Where is Boston College Located?

Choosing the right university or college is a big decision, and visiting the campus can help a lot. For students thinking about joining a school, seeing it in person can give them a real sense of what it’s like. They can meet students and teachers, and see if it feels right for them. Let’s explore what makes Boston College’s location special and why visiting it can help you decide if it’s the right place for you.

Where is the Boston College campus?

Boston College’s main campus is in the picturesque Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Newton, Massachusetts. It is just a short drive from downtown Boston and is easily accessible by public transportation. The Chestnut Hill campus has the university’s oldest buildings, most of its academic and residence halls, athletic facilities, and dining locations.

Main Campus Address: 140 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, United States

Boston College has several other campuses:

• Newton Campus: Located one mile west of the Chestnut Hill campus, the Newton campus is home to the Boston College Law School, athletic fields, and several freshman residence halls.
• Brighton Campus: Right across Commonwealth Avenue from the Chestnut Hill campus, the Brighton campus hosts the School of Theology and Ministry, the McMullen Museum of Art, administrative offices, and several new athletic fields.
• Brookline Campus: The Brookline campus houses Messina College, which has residence halls along with other academic and athletic facilities.

How big is the Boston College campus?

Boston College’s main campus in Chestnut Hill is a wide area for students and faculty that spans 240 acres. It’s a historic district and is one of the earliest examples of collegiate Gothic architecture in North America.

Newton Campus

This campus is approximately 40 acres and is located just one mile west of the Chestnut Hill campus. Here students can find the Boston College Law School, athletic fields, and several freshman residence halls.

Brighton Campus

Spanning 65 acres, the Brighton campus is across Commonwealth Avenue from Chestnut Hill. This is where students find the School of Theology and Ministry and the McMullen Museum of Art.

In total, Boston College encompasses about 405 acres across its different campuses. This is a big space for academic, residential, and recreational facilities for approximately 14,000 students.

Is Boston College a good school?

Boston College is widely regarded as a good school. Despite being classified as a research university, it retains “college” in its name to honor its roots as a small liberal arts college. As a Jesuit, Catholic university, Boston College values the integration of faith and reason, believing that each discipline can reveal deeper truths.

The university has an impressive alumni, including governors, ambassadors, members of Congress, scholars, writers, medical researchers, Hollywood actors, and professional athletes. Boston College has produced three Rhodes Scholars, 22 Truman Scholars, and 171 Fulbright Scholars, which proves its strong academic reputation.

Boston College offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees through its eight colleges and schools. Overall, Boston College’s strong academics, notable alumni, and commitment to holistic education make it a highly respected institution.

What Is Boston College Known For?

Boston College is known for its strong academic programs, particularly its highly-ranked graduate schools, such as the School of Law, School of Management, School of Medicine, College of Engineering, and School of Education. The university’s commitment to research and teaching excellence is exemplified by the School of Medicine, which established the nation’s first combined cancer research and teaching laboratory.

Students are drawn to Boston College for its holistic academic approach that combines intellectual, social, ethical, and spiritual development. The university encourages students to become lifelong learners dedicated to the common good while creating a supportive and challenging educational environment.

Boston College’s academic excellence is recognized nationally, with the university ranked 39th among the best national universities by U.S. News & World Report in 2024. 

What are the facilities available at Boston College?

Here’s a look at some of the facilities at Boston College:

Middle Campus

• Gasson Hall: Central to Middle Campus, it has classrooms, the Dean’s office, the Irish Room for events, and the Fulton Debate Room.
• St. Mary’s Hall: Houses Jesuit residences, dining areas, and St. Mary’s Chapel.
• Bapst Library: A historic library with study spaces, research collections, and the Burns Library for special collections.
• Devlin Hall: Home to the Undergraduate Admission Office and formerly a center for scientific research.
• Fulton Hall: Houses the Carroll School of Management.
• Lyons Hall: Contains offices, the Office of Student Services, and a cafeteria.

