Fall Break

Classes are held as scheduled on November 20 and 21; there are no classes on November 22 through 26, and classes resume November 27. Students should plan to attend all scheduled class meetings in person on these days. Faculty are advised not to grant excused absences due to student vacation plans or travel preferences.

All students who live in the residence halls during the fall 2023 term are welcome to stay in their regular assignment on campus for all or part of Fall Break. Students who choose to leave during the break are not required to check out. If leaving during the break, please close your windows and blinds, unplug all electronics, turn down your heat, and lock your door.

Regular dining hours continue through the end of service on Tuesday, November 21.  All campus dining locations close during fall break. Regular dining hours resume with dinner on November 26. 

Driving 

This holiday weekend is typically the busiest several days of the year on Massachusetts roads.  If you are traveling by car, you should anticipate significant congestion and delays, especially Wednesday mid-afternoon and Sunday evening.  AAA and other reputable organizations typically issue holiday travel forecasts in mid-November, and we encourage you to use reliable data to make your plans.  Last year, for example, AAA’s 2022 Travel Forecast predicted roads would be experiencing a 53% increase over their usual rush hour volume at peak times in the Boston metro area, resulting in significant delays. 

Annual TCU Senate Shuttle 

The TCU Senate will offer its annual Fall Break Shuttle to facilitate student travel.  Bus transportation will be offered on Tuesday, November 22 and Wednesday, November 23 from campus to South Station and Logan Airport.  $5 per ticket first-come, first-served. Further information on departure times and ticket purchasing will be available at the end of October. 

MBTA 

The MBTA operates its usual service throughout the break except for November 23, when there is less frequent service. See MBTA holiday hours.  Students can get to the main rail hubs, North Station and South Station, and to Logan Airport for around $2 on the MBTA.  If you return via Logan Airport, the Silver Line trip from the airport is free. 

Massport Shuttle 

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) operates a shuttle from the Hynes Convention Center in Back Bay to Logan Airport for $3.  Taking the shuttle also grants you to priority access at the TSA security checkpoint.  The return trip from Logan Airport to Hynes Convention Center is free. You can get more information and tickets here. There is direct access to the Hynes Convention Center from Tufts via the MBTA. 

Housing 

All students who live in the residence halls during the fall 2023 term are welcome to stay in their regular assignment on campus for all or part of Fall Break. There is no additional cost, no permission needed, and no sign-up required to stay on campus. 

Meal Support 

Students who (1) meet certain financial aid criteria, (2) have a meal plan during the fall term, and (3) will be around for fall break are eligible for fall break meal support.  Students meeting those criteria will be contacted by email and invited to sign up for meal support in early November. The deadline to apply for meal support is Monday, November 13. 

Students with questions about this program can contact the Dean of Students office at 617-627-3158 or DeanofStudents@tufts.edu 

Getting Around Campus 

The Davis Square shuttle, the SMFA Connected shuttle, and SMFA Beacon Direct shuttle will operate on limited hours during the break.  Generally, shuttles will operate on a reduced schedule on November 23, have no service on November 24 and 25, and operated a limited schedule on November 26 and 27. The Fall Break Shuttle Schedule will be available later in the semester.