Computer labs plentiful

First in a four-part series examining

various facilities of Boston University.

Although many students have their own computers, Boston University’s campus still boasts numerous computer labs frequented by many students.

Although the computer lab at the Office of Information Technology in the basement of 111 Cummington St. is probably the best-known lab, six residence halls around campus and many colleges also contain labs.

College of Engineering junior Merrill Lamont said he still frequents the lab in Warren Towers even though he lives off campus.

‘After eating, I like to go check my email,’ he said. Lamont said he has ‘no complaints’ about the lab because the staff is ‘always right there.’

The other residence labs are located in Myles Standish Hall, Towers, the Student Residences at 10 Buick St., 504 Park Dr. and West Campus’ Rich Hall. All of the residential labs feature Microsoft Office and are accessible to anyone with a valid Terrier Card, according to ResNet Manager Terrie Vincent.

According to BU’s computing website, the residential labs open daily at noon and close at 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

‘ResNet staff are responsible for the software, hardware, supplies and cleaning in the labs,’ Vincent said, adding that staff is also available to ‘resolve uncomplicated computer and printer issues and answer students’ questions.’

Graduate School of Management Adlar Su, who works at residence labs across campus, said the upperclassmen living at 10 Buick St. constantly use lab.

Although she has her own computer, College of Arts and Sciences student Joanne Vasilyadis said she likes the Student Village’s lab because it is quiet and ‘the computers are up to date.’

However, Vasilyadis said she uses the labs more for printouts of work then as a social outing. All students are allowed $50 worth of printouts per semester.

Bans on eating, drinking and talking above a whisper keeps many of the residence labs secluded and quiet because they are considered ‘quiet study areas,’ Vincent said. However, group meetings are allowed at the lab at 111 Cummington St.

‘It takes a really, really long time for the computers to get started, but once they’re up and running, it’s relatively quick,’ CAS freshman Cassie Seale said of the machines in Rich Hall’s lab.

Regardless of location, many labs remain busy throughout the day, forcing students to wait for computers.

Su said Sunday nights seem to be the busiest time of the week at all of the labs, but most days during midterm or final exam periods are also busy.

‘Warren Towers is easily the busiest lab of the six, with Towers running a close second,’ Vincent said.

The newest machines are in the basement lab at 111 Cummington St. and at 10 Buick St., but Vincent said all computers have the same software.

111 Cummington St. is also one of the busiest labs on campus because it is open to the entire BU community 24 hours a day from Sunday to Thursday. The lab closes at 9 p.m on Fridays and Saturdays.

Computer labs are also available in CAS, ENG, the College of Communication, the School of Management, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, the School of Hospitality Administration and the School of Education but are open only to students enrolled in the respective colleges.

Additionally, individual departments have almost 20 labs, such as the Archaeology Computer Lab, the Center for Space Physics Lab and the Law Student Computer Lab. Students must study in a department to use the specific labs.