So you're thinking about summer courses at BU? Smart move. Honestly, I remember scrambling last minute trying to figure out how their summer program actually works. That's why I'm putting together everything I wish I'd known upfront - from registration quirks to where to grab coffee between classes. No fluff, just practical stuff.
Why Boston University Summer Sessions Make Sense
Summer courses at Boston University aren't just regular classes crammed into hot months. They've got this compressed intensity that either terrifies people or excites them. You finish a semester's worth in 6-12 weeks. That's the main draw.
Who actually takes these? From what I've seen:
- College students trying to graduate early or fix a bad grade
- Working professionals doing career switches (especially in tech)
- International students wanting the US campus experience
- High school juniors/seniors getting college credit early
What surprised me was how many grad students use BU summer sessions to knock out requirements. The neuroscience labs are packed even in July.
Breaking Down the Boston University Summer Courses Catalog
BU offers hundreds of summer courses, literally. The catalog looks overwhelming until you understand how they categorize them.
Undergraduate Course Options
Most summer courses at BU undergrad level run as either 6-week or 12-week sessions. Some subjects just won't work in shortened formats though.
| Subject Area | Session Length | Sample Courses | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Writing & Literature | 6 or 12 weeks | Creative Writing, Shakespeare, Journalism | Smaller classes than fall/spring |
| Business/Economics | Primarily 12 weeks | Accounting, Marketing, Microeconomics | Popular for transfers between majors |
| STEM Fields | 12 weeks only | Calculus Sequence, Physics, Biology Labs | Lab sciences require longer sessions |
| Computer Science | 6 or 12 weeks | Intro to Python, Data Structures | Waitlists form FAST |
A word about STEM courses - they're brutal in summer. Don't try to take physics and calculus simultaneously unless you hate sleep. Seriously.
Graduate-Level Offerings
BU's summer graduate courses focus heavily on professional development. The Metropolitan College handles most of these.
- Project Management Certificates: 8-week intensive with PMP prep
- Cybersecurity Bootcamps: Hands-on labs with industry tools
- Health Communication: For public health professionals
- Summer TESOL Institute: 4-week teaching English program
Pro tip: Call the department directly if you need special permissions. I tried emailing about waiving a prerequisite last summer and got nowhere. One phone call sorted it in 10 minutes.
The Actual Costs of BU Summer Courses
Nobody talks frankly about money, so I will. Boston University summer courses cost more per credit than regular semester classes. Yeah.
2024 Tuition Breakdown
| Student Type | Per Credit Cost | Typical 4-Credit Course | Additional Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $1,032 | $4,128 | $60 registration fee |
| Graduate | $1,277-$1,754* | $5,108-$7,016 | Varies by program |
| High School | $3,200 (flat rate) | Includes housing & meals | $100 application fee |
*Graduate rates vary wildly by department. MBA courses top the scale.
Does financial aid apply? Sometimes. BU students can sometimes use annual aid if they haven't maxed out. Non-BU students? Good luck. Private scholarships are your best bet.
Living Expenses You Might Forget
Campus housing during Boston University summer sessions runs about $350-$600/week depending on room type. Commuting? Parking permits are highway robbery at $15/day.
- Meal plan: ≈$50/day (required for dorm residents)
- Textbooks: $100-$300/course (summer editions exist)
- Lab fees: $25-$125 for science courses
- CharlieCard (transit): $90/month unlimited
Navigating Registration Like a Pro
Registration opens February 1st for summer courses at Boston University. Popular classes fill within days. Here's how not to get locked out:
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Create your BU Web Account (non-BU students apply through Summer Term portal)
- Upload transcripts - unofficial usually work for summer
- Course selection opens at 7:00 AM EST Feb 1 - set alarms
- Payment due immediately upon registration ($500 deposit)
- Submit immunization records if staying in dorms
The system crashes every single year around 7:15 AM. Have backup courses ready.
Waitlist Strategies That Work
Got waitlisted? Don't panic. About 30% of spots open up in May. Do these things:
- Email the professor directly with 1-paragraph why you need it
- Show up to first class anyway (they often add people)
- Check the portal DAILY at 8:00 AM when drops process
Warning: Some departments (looking at you, Computer Science) enforce prerequisites strictly. Tried testing out with work experience? Doesn't work. You'll need that transcript showing Python coursework.
Life Beyond Classroom Walls
BU's campus feels different in summer. Quieter, but Boston comes alive. Here's how to balance work and play.
Housing Reality Check
Summer dorm options are limited to specific buildings:
| Building | Room Type | Weekly Rate | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warren Towers | Double suite | $480 | Central location but no AC |
| 1019 Comm Ave | Single bedroom | $600 | Private bath, AC, near classes |
| StuVi II | Studio apartment | $710 | Kitchenette, pricey but worth it |
Off-campus sublets are cheaper if you hunt early. Check Fenway/Kenmore FB groups in March.
Survival Guide for Campus & City
Essential spots within 10 minutes walk:
- Caffeine: Pavement Coffeehouse (opens 6:30 AM)
- Late-night study: Mugar Library (open til midnight)
- Cheap eats: El Pelón Taqueria ($8 monster burritos)
- Quick groceries: Trader Joe's on Brookline Ave
Boston in summer is magical though. Free outdoor movies at Hatch Shell. Kayaking on the Charles. Concerts on the Esplanade. Just remember midterms still exist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone take summer courses at BU or just their students?
Totally open! About 40% of summer students come from other schools. The application process is simpler than fall admission. You'll register as a "summer visiting student".
How do credits transfer to other universities?
Most US colleges accept BU summer credits if you pass with C or better. BUT confirm with your home institution first. Engineering programs can be picky about lab sciences.
Are online options available?
Some courses offer hybrid formats since 2020. Check the "instruction mode" filter in the catalog. Fully online options exist mostly for business and writing courses.
What's the workload really like in 6-week courses?
Intense. Expect 4-6 hours daily outside class. Professors move fast. I took two 6-week courses simultaneously once - wouldn't recommend unless you have no job/life.
Is there any financial assistance?
BU offers limited summer scholarships for current degree students only. Outside scholarships like Fastweb are your best bet. Payment plans help spread costs over 3 months.
Making Your Decision: Final Checklist
Before committing to BU summer courses, honestly ask yourself:
- Can I handle 15+ hours/week per course?
- Have I verified credit transfer with my home institution?
- Did I calculate ALL costs (including parking/meals)?
- Do I have backup course options if my first choice closes?
- Am I prepared for accelerated pacing with no ramp-up?
Registration opens February 1. Set that calendar reminder now. Courses like Intro to Python disappear faster than free pizza in a dorm lounge.
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