Social Work

Names are essential to a person’s identity, dignity, and sense of self. During your time as a student at Boston University you may need to change how your name appears on various platforms, or you may undergo a legal name change. Updating your name in university records will help faculty, students, and staff across BU know how to address you: Get Started.

This process is handled by Boston University. If you have additional questions, please contact BU’s Registrar Office at registrar@bu.edu. 

Campus partners operate a food pantry open to all students. If you are concerned about access to food, you can place an order with the BU food pantry and schedule a pick-up. Your information will remain private and only accessible to those filling orders. Orders will be ready in 3 business days from when they were placed.

Place an online order online at: https://bit.ly/pantry2024

BU has a list of resources to connect you with food across the campus and the city. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/foodresources2024

Needing support staying online during your semester?

• Boston University has a laptop loan program if you need assistance staying connected with technology throughout your coursework. Learn more here. 
• The Boston Public Library also has a 3-week laptop lending program. Learn more here. Anyone can get a free Boston Public Library card with proof of Massachusetts address. 

If you are curious about whether therapy is right for you, we’ve made it easy to get started and learn more about your options. Student Health Services Behavioral Medicine now offers online booking for initial evaluations.  An initial evaluation is a 20-30 minute appointment for students who have not been seen in the BU office office before. This appointment helps us assess your mental health needs so, together, we can create a plan that is best for you. These can include referrals to providers and other resources at Behavioral Medicine or a referral to off-campus providers and resources, among other options. Learn more about SHS’s mental health offerings. 

Struggling with something specific? There are steps you can take immediately to improve common issues faced by college students.

• You can take a free, anonymous mental health screening online, which will recommend relevant resources.
• You can visit our resource page for a number of tips for improving your mood, sleep, and overall well-being.
• Check out Togetherall, where you can access free, anonymous, online 24/7 peer support. You can also ask a mental health professional a question at any time.

If you or someone you know is an imminent danger to themselves or someone else, call the BUPD on the Charles River Campus (617-353-2121), Public Safety at BUMC (617-638-4144), or 911 if you are off-campus.

Other resources for all students (on-campus, off-campus, and online) include: 

• Office of the Ombuds
• Equal Opportunity Office

Please remember to document your concerns when possible. For example, if you have reached out to someone repeatedly and have not heard back, document the dates you reached out.