If you are coming to BSU, congratulations on joining the BSU community for the upcoming year! We look forward to working with you to make your on-campus experience a positive one. If you have any questions about the information below, please contact our office at reslife@bridgew.edu or 508.531.1277.
Although there is a great demand for housing here at BSU, we welcome our international students to become a part of our on campus community. We hope you will gain a better understanding of American culture and that you will enrich the experience of our local students by sharing your own beliefs and traditions. BSU is a regional institution with most of our students coming from southeastern Massachusetts, a true melting pot of many diverse nationalities and origins. Many students are first generation college students from middle class families in the area.
A Note on Bridgewater Climate: New England is known for its seasons. There is a saying that goes “If you don’t like the weather in New England, wait five minutes.” During the summer (June through August) temperatures range from 60°F to 100°F (15.5°C to 37.7°C) and average about 80°F (26.6°C). During the winter months (December through March) temperatures range from -4°F (with wind chill) to 45°F (-20°C to 7.2°C) and average about 32°F (0°C). The cold season begins in October and continues through to March, with snow mostly in December, January, and February. April and May bring warmth and rain.
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Undergraduate exchange students will be provided with housing on campus during both the Fall and Spring semesters, but must fill out our housing forms in order to receive a housing assignment. Students coming for the fall semester will receive information by the end of May from us detailing how to submit their Residence Hall License Agreement and a Roommate Questionnaire. All exchange students who intend to live in university housing must complete these forms. Students coming for the spring semester will receive this information by the end of November.
Please be advised that while students may submit preferences, there is a high demand for housing at BSU and options are limited. Incoming students with fewer than 24 credits are housed in the freshmen areas. Because upper-class students select their housing assignments for the following year during the spring semester, there are few spaces available in our newer facilities for incoming students. Students who plan to live on-campus should remain flexible with their housing choices.
Typically incoming exchange students have been assigned to live in a traditional residence hall with American students to better experience American culture. On campus, most students live with at least one roommate (share one room) and share bathroom facilities with numerous students. Residence hall rooms are furnished with beds (extra long twin mattresses), desks, bureaus, and wardrobes/closet(s). Residence hall rooms are equipped with one data connection per student. Students are responsible for providing bedding, towels, desk lamps, and any other items of their preference.
The residence halls are open when classes are in session and during portions of designated breaks. There will be periods of time when there is no housing available on campus and students will need to make other arrangements. This includes the two weeks between fall semester closing and the new year. Housing is available on campus during the remainder of winter break and for all of spring break for an additional fee.
- Clothing: Students at BSU dress very informally: jeans, shorts, t-shirts, casual shirts, etc. Nevertheless, there will be some occasions for you to dress up, such as semi-formal dances or special events with the faculty. Traditional dress is always welcome. You will need plenty of warm clothing for the winter: sweaters, fleeces and/or sweatshirts, and a winter jacket are essential. Heavy, waterproof shoes/snow boots, gloves, a hat and scarf for snow will also be necessary and an umbrella for rainy days. Be advised that a high-quality winter jacket can be quite expensive, but we recommend that you purchase it after arrival, to make sure that it is warm enough.
- Electrical Devices: The standard electrical output in the US is 110v/220v, so most foreign electrical equipment cannot be used here. Bring electrical devices only if you will run them on batteries or a voltage converter.
- Bedding: Bring a sheet set (fitted and flat) and towel for the first few days at BSU; sheets in the United States come in standard sizes to fit the beds. Purchase extra long twin sheets to fit the beds in the residence halls. You may want to purchase these before arriving on campus and have them shipped to campus, since shipping takes awhile plan ahead. Another option is to order online from a store that has a special section for college shopping, such as Bed Bath and Beyond. You can order some of your supplies online at through their website and go to the "Shop for College" section if you don’t want to bring anything with you.
- Miscellaneous: Bring things that remind you of home - photographs, music, posters, clothes, bedspreads and perhaps inexpensive gifts that you can give people on birthdays and other festive occasions. “Comfort food” from home is also a good idea!
- If you are living in the Great Hill Student Apartments: you will need to buy some household items such as utensils, glasses, plates, etc. You can purchase items at a reasonable price at stores such as Wal-Mart or Target.
- Shipping Luggage to Bridgewater: Shipping luggage overseas is complicated and expensive. You are better advised to bring your own belongings with you by air. If you ship your own trunks and boxes, they must be cleared through U.S. Customs, which will involve your going to the airport or seaport, completing a customs declaration, and then transporting your goods to Bridgewater. If you plan to ship your belongings, it is best to use a freight-forwarding company at home that will help you complete the paperwork. Your goods and papers will be forwarded to a Boston freight company, which will retrieve the articles from customs and transport them to the university. Although you will have paid the freight charges at home, it is likely that there will be additional charges here. BSU will not pay those charges, so you may need to be present when your goods arrive or arrange to pay the local company in advance. Luggage should arrive here in 3-4 weeks, but check specifically with your shipping company about time of delivery. Label all items clearly with your name and send them to:
- C/O Mail Services
Bridgewater State University
131 Summer Street
Bridgewater, MA 02325
U.S.A.
Phone: 508.531.1770
- C/O Mail Services
This is not a complete list of all university policies. For a complete list, please refer to the Student Handbook.
- Alcohol: All students should be aware of the alcohol policy. It is important to note that the legal drinking age in the United States is 21 and the only area where residents may possess alcohol is the Great Hill Student Apartments. For more specific information, refer to the Alcohol Policy in the Student Handbook.
- Guest Policy: Resident students are permitted to host guests in the room, suite, or apartment. The guest must be signed in with security staff. Guests may stay overnight provided all roommates agree. Students who have concerns about their roommate's guest(s) should speak with a Resident Assistant (RA) who can assist them.
- Prohibited Items: Several items are prohibited from the residence halls for safety. A complete list is located in the Residence Hall Policies and Procedures section of the Student Handbook.
- Tobacco Free Policy: Bridgewater State University prohibits smoking and tobacco use on all University property. University property includes, but is not limited to, University owned and leased buildings and facilities; University owned and leased vehicles; parking lots, building entrances, and common areas.