Dollar$ and $ense: May 2023

Complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA today! 

The 2023-2024 FAFSA is now available to complete for the next academic year. If you plan on using Federal Direct Unsubsidized and/or Federal Graduate PLUS Loan funds during the 2023-2024 academic year (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024), you will need to complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA. Failure to submit your 2023-2024 FAFSA can result in significant delays in receiving your financial aid.  


End of Student Loan Repayment Pause

The Department of Education has extended the student loan repayment pause until student loan debt relief can be implemented or until June 30, 2023. Payments will resume 60 days after the end of the pause or once the recent Supreme Court decision regarding Federal loan forgiveness has been resolved. The loan repayment pause, which began in March 2020, includes temporary 0% interest rates, reprieve on loan payments, and paused collection of defaulted federal student loans. Further information and FAQs can be found on the Federal Student Aid website’s announcement on Coronavirus and Forbearance Info for Students, Borrowers, and Parents. 


Act Quickly! Graduate Housing Application Now Available

The Graduate Housing application for the Fenway campus and Charles River Campus* is open! You can access the application through the Graduate Housing portal. BU graduate housing is extremely limited. Anyone who is interested in living in graduate housing is encouraged to apply as soon as possible. You will be required to submit a $500 deposit as part of the application. You can find more information regarding monthly rates on the BU Housing page. All questions or technical issues related to the application should be directed to BU Housing*This application is only for Fenway and Charles River Campus housing where students can use the free BU Shuttle to commute to BUMC. 


BUMC Housing Fair Will be on May 25!

The Office of Housing Resources will be hosting a virtual housing fair on Thursday, May 25, from 12 pm to 2 pm. Students can meet with realtors and property managers, explore different housing options, and off-campus housing experts will be available to answer questions. Please complete the Housing Fair Registration Form to RSVP for the event. 


Summer Enrollment & Aid Application Process

Looking to borrow loans for the summer semester? You must be enrolled in at least 6 credits for summer 1 and/or summer 2 or certified full-time and you wish to apply for federal loans, make sure you’ve submitted the 2023-2024 FAFSA and the Summer Direct Loan application (available in late March).  


Federal Student Loan Exit Counseling for Graduating Students

Graduating Federal Direct Loan borrowers must complete Federal Student Loan Exit Counseling. This can be done electronically at StudentAid.gov. If you have questions following your online Exit Counseling, you can schedule an individual appointment with SFS.   


Housing Guide by VeryApt

The 2023 BUMC Housing Guide, developed in partnership with VeryApt, is now available! This guide was built using ratings and feedback from current BUMC students to assist the BUMC population in finding housing in the Boston area. You can use the guide to learn more about properties and landlords throughout Boston, the neighborhoods where BUMC students live, and expected rental expenses. 


Summer Work Study Application Now Available

The Summer 2023 Federal Work Study application is now available. To be considered for Summer Work Study, students must be registered for Fall 2023 and have a 2023-2024 FAFSA on file. Summer Work Study funds are very limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. 


Other SFS Reminders

Reduce Your Internet Bill
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) can provide a discount of up to $30 per month towards internet service for students and families who may qualify. Those who currently receive SNAP benefits qualify for the ACP. Other eligibility requirements and the application can be found on the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) website. 


Free Financial Wellness Resources 

AAMC Loan Repayment Strategies for You Webinar Recordings Available
SFS hosted Julie Gilbert from the AAMC on April 6 and April 10 to present information to graduating students on managing student loans and how to determine which loan repayment option is best for you. Recordings for both sessions are available on our Presentations and Events page. 


Questions?  

Speak with SFS!
Stop by Student Financial Services in suite B-401 in the Robinson Building where you can meet with an SFS staff member in-person Monday through Friday.  You can also reach us by phone at 617-358-6550, email, or one of our virtual drop-in sessions.