Boston University
Boston, MA, USA

Reviews

Boston University

Alex from Waco, TX

a current student here
84 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The faculty is usually attentive and pretty entertaining. Most professors know exactly what they're talking about and provide insight into difficult fields with ease. I took the Core Curriculum and am learning much about history and philosophy. I have enjoyed all my classes and am looking forward to my courses next semester!
Am enjoying being here
I come from a suburb town in Texas to one of the biggest historical and cultural centers in America, and it's great meeting new types of people and just experiencing something that would have been hard to find around my home. I'm getting out and experiencing more of the world, learning new things, and enriching my life's journey. After all, that's what college is supposed to do.
Bang for the buck
It's a bit expensive, but coupled with some hard work to get scholarships or a job you can get here. BU definitely makes an effort to help students cut costs here and there, like encouraging on-campus living as the Boston living cost is high. My classes definitely are worth their weight in knowledge gained, and cosmetic work on campus lets you know your money is definitely going to enrich your college experience and not just to the administrative pockets.
Tips for prospective students
Get out and enjoy the city. You'll get out of Boston what you put into it, see some music shows, check out the harbor or historical sites.
Get involved with some BU extracurriculars, find a group or activity with other students you can really have fun with, especially intramurals. The SPLASH event at the beginning of the year is great for letting you see what is out there.
Great for these types of students
BU is great for liberals, music enthusiasts, hockey fans, people that are just big fans of Boston, and people involved in liberal arts. And of course with the winters here, if you don't mind a bit of cold, you'll like it here too.

Gabby from NJ

a current student here
24 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
As a freshman at Sargent College, I did a lot of research before picking a school. I felt that BU is a great school, and Sargent College is the best if you are looking for something in the medical field.

The classes of pre-med are VERY difficult, but you can tell that the professors love teaching and are there to help if you put in the effort they will work with you.

I learned espicially to use ratemyprofessors.com because I had a terrible writing teacher, and should have read the reviews before taking that class.
Am enjoying being here
The city is in your backyard. There are so many people around so you get exposed to everything. I have seen monkeys on the T train, comm ave running guy, and so many other crazy things around.
I am so glad I chose to come here because the environment is great for anyone! I am ALWAYS at the library and feel that it is perfect to study. The dining halls offer great food with a lot of healthy choices.

You can choose from a variety of residence halls. If you want try for a brownstone- i am a freshman and got in one! If you are looking for a good time and want to party-west campus is the BEST! For upperclassmen, there are beautiful Stuvi appartments that are to die for!

The class sizes are rather large but I dont think someone should base their whole college decision off that. What is the difference of a professor teaching a lecture with 300 students and one that teaches a lecture with 30 students? Nothing. Many introductory classes will be large but they get broken down once a week for small sized discussions.
Bang for the buck
Everyone says this: BU is very expensive. And yes, it is. Fortunately, I received a good amount of aid from a high-middle class family. So you never know what you are going to get.
But you have to realize, Boston is expensive so BU tries to stay competitive. If you are looking to cut costs, look at off-campus apartments that are most times cheaper than dorming.
Tips for prospective students
Look at the Quickie Jobs!
BU offers something called Quickie Jobs which you can make fast cash by doing odd jobs- like babysitting, being a test subject, or mailing paperwork. These jobs are easily accesible and put money in your pocket.

Go to the Hockey Games
Agganis arena is awesome and it really makes you feel that you are apart of a huge family.

If you are a quiet person look into a brownstone
The best decision I made was living in a Bay State B-stone. I have many friends in the noisy residence halls so its nice I have a dorm where I can relax and do work without distractions.
Great for these types of students
I would say anyone- as long as you are driven and want to put in the hard work there is seriously a major and or club for everyone!!

Cristina from Haverstraw, NY

a current student here
24 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I've only given four stars due to my lack of interest in the required courses. I understand the purpose behind them, but they really put a damper on my enjoyment of my classes for my major. I absolutely love those classes (SMG Business) and the Professors are amazing!
Am enjoying being here
There is so much to do here! Thousands of students that provide student-led activities as well as the school providing stuff to do. For example, at BU Central, students book bands to come and play for students for FREE! The school also does things for students, like teh parade held last year to honor the hockey team in their national victory.
Bang for the buck
Simply put, BU is expensive.
Tips for prospective students
Save save save your money and work work work hard! Then you will get the bang for your buck.
Great for these types of students
Great for anyone! There is definitely something for anyone as long as you are willing to look.

