Frequently Asked Questions

Incoming students get access to our services once they’ve paid their tuition and have registered for classes. Once official student status has been confirmed, keep in mind that Fall listings are not available until mid-August, and Spring listings are available early January. If you don’t have access after completing these items, feel free to contact us so that we can look into the issue.

Physical paychecks are mailed to the address we have for you on record.

• The mail service has been slower than usual during the pandemic. Typically, students receive their checks within 14 business days, but this can be an issue for student employees who need their payments as soon as possible. So, to get your paychecks on time, you should set up direct deposit.
• If you don’t get your paychecks on time, they will expire! Checks are void 90 days after the date they’ve been issued. Once a check expires, it has to be reissued. This process can take up to 6-8 weeks during the academic year, as a new physical check is created and mailed out to you.
• Finally, it’s better for the environment!

How you get your money is up to you, but our recommendation is that you sign up for a consistent and dependable, environmentally-friendly process.

We are excited to help you find your first job! We recommend you start by visiting our “Getting a Job” page. You can find it in the navigation menu to your left.

Yes! Most of our on-campus positions are considered entry level, which means you do not need prior experience. The most important skills you can bring to a job are a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Being reliable and on time is extremely important as well.

You may be surprised by how useful your informal experience is as well (think babysitting, being part of a club, working at a family business, etc.). The Center for Career Development can help you craft a resume.

Our office will oversee any payments due to you for on-campus jobs. If you work off-campus, your payments will be overseen by your employer. For more information, please visit our “Getting Paid” page. You can find it in the navigation menu to your left.

Email us at seo@bu.edu. Include the following information:

• Your BU ID
• Job Number
• Whether you: got the job, did not get the job, are no longer interested in the job, or are still trying to reach the employer

Students with work-study awards have a larger pool of jobs to apply to and work in, as well as more opportunity for jobs relevant to major and interests.

No.  If you are interested in working in a Federal Work Study job over the Summer, you will need to complete a Summer Work Study Program Application.  Applications will be available on our website near the end of the Spring Semester.

You can. However, keep in mind that although Work Study employers are more mindful of academic pressures and deadlines, you are still an employee. Many shifts are 2 or more hours at a time, and some employers ask for a minimum of 6 hours per week. Additionally, your Work Study award does not increase proportionally to the number of jobs you take. You will need to carefully monitor your hours and pay to ensure that you are not using your entire award more quickly than you would like to.

If you have any questions about what your Work Study award entails and how to utilize it to the fullest, you can always contact our office in person, call, or email!

If you have questions about your Work Study award amount, you will need to contact Financial Aid. The Student Employment Office does not determine the amount that students receive, as work study is awarded based on your financial circumstances.

First, make sure you have completed the FAFSA and submitted all required documentation to the Office of Financial Assistance. Then, contact the Office of Financial Assistance to discuss your aid package.

Keep in mind that you do not need to have a work-study award to work on campus. Visit your Student Link > Part-Time Listings > On-Campus to view available jobs.

Summer work study jobs are listed between April -July on the Student Link, and will remain posted as needed. Academic year work study jobs will be available in July and remain available for viewing until April.

Important 2023-2024 Academic year Work-Study Dates

July – 2023-2024 Work-Study Job Directory  opens

August 28th -Fall payroll begins for both Hourly Paid and Weekly Salaried Positions

December 24th – Fall Payroll ends for Weekly Salaried Positions

December 25th – Spring Payroll begins for Weekly Salaried Positions

January 14th – Fall Payroll ends for Hourly Paid Positions

January 15th – Fall Payroll begins for Hourly Paid Positions

April 28th – Spring Payroll ends for Weekly Salaried Positions

May 19th – Spring Payroll begins for Hourly Paid Positions

May 19th – 2023-2024 Work-Study program period ends