. Complete breakdown of admissions data, historical trends, SAT/ACT scores, and strategic tips. Admissions Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/admissions/bu-sat-scores/ https://guidetobu.com/admissions/bu-sat-scores/ BU SAT middle 50%: 1430-1510. ACT: 32-34. 11% acceptance rate. Test-optional through 2028-2029. Complete CDS data, score thresholds, ED strategy, and what BU admissions actually weighs. Admissions Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/boston/allston/ https://guidetobu.com/boston/allston/ The real guide to Allston for BU students - verified restaurants, bars, rent prices, safety data, Allston Christmas, and everything you need to know about living off-campus. Boston Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/boston/best-study-cafes-near-bu/ https://guidetobu.com/boston/best-study-cafes-near-bu/ The definitive guide to study-friendly cafes near Boston University. Wifi quality, outlet availability, noise levels, and whether they'll judge you for sitting. Boston Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/boston/boston-college-vs-boston-university/ https://guidetobu.com/boston/boston-college-vs-boston-university/ Data-driven comparison of Boston College vs Boston University: acceptance rates (12.6% vs 12.83%), rankings, costs, campus culture, academics, athletics, and which school is right for you. Boston Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/boston/colleges-in-boston/ https://guidetobu.com/boston/colleges-in-boston/ Every college and university in Boston ranked and compared. From BU and BC to Northeastern, MIT, Harvard, and more. Enrollment, acceptance rates, tuition, and what makes each school unique. Boston Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/boston/hidden-gems-allston/ https://guidetobu.com/boston/hidden-gems-allston/ The insider's guide to Allston's best-kept secrets. Off-the-beaten-path restaurants, shops, and spots that BU upperclassmen swear by but freshmen haven't. Boston Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/boston/student-discounts-near-bu/ https://guidetobu.com/boston/student-discounts-near-bu/ Complete list of student discounts available to BU students. Free museums, cheap transit, food deals, tech discounts, and perks most students don't know about. Boston Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/boston-area/boston-medical-center/ https://guidetobu.com/boston-area/boston-medical-center/ Complete guide to Boston Medical Center for BU students: BU's teaching hospital, volunteer & research opportunities (STaRS, UROP), how to get there via the 1BU shuttle, pre-med connections, and BMC's unique programs like the rooftop farm and food pantry. Boston Area Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/boston-area/umass-boston/ https://guidetobu.com/boston-area/umass-boston/ Everything BU students need to know about UMass Boston. Location, how to get there, academics, cost comparison, and why it matters to understand Boston's only public research university. Boston Area Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/campus/bu-blackboard/ https://guidetobu.com/campus/bu-blackboard/ Complete guide to BU Blackboard (learn.bu.edu) - how to log in, navigate courses, submit assignments, and what the Blackboard Ultra migration means for you. Updated for 2026. Campus Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/campus/bu-brain/ https://guidetobu.com/campus/bu-brain/ Searching for 'BU Brain'? Here's what you need to know - plus a complete map of every Boston University online portal, free software, and tech perk available to students. Campus Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/campus/bu-campus/ https://guidetobu.com/campus/bu-campus/ Boston University's campus stretches 1.3 miles along Commonwealth Ave. Complete guide to campus layout, buildings by area, the T line, neighborhoods, and what makes BU's urban campus unique. Campus Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/campus/bu-student-link/ https://guidetobu.com/campus/bu-student-link/ Student Link has been replaced by MyBU Student (student.bu.edu). Complete guide to BU's new student portal - course registration, grades, financial aid, degree audit, and troubleshooting. Campus Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/career/boston-university-jobs/ https://guidetobu.com/career/boston-university-jobs/ Complete guide to BU jobs: on-campus student employment ($15-17/hr), work-study, Handshake job board, Center for Career Development, RA positions, research assistantships, and off-campus opportunities in Boston. Career Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/comparison/bu-vs-bc/ https://guidetobu.com/comparison/bu-vs-bc/ Data-driven BU vs BC comparison: BU #42 vs BC #36 US News, acceptance rates ~12.6-12.8%, Beanpot rivalry (BU 32 titles), financial aid, academics, campus life, and post-grad outcomes. Comparison Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/comparison/bu-vs-northeastern/ https://guidetobu.com/comparison/bu-vs-northeastern/ Data-driven BU vs Northeastern comparison: rankings (BU #42 vs NEU #46), co-op program (95% participate, 59% get job offers), housing guarantees, financial aid, research, and the Beanpot rivalry. Comparison Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/comparison/is-boston-university-a-good-school/ https://guidetobu.com/comparison/is-boston-university-a-good-school/ Is BU worth it? Ranked #41 nationally, 11% acceptance rate, $65K median salary. Honest pros, cons, and student reviews to help you decide if Boston University is right for you. Comparison Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/dining/bu-dining-halls/ https://guidetobu.com/dining/bu-dining-halls/ Complete guide to every BU dining hall: Marciano Commons, Fresh Food Co. at Warren, West Campus, Granby Commons. Hours, what's good, what's not, and where to eat for every situation. Dining Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/dining/bu-dining-points/ https://guidetobu.com/dining/bu-dining-points/ BU Dining Points are campus currency included with meal plans ($280-$830/semester). Learn how they differ from Convenience Points, where