JR from Boston, MA

a current student here
21 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
BU has so many resources it's almost overwhelming. Everyone is there to help you. What you learn is very relevant to the real world.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you end your first semester with good grades because you have to work really hard to recover from poor ones. See your professors for help if you're having any trouble. It really helps to get to know the faculty there, even the ones you don't have classes with. Also, make sure to use every resource you can to really get your money's worth.
Academic Rigor
The courses are not always easy but they're relevant. It may be wise to change your study habits because what has worked for you in the past may not work now. I struggled my first year and almost fell into academic probation. I started using the educational resources and meeting with advisors and really pushing myself and I was about to make the Dean's List. Anything is possible here. You don't have to come in as an A+ student, but you can't be lazy if you want to make good grades.
Dorm Life
The dorms are nicer than other schools I've visited. They're all actually pretty nice if you're not particular about certain things & can properly distinguish a craphole from a decent place. As expensive as it is, there are a few spots they could improve. Wherever you live, you get used to it. I personally didn't have bug problems or anything like that. Maintenance was speedy if you ever needed it. They always try to have floor events if you really want to be involved. I never really knew anyone on my floors but you find friends elsewhere so it's ok.
Food and Dining
The food at BU is better than most campuses. In fact, the nicest dining hall is too fancy for me. I'm a chicken & rice kind of person, and they really have a variety of foods & international dishes, which I'm not always into variety. But they always have pizza that I can rely on. Too fancy? I obviously have no real gripes about the food. There's a restaurant type place called Late Night Kitchen that takes dining points and it's a nice place with good food. There's also other places along Comm Ave that take dining points such as Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Extreme Pita, etc.
What to do for fun
There's almost too much to do sometimes. There are so many clubs and activities. I barely did any, so for anyone who is more involved than I am, you're most likely going to have a great time because I sure am having a great time.
Bang for the buck
BU is a very reputable school. Specifically, I am in the Questrom School of Business and I feel like they prepare you very well for the real-world. It helps to know that you're not wasting your time and breaking your back studying for nothing. The relevance of what I'm being taught makes me want to understand the material more because I know that I'll actually be using it. I still don't think that any university should be $50k+ a year but that's a different story for a different day. I'm here and I love it. Even with the thousands of students here, I still feel like I'm cared for on an individual level. We have it better than a lot of other schools, so I feel like the complaints should be kept to a minimum. It's all about perspective. I'm very happy to be here.
Clubs and Activities
Plenty of clubs and activities. It almost gets overwhelming at times, but it's great.
Campus Safety
It's an open campus on a public street so things do happen. But they have a shuttle that runs late into the night & that's helpful for getting around depending on where you are. The BU police are nearby. I feel pretty good about the safety.

elizabeth from northern virginia

accepted here and planning to attend soon
17 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
very prestigious, well ranked university. beautiful campus and great location. all the resources you could ever need!
Tips for prospective students
take ap's if your school has them! you're not required to have straight a's to get in. try the sat and act once each, then compare composite scores and retake the one you did better on. (you will usually find one is easier for you, and the other isn't worth stressing about.) do well in school, work hard on your application, be thoughtful in writing your essays and get strong letters of rec. the first semester of senior year does matter so try!!! there are lots of schools in boston, so talk about why you like bu, not just the city. good luck :-)
Academic Rigor
hard to answer because i haven't started classes yet. i think it depends on your major as for how 'hard' your classes will be, but in general, all of bu's programs are strong.
Dorm Life
guaranteed housing for 4 years was a big plus for me, and rare for a city school (especially a bigger one like bu). lots of 'learning living communities' and a wide variety of places to live.
Food and Dining
ate in the dining hall when i was on a tour and it was really good! they have a lot of options (and really good brownies).
What to do for fun
boston!!!
Bang for the buck
obviously bu is very expensive. if you're military, check yellow ribbon deadlines early to make sure you don't miss them. it's an investment, so you get out what you put in.
Great for these types of students
diverse, hardworking, cosmopolitan, open-minded, fun, spirited, driven, friendly, unique.
Greek Life
haven't heard much about it, it's not a huge part of student life but some choose to participate.
Campus Safety
lots of bu/boston police. well lit street, blue light system.

