Student Life
The Boston University Medical Campus is located in Boston’s South End, a historic neighborhood famous for its elegant Victorian brownstones and vibrant community, surrounded by shops, restaurants, nightlife and a thriving arts community. GMS students find limitless opportunities both on and off campus.
Announcements/Updates
March 2023
- Mar. 20: Coffee, Conversation & Coffee Cake on Apr. 3 – Graduate & Professional Student Appreciation Week
- Mar. 13: Outdoor Fun Raffle on Apr. 7 – Graduate & Professional Student Appreciation Week
- Mar. 13: Grab n’ Go Cookies on Apr. 6 – Graduate & Professional Student Appreciation Week
Archived Announcements/Updates
February 2023
- Feb. 1: Celebrate International Women & Girls in Science Day with us on Feb. 9 – Co-sponsored w/ WPDC
January 2023
- Jan. 25: Midterms De-Stress Coffee Break Event on Feb. 23
- Jan. 9: Coffee/Cookies Relax & Chat w/ Welcome Back Raffle Event on Jan.30
- Jan. 6: Don’t Forget to Purchase Your Spring MBTA Student Semester Pass – Deadline is Jan. 10
- Jan. 5: Reminder – BU IDs now required to enter the L Building
December 2022
November 2022
- Nov. 30: Holiday Raffle! Enter to be 1 of 20 Students to Win a Book from the List of “Recommended Reads During Intersession” – Co-sponsored w/ Alumni Medical Library
- Nov. 28: Join us! Tis the Season to Mingle social on Dec. 1 – Appetizers, desserts, games, raffles – Co-sponsored w/ C3
- Nov. 21: Contribute to our annual Make a Difference Donation Drive for Cradles to Crayons! Ending Dec. 5
- Nov. 2: Third Thursdays w/ BU Arts Initiative on Nov. 17 – Sculpting & Samosas
October 2022
- Oct. 28: Upcoming Donation Drive! Our Make a Difference Annual Donation Drive for Cradles to Crayons will begin on Nov. 7
- Oct. 28: Did You Know About this Resource? Meditation & Lactation Spaces on Campus
- Oct. 21: Did You Know About this Resource? Weekly Office Hours with a Chaplain
- Oct. 20: Today! Masks & Muffins Third Thursday BU Arts Initiative
- Oct. 19: Today! Midterms De-Stress Healthy Snack Break
- Oct. 17: Extended! Free T-shirt Giveaway! From Oct. 17-21
September 2022
- 9/30 Free T-shirt Giveaway! From Oct. 3-7
- 9/20 Fall into Self-Care Event – Wellness Kits, Sleep Kits & Fall-themed donuts on 9/26
- 9/19 BU Diversity & Inclusion presents the Learn More Series (Fall 2022)
- 9/16 Updates to the BUMC & BMC Shuttle Services
- 9/15 Cookie & Collage Making Third Thursday Arts Initiative
- 9/15 Office Hours w/ a University Chaplain – Every Thursday 4-5pm
- 9/14 Sign-up for Oct-Nov: RAD-Resistant Aggression Defense Training
- 9/12-9/16 Community Catalyst Center Gear Up Week
August 2022
July 2022
June 2022
- Celebrate Pride Month with GMS Student Affairs! Click here for a list of resources!