Lower Campus

• Alumni Stadium: A large football stadium with seating for 44,500, used for athletic events and commencements.
• Conte Forum: Main venue for basketball and ice hockey, seating 8,500 for basketball and 7,784 for hockey.
• Flynn Recreation Complex: Includes an indoor track, swimming pool, courts for various sports, and fitness facilities.
• Robsham Theater Arts Center: A theater complex hosting performances, guest speakers, and conferences.
• O’Neill Library: A large library with extensive collections, study areas, and a modern computer system.
• Merkert Chemistry Center: Has modern laboratories and classrooms for the Chemistry Department.

Residential Halls

• Upper Campus: It has residence halls like Roncalli, Welch, and Williams Halls, primarily for freshmen and sophomores.
• Lower Campus Dormitories: Apartment-style residences such as Vouté Hall, Gabelli Hall, Ignacio Hall, and Rubenstein Hall, upperclassmen housing.

Newton Campus

• Boston College Law School: Has the Boston College Law Library, Stuart House, and the Chapel of the Most Blessed Trinity.
• Barat House and Alumni House: Provide offices for alumni relations and development, and serve as the headquarters for the Boston College Alumni Association.

What Are the Dining Options at Boston College?

Here’s a look at some of the key dining venues on campus:

McElroy Commons

• Faculty Dining Room: An upscale dining venue with wait staff, fine china, and linen.
• Carney Dining Room: A spacious third-floor dining hall with a selection of hot entrees and grab-and-go meals, including options for dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free.

Brighton Campus

Café 129: Serves Mediterranean bowls, customizable sandwiches, rotating soups, and a salad bar for breakfast and lunch.

Fulton Hall

The Bean Counter: Offers Starbucks coffee, tea, hot chocolate, snacks, candy, and a selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches to go.

Stokes Hall

Chocolate Bar: Satisfies sweet cravings with chocolate treats and Starbucks coffee drinks.

Lyons Hall

Lyons Hall Dining: Provides grab-and-go items, breakfast, sandwiches, soups, and beverages, and is also open for Late Night from Sunday to Thursday.

Corcoran Commons

• Lower Live: Known for the Screamin’ Eagle Steak and Cheese, made-to-order meals, and a salad bar. Lower Live is a cozy diner with booths and a fireplace.
• The Market: Serves breakfast items, smoothies, acai and pitaya bowls, poke bowls, and specialty coffee drinks, along with grocery staples and farmers market items.

Newton Campus

Stuart Dining Hall: Offers a full menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night, featuring fresh-baked pastries and Peet’s Coffee. It has options for students with allergies or dietary restrictions.

Other Dining Spots

• Eagle’s Nest: Popular for made-to-order bowls and wraps.
• Hillside Café: Features a full-service Starbucks counter, deli and panini sandwiches, a bagel bar, and grab-and-go options, including fresh sushi.
• Legal Grounds: Located on the Newton Campus, it offers Starbucks drinks, a bagel and pizza bar, and various pastries and snacks.
• The Loft @ Addie’s: Serves flatbreads, sandwiches, and other student favorites.
• BC Bakery: Produces in-house baked goods located behind the Eagle’s Nest.
• Tully Cafe: Offers Mediterranean-style bowls, Starbucks coffee, teas, specialty drinks, and grab-and-go items, including fresh sushi.

What Are the Housing Options at Boston College?

Boston College has 32 residence halls spread across its campuses. Here’s a detailed look at the housing options available:

Chestnut Hill Campus

• Upper Campus: Upper Campus is part of the main Chestnut Hill Campus and houses many first-year students. Rooms here are traditional style, with most being double occupancy, though there are some triple and quad options. Students on the Upper Campus do not require a shuttle bus for campus access.
• Lower Campus: This area has various apartment-style residence halls for upperclassmen, such as Vouté Hall and Gabelli Hall. Amenities like kitchens, living rooms, and full bathrooms are available for a more independent living experience.

Newton Campus

About 1.5 miles from the Chestnut Hill Campus, this area houses approximately 850 first-year students in traditional style double and some triple occupancy rooms. It has dining halls, study/recreation rooms, and access to a chapel. A continuous shuttle bus connects the Newton Campus with the Chestnut Hill Campus.

Brookline Campus

This campus is exclusively for students enrolled in Messina College. Housing here is the traditional style with double occupancy rooms. It also includes essential facilities like laundry, study areas, and dining halls. Brookline Campus is approximately 1.3 miles from Chestnut Hill, with no lofted triple rooms available.

