1. Boston University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS) Financial Aid & Graduate Affairs/Records 705 Commonwealth Ave, Suite 112  
Contact information: Financial Aid Phone:
Nicole O’Connor Financial Aid Associate
Martin Gastmann Assistant Director of Admissions & Financial Aid
GRS Graduate Affairs Phone:
Casey Dziuba Graduate Services Associate
GRS Graduate Records Phone: Jessica Aither Records Associate
Current Students > Graduate Students > Information for New Graduate Students > Orientation Programs

2. Registration
Consult your department for detailed registration instructions, info on course selection process and deadlines
Registration must occur every semester or summer term during which a degree requirement is completed or University facilities are used, unless you are on an official Leave of Absence
International students must be full-time either by coursework or certification
Once registered, you can obtain a Student ID from the Terrier Card Office
Remember to submit official final transcripts to GRS.
Log in to and click on “Academics” tab to see your previous degrees for which GRS has received an official final transcript.

3. Tuition Bill & Financial Aid
Each semester, once you have registered, you will need to make sure you pay or “settle” your student account by payment deadline
Payment deadline for Fall semester is September 19
Log in to to view bill after you register
Visit for payment options
If you are borrowing loans, make sure you signed the Master Promissory Note and completed Entrance Counseling

4. Refunds
If your funds exceed tuition and fees, you can request a refund
Log in to and click on green “Money Matters” tab and then “Account Inquiry”
Enter your bank account information and requested amount

5. Stipends
If you receive a service stipend/assistantship, you will receive weekly payments starting on September 16
Complete hiring paperwork (I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification & W-4 Employee Withholding Allowance) with your department
International students need to complete I-9 at ISSO ( and apply for a Social Security Number
Set up direct deposit (“Work” tab in
First payment will be a check, available for pick up at 881 Comm Ave, 2nd Floor
Non-Service stipends will pay out monthly, on 4th Friday of month, starting on September 23

6. Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
You may waive the medical insurance if you already have a comparable plan (“Money Matters” tab in
You may also upgrade to the PLUS plan (higher coverage & coverage for dependents); you will be responsible for additional cost
The deadline to do waive or upgrade is September 30.
If you have a non-service stipend, you will see a credit on your account for either half or the full amount of the basic plan
If you have a service stipend, half the credit will appear in the Fall and the other half in Spring. You may carry the balance into Spring.

7. Compliance
As a BU student you will need to be compliant with five University requirements in order to register:
Your local address must be up-to-date
Your student account must be paid
Your immunization records must be up to date
You must update an emergency phone number each semester (BU Alert)
You must acknowledge the Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Law (whether or not you own or bring a vehicle to Massachusetts)
Log in to and click on “Personal” tab to check on these requirements and see instructions on what you need to do to fulfill them. Students not in compliance will not be able to register for future semesters.

9. Reminder: Mandatory Orientation for International Students
Monday, September 5,
11:00 am or 2:00 pm
(identical sessions/please attend only one) Alumni Auditorium, School of Law
767 Commonwealth Ave
During this orientation session, advising staff from the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) will provide an overview of topics including Cultural Adjustment, Immigration and Employment.

10. Boston University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS) Financial Aid & Graduate Affairs/Records 705 Commonwealth Ave, Suite 112  
Contact information: Financial Aid Phone:
Nicole O’Connor Financial Aid Associate
Martin Gastmann Assistant Director of Admissions & Financial Aid
GRS Graduate Affairs Phone:
Casey Dziuba Graduate Services Associate
GRS Graduate Records Phone: Jessica Aither Records Associate
Current Students > Graduate Students > Information for New Graduate Students > Orientation Programs