May 2022
April 2022
- 4/21 BUMC Campus-Wide Dodgeball Tournament on 5/16
- 4/19 Finals De-Stress Healthy Snack Break on 4/27
- 4/19 Free Self-Care Kits: Sponsored by Student Wellness Committee on 4/26
- 4/15 C3 Center Spring Social: Pizza Party on Talbot Green on 4/21
- 4/15 Conversation Kit Pop Up: Sponsored by The Wellbeing Project on 4/20
March 2022
- 3/30 Grad & Professional Student Appreciation Week: Cookie on the Go! On 4/7, Sponsored by Student Affairs
- 3/30 Grad & Professional Student Appreciation Week: Pop-Up Brunch for First-Gen Students on 4/6, Sponsored by the Newbury Center & the C3 Center
- 3/30 Grad & Professional Student Appreciation Week: Professional Headshots on 4/5, Sponsored by the C3 Center
February 2022
- 2/22 Join Us! Vulnerable Leadership Session Part II on 2/28. Student-led panel on Mentoring. Grab & Go Dinners for Students
- 2/21 Take a moment to breath and swing by for a fancy donut & coffee – 2/28 Midterms De-Stress Coffee Break
- 2/21 Join Us! New Student Led Reflection Group starts 2/22
- 2/8 Join Us! Vulnerable Leadership Session Part I on 2/14, Free Chequers Vouchers for Students!
- 2/7 Celebrate International Day of Women & Girls in Science on 2/11 – Raffles and Resources
January 2022
- 1/25 BPSO Presents Virtual Paint Night on 2/3
- 1/25 University Chaplain Office Hours Start This Week (1/27) – Come Visit with Rev. Dr. Jessica Chicka
- 1/24 Send A Rose: GMSSO Valentine’s Day Flowers
- 1/20 BPSO Sponsoring Free Coffee Voucher at Peet’s for PhD Students – Starting 1/24
- 1/19 New Fenway Campus Shuttle Enhancement
December 2021
- 12/16 Check out our list of “Where to See Holiday Lights In & Around Boston”
- 12/15 Congratulations to our 20 raffle winners of the Holiday Raffle “Recommended Reads During Intersession”
- 12/14 Thank you to all who donated to the Make A Difference Donation Drive!
- 12/13 Our Community Cupboard will be closed from 12/17-1/2 due to Intersession and will reopen on 1/3
- 12/7 Holiday Raffle: Enter to be 1 of 20 students who win a book from our “Recommended Reads During Intersession” book list
- 12/3 EXTENDED to 12/13: Make A Difference Donation Drive
- 12/1 Finals De-Stress Coffee Break on 12/6
November 2021
- 11/30 TODAY! Join us for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome at 12:00PM in L311
- 11/23 Harm Reduction Workshop on 12/6
- 11/22 Tis’ the Season to Mingle – Social for Students, Faculty and Staff on 12/2
- 11/15 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome – Learn Strategies to Empower Yourself Against These Doubts on 11/30
- 11/5 Make A Difference Annual Donation Drive from 11/8-12/6
- 11/3 Get to Know our gFIRST Mentors in Honor of National First-Generation Student Week
- 11/2 Celebrating National First-Generation Student Week – Check Out These Events!
- 11/1 Visit Us in Student Affairs – Congratulations to the Raffle Winners!
October 2021
- 10/20 Midterms De-Stress Coffee Break on 10/25
- 10/18 Additional Places to Eat on the Med Campus
- 10/18 Reservable Study Rooms in the Library
- 10/12 Visit us in Student Affairs! Raffle & Freebies from 10/12-10/22
- 9/22 Two-Part Mentee Workshop for STEM First-Gen Grad Students by The Newbury Center
- 9/21 Recognizing National Hispanic Month
- 9/10 Looking for a place to study? Check out the Study Space Finder
- 9/9 MISO – Meet & Greet on 9/16
- 9/6 Student Financial Services – Walk-in Hours & Virtual Drop-in Hours Available
- 9/3 Open Work Study Positions – Apply Today
- 9/3 Newbury Center – Grand Opening Ceremony & Open House
June 2021
- 6/2 Honoring Pride Month: LGBTQ+ Resources from BU and Beyond
- 6/2 Honoring Pride Month: Recommended Reads & Raffle
May 2021
- 5/28 Apply for the National Hispanic Health Foundation Professional Student Scholarship
- 5/28 GMS Office space no longer available to reserve due to staff repopulating the campus
- 5/14 Well Wishes to the Class of 2021! A Message from Faculty & Staff
May 2021
- 5/28 Apply for the National Hispanic Health Foundation Professional Student Scholarship
- 5/28 GMS Office space no longer available to reserve due to staff repopulating the campus
- 5/14 Well Wishes to the Class of 2021! A Message from Faculty & Staff
April 2021
March 2021
- 3/25 Starting 3/29 – The library will now be open from 10AM-6PM on Saturdays
- 3/18 Celebrate Women’s History Month with a free movie screening from 3/26-3/29
- 3/17 Midterms De-Stress Care Packages a Success!
