Special Interest Housing
Special Interest Housing and Descriptions: 2019-20 Academic Year
Please check back in December 2019 for information about Theme and Special Interest Housing for the 2020-21 Academic year!
To learn about the houses, you can visit them, view their websites, contact us, or contact the advisor or house manager (see below).
The Japanese House provides residents with an opportunity to develop a greater understanding of the Japanese language and culture in collaboration with the Japanese Program. The residents gather bi-weekly for dinner and weekly for language “chats,” and celebrate Japanese holidays and cultural events.
- Rooms: 7 singles, 3 doubles
- See the Floor Plan for Japanese House
- Address: 12 Dearborn Avenue
- Contact: Kiyomi Kagawa: 617-627-5645
The Rainbow House provides a queer–friendly atmosphere for students who are interested in issues of gender and sexuality. Residents of Rainbow House create and maintain a living space that is affirming to all sexual and gender identities. The unit brings issues of queer students to the entire Tufts community through educational, social, and community programming. The Rainbow House also serves as a social outlet for queer students and their friends and fosters the sense of community for which Tufts has come to be known
Past events have included the Annual Halloween and Valentines Day Parties, Thanksgiving "Family" Dinner, Super Smash Brothers Tournaments, "The L Word" viewing of key episodes, Glamour Trash Oscar Party, Fall Pumpkin Carving, and Group outing to Boston University's Annual Drag Ball.
Please note: there is a maximum 2-year residency permitted in Rainbow House.
- Rooms: 3 singles, 5 doubles
- See the Floor Plan for Rainbow House
- Address: 45 Sawyer Ave
- Contact: Hope Freeman
The Chinese House in collaboration with the Chinese Language Program is a language-based environment outside the classroom that promotes and facilitates language learning, cross-cultural exchange, and understanding within the larger community at Tufts.
- Rooms: 6 singles, 2 doubles
- See the Floor Plan for Chinese House
- Address: 90-92 Curtis Street
- Contact: Jianping Feng: 617-627-2373
The Russian/Slavic Culture House allows residents interested in Russian and East-European culture to engage in lectures, films, and dinners in conjunction with the Russian and East-European Program. Students interested in applying need to have taken/be taking courses in Russian and East-European culture and history, be of Slavic or East-European background, or have a demonstrated interest in the field. Knowledge and use of Russian or other Slavic language is a requirement, although the level is not important. One of the goals of the unit is to provide an opportunity for language practice.
- Rooms: 3 singles, 2 doubles
- See the Floor Plan for Russian/Slavic Culture House
- Address: 101 Talbot Avenue
- Contact: Marina Aptekman: 617-627-2637
The Muslim House offers any resident the opportunity to live in a uniquely Muslim environment. Residents are able to enhance a cultural experience and expand their knowledge of Islam within a closely-knit community.
- Rooms: 4 singles, 2 doubles
- See the Floor Plan for Muslim House
- Address: 176 Curtis Street
- Contact: Celene Ibrahim-Lizzo: 617-627-2065
The Crafts House is a cooperative living and learning community. The members are dedicated to the operation of the Crafts Center, where members conduct workshops and share craft knowledge and techniques. The Crafts House also operates as a food cooperative, where residents share responsibility for the purchase, preparation, and cleanup of meals.
- Rooms: 2 singles, 5 doubles
- See the Floor Plan for Crafts House
- Address: Anthony House, 14 Professors Row
- Contact: Mary Glaser: 617-627-5045
Students interested in an active and artistically diverse environment may live together in the Arts Haus. During the year, there are numerous events that encompass a wide variety of artistic mediums.
- Rooms: 8 singles, 3 doubles
- See the Floor Plan for Arts Haus
- Address: Bartol House, 37 Sawyer Avenue
Capen House is available for students with an interest in the culture and history of the people of the African Diaspora. This interest is explored through the completion of a series of required projects and programs undertaken by residents.
The Africana Center House Advisor will carry out the selection process for the 6 single and 5 double rooms. Applicants will be required to propose 3 projects, at least one of which must be completed during the academic year and to attend all of the programs sponsored by the house mates. Residents are also required to attend at least 3 programs sponsored by the Africana Center each semester
- Rooms: 6 singles, 5 doubles
- See the Floor Plan for Capen House
- Address: Capen House, 8 Professors Row
- Contact: Katrina Moore: 617-627-3372
The Spanish House with the Spanish Program allows residents to develop greater fluency in Spanish and enhance their understanding of Spanish & Latin American countries, lifestyles, and cultures. Residents hold weekly events where members of the Tufts community can stop by and enjoy refreshments and conversation.
