Best BU Dorms (For Food)

Guide to BU Housing

Guide to BU's Freshman Dorms

1019 Commonwealth Avenue, often referred to as "1019", is typically favored by sophomores and juniors thanks to its suite-style floor plan that offers relative spaciousness and privacy. Housing students in three double rooms per suite, it provides a wonderful arrangement for a group of friends looking to live together, foster a social atmosphere, and experience off-campus vibe while still within school’s jurisdiction. Each suite adorns a common room, providing an ideal place for unifying activities. It's also appreciated for its relative soundproof walls and bathrooms with ample counter space, which, while shared amongst six residents, require regular cleaning to maintain its appeal. However, some students have reported that the lofted beds can make the rooms feel cramped. The dormitory offers air conditioning, though it’s limited and often noisy, and an on-site laundry facility. It's within walking distance of various food spots, the fitness/rec center, and student activities. However, the dorm's location on the western edge of campus means it's quite a distance from most classes, requiring public transit or a long walk, and a short trek to mail packages or pick up food from the dining hall. Despite this, the tranquil demeanor of the security guards and the availability of a printer and study rooms in the building adds to the overall resident satisfaction, solidifying 1019 as a preferred option among sophomore housing.

Bay State Road Brownstones offer a mix of old charm and modern amenities, making it a popular choice among students. With renovated and older brownstones available, students appreciate the unique living conditions each building offers. The dorm's prime location near dining halls, classrooms, and public transportation is a major highlight. Students love the spacious rooms, private bathrooms, and communal kitchens that foster a sense of community living. The availability of individual washing machines, lounges, and proximity to the mailroom add to the convenience. While some residents face issues like outdated bathrooms, lack of air conditioning, or occasional pests, many praise the overall cozy and comfortable living environment. The dorm's proximity to various campus buildings, quiet surroundings, and proximity to essential facilities like dining halls and transportation make it a sought-after residence for undergraduate students.

Danielsen Hall offers a mixed experience for residents, with spacious rooms that vary in natural light and views of the Charles River and MIT. The location, while far from campus, provides easy access to Newbury Street and Cambridge, making it ideal for those who enjoy the city life. The dorm is serviced by the BU bus, aiding in commuting around Boston. Residents appreciate the large common areas, shared kitchen facilities, and the opportunity to socialize. However, shared bathrooms receive criticism for being outdated and in need of renovation. Some residents faced challenges with room conditions, including issues with heating and maintenance. Despite its drawbacks, Danielsen Hall stands out for its charm, especially for those seeking a more urban living experience close to city attractions.

Hojo (575 Comm Ave) offers a mix of positives and negatives according to student reviews. The dorm is praised for its convenient location near classes, dining halls, and study spaces, making it ideal for students in certain majors. Residents appreciate the private bathrooms in each room, as well as the option to control the thermostat. The building also boasts a top-floor study lounge with great views, making it a quiet and comfortable place for studying. On the downside, students have reported issues such as cramped triple rooms, old and musty smells, poor water pressure in showers, and limited natural light in some areas. Some residents mentioned encountering noise issues, security guard interactions, and occasional maintenance issues. Despite its drawbacks, Hojo remains a viable option for students seeking a convenient and private living space with certain amenities.

Welcome to Kilachand Hall, a dormitory that offers a mix of opinions but stands out for its unique features. Located strategically on campus, Kilachand Hall boasts various room types, from spacious suites with great views to cozy doubles with private bathrooms. The dorm provides essential amenities like air conditioning, in-house laundry facilities, and proximity to the Bay State dining hall, making daily life comfortable for residents. The building offers multiple study lounges, including a quiet study room on the 9th floor, catering to different study preferences. While some students praise the community's tight-knit nature and the opportunities to socialize, others mention the varying room conditions and sizes, highlighting the importance of luck in securing an ideal living space. The dorm's central location is a major advantage for easy access to classes and nearby dining options. Residents appreciate the modern amenities in the first-floor study lounge and acknowledge the need for updates, especially on the ninth floor. Kilachand Hall's mixed reviews ultimately paint a picture of a dormitory with character, offering a range of experiences based on room assignment and personal preferences.

Myles Standish Hall is a highly recommended dorm for upperclassmen at Boston University. Renovated and modern, it offers spacious rooms with big windows, vibrant natural light, and individual climate control. The building is well-maintained, has a convenient laundry room, and various study spaces for quiet work. While some rooms may vary in size, students appreciate the cleanliness, lack of pest issues, and the availability of AC. The location is ideal for access to the city, though a bit far from central campus. Myles Standish Hall is praised for its suite-style living, private bathrooms, and the proximity to Kenmore T stop and Questrom School of Business. Despite the lack of common rooms in suites, the dorm features communal areas for gatherings, study lounges, and a game room. Students enjoy the convenience of having a kitchen in the building, mail services, and easy access to public transportation. If you prioritize a quiet, comfortable living environment with numerous amenities, Myles Standish Hall is the perfect choice.

