Boston University Housing — Local services in Boston

If I could give this branch of the BU administration 0 stars, I would. I was a student at BU for 4 years; at the end of that time, during the Covid-19 pandemic, housing told me to not return to campus after spring break. While I approve of their decision (after all, saving people’s lives is important), I had only packed 5 days worth of clothing and minimal amounts of medication for spring break — I’d expected, like all other students, to return to campus in a few days. Soon after I left, I was asked to remain away from campus. BU communicated that if we wished to have our belongings shipped to us, we could. I filled out the form, and expected to receive my belongings within a few weeks.

Today, I wrote to housing to ask when I would receive my belongings. Instead of a date, I was informed that BU would not be sending me anything, and to expect further communication May 10. I do not think this is acceptable: if they weren’t going to send me my belongings, why did they ask for my shipping information? And if plans changed, why was I not informed? Additionally, plans SHOULDn’t have changed: all my worldly possessions are currently at school, and as a graduating senior I do not have the option to retrieve these items in the fall, when I move to Texas to begin my new job.

No attempt was made to inform me 1) that before leaving for spring break, I should plan for the possibility of never returning to BU; 2) that the ‘shipping request’ form I filled out would not result in anything being shipped to me; 3) that BU is not planning to send me anything until May 10, and after that date shipping is not guaranteed; and 4) that BU had yet to announce how seniors will retrieve their belongings.

My frustration with BU housing cannot be understated. When things are going well, like my first 3.5 years at BU, the department is fine; however, when things are going well is not when we need a well-run or well-organized department. The Covid-19 crisis has exposed BU Housing’s lack in both of those areas. If anyone reads this, think twice about dealing with BU housing: if you are a student, either perspective or current, plan to live off campus. I love BU and the time I spent there, but the university’s housing department...

BU housing office represented by Steve Prue did utmost possible for solving fast and competent our burning issue which was the accommodation of our freshman fall ’22. The way BU staff dealt with this topic was beyond professional as after our first sent upset message, BU contacted us personally and we’ve had a constructive phone conversation. Not via impersonal e mail, but face to face sort to say. The human touch, empathy and respect were the main characteristics of our discussion .The Director Steve Prue understood our worries and calmed down us as parents (and also our daughter eventually). He promised to find the best possible option in a shortest time period and that become realty just few days later. We are positively surprised that even inside big institutions like BU, there is someone who genuinely listen, understand and solve the issues coming from students and parents. We are more than ever convinced we took the right decision joining BU not only because of outstanding academics and reputation but also for the personal touch, the community spirit and the solid relation with the people working at BU. Thank you Steve and the team! Best regards, Dobrila & Vladimir...

BU Housing is there for our BU terriers! These past two years my daughter has struggled sharing a room with her two roommates and it is caused her to feel depressed and anxious. When she found out that for third year she would be in the same situation, she started having a panic attack. I didn’t know what to say or do for her. I reached out to BU Housing as a concerned parent. Steve Prue, Director of Housing responded to my email on the same day. I really appreciated his concern and understanding for my daughter’s situation. He provided options and made no promises but was genuine in wanting to help my daughter. There was an opportunity for my daughter to be in a better room and dorm and she was offered it. She called me hopeful and looking forward to her junior year! This gave me peace of my mind and heart. My daughter and I are grateful to Steve and BU Housing. BU is my daughter’s dream school and for me to know and feel that BU cares about my daughter’s welfare means everything to me! BU cares about our terriers!!! Fantastic team at...