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. For details on specific dining locations, please view the second page of this document.

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.

TCU Fall Break Shuttle Schedule and Tickets

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 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 

Grocery Bags

Tufts Community Union (TCU) Senate offering the second annual grocery bag during fall break program. If you will be staying at Tufts during fall break, you might be eligible to receive a bag filled with delicious food!  Please note that students must be on financial aid to be eligible, and students who are not already receiving meal assistance from the university will be prioritized. Sign up by November 16, and pick up of bags will take place November 20. View more information here.

Sign Up for a Grocery Bag

Bo Buddies

In an effort to foster community and build bridges, TCU Senate will be coordinating the Bo Buddies program which pairs underclassmen and upperclassmen during fall break to share a meal.  Upperclassmen can sign up to "Host a Bo." TCU Senate will provide reimbursement up to $20 for every upperclassmen/underclassmen pair. Sign-ups are due Friday, November 18. Please reach out to arielle.galinsky@tufts.edu with any questions you may have.

Sign Up for Bo Buddies

Getting Around Campus 

The Davis Square shuttle, the SMFA Connected shuttle, and SMFA Beacon Direct shuttle will operate limited service during the break.  The Grocery Store shuttle will not offer service during the break. Generally, shuttles will operate on a reduced schedule on November 22, have no service on November 23 and 24, and operate a limited schedule on November 25 and 26.

Fall Break Shuttle Schedule