- Rooms: 7 singles, 2 doubles
- See the Floor Plan for Spanish Language House
- Address: Chandler House, 125 Powder House Blvd.
- Contact: Maria Ester Rincon Calero: 617-627-3372
Residents at the International House (I-House) can experience an intercultural living arrangement and foster intercultural friendships and experiences. Residents of the International House consist of a mix of students from different nationalities and cultures, including American.
- Rooms: 7 singles, 3 doubles, 1 triple
- See the Floor Plan for I-House
- Address: Davies House, 13 Sawyer Ave
- Contact: Lizzie Siegle: 617-627-3458
The Jewish Culture House provides a setting where students can live and develop in a Jewish communal atmosphere. Residents sponsor programs aimed at informing the community about Jewish issues and culture. The residents also maintain a kosher kitchen.
- Rooms: 6 singles, 3 doubles
- See the Floor Plan for Bayit House
- Address: Hall House, 98 Packard Avenue
- Contact: Rabbi Dr. Naftali Brawer: 617-627-3242
The Asian American Culture House welcomes students interested in the Asian American experience. Residents of the unit are required to organize activities related to the Asian American experience. Past activities have included an art exhibit, food fair, informal afternoon gatherings with faculty, and discussions on Asian American issues and topics.
- Rooms: 6 singles, 2 doubles
- See the Floor Plan for Asian-American House
- Address (New for 2018-2019): 110s Hillsides Apartments
- Contact: Linell Yugawa: 617-627-3056
The Green House is intended as a focal point for the environmentally-minded community at Tufts, bringing eco-friendly students, organizations, and faculty together. The residents promote the spread of knowledge and passion for sustainable living. The house provides a living space for environmentally interested students and a meeting place for the larger Tufts community. Learn more about the Green House!
- Rooms: 6 singles, 2 doubles
- See the Floor Plan for Green House
- Address: Latin Way, D250’s Suite
- Contact: Tina Woolston: 617-627-5517
La Casa Latina provides a support system to the Latinx community at Tufts, welcoming students interested in the Latinx Culture, and Latinx issues. In conjunction with the Latino Center, residents sponsor activities and events to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of Latinx culture.
- Rooms: 6 singles, 2 doubles
- See the Floor Plan for La Casa Latina
- Address: Milne House, 8-10 Whitfield Road
- Contact: Julián Cancino
The mission of the French House, in collaboration with the French Language Program, is to provide residents the opportunity to improve their French language skills and gain exposure to French and Francophone cultures. A unique feature of this program is that three French exchange students live within the community each year.
- Rooms: 6 singles, 2 doubles
- See the Floor Plan for French Language House
- Address: Schmalz House, 11 Whitfield Road
- Contact: Anne Poncet-Montage: 617-627-2681
The German House, in collaboration with the German Language Program, allows residents to enhance their understanding of the German language and culture. Traditionally, the house acts as a resource center by offering practice sessions to students studying German.
- Rooms: 6 singles, 2 doubles
- See the Floor Plan for German Language House
- Address: Wyeth House, 21 Whitfield Road
- Contact: Doris Pfaffinger: 617-627-2621
Create Your Own Theme House
Beginning the 2020-2021 academic year, students will have the choice to create their own theme house with their peers. Students who are interested in exploring a common interest or passion that would be best enhanced through the opportunity to live in a shared space may apply. Applicants must be able to articulate a clear mission and goals for the house and reasons why living in this type of environment would enhance this mission. Groups of rising juniors and/or seniors may apply for a create your own theme house. The spaces will be assigned based on house availability and requirements for the space. They will be located in CoHo spaces and are a one year assignment.
Download the Create Your Own House Application
Please note: These theme housing options are not designed to correlate or correspond to already existing student organizations/groups. They are opportunities for individuals to come together under a specific theme or focus. House applications based specifically on student organizations/clubs, teams, etc., will not be considered.
Students who have questions about the process can reach out to Su McGlone at susanna.mcglone@tufts.edu, or drop by open office hours in the Mayer Campus Center room 211 on Tuesday, November 14 from 2 - 4 p.m. or Wednesday, November 20 from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Applications are due by 9 a.m. on November 25, 2019.