South Campus Apartments offer a diverse range of living experiences as reflected in student reviews. Situated in a prime location close to central campus, multiple T lines, and popular stores like Whole Foods and Target, the dorms provide convenience and a neighborhood vibe. While some students appreciate the spacious rooms and privacy, others mention the challenges of old buildings, such as heating issues, rodents, and outdated facilities. Residents enjoy the freedom of apartment-style living with access to kitchens and private bathrooms, although maintenance and cleanliness vary. The overall appeal lies in the balance between independence and proximity to campus amenities, making South Campus Apartments a desirable choice for those seeking a mix of city living and collegiate atmosphere.

South Campus Brownstones offer a diverse living experience based on student reviews. The dorm rooms vary in size, with some being spacious and beautiful with unique features like fireplaces and ample storage space, while others are more cramped and have structural issues. The location is a standout feature, as it provides easy access to campus, as well as nearby neighborhoods like Fenway and Brookline. The vibe is quiet and chill, making it a great place for students who prefer a more laid-back atmosphere. Common concerns among students include shared bathrooms, coin-operated laundry, and occasional maintenance issues. Overall, South Campus Brownstones provide a mix of positives and negatives, offering a unique and convenient living option for students at this college.

StuVi1 (10 Buick St) is a highly coveted dorm on the Boston University campus, offering unparalleled living experiences according to student reviews. This dorm features apartment-style living with singles and doubles, boasting spacious common areas for socializing or studying. Residents appreciate the quiet and cozy environment, ideal for mature and independent students. The dorm's prime location provides easy access to public transportation, as well as nearby amenities like Dunkin Donuts and Buick Street Market. With picture-perfect views of the city and well-maintained facilities, StuVi1 stands out as a top choice for students looking for a comfortable and convenient living space on campus.

StuVi2 (33 Harry Agganis Way) is hailed as one of the best places to live on campus at BU and possibly in Boston. Students appreciate the suite-style living arrangements, with spacious doubles and reasonable singles, accommodating 6-8 people comfortably. The dorm offers a hotel-like experience with 24/7 security, beautiful study rooms, and panoramic views. The building is modern and well-furnished, providing a cozy living space for 4 people in the apartments. However, some students mention the high cost of living there and the challenge of securing a spot without being a part of Greek life or an athlete. The dorm boasts amenities like shuttle services, proximity to the dining hall, and multiple study lounges on different floors. With both dorm and apartment-style options, StuVi2 offers a social atmosphere and stunning views of the city. While some minor issues like weak fire alarms or elevator wait times are mentioned, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, making StuVi2 a sought-after residence for students looking for a comfortable and modern living experience on campus.

The Towers is a college dorm that offers a mix of positives and negatives according to student reviews. Situated in a prime location on Bay State Road, the dorm provides stunning views of the Charles River and is close to various campus amenities like dining halls and academic buildings. Many students appreciate the quiet and introvert-friendly environment that The Towers offers, making it conducive for studying and resting. The availability of study spaces, spacious rooms (despite some feeling cramped), and the option to loft beds for extra space are notable features. However, some students have raised concerns about the communal bathrooms, occasional maintenance issues, and limited social atmosphere on certain floors. Despite its drawbacks, The Towers seems to appeal to students who prioritize location, quieter living spaces, and proximity to academic buildings on the eastern side of the campus.

Warren Towers is the quintessential freshman dorm at BU, offering a social atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to make friends. The location is incredibly convenient, right in the heart of campus, making it a short walk to most classes. The building provides a dining hall, laundry facilities, and study spaces, all within reach. While the rooms may be small and outdated, the sense of community and proximity to campus amenities make up for it. The communal bathrooms and occasional maintenance issues are drawbacks, but the lively atmosphere and central location make Warren Towers a top choice for freshmen looking for an authentic college experience.

Boston University (BU) is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts.

BU dorms come in a few different styles: large traditional-style, small-traditional style, and apartment-style; then there is Student Village and Fenway campus. Most commonly, first-year students choose between Warren Towers and West Campus. They're best for first-years for the social aspect and the in-building dining hall. Second-years usually move on to brownstones or the other traditional-style dorms like Hojo or Myles Standish. Many upperclassmen stay in apartment style dorms or StuVi for the kitchen.

BU Dorms

Browse 427 Student Reviews

1019 Commonwealth Avenue

East/Central Brownstones

481-483 Comm Ave

South Apartments

509 Park Drive

East/Central Brownstones

517-521 Beacon Street

East/Central Brownstones

531 Beacon Street

Central Graduate Apartments

580 Commonwealth Avenue

Central & East Campus Brownstones

625 Commonwealth Avenue

Bay State Road Brownstones

Fenway Campus

CCSR (150 Riverway)

Danielsen Hall

East & Central Apartments

East & Central Brownstones

Hojo (575 Comm Ave)

Kilachand Hall

Myles Standish Hall

Fenway Campus

Riverway House (162 Riverway)

South Campus Apartments

South Campus Brownstones

StuVi1 (10 Buick St)

StuVi2 (33 Harry Agganis Way)

The Towers

East Campus

Warren Towers

West Campus

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