Start Now Event: BHCC Orientation Step 1

New, Accepted & Current Students - Get help with Applying, Course Registration, Completing the FAFSA, Student Payment and More!

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Learn More About Free Community College

The MassEducate and MassReconnect programs allow all Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree to attend BHCC for free. And both programs include an allowance for books and supplies for certain students. To get started, apply to the college by filling out an application below and filling out a FAFSA. To learn more about the two programs that fund free community college and the steps you need to take to enroll in community college at BHCC for free, visit MassEducate and MassReconnect.

About the Start Now Events

Start Now BHCC events will run December 2, 2024 through February 1, 2025. These events will offer students the opportunity to:

  • Apply for admission and drop off documentation (transcripts, etc.)
  • Speak to Admissions staff for help choosing your academic pathway
  • Apply for financial aid and get your billing and tuition payment questions answered
  • Get help completing your math and English placement testing requirements
  • Meet with an advisor to plan and register for classes
  • Learn about the special programs, services and opportunities we provide

Register for Start Now BHCC

If you are a new student admitted to a Selective Program such as Nursing, Medical Imaging, Medical Assistant and other Health or STEM programs, please see your BHCC Acceptance Letter for directions on how to complete your orientation process. View a list of Selective Programs. To access your acceptance letter, please log into the application portal

View the session dates in the dropdowns below. Events will be open for registration two weeks in advance of the date and will remain open until filled. Once a session is full it will no longer show in the calendar. Students are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible.

Start Now - Virtual Sessions (Open to All Students)

Event Date & Time Location Link
Start Now Virtual
Friday, December 6
12 - 3:30 p.m.
Online Register

Start Now - On Campus/In-Person Sessions (Open to All Students)

Event Date & Time Location Link
Start Now In-Person Session 1
Monday, December 2
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
B-Lobby, Charlestown Campus Register
Start Now In-Person Session 2
Monday, December 2
1 - 5 p.m.
B-Lobby, Charlestown Campus Register
Start Now In-Person Session 1
Tuesday, December 3
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
B-Lobby, Charlestown Campus Register
Start Now In-Person Session 2
Tuesday, December 3
1 - 5 p.m.
B-Lobby, Charlestown Campus Register
Start Now In-Person Session 1
Wednesday, December 4
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
B-Lobby, Charlestown Campus Register
Start Now In-Person Session 2
Wednesday, December 4
1 - 5 p.m.
B-Lobby, Charlestown Campus Register
Start Now In-Person Session 1
Tuesday, December 10
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
B-Lobby, Charlestown Campus Register
Start Now In-Person Session 2
Tuesday, December 10
1 - 5 p.m.
B-Lobby, Charlestown Campus Register

Start Now - International Student Sessions

If you are an International/F1 Visa seeking student, information about international student sessions will be sent to the email you used to apply to BHCC. If you did not receive an email about your session, please send an email to international@bhcc.edu.

Start Now - English Language Learners

Event Date & Time Location Link
Start Now English Language Programs
Tuesday, December 3
1 - 5 p.m.
B-Lobby, Charlestown Campus Register
Start Now English Language Programs
Monday, December 9
1 - 5 p.m.
B-Lobby, Charlestown Campus Register

Session Schedules

Start Now Morning Schedule
8:30 a.m. Check-In Opens for the Event
The check in process will help students to confirm their BHCC credentials (username and password) and log into the SelfService course registration system. *Placement Testing, Application and FAFSA workshops available for students who need it 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Session I Begins

9:30 a.m. Financially Empowered Group Session-I 
This session teaches students about all forms of financial aid available to help fund their college education including MassReconnect and Tuition Equity. The session also provide information on the process to apply for financial aid.

10:30 a.m. Advising and Registration Group Session-I
During this session students will work with an advisor who will help them to plan and register for their first semester courses

1:00 p.m. Students Depart Campus

Start Now Afternoon Schedule

Session II Begins

12:30 p.m. Check-In Opens for the Event
The check in process will help students to confirm their BHCC credentials (username and password) and log into the SelfService course registration system. *Placement Testing, Application and FAFSA workshops available for students who need it 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

1:30 p.m. Financially Empowered Group Session-II​
This session teaches students about all forms of financial aid available to help fund their college education including MassReconnect and Tuition Equity. The session also provide information on the process to apply for financial aid.

2:30 p.m. Advising and Registration Group Session-II​
During this session students will work with an advisor who will help them to plan and register for their first semester courses

5 p.m.  Students Depart Campus

Start Now Evening Schedule

3 p.m. Check-In Opens for the Event
The check in process will help students to confirm their BHCC credentials (username and password) and log into the SelfService course registration system. *Placement Testing, Application and FAFSA workshops available for students who need it 3-5 p.m.

Session I Begins

4 p.m. Financially Empowered Group Session-I 
This session teaches students about all forms of financial aid available to help fund their college education including MassReconnect and Tuition Equity. The session also provide information on the process to apply for financial aid.

5 p.m. Advising and Registration Group Session-I
During this session students will work with an advisor who will help them to plan and register for their first semester courses

7:30 p.m. Students Depart Campus

Start Now Saturday Schedule

8 a.m. Check-In Opens for the Event​
The check in process will help students to confirm their BHCC credentials (username and password) and log into the SelfService course registration system. *Placement Testing, Application and FAFSA workshops available for students who need it 8 a.m.-1 p.m.​

Session I Begins​

9 a.m. Financially Empowered Group Session-I
This session teaches students about all forms of financial aid available to help fund their college education  including MassReconnect and Tuition Equity. The session also provide information on the process to apply for financial aid.

10 a.m. Advising and Registration Group Session-I​
During this session students will work with an advisor who will help them to plan and register for their first semester courses ​

12 p.m. Students Depart Campus

Session II Begins

10 a.m. Check-In Opens for the Event​ 
The check in process will help students to confirm their BHCC credentials (username and password) and log into the SelfService course registration system. *Placement Testing, Application and FAFSA workshops available for students who need it 8 a.m.-1 p.m.​

11 a.m. Financially Empowered Group Session-II​
This session teaches students about all forms of financial aid available to help fund their college education  including MassReconnect and Tuition Equity. The session also provide information on the process to apply for financial aid.

12 p.m. Advising and Registration Group Session-II​
During this session students will work with an advisor who will help them to plan and register for their first semester courses ​

2 p.m.  Students Depart Campus

Please log into your virtual session 10 minutes prior to the start of the event. Login instructions will be emailed to the address you used to register for the session. If you have difficulty logging into your session or did not receive the login information, please send an email to advising@bhcc.edu.