Katherine from Joliet, IL

a current student here
15 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The university has evolved into a community that lets you choose your future. It's definitely expensive; but coming from a lower-middle class family, it's possible. BU allows you to grow and learn academically and personally, completely at your speed.
Tips for prospective students
It's not a party school. It's not high school. However, it can be if you want it to be. Just remember that this is a research-oriented university and everyone here is pretty much a devout nerd.
Academic Rigor
the classes are hard if you make them hard. even if they are difficult, there are loads of resources available by the school for tutoring (however it would be best to sign up for it early).
Dorm Life
Since it is still a university, everyone is too close and people will still do stupid things. It's up to you whether or not to participate in those kinds of (il)legal activities.
Food and Dining
It's expensive. The dining halls get crowded at meal times and the food is not how you mom makes it. Where you can use your dining points is also very expensive, but there are ways of lowering your costs. I highly recommend the Charles River Bread Co. at the GSU primarily because they make this phenomenal South Campus Jerk Chicken sandwich.
What to do for fun
Being in the middle of Boston, there are loads of things to do. Personally, I enjoy going to concerts with the little extra cash that I have. Also look out for free events hosted by the different clubs on campus. There's a venue called the Paradise Rock Club located on West Campus, which is very convenient. There are parades in Cambridge (the island to the north), Fenway Park across the highway, holiday events through the streets and at the Common, and the Prudential Center (a mall) is only a 20 minute walk away. You can never say that you're bored.
Bang for the buck
With the resources available to students, academic rigor, and location, BU is a great place for those who are ready to branch out and explore the world and explore their own preferences. Don't let the price scare you. If money is an issue, make it known to advisors so they can assist you. It's possible to survive without spending a dollar out of pocket here.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Clubs/frats like to paint the rock at the BU Beach. Sometimes you can't even read what they put, but it's a different color each time you pass it. The GSU is a hub for almost anything: the library (with places to sleep in peace), a computer lab for computer science majors across the street, food, convenience store, a club in the basement, and a cute lawn called the Beach. I've heard the sunset is beautiful at the Student Village on the top floor. West Campus hosts all the sporting arenas, a gym with a pool, and a great view of the city at night.
Great for these types of students
It's for those who have the initiative to make a difference in the world. The university chooses it's students wisely -no one is a mistake. Everyone here is dynamic, polite, strong, professional, and individualistic. Not one person will be the same as the next, which I've seen all too many times at other schools. But again, they are all tops of their classes.
Clubs and Activities
There's a club for everyone, and they're all fun. The people you meet are all very passionate about what they do in all aspects of life, and they hope that you are also.
Greek Life
It exists, but it isn't a big part of the life here. Sororities are more prominent than Frats. And they mostly are about doing good instead of partying.
Campus Safety
Police ready at all times. When the Nov 13 Paris attacks occurred, for the next week there was heightened security by BUPD as well as Boston Police. I have never felt unsafe walking around campus alone, with people, at night, or even in the day.

Daniel from Staten Island, NY

a current student here
12 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Boston University is an elite university that is constantly improving. It is a very expensive college but has a lot of resources for its students. Students who wish to attend should be somewhat independent and not afraid to take full advantage of the school's resources as well as the resources in the city of Boston.
Tips for prospective students
Do not attend this school if you are not getting a large scholarship or having wealthy parents. You should calculate your expenses before submitting your deposit to attend this school as I see many students transferring back to community college because they can no longer afford it later on. Prospective students should also be very open to new ideas as Boston University is not a traditional college experience. It does not have the school pride feeling or college campus structure but there is plenty to do if students are willing to step outside their boundaries and do something new. Boston University will not carry your hand through anything while you are there.
Academic Rigor
Boston University is definitely one of the more difficult schools in the nation. There is obvious grade deflation here that can be demoralizing to some people especially if they are comparing GPAs to students from other colleges. It depends on the school though. For the School of Management, you should be prepared to do a lot of work and complete one of the hardest classes, Core, where you will have to do create your own product using skills in finance, marketing, operations management, and information systems.
Dorm Life
Boston University has many different dormitories for their students but they are very expensive. Experiences here can vary depending where students wish to stay may it be an apartment, student dormitory, or the luxurious high-rise student village. However, there is plenty to do in every place especially with the Resident Assistants being required to plan monthly events. These events are optional so students may have to look out for opportunities on their own and be willing to try new stuff. Parties are also pretty widespread - ranging from small house parties to huge parties at sororities and fraternities.
Food and Dining
There are many different food options at Boston University ranging from student dining halls to retail dining. Most recently, Boston University has opened a new dining hall on its east campus with many different types of food catering for almost every student's tastes. There is even a completely separate place serving Kosher food to those who are interested. Many of the dining halls also have late night options for those who are up late - some of which stay open until 2AM. Eventually, the dining hall foods may get repetitive but there are many restaurants, small and large chains, near campus for students to visit.
What to do for fun
Despite not having a central campus, Boston University has a lot for its students. They have really focused on student life by providing a fitness center, a student activities center, performance center, and many others. There is just simply too much to list. However, I have to repeat, students must go out and look for these opportunities - they cannot just sit in their dormitory and hope for events to pop up. Anytime a student is bored, they can easily look on their Facebook, contact some friends, look at the BU Events page, or Boston events page - they will easily find something fun and exciting to do.
Bang for the buck
Boston University is one of those few schools who focus primarily on educating their students and providing for their student life. Many other schools, even elite schools, have very easy curriculum that do not challenge their students but that will not happen here for most colleges. Despite that, I do not believe students should attend this school unless they are paying a net amount of $20,000 or less per year after scholarships and grants. The current $60,000 cost of attendance is a complete rip-off and students would be better off attending other schools.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Whenever something big happens, such as the death of Osama Bin Laden, there tends to be a loud celebration across campus - this has happened with other events like protesting for the LGBT.
Great for these types of students
This university is great for students who are outgoing and independent. The school will not hand-hold the students through having a fun life or having a good education. Incoming students must be willing to look for new opportunities on their own and work hard to achieve what the grades that they want.
Clubs and Activities
This school has a very developed student activities center that helps clubs and organizations plan events throughout the year by providing funding and advice. This has allowed many of our different organizations of all different interests to spur up. Furthermore, it has also given them the opportunity to host very large events that brings in students from all over the world.

Chelsea from Rumford, ME

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This year I've taken General and Quantitative Analytical Chemistry, Principles of Biology I, Principles of Biology II, Fourth Semester French, college writing, college research writing, and Introduction to Religion. I have learned more than I ever imagined I would in my first year. There have been times when one of my friends from Mass. College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences brought her chemistry exams over and I was astonished to see they were multiple choice and the questions were pretty much about high school chemistry topics! Then I realized just how much more I've learned at BU compared to other schools.
Am enjoying being here
As soon as I visited BU on Accepted Students Day in Spring of 2010 I knew I wanted to go here! Ever since it's been perfect. I can absolutely see myself here for the completion of my undergraduate career. The only reason why I'm not really considering it for graduate school is because of the weather - coming from Maine, I'm already sick of the winters. I always say that BU is in its own corner of Boston; if we want to stay only around college peers all we have to do is stay on campus, but there's literally a 5 minute walk to Kenmore Square, 10 minutes to Fenway, and 20 minutes to Newbury St. It's amazing!
Bang for the buck
The only reason why I didn't give this 5 stars was because I know others who have to pay more than I do. BU gives AMAZING financial aid, I've only known one person who didn't get a near-full ride and that was because of his grades. If you have good grades in high school you will get so much merit aid it's ridiculous. Looking at how much I've learned compared to my high school friends who are at other schools now, I would pay $50,000 a year straight up because it's worth it.
Tips for prospective students
Try to get good grades in high school so that you can get as much financial aid as possible, other than that just try your best, take the SAT's seriously, take the ACT's since a lot of people do better on them than on the SAT's, and just be ready for a great college experience. Everything you could want is possible at BU.
Great for these types of students
Those who like cities, like crowds, like seeing familiar faces but having the ability to disappear for a while if you want, hard working, decided on major, not decided on major since so many are offered and switching is pretty easy. Pretty much everyone except for those who only like small towns.

Michelle from Miami, FL

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The vast array of courses offered here at Boston University are truly refreshing, and the professors are truly passionate about their courses. The emphasis placed by the professors and the really well structured classes are great. I find myself learning a lot and most of the time, effortlessly.
Am enjoying being here
I am absolutely loving it here. My dorm is awesome, the people on the floor and I have bonded great, and the whole environment is welcoming. The city is so full of college students, and the BU campus has so much stuff to do and all the RAs, and all the other students involved in helping out freshmen are great people who are fun to get to know.
Bang for the buck
I think I am getting my money's worth, and at the same time the financial aid is more than generous here, so I am getting a lot more bang than the buck I had to give.
Tips for prospective students
First, academic tips. Get to know your professor as soon as possible. If you are in a lecture setting, it is almost impossible, and sometimes intimidating to speak up in class, but the professors here at BU have great office hours and they make themselves accessible if you can't make it then. They are great and really helpful if you are having problems or just have general questions.
Second, if you can learn/study in groups, start a study group. If not, there are awesome study lounges in Warren Towers, and the other main dorm buildings too, and Mugar library has a great atmosphere to learn. If its a nice day out, BU Beach is an awesome place to lay down and read.

Tips for social aspects of college-life. First off, get to know the students on your floor as soon as possible. If you live in warren towers, which most freshmen choose to live (like me), most people here will be freshmen, and everyone is in the same boat as you. There are people there who have left home for the first time, people who are 10 minutes from home, international students, outgoing and shy people. Getting to know the kids who will be living amongst you for a whole year is a great way to start the year and it makes for a great atmosphere.
Second, allow yourself to try new things. Try new clubs, join an intermural sport, talk to the person who sits next to you in class. Not only will you meet great new people, but you might also discover a new activity you love to do. Here at BU the most popular and the (personally) most fun have been Quidditch, Flag Football, I.M. soccer, Fencing club, and academic clubs.
Great for these types of students
BU is great for students looking for a strong academic background who also want an opportunity to explore a great city and go to great social events sponsored by BU organizations. I've met all kinds of students here and I have yet to meet someone who isn't loving BU.
If you love the northeast, don't mind winter, look forward to watching live hockey (awesome experience), and you want to go to a place where everyone likes where they are, you'll feel right at home.

Anonymous from NH

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This is a great school if you're looking for something in a very urban environment. It was not the right fit for me for numerous reasons, including the lack of a normal campus, grade deflation and lack of school spirit. It's a good school, but I don't think it's worth the expensive tuition in the end.
Tips for prospective students
It is probably good for some people, but I would highly suggest researching about your major or program and comparing it to other schools. If you are pre-med, DO NOT take Chem 101. Take Chem 109 if you can because Chem 101 will ruin your GPA unless you are one of the very, very few people that gets an A or a B. Live in West if you like to party and east if you want to be near classes.
Academic Rigor
Unnecessarily hard to get an A, particularly in any STEM classes.
Dorm Life
Freshman dorms are not the worst, but the sense of community that I know people at other schools experience isn't there for the most part. The room selection process is terrible and random at times.
Food and Dining
One of the best perks of a big school. Dining halls are pretty good and the unlimited plan is the best way to go. If you want something different, there are other things on campus and endless places to eat in the city.
What to do for fun
If you're have money and/ or you're 21, the city is a lot of fun. The social life is prevalent, but a lot of times there wasn't a lot to do in the winter, especially in the winter
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Don't ever step on the seal in the middle of campus near Marsh Plaza.
Clubs and Activities
Endless options for club and intramural sports and other clubs. People I know have even walked onto some D1 sports.
Greek Life
Not dominating, but it's there. No sorority houses, which is lame for the girls, and all of the frats are in off campus apartments. It's mostly where freshman girls go to party.
Campus Safety
Annoyingly strict, especially about overnight guests and alcohol