Welcome Packet
Your introduction to 8 unforgettable days at the BAC
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE: TO DO LIST
SUBMIT YOUR FORMS
Click here to submit your forms.
NEW THIS YEAR: Students can now connect with each other in advance using WhatsApp groups. How do you join? When you fill out the required forms for intensive week, select the option to join your BAC Intensive Week WhatsApp group.
BOOK YOUR HOTEL/LODGING
Students are responsible for securing their own housing during the intensive. We advise students to stay within a 10-minute walk or ride to campus. The BAC has partnered with a nearby hotel (5 minute walk) to reserve a limited number of rooms that students may book and pay for themselves.
The room rate for the BAC room block is $289 a night plus tax.
Sheraton Boston (Back Bay)
39 Dalton Street
Boston, MA 02199
Book your room here.
The cutoff date is July 19.
Additional Options for Lodging:
The BAC does not coordinate communications among students; however, students planning to come are welcome to decide if and how they would like to reach out to each other, including if they would like to coordinate rooms or get to know cohort members in advance. Additional lodging options include:
The Revolution Hotel (South End) $227
StayPineapple (South End) $271
The Farrington Inn (Allston) $150
Note: This one is not as close to campus. (30 minutes via the Green Line).
HI Boston (Downtown/Chinatown) Pricing is based on how many people are in a room, so it could be as low as $50 a night.
LOCATE OR REQUEST (NEW STUDENTS) YOUR BAC ID
Your BAC ID gives you 24/7 access to campus throughout the intensive.
You will need it. If you don't have an BAC ID yet, submit your headshot here so that we can have your ID ready when you arrive.
Use your first name and last name when saving your file so that we can identify you. If you do not use save the file correctly, we will not be able to make you an ID.
COMPLETE YOUR PRACTICE ASSIGNMENT
(School of Architecture only)
(School of Architecture only)
Your Practice Assignment is due the first day of classes, which start the week of August 5, 2024. The assignment may take longer than the rest of your intensive preparations. Please plan accordingly.
See the Assignment Announcement for details and instructions.
GETTING TO THE BAC
PACK YOUR BAGS
Faculty and students will be exploring the city and conducting site visits, often by foot. Bring comfortable walking shoes! Students enrolled in HSP3002 Traditional Building will also be working with tools and various building materials that are heavy and can be dirty – work boots are recommended if you have them. Design Studies students are expected to bring a laptop. If you are unable to do so, contact your Program Director for assistance.
A note about the weather: August in Boston is typically hot and humid. However, New England weather can be notoriously fickle with unexpected rain and unseasonably cool temperatures. Check the forecast for the week and pack appropriately.
GETTING HERE
If you are coming from Logan International Airport, the simplest way to get to the BAC is to use the Back Bay Logan Express Shuttle. The shuttle is free from the airport and just $3 when leaving Back Bay.
The closest stop to the BAC on the subway is the Green Line at Hynes Convention Center.
LUGGAGE STORAGE
Coming straight from the airport? You can leave your luggage with Student Life, which is located in the back of the first floor at 320 Newbury Street.
ORIENTATIONS
Architecture Student Welcome + Lunch
Saturday, August 10, 11 a.m.
(Onsite) Beehive, 951 Boylston
Check-in starts at 10:30 a.m.
Design Studies Orientation + Dinner
Saturday, August 10, 2 p.m.
(Onsite) Beehive, 951 Boylston
Check-in starts at 1:30 p.m.
RESOURCES DURING YOUR STAY
MAPS & GUIDES
Boston Architectural College is located in the heart of Back Bay, which, together with South End, comprises the largest surviving example of Victorian architecture in the United States. Here are some resources to help you get your bearings:
Your BAC ID gives you 24/7 access to the buildings at 320 Newbury Street and 951 Boylston. Make sure you have it with you!
MBTA PASSES
Students and faculty who need an MBTA pass for site visits and exploring Boston will receive one at check-in. Ask your instructor if you are unsure.
STUDENT LOUNGE + AMENITIES
The student lounge area on the second floor at 320 Newbury Street has a microwave, vending machines, and Keurig coffee maker. (K-Cups are available for purchase at nearby grocery stores.) The space offers a variety of seating arrangements and features walls of natural light with closeup views of the Back Bay.
TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES
Printing from a personal computer
To connect to BAC printers with your personal computer, visit mobilityprint.the-BAC.edu while connected to the BAC’s network. Please note that Apple devices may not be able to print due to driver and connectivity issues.
IT HELP DESK
4th Floor
320 Newbury Street
Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday-Sunday 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Fabrication
Students have access to 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, CNC Milling, a Wood Shop, and a Photo Studio. For details and special instructions, log into the BAC Portal.
Account Logins:
These sites use the same password:
Moodle
Moodle username: firstname.lastname
Password: current password
Email
Username: firstname.lastname@the-bac.edu
Password: current password
Google Drive http://gdrive.the-bac.edu
(If your password is out of sync, you can reset it here: http://passwordreset.the-bac.edu)
username: firstname.lastname@the-bac.edu
password: current password
CloudLab (Virtual Desktop Computer)
(Access to applications like AutoCAD, Rhino, Revit)
Username: firstname.lastname@the-bac.edu
Password: current password
Zoom
https://the-bac.zoom.us/
Username: firstname.lastname@the-bac.edu
Password: current password
LOCAL RESTAURANTS AND MARKETS
The BAC is located on Newbury Street, which is consistently voted one of the coolest streets in the world! Here are a some relatively affordable restaurants to get you started:
Bukowski’s Tavern [Brewery/Pub] 50 Dalton St. Boston MA (617) 437-9999
DeLuca’s Market [Grocery & Food menu] 239 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116 (617) 262-5990
Emack & Bolio’s Ice Cream [Desserts] 290 Newbury St., Boston MA (617) 536-7127
GRECO [Greek eats like gyros & customizable pitas] 225 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116 (617) 572-3300
HAJU Kitchen [traditional Korean family-style dishes] 175 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115 (617) 982-7118
Hakata Ramen [Rice bowl, noodles] 173 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115 (857) 350-3923
J.P. Licks [ice cream & frozen yogurt, plus house-roasted coffee] 1106 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215 (857) 233-5805
Pavement Coffeehouse [coffee and homemade bagels] 286 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115 (617) 859-9515
Pho Basil [Thai & Vietnamese dishes] 177 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115 (617) 262-5377
Red White Ramen [Plant-based noodle soups & rice bowls] 294 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115 (857) 277-0609
Shah’s Halal Food [Halal food] 1124 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02115 (617) 936-3955
Shake Shack [classics like burgers & frozen custard] 234-236 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116 (617) 933-5050
Supreme Pizza [slices, calzones, subs & salads] 177 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115 (617) 247-8252
Taqueria, Anna’s [tacos & burritos] 800 Boylston St, (Inside the Prudential Center) Boston, MA 02199 (617) 262-2300
Tori Japan [Sushi, Teriyaki plates] 1110 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215 (857) 265-3642
Trident Booksellers & Cafe [Vegetarian/Organic] 338 Newbury St. Boston MA (617) 267-8688
Wen’s Yunnan [Chinese rice noodle soups & Japanese ramen] 247 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116 (617) 262-6688
NEARBY GROCERY STORES
Trader Joe’s 899 Boylston St 617.262.6505
Walk from BAC: 3 minutes
Star Market 53 Huntington Ave 617.262.4688
Walk from BAC: 9 minutes
Whole Foods 15 Westland Ave 617.367.1010
Walk from BAC: 10 minutes