Boston College students are actively involved in a variety of clubs, organizations, campus programming, and leadership opportunities. They enjoy a vibrant residential experience, Division I athletics, theater arts, and cherished campus traditions. These opportunities enable students to build community, form lasting friendships, and develop essential skills as they journey into adulthood.
The Essentials
Boston College offers a vibrant social life rooted in beloved traditions and community events. From Weeks of Welcome to Family Weekend, football tailgates, the ALC Showdown, Marathon Monday, and Senior Week, students enjoy countless opportunities to connect, celebrate, and build lasting friendships. Through social, athletic, and cultural events, students not only have fun but also grow in confidence and develop lifelong skills for meaningful engagement with others.
Most students live in campus housing during their first, second, and fourth years, giving them valuable opportunities to build friendships, navigate community living, and grow through daily interactions. Sharing space with peers from across the country and around the world helps students develop essential life skills that contribute to their personal, social, and intellectual growth. While the Office of Residential Life values parents as partners, its staff works directly with students to address interpersonal conflicts and support their development as independent, responsible community members.
Boston College is home to 31 varsity athletic teams, and cheering on the Eagles is a proud tradition shared by students and families alike. Students are encouraged to purchase the "Gold Pass," which provides access to regular-season home games for football, men鈥檚 ice hockey, men鈥檚 basketball, and women鈥檚 basketball. While the Gold Pass offers entry to these events, it does not guarantee a seat. Admission is first-come, first-served. For games designated as 鈥渉igh demand,鈥� students who have attended a higher percentage of previous games will receive priority access. 热点爆料入口 Athletics will notify students via email about high-demand games and how to secure entry. The Gold Pass is a great way for students to engage in campus life and show their school spirit.
The Boston College student experience is defined by a balance between newfound freedom and personal responsibility. Whether managing time outside the classroom, responding to conflict, or navigating high-risk situations, students are expected to make thoughtful decisions that reflect their values and community standards. When challenges arise, the Office of the Dean of Students (DOS) is here to provide support. Students may also report potential violations of the Student Code of Conduct so that appropriate follow-up can occur. Through these processes, DOS works closely with students to encourage reflection, accountability, and personal growth.
Three Things to Know聽
Returning Student Room Selection
The Room Selection Process at Boston College is conducted through a lottery system in which students are randomly assigned group numbers based on class year. No other factors influence a student鈥檚 lottery number. Because it is a randomized process, students may not always receive their preferred room type and may need to adjust their group size and plans for subsequent rounds.
While this process can be stressful for some students, it鈥檚 important to keep perspective. Regardless of the specific residence hall or room assignment, students across all residential communities consistently have positive and enriching experiences. Residential Life staff are available to support students throughout the process.
The Student Involvement Fair
Held each September, the Student Involvement Fair is a key opportunity for students to explore the wide range of clubs and organizations at Boston College. It鈥檚 a time for groups to recruit new members and for students to discover ways to get involved, build community, and pursue their interests outside the classroom.
Many organizations have selection processes that may include applications, interviews, or tryouts. Students should not be discouraged if they are not selected for a particular group, as some organizations have limited openings depending on the year. The Office of Student Involvement is a helpful resource and encourages students to explore the many clubs and activities that are open to all. There are countless ways to get involved and find a meaningful sense of connection on campus.
Help-Seeking Policy
At Boston College, student health and safety are top priorities. The University鈥檚 Help-Seeking Policy encourages students to take responsible action in the event of an alcohol- or drug-related emergency. If a student proactively seeks help for themselves or someone else, the situation will be addressed as a health and safety matter, not as a disciplinary issue.
While the student will meet with a staff member from the Office of the Dean of Students and may be required to participate in alcohol or drug education, the incident will not result in a conduct violation. This approach is designed to remove barriers that might prevent students from calling for help when it鈥檚 needed most.
FAQ
Boston College has limited parking available for undergraduate students and therefore offers permits only under specific circumstances.
- Commuter Students: Undergraduate commuter students who live more than one mile outside the City of Boston may apply for a commuter parking permit through the Office of Student Services in Lyons Hall.
- Resident Students: Undergraduate resident students are generally not eligible for parking. However, those receiving academic credit for a practicum or internship that is not accessible by public transportation may be eligible to apply for a parking permit. The student鈥檚 program advisor must approve these requests before a permit application can be considered.
- What if I have a medical issue? Students with medical concerns may apply for a parking accommodation by completing an accessibility request form. The request will then be reviewed by the Disability Services Office.
Students with off-campus jobs are expected to use public transportation, and unfortunately, parking is not available in these cases due to space limitations. Although Boston College aims to support all students in need, parking is extremely limited and accommodations may not be guaranteed.
Yes. Boston College operates several shuttle routes that help transport students, faculty, and staff across campus locations and within the surrounding neighborhood. The shuttle system includes regular routes connecting the Chestnut Hill, Newton, Brighton, and Brookline campuses, with schedules that vary by time of day and day of the week.
Many off-campus students use the shuttle to travel to and from their apartments. In addition to regular service, Boston College also provides special shuttles to the Chestnut Hill Mall, the local grocery store, and on football game days to accommodate larger crowds and special events.
Boston College does not notify parents or guardians when a student is charged with an alleged violation of the Student Code of Conduct. However, in accordance with federal law, the University may inform parents or guardians in writing of violations involving alcohol or controlled substances if the student is under the age of 21. Beyond those specific circumstances, Boston College will not share details about a student鈥檚 conduct record without the student鈥檚 written consent. Students who wish to authorize the release of such information can complete a Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) waiver.
Yes. The Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center (BAIC) provides support for all undergraduate students, with a particular emphasis on students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and others from historically marginalized backgrounds. The center offers programs, advising, and community-building opportunities to help students thrive personally, socially, and academically throughout their time at Boston College.
Varsity sports聽must follow NCAA and ACC rules and regulations. Practices and games are mandatory, and travel is required to play against other universities. Some varsity sports might allow walk-on tryouts, while others purely recruit. Also, varsity sports usually require a full-year commitment.
Club Sports聽teams play other colleges and universities, but are not part of NCAA or ACC. The teams are supported by Campus Recreation and request funding from the Club Sport Council Executive Board. Club officers are responsible for hiring coaches and scheduling games and practices. Club Sports may not require a full year commitment.
Intramural Sports聽are competitive sports played at Boston College among other 热点爆料入口 students. There are four phases, or seasons, each lasting 3-6 weeks. Games are held on campus and no travel or practice is required.
Supporting Student Life and Well-Being
Shawna Cooper Whitehead, Ed.D.
Shawna Cooper Whitehead, Ed.D.
As Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Shawna Cooper Whitehead supports the formation and well-being of students as they grow and learn at Boston College. The Division of Student Affairs plays a vital role in shaping the student experience, helping students develop intellectually, socially, and spiritually throughout their time on campus.
Dr. Cooper Whitehead and her team collaborate with departments across the University to foster a vibrant, inclusive community. She oversees a wide range of programs and services, including student wellness and support, residential life, student involvement, and initiatives that promote belonging. From leadership opportunities and student organizations to health and wellness resources, her goal is to ensure that every student has what they need to thrive.
The Division of Student Affairs is committed to helping students make the most of their Boston College experience, both inside and outside the classroom.