Fall Break

Classes are held as scheduled on November 25 and 26; there are no classes on November 27 through December 1, and classes resume December 2. Students should plan to attend all scheduled class meetings in person. 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 2024 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.

All campus dining locations close during fall break. Regular dining hours continue through the end of service on Tuesday, November 26. Regular dining hours resume with dinner on December 1.

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 2023 travel forecast predicted roads would be experiencing a 54% increase over their usual rush hour volume at peak times in the Boston metro area, resulting in significant delays. 

MBTA 

The MBTA operates its usual service throughout the break except for November 28, 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 $2.40 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 2024 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 18. 

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

Getting Around Campus