As students adjust to college life, you may notice changes in how they communicate, make decisions, and handle responsibilities. Staying connected, offering encouragement, and giving them space to take the lead can help them build confidence and find their footing.
The Essentials
The Office of Residential Life seeks to create safe, inclusive, and well-maintained living communities. ResLife engages community members in opportunities to develop spiritually, socially, and academically in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition of the University.
First-year housing assignments are typically released in early August. Students will receive their building and room assignment, along with the name(s) of their roommate(s). Many roommates choose to coordinate what items they plan to bring to their residence hall room. The Office of Residential Life provides a recommended packing list, which includes essentials such as extra-long twin sheets, towels, toiletries, a desk lamp, and a fan. Students should also pack appropriate clothing for all seasons. A complete list of recommended and restricted items is available on the Residential Life website.
Most Boston College students receive three years of guaranteed on-campus housing, which means many will live off campus during their junior year or possibly over the summer if they are working in the area. Because most students require a parent or guardian to co-sign their lease, it’s important that you are familiar with the lease terms, the apartment’s condition and history, and the expectations your student and their roommates have for shared living. When roommates sign a lease together, they are typically “jointly and severally liable,” meaning each person can be held responsible for the full rent and any damages to the property.
The Office of the Dean of Students offers resources to support students and families in this transition, including information sessions, housing fairs, videos, and guidance on finding and living in off-campus housing.
All first-year students, as well as students living in residence halls without kitchens, are required to enroll in the Mandatory Residential Meal Plan. Three spending levels are available so students can choose the plan that best fits their dining habits.
Boston College uses a declining balance system, rather than a fixed number of meals per week. At the start of the academic year, funds are placed on your BC ID, which works like a debit card. You are charged only for the items you purchase, giving you the flexibility to eat what you want, when you want, and to take food to go. Balances can be checked online through the Agora Portal or directly at campus dining registers.
All students are initially enrolled in the Base Plan. Through the Agora Portal under Meal Plan Selection, you may upgrade to the Premium Plan or downgrade to the Light Plan.
The deadline to select a meal plan for the fall semester is August 30, 2025. For the spring semester, changes must be made by January 17, 2026.
The Office of the Dean of Students (DOS) has a Student Outreach and Support team that provides services, information, and resources that empower students as they develop into healthy and productive members of the Boston College community. DOS specializes in care for students of concern and students requesting disability accommodations. Students, parents, faculty, and staff can submit a student of concern form about students who may be struggling with personal or emotional difficulties or who may be exhibiting concerning behavior.
Three Things to Know
Resident Directors
Resident Directors (RDs) at Boston College are full-time, live-in professional staff members who oversee the day-to-day operations of residence halls and support students’ development outside the classroom. They supervise Resident Assistants (RAs), respond to student concerns, and help foster a safe, inclusive, and engaging living environment. RDs also play a key role in community building, crisis response, and connecting students with campus resources.
Academic Advisors
Academic Advisors at Boston College support students as they explore academic interests, select courses, and navigate degree requirements. They serve as a valuable resource for planning educational goals, discussing major and minor options, and connecting with campus opportunities. Advisors work closely with students to promote thoughtful decision-making and a meaningful academic experience.
Off-Campus Student Community Liaison
The Off-Campus Student Community Liaison responds to concerns and complaints in the off-campus community. The liaison observes the off-campus community on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights as well as holidays and other high activity dates, particularly in areas where large numbers of off-campus students reside.
Though not a law enforcement official, the liaison is a university official who responds to disturbance calls and works closely with the Boston Police, Newton Police, and the Boston College Police Department (BCPD) to maintain a safe, respectful neighborhood. The Liaison will submit a report of the disturbances to the Office of the Dean of Students for review and follow-up, and/or possible university conduct action.
The Off-Campus Student Community Liaison is also an advocate for students who face challenges living off-campus. The Liaison is available as a referral resource to assist in resolving issues or tensions that may arise between students and neighbors. In addition, the Liaison can provide support to students who need advice interacting with Inspectional Services, landlords, neighbors, and serves as a connection to the Off-Campus Student Living team within the Office of the Dean of Students.
Faculty Spotlight
Belle Liang, Ph.D.
Belle Liang, Ph.D.
Dr. Belle Liang is a Professor of Counseling, Developmental, and Educational Psychology in the Lynch School of Education and Human Development and the inaugural Ascione Faculty Formation Fellow. Dr. Liang is also the co-author, with Tim Klein, of How to Navigate Life: The New Science of Finding Your Way in School, Career, & Beyond. This widely read book offers students, families, and educators a healthier framework for success—one that emphasizes purpose over pressure.
In their book, Liang and Klein explore the challenges facing today’s college-bound students, who often feel overwhelmed by performance expectations. They offer an alternative approach rooted in discovering one’s “true north”—a sense of purpose that helps young people make thoughtful choices about education, career, and life. Rather than urging students to simply “find their passion,” the authors emphasize the importance of understanding the “why” behind their goals as a foundation for long-term motivation and well-being.
Dr. Liang’s work supports students and families in navigating these formative years with clarity, confidence, and meaning—grounded in research and shaped by a deep commitment to human formation.