Residence Hall Features

All residence halls at Boston College come equipped with access to laundry facilities and study/recreation rooms. Each campus also has its own dining hall, mailroom, exercise space, and chapel, ensuring that students have convenient access to all necessary amenities.

Housing Guarantee

Most Boston College students receive three years of guaranteed housing. Certain groups, such as nursing students, Presidential Scholars, and some student-athletes, receive four years of guaranteed housing. Sophomore transfer students are typically guaranteed one year of housing.

What Are the Transportation Options at Boston College?

Transportation options are available at Boston College to make sure that students, faculty, and staff can easily navigate between campuses and around the city. Here are the transportation services available:

Shuttle Services

Boston College operates a comprehensive bus shuttle service that connects its different campuses, including the Chestnut Hill, Newton, and Brighton campuses. These shuttles run regularly throughout the day, making it easy for students and employees to travel between classes, dorms, and other facilities.

Bicycles

Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation on campus. Boston College supports cyclists with numerous bike rack locations and locker areas equipped with showers, allowing riders to freshen up after their commute. This is an excellent option for those looking to avoid traffic and enjoy a more active form of transportation.

Transportation and Parking Office

This office coordinates all transportation-related services, including parking, signage, handicapped access, and way-finding. They also provide advisories that affect the community’s ability to park or travel on campus.

Rideshare Activities

For those who prefer carpooling, Boston College encourages rideshare activities, to help reduce traffic congestion and promote a more sustainable commuting option. The Transportation and Parking Office assists in coordinating these efforts.

What Are the Local Attractions and Activities at Boston College?

Students and visitors of Boston College can enjoy local attractions and activities to enjoy around Boston. Here are some highlights:

• Metropolitan Waterworks Museum: A short 10-minute walk from campus, this museum presents the history of the country’s first metropolitan water system. Visitors can explore the impressive machinery and architecture through exhibitions and educational programs. Admission is free.
• Larz Anderson Auto Museum & Park: This museum has America’s oldest car collection. It also hosts exhibits and summer lawn days featuring specific car types. The park includes an ice skating rink, athletic fields, a playground, picnic areas, a dog park, and walking trails.
• Arnold Arboretum: A great place for a nature escape, this arboretum features a two-mile-long paved walking trail, labeled plant and flower species, and is especially beautiful during the spring. Admission is free.
• Franklin Park Zoo: Just about 20 minutes away by car or Uber, this zoo houses different kinds of animals and activities year-round. The tropical rainforest exhibit is popular during the winter months.
• Jackson Homestead and Museum: This museum invites visitors to learn about New England’s early settlers, the abolition movement, and the Underground Railroad.
• Fenway Park: Just a short drive or train ride away, this iconic baseball stadium offers standing-room tickets for students at a discounted rate.
• Museum of Fine Arts (MFA): Located near Northeastern University, the MFA gives free admission to area college students and participants in the University Membership program.
• Day Trips from Boston: Boston College’s location allows easy day trips to destinations such as Halibut Point State Park, Provincetown via fast ferry, World’s End in Hingham, and Tower Hill Botanic Garden. Outdoor activities in the warmer months include visiting state and urban parks, waterfront areas, Boston Harbor Islands, and kayaking on the Charles River.
• Beaches: Boston and its surrounding areas have several beaches to look forward to in the summer. Popular beaches are those on the north and south shores.
• Winter Activities: During winter, students can enjoy ice skating and skiing, with over 30 ski resorts located within a 1-3 hour drive from Boston.
• Brighton/Allston Area: This area, close to Boston College, is known for its vibrant atmosphere with bars, restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and stores. It is a popular place for students from multiple universities.
• Downtown Boston: Always bustling with activity, you will enjoy historical sights, museums, zoos, aquariums, and more in downtown Boston. It is easily accessible via the MBTA Green Line B train, which ends at the foot of the Boston College campus on Commonwealth Avenue.
• Cape Cod: Just under a two-hour drive or a 90-minute ferry ride from Boston, you can have beaches, biking, museums, quaint shopping towns, and ice cream. Popular areas include Provincetown, Hyannis, Falmouth, and more.
• New England Day Trips: Students can easily take trips to New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont, with popular destinations including the White Mountain National Forest, Acadia National Park, and the Champlain Islands.