- 3/12 Cozy Kits Pick Up! From 3/15-3/19
- 3/11 De-Stress Care Package Pick Up! Both 3/11 and 3/12
February 2021
- 2/25 Two New Wellness Event Series for Spring Semester
- 2/25 Major Success for the Rosie’s Place Donation Drive!
- 2/22 Midterms De-Stress Care Packages – sign up for yours now!
- 2/18 BUMC Arts Days is open!
- 2/8 Celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science – Sponsored by Student Affairs and WPDC
- 2/5 Congratulations to the Welcome Back Raffle winners!
- 2/3 Student Wellness Committee Launches Recipe Book Vol. 2 – Home-y Meals for You and Me
- 2/2 CAG Project Aims to Improve Mask Disposal
- 2/1 Application for Officer Positions Now Open! Student Wellness Committee
- 2/1 GMSSO Shake it Off Yoga event on 2/3
- 2/1 Sign up to train as a Gatekeeper with Terrier Connect
January 2021
- 1/21 Your Health Is Important To Us – wellness resources (updated Jan 2021)
- 1/21 Donation Drive for Rosie’s Place – Sponsored by GMSSO, WPDC, BPSO, & MISO
- 1/14 Congratulations to the Holiday Book Raffle winners!
- 1/13 Welcome Back Raffle! Win a gift card to the BU Bookstore
- 1/12 BUMC students submit petition regarding reduction of parking rates on campus
- 1/7 BUMC Virtual Hangouts – Apply to be a facilitator – deadline 1/8
- 1/5 GMS office reservations suspended until further notice due to increased COVID infection rate
December 2020
- 12/23 Check Out Wellnest – a Free, Guided Journaling App for BU Students
- 12/23 Become a Facilitator for BUMC Virtual Hangouts
- 12/17 Where to See Holiday Lights Around Boston
- 12/14 Our Community Cupboard will re-open on 1/10
- 12/17 Cradles to Crayons Donation Drive Success!
- 12/17 Student Wellness Committee launches Recipe Book Special Edition – Winter Holidays
- 12/16 Holiday Raffle! Enter to Win from our List of “Recommended Reads During Intersession”
- 12/14 GMS offices will re-open for student reservations on 1/4
- 12/11 BUMC Self-Care Market: A Smash Hit On Campus!
