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 u p 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 BC 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. For example, if a first -year student (with three years of on-campus housing) chooses to live off campus for their sophomore year, they must also live off campus for their junior year. Similarly, transfer students can only use their guaranteed on- campus housing during specific semesters; they should confirm their live-off period with the Office of Residential Life.
Off -Campus Student Living Resources
The Office of the Dean of Students provides 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 a nswered at our website, bc.edu/offcampus. Additionally, we maintain a comprehensive resource page, apartment and sublet database, and roommate finder service at offcampushousing.bc.edu . Encourage your student to take advantage of all services offered.
Parent Webinar: Understanding Off -Campus Housing and Student Life – April 13, 2026
On Monday, April 13 at 6:00 PM EDT, o ur office will host a parent webinar where we will discuss what students should consider when looking for an apartment, how the rental process works, how students can engage with the neighborhood, and how Boston College works with local police to help create a safe community for students and neighbors. Students are welcome to attend; click HERE to register.
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 13.
Marathon Monday – April 20 , 2026
While an exciting day, underage students often seek off -campus parties on Marathon Monday and feel pressured to excessively drink alcohol, jeopardizing their well -being and good standing at the University. Please encourage your first -year student to take advantage of all on-campus Marathon Monday programming and avoid high -risk behavior off campus. You and your student can review the full slate of our events at bc.edu/mile21.
Contact Information
General questions? Please email the Office of the Dean of Students at deanofstudents@bc.edu. For specific questions about off -campus housing , please call 617-552-3075 or email offcampus@bc.edu.
Sincerely,
Andrew Klopstein
Assistant Director , Off -Campus Student Living
Office of the Dean of Students
Peter Kwiatek
Assistant Dean, Community Engagement
Office of the Dean of Students