Dear Parent/Guardian,
This letter is intended for all parents/guardians of first-year students at BC to remind you that undergraduates who matriculate as first-year students are guaranteed on-campus housing for either three or four years. You can find your student's on-campus housing guarantee in their admissions letter or by calling Student Services at 617-552-3300 or 800-294-0294. Matriculating transfer students may be eligible for up to 2.5 years of guaranteed housing and should confirm their ability to live on campus for the upcoming year with the Office of Residential Life. Regardless of the number of years, please review the information below, as some students may decide to live off campus during their junior year, even with four years of guaranteed on-campus housing.
The Live-Off Year
Most students receive three years of on-campus housing, with a live-off year that must be taken junior year. The junior year off is non-transferable, meaning that if a student with three years of housing chooses to live off campus before their junior year, they cannot count that time as their year off Similarly, transfer students can only use their guaranteed on-campus housing during specific semesters; they should confirm their live-off year with the Office of Residential Life.
Off-Campus Student Living Resources
The Office of the Dean of Students offers many resources for students interested in living off campus, including information sessions, housing fairs, and consultation. You and your student can find many of your common questions answered at our website, he edu/offcampus. Additionally, we maintain a comprehensive resource page, apartment and sublet database, and roommate finder service at offcampushousing he edu. Encourage your student to take advantage of all services offered.
Virtual Off-Campus Housing Information Session- May 14, 2025
Our office will host an off-campus housing information session for first-year students on Wednesday, May 14, at 6:oo PM EDT via Zoom. This session will highlight when and how students should search for an off-campus apartment, among other topics. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend; click HERE for the Zoom link.
Apartment Search Timetable
First-year students may feel pressured by their peers and rental agents to sign a lease for their junior year in the coming months. Please resist the narrative to sign so early. Most students secure a junior-year lease in the spring semester of their sophomore year after junior-year study abroad decisions have been made. Likewise, transfer students should secure an off.campus apartment in the spring semester before their live-off period. Please review our resources with your student and encourage them to attend the virtual information session on April 30.
Contact Information
General questions? Please email the Office of the Dean of Students at deanofstudents@hc edu. For specific questions about off.campus housing, please call 617-552-3075 or email offcampus@hc edu.
Sincerely,
Andrew KlopsteinAssistant Director,
Off Campus Student Living
Office of the Dean of Students
Peter Kwiatek
Assistant Dean, Community Engagement
Office of the Dean of Students