What are the famous landmarks inside the Boston College campus?

Several iconic landmarks at Boston College showcase its rich history and beautiful architecture. Here are some of the most famous landmarks on campus:

• Gasson Hall: Often considered the heart of the campus, Gasson Hall is known for its stunning Gothic architecture. Gasson Commons, is a popular study spot with books lining the walls and a mix of comfortable chairs and tables. The hall’s grand design and historical significance make it a central landmark.
• St. Mary’s Hall: This hall is another architectural gem, serving as a residence for Jesuit faculty and staff. It features graceful Gothic arches and St. Mary’s Chapel, a beautifully designed space with a marble altar and oak pews.
• Devlin Hall: Home to the Undergraduate Admission Office, Devlin Hall was initially a center for scientific research. Its historical significance and Gothic style make it a notable building on campus.
• Bapst Library: Known as the “Art Library,” Bapst Library is often compared to a scene from Hogwarts. It features a grand marble staircase, chandeliers, vaulted ceilings, and magnificent stained glass windows. It is a favorite study spot for students and an architectural highlight.
• Chestnut Hill Reservoir: Just beyond the football field, the Chestnut Hill Reservoir offers a scenic walking path. It is a popular spot for students to take a break from studying, enjoy a walk, or commute to campus.
• BC Home Football Games: While not a building, the excitement of attending a Boston College football game is a significant part of the campus experience. The games, held at Alumni Stadium, are a must-try activity for students, adding to the vibrant campus atmosphere.

How does Boston College impact Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts?

Boston College has a total annual economic impact in Massachusetts estimated at $3.3 billion. This includes $172 million in annual tax revenue to the Commonwealth and supports 17,700 jobs resulting from various expenditures and activities.

Employment

As one of the region’s largest employers, Boston College provides 5,900 jobs, with 3,700 full-time and 2,200 part-time positions. More than 30% of these employees reside in Boston and Newton, including 1,000 in Boston and 792 in Newton. The university also employs 350 union workers. These jobs span a variety of sectors, contributing to the local economy through salaries, benefits, and payroll taxes.

Financial Contributions

Boston College directly supports the economic stability of Boston and Newton through voluntary municipal services agreements, linkage payments for development projects, and voluntary real estate tax payments. Over the past five years, these contributions have amounted to over $8.1 million. The university helps reduce the burden on city services by providing a deputized police force, snow removal, street tree maintenance, graffiti removal, and private contracting for trash and recycling services.

Research and Procurement

In FY 2020, Boston College received $66.3 million in sponsored research awards, promoting innovation and collaborative problem-solving across various disciplines. The university also awarded $135 million in local vendor contracts, supporting local businesses through a robust Supplier Diversity Program that includes certified Minority and Women Business Enterprises.

Community Engagement

Boston College enhances community well-being through volunteer efforts, with 8,000 students and employees contributing 768,000 volunteer hours to help more than 52,000 people in the local community. The university’s capital investments in new facilities, building renovations, and information technology projects further stimulate the local economy.

Ancillary Spending and Alumni Impact

Students, visitors, and event attendees spend $112 million annually in the state, supporting 690 jobs and generating $29 million in earnings. Alumni who remain in the state contribute an estimated $1.28 billion in economic output, supporting 7,400 jobs and generating $422 million in earnings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kind of student is Boston College looking for?

Boston College seeks students who challenge themselves academically. The most competitive applicants typically have a high school program that includes four years of study in the five main subjects: English, Math, Social Science, Natural Science, and Foreign Language.

2. Which is better, Boston University or Boston College?

Boston University (BU) and Boston College (BC) both have their strengths. BU offers courses with a strong focus on research and practical experience, especially through its numerous co-op programs. BU is ranked highly, just a few places behind BC. In terms of acceptance rates, BC’s is around 16.7% while BU’s acceptance rate is approximately 14%.

3. Where do most students live at Boston College?

About 40% of first-year students (approximately 850 students) live in the four residence halls on the Newton Campus. The remaining 60% (about 1,300 students) reside in the ten residence halls on the Chestnut Hill campus.