to use them, rollover rules, and how to avoid losing money. Dining Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/dining/bu-meal-plan/ https://guidetobu.com/dining/bu-meal-plan/ BU meal plans range from $3,590-$3,805/semester. Compare Open Access, Open Access+, Weekly 10+, Kosher, and Campus Connector plans. Real costs, what's included, and which plan saves you money. Dining Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/dining/the-fresh-food-company/ https://guidetobu.com/dining/the-fresh-food-company/ The Fresh Food Company operates BU's 3 main dining halls: Marciano Commons, Warren Towers, and West Campus. Complete guide to hours, menus, stations, and what students actually think. Dining Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/financial/boston-university-cost/ https://guidetobu.com/financial/boston-university-cost/ Full breakdown of Boston University costs: $69,870 tuition, $94,427 total COA, average net price $27,551. Housing rates, meal plans, hidden costs, financial aid, and how to reduce your bill. Financial Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/financial/boston-university-tuition/ https://guidetobu.com/financial/boston-university-tuition/ BU tuition is $69,870 for 2025-2026 with total COA of $94,427. Average net price: $27,551. Full breakdown of fees, room rates by dorm type, meal plans, merit scholarships, payment plans, and peer comparison. Financial Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/financial/bu-cost-of-attendance/ https://guidetobu.com/financial/bu-cost-of-attendance/ Boston University costs $90,207/year (2025-2026). Complete breakdown of tuition ($65,168), housing ($11,250-$16,800), meal plans ($6,142-$7,490), fees, and how financial aid reduces the actual cost. Financial Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/financial/bu-financial-aid/ https://guidetobu.com/financial/bu-financial-aid/ BU meets 100% of demonstrated need. Average aid package: $68,216/year. Complete guide to Trustee/Presidential scholarships, FAFSA + CSS Profile deadlines, net price by income, and how to appeal for more. Financial Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/financial/bu-tuition/ https://guidetobu.com/financial/bu-tuition/ BU tuition is $69,870 for 2025-2026. Total cost of attendance: $94,427. Average net price after aid: $27,551. Full breakdown of fees, housing, dining, merit scholarships, and payment options. Financial Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/housing/bu-housing/ https://guidetobu.com/housing/bu-housing/ BU guarantees 4 years of housing across 10,000+ beds. Complete guide to every dorm (Warren Towers, StuVi 1 & 2, West Campus, 610 Beacon), 2025-26 costs by room type, the lottery system, LLCs, AC status, and honest student reviews. Housing Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/housing/warren-towers/ https://guidetobu.com/housing/warren-towers/ Warren Towers houses ~1,800 BU freshmen across 18 floors. $550M renovation adding AC, private bathrooms, new everything (Tower A reopens Fall 2026). Complete guide to rooms, dining, move-in, and real student reviews. Housing Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/sports/boston-university-basketball/ https://guidetobu.com/sports/boston-university-basketball/ Complete guide to BU Terriers basketball: Patriot League play, Case Gym (The Roof), head coach Joe Jones (15th season), 2025-26 roster, Rick Pitino's BU roots, and game day tips. Sports Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/sports/boston-university-hockey/ https://guidetobu.com/sports/boston-university-hockey/ Boston University hockey guide: 5 NCAA championships, 32 Beanpot titles, coach Jay Pandolfo's 81-35-4 record, Agganis Arena, the Dog Pound student section, and 2025-26 season preview. Sports Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/sports/bu-hockey-schedule/ https://guidetobu.com/sports/bu-hockey-schedule/ Complete guide to BU Terriers men's hockey 2025-26: season schedule, free student tickets, Beanpot 2026 results, key players (Eiserman, Hutson, Tynan Lawrence), Agganis Arena tips, how to watch on ESPN+ and NESN, Hockey East Tournament, and Frozen Four in Las Vegas. Sports Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/student-life/boston-university-mascot/ https://guidetobu.com/student-life/boston-university-mascot/ Rhett the Boston Terrier has been BU's mascot since 1922. Named after Rhett Butler because he loves Scarlet. Complete guide to BU's mascot, traditions, fight song, school colors, and Beanpot. Student Life Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/student-life/bu-class-registration-tips/ https://guidetobu.com/student-life/bu-class-registration-tips/ Beat BU's registration system with these proven strategies. How to plan your schedule, snag popular classes, navigate waitlists. Student Life Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/student-life/bu-finals-survival-guide/ https://guidetobu.com/student-life/bu-finals-survival-guide/ Survive BU finals week with proven strategies. Best study spots, late-night food, stress management, and the real schedule you need. Student Life Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/student-life/bu-move-in-day/ https://guidetobu.com/student-life/bu-move-in-day/ Everything you need for BU move-in day 2026. Packing lists, parking logistics, what to expect, and tips from students who survived it. Don't forget the fan. Student Life Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/student-life/bu-student-organizations/ https://guidetobu.com/student-life/bu-student-organizations/ BU has ~450-500 registered student organizations with $2.7M in annual funding. Complete guide to Splash fair, specific clubs, Greek life, FYSOP, a cappella, student government, and how to start a club. Student-life Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://guidetobu.com/student-life/surviving-first-boston-winter/ https://guidetobu.com/student-life/surviving-first-boston-winter/ Real talk about Boston winters from BU students who've survived them. What to wear, how to get around, staying warm on campus. Student Life Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT