Boston University Reviews

You live in the city when you go...

You live in the city when you go to BU. We're also surrounded by tons of other universities. Our rival BC is a trolley ride away, MIT has frats on our campus, Berklee and Northeastern are also really close by, and Harvard is a 15-minute T ride away. Everyone interacts with everyone, and since BU has strict partying policies, BU tends to party at other universities, so we get to hang out with everyone, and they also tend to come to our school-sponsored events. There's always something going, even though Boston pretty much shuts down at 9 p.m.

There are the people who can own a...

There are the people who can own a small island, and the people who have to work their way through college. You get used to it. There's a huge variety of ethnicity, and there's a lot of student organizations and activities to find out about them. It tends to be a pretty liberal campus, though.

Winter is rough and long, so bring...

Winter is rough and long, so bring clothes that can handle a lot of snow and a lot of cold. There's rarely a snow day—I actually had walk across campus to take exams when there was a blizzard that accumulated almost 3 feet. The spring and summer are worth it, though.

There are 18,000 people, plus grad...

There are 18,000 people, plus grad students at BU, and there is no way to sum them up. Some people are complete idiots whose fathers clearly paid their way in and there are brilliant students on financial aid.

There is a huge variety of dorms...

There is a huge variety of dorms available and they are all so different. They range from the prison-like Warren to the skyscraper StuVi to the beautiful brownstones on Bay State.

For being in a big city, the...

For being in a big city, the school is pretty safe. Since the school is pretty much one street, there is always traffic and people around.

Food is amazing. Watch out girls:...

Food is amazing. Watch out girls: The Freshman 15 can become the Freshman 20. The cafeteria food is probably the best cafeteria food I have had on any university or high school campus. The problem is that you want to eat everything on the buffet, every day, three times a day. We also have late-night food that is open until 2 a.m. for people who might need to sober up or just need a midnight study snack.

Parties, like everywhere, depend...

Parties, like everywhere, depend on the crowd that you hang out with. At BU, there are so many different types of people that it is hard to not find the right crowd. All clubs have been made 21+ as of a couple years ago in the state of Massachusetts. It is mainly the international students who go out to clubs and bars.

Generally, freshmen do not bring...

Generally, freshmen do not bring their cars, mainly because they are not needed. Parking can be a hassle due to high parking fees, lack of space, and parking lot availabilities. Cars are overall discouraged.

I wish there was more options for...

I wish there was more options for vegans and vegetarians. I really like the Myles Dining Hall and West. The only place at the GSU that's really vegan kosher is the salad place, and maybe the burrito place.

It's insanely diverse, and that's...

It's insanely diverse, and that's what makes BU so great. I've never met so many different people with different views, from different countries, or with different beliefs and all-over personalities. I love it!

Hockey is awesome! I was never a...

Hockey is awesome! I was never a hockey fan until I came to BU. Getting drunk and going to the games are awesome—it's a ton of fun! However, if you're looking for a real athletic school, BU isn't for you. It's more academic-based, but the athletics aren't real terrible.

For an urban campus, it is very...

For an urban campus, it is very safe. That being said, it is an urban campus, so keep your wits about you.

BU likes to follow the laws-don't...

BU likes to follow the laws-don't get busted! But if you do, cooperate, and it won't be as bad.

The worst part of campus would be...

The worst part of campus would be the library. It's in desperate need of an upgrade.

Boston has one of the best public...

Boston has one of the best public transportation systems in the world-if you can stand the other people who ride it.

It depends on where you're living,...

It depends on where you're living, as at any other school. It's easy to find an apartment, but it's not going to be in the best area if you're looking for cheap. Most students choose Allston, Brighton, or Brookline, but I lived off campus in Back Bay. It was a little more expensive, but it was a great area.

There is not too much crime,...

There is not too much crime, although due to the recent downturn in the economy, there have been more attempts at robbing BU students. The police have always been very much on top of these cases, and information gets sent out to the entire BU community. There is also a campus escort service available. Even though the brownstones on Bay State require a card swipe for entry, I feel that they should be better patrolled because there is no way to prevent someone from forcing their way in if the door is already open.

The weather is tolerable. I like...

The weather is tolerable. I like the fact that it is not too damp in Massachusetts. Snow boots and an umbrella are a must for winter, but, otherwise, the weather is fairly seasonable.

Greek life is there for people who...

Greek life is there for people who enjoy partying and need to have a ready-packaged set of friends who they will be compelled to hang out with. However, Greek life is not a large part of BU nor is there any real pressure to join.

The girls and guys on this campus...

The girls and guys on this campus are fashion-conscious, and many are sadly very materialistic. They have yet to learn that there is a difference between looking nice and being a walking billboard for the latest fashion brand. I wish people here were more down to earth.

The atmosphere of Boston and...

The atmosphere of Boston and greater Boston is very historical. The best places to visit are the MFA and the Museum of Science. I also enjoy attending lectures at Boston University and Harvard University. The Peabody Museum at Harvard is also another excellent attraction. The Boston Symphony Opera is nice, but I have only attended once because the operas they are showing do not always interest me.

I would say that Boston University...

I would say that Boston University is fairly diverse. There are people of many different ethnicities who attend BU. However, I would have to say that a large percentage of the students are of middle- to upper-middle class. Also, most are liberal. There are very few Republicans on campus and this is fine, but it also limits the diversity of views. Sex-wise, there are more females than males, and there are always more girls than guys in my classes. I am fine with this, but I wonder how the guys feel.

Drugs are not a noticeable part of...

Drugs are not a noticeable part of campus life. People do smoke outside buildings but just cigarettes.

The athletic facilities here are...

The athletic facilities here are the best-we have a great gym, and lots of other facilities for those who may not like gyms. The student meeting places are pretty nice overall. There are a pretty good number of fast food places.