Orientation Tips and Resources

Medford and Somerville Campus

Every student will be provided with the following in their residence hall:

• One extra-long twin bed (36” x 80”)
  • The bed are multi-positioned beds that have 11 height adjustments up to 32 inches, with 30 inches of space underneath when raised to maximum height.
  • Some rooms have lofting sets with closet and dresser beneath the bed or bunked beds.
• One desk and one desk chair
• Closet or wardrobe space
  • Some rooms may have shared closet spaces.
• One dresser
• Window shades and screens

SMFA: Fenway and Beacon House

Students living in on-campus housing will be provided with the following in their residence hall:

• Bed – twin extra long (36” x 80”)
• Desk and chair
• Small dresser

For your safety and the safety of your dorm mates, please leave the following at home: candles, incense, flammable substances, microwaves and other cooking appliances, halogen lights and multi-armed “octopus” style lamps, weapons of any kind (real or replica), all outside furniture, dartboards with metal tipped darts, air conditioners, grills, hot plates, explosives, hoverboards, and similar devices.

Living and Furniture Accommodations

If you have a disability, you may wish to request accommodations for your on-campus living space. Health and safety concerns dictate that we handle these requests in a structured way. Therefore, you will need to submit an updated accommodation request yearly. If you have a medical condition, you may request a modification to the standard furniture in your residential room.

Learn More about Living Accommodations

For Your Room

• Recycling bin
• Power strip and power cords for your electronics
• Alarm clock
• Fan (rooms are not air conditioned)    
• Flashlight (a real one, not your cellphone)
• Shower tote
• Towels
• Desk light
• Headphones
• Cleaning supplies: common spaces are cleaned, but your room is your responsibility
• Trash can
• Plastic shoe/boot tray
• Linens (sheets, bedding, pillows)
• Computer

Suggestions from Health and Wellness

You can visit the Health Service at any time for bigger concerns, but we suggest building your own medicine cabinet for day-to-day needs. We recommend:

• Your health insurance card
• 1-month supply of any medications you take (Health Service can assist you with refills, if necessary, once you’ve settled in)
• Band-Aids
• Ace bandage
• Thermometer
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Tissues
• Waterless hand sanitizer
• Non-prescription pain reliever (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
• Common cold remedies (e.g., cough drops, cold/cough medicine, sore throat spray)

Also, a safety-certified helmet is required if you plan on rollerblading or riding a bicycle, skateboard, longboard, or scooter.

Items to Discuss with Your Roommate

We recommend roommates talk in advance about certain shared items such as a TV, mini-fridge or MicroChill (combined mini-