- 12/8 GMS offices will be closed to student reservations starting 12/14
- 12/8 Our Community Cupboard will be closed starting 12/14
- 12/7 BUMC Self-Care Market on Wednesday, 12/9
November 2020
- 11/24 Student Wellness Committee launches Recipe Book Special Edition – Thanksgiving
- 11/23 Student Wellness Committee launches Recipe Book Vol. 1
- 11/9 #MakeADifference Donation Drive
- 11/5 Your Health Is Important To Us
- 11/3 Coping with Socio-Political Stress
- 11/2 First Generation College Celebration Day – Video Contest
October 2020
- 10/26 Extended Hours! Reserve Study Space in the GMS Suite
- 10/23 Get in the Autumn Spirit! Paint Your Own Pumpkin Event
- 10/22 Why Pronouns Matter – Honoring International Pronouns Day
- 10/15 Flu Vaccine Requirement
- 10/14 Online Ordering Available from Our Community Cupboard
- 10/6 Reserve Study Space in the GMS Suite
September 2020
Student Wellness Resources
Student Organizations
- Biomedical PhD Student Organization (BPSO)
The Biomedical PhD Student Organization aims to build and strengthen the community among PhD programs at BUMC and to cultivate camaraderie among Biomedical Science PhD students. - Boston University Science Policy Network (BUSPN)
The Science Policy Network at Boston University is committed to fostering a community of scientists engaged in public policy. - BU Biotech Consulting Club (BBCC)
The BU Biotech Consulting Club is for advance degree students at Boston University to work on case studies in life sciences and biotech, and provide career development toward the consulting industry. - Graduate Medical Sciences Student Organization (GMSSO)
The Graduate Medical Sciences Student Organization organizes volunteer and social events in addition to advocating for the student population. - MD/PhD Student Group
The MD/PhD Student group fosters a community within the BUSM MD/PhD program, providing social, educational and professional development opportunities to further students’ growth and success. - Minority and International Scientists Organization (MISO)
The Minority and International Scientists Organization provides a supportive and enriched environment to the diverse population of Boston University scientists via various social and academic events. - Student Advisory Board
The GMS Student Advisory Board meets a few times per semester to discuss pressing issues with the GMS administration that impact all graduate student life at BUMC. - Women’s Professional Development Committee (WPDC)
The Women’s Professional Development Committee provides a supportive space to host professional development opportunities for graduate-level women in science at Boston University through establishing and cultivating a network of exemplary mentorship with women in a diversity of scientific careers. - Other resources:
Groups at Charles River Campus
- Graduate Student Organization (GSO)
- Graduate Women in Science and Engineering (GWISE)
- Underrepresented Graduate Student Organization (UGSO)
Interested in starting a new group?
Submit the New Student Organization Application to GMS Student Affairs (gmssa@bu.edu).
Overview of Student Life at GMS
Resources for Student Organization Leaders
Allocation & Budget Resources
- Standard Operating Procedure – Allocation Meetings
- Standard Operating Procedure – Budget Proposals
- Standard Operating Procedure – End of Year Budget Report
- Student Organization Budget Document
- Room Reservation Estimates Document
Event & Meeting Resources
- Standard Operating Procedure – Student Organization Events & Meetings
- Student Organization Event & Meeting Request Form
- GMS News and Event Submission Form
- Guidelines for Presence of Alcohol at Student Events & Financial Reimbursement for Alcohol and Food
Calendar of Deadlines
Additional Resources
Student Lounges
Instructional Building 14th Floor:
Student lounge open to all students includes a small kitchen, cooking area and sitting area. Lounge is adjacent to Hiebert Lounge and closed during times when large events are being held in Hiebert.
Evans Basement:
The BUSM, SPH, and GMS student lounge in the basement of the Evans building has been updated with new furniture! Space includes a ping-pong table, a pool table, flat screen TV and small kitchen eating area with refrigerator. Stop on by for a break between classes or exams to enjoy a snack or a game with friends! Located down the hall from Chequers, just through the double doors into the Evan building!
Local Area to BUMC
Volunteer Opportunities
- Best Buddies Massachusetts
- Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Volunteer Opportunities
- Boston Cares
- Boston Center Refugee Health and Human Rights
- Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program
- Boston Medical Center
- Boston Medical Center Reach out and Read
- BostonVolunteer
- BU Community Service Center
- Community Service
- Doing Good Together
- Great Boston Food Bank
- Haley House
- Pine Street Inn
- Our Community Cupboard
- Rosie’s place
- St. Francis House
- Unite for Sight
- VolunteerMatch
- Women’s Lunch Place
For more outreach opportunities see here
Contact Us & Office Hours
For general inquiries email gmssa@bu.edu. If you wish to connect with the Director of Graduate Affairs directly email Kimberly Arena.
We hold weekly office hours (in person and over Zoom) for students who wish to meet 1-on-1. Appointments can be scheduled here.