A Rundown of On-Campus Housing Locations
The pros and cons of each BU housing option.
By Layne Sheplee
Boston University offers a wide array of on-campus housing options spanning across campus. Though they’re all unique in their own ways, each location carries its fair share of advantages and disadvantages.
With housing selection closing last week, here’s a breakdown of every on-campus location, so you know what to expect next fall.
West Campus
A well-known saying on campus is “West is Best,” but there are always positives and negatives to every location, and West is no exception. Home to Nickerson Field, Agganis Arena, FitRec, and in close proximity to Allston – West Campus boasts a more social atmosphere and traditional college-campus feel. However, the trek to Central and East Campus for classes can be brutal, especially during the winter months.
Pros: Better social atmosphere, more traditional campus feel, close proximity to FitRec and athletic facilities.
Cons: Long walk to classes, far from Downtown Boston.
“I like living in West Campus because it provides a sense of community and makes me feel like I’m actually returning home after classes. It’s a hassle to get to and from classes, though, especially when the T is closed,” said William White (COM ‘27).
Central and East Campus
Across the BU bridge, Central and East Campus residences are in the heart of campus. With short distances to classes and only a bit further to Newbury Street, living in Central or East Campus puts you in a convenient location for classes and exploring the city. On the other hand, it can lack the lively social environment of West, and some dorms are definitely due for a renovation.
Pros: Close to classes, close proximity to Downtown Boston, more dining hall options.
Cons: Less social atmosphere, far from FitRec and athletic facilities.
“It’s really nice to be so close to classes, but it takes a long time to get to FitRec if I want to work out,” said Katie Smith (CAS ‘27).
South Campus
If you’re looking for an off-campus feel but want to keep the perks of a BU housing and dining plan, South Campus is a good option. It’s not too far from Central Campus and offers both apartment and dorm-style living options. On the downside, it doesn’t have a dining hall, and many have complained of bugs and rodents in the older buildings.
Pros: Feels off-campus, offers apartment-style living, great location.
Cons: No dining hall, rodent issues, and rundown facilities.
“I loved the area; it was super quiet. The facilities there are a mess, though. There was no running water for a full day, there were not enough toilets, and the heating was always either too hot or too cold,” said Amira Zuniga (CAS ‘26).
Fenway Campus
Fenway Campus’s distance from BU’s main Charles River Campus can be a blessing and a curse. Although Fenway housing is very far from classes, the distance can foster a tighter-knit community among Fenway Campus residents. Fenway also hosts many green spaces, a small gym, and a dining hall with a different food company than the main campus.
Pros: Unique dining hall, closer community, more green spaces.
Cons: Very far from classes, separated from main campus.
“Living there as a freshman had its pros and cons because I got to know my community there, and we became close, but I was only around that set of people and felt isolated from other things happening on campus,” said Jontae Sanchez (SAR ‘25).