Relationship with BU:

While the House functions as an independent cooperative community, it has a special relationship with Boston University. As students of BU, members are expected to abide by the BU Code of Conduct in addition to House rules as outlined in the HER House Lifebook. Residents are granted swipe access to all major dorms on campus and are not obligated to have a campus meal plan.

Rent:

Rent is charged by semester and paid through the StudentLink. Rent includes room, utilities and food. Summer rent is reduced further since house food is not supplied during these months. The exact cost of summer rent is determined in the May house meeting and is listed in the HER House Lifebook.

Bedrooms:

The H.E.R. House consists of three singles, seven doubles and two triples scattered on five stories of living. Bedrooms are generally arranged in 2-3 bedroom suites, so that generally 4-5 members share a single bathroom. All rooms have access to BU’s Ethernet Network and wireless internet. Roommates are determined by the Vice President and other house members. Each new resident is required to live with another house member they did not know prior to moving in.

Common areas:

There are several rooms in the house where members can host friends or study. The kitchen contains two large refrigerators where house and personal food is stored. The kitchen is also equipped with (free) washer and dryer machines for residents to use.

Cooking:

Dinner is prepared by a house member Sunday-Thursday each week. Members of the house are required to cook 3 dinners for the whole house per semester. House members are encouraged to supplement house food with their own resources, as the house cannot accommodate everyone’s food tastes.

House Duties:

In order for the house to function properly, residents are expected to complete several chores throughout the course of the week and semester. Usually these chores take no more than a total of three hours throughout the week. A more detailed description of chores can be found in the HER House Lifebook.

Governance:

The House is governed by an E-Board, with members voted into their position by House members. The House Director is a graduate student voted on by the House and approved by the Office of Residence Life into their role, which can span one to two academic years.

The House also elects committee chairs to help coordinate areas that are not covered under E-Board governance, but are essential to the functionality of the House. Each house member is required to take part in a committee, as assigned by the President. Committees include: Interview & Public Relations, Activities, Lifebook & Renovations, and the Vice President’s Committee (Fall Faculty Welcome and Alumnae Tea).

Events:

The H.E.R. House has several mandatory and non-mandatory events throughout the semester. These events include: All-House Clean, House Retreat, Alumnae Tea, Holiday party and Senior Supper. The House also hosts several non-mandatory events for its residents and the BU community throughout the year. Some of these include a Halloween Party, Palentines Event, Open Mic Night, and movie nights. House members are not required to attend, but are encouraged to support these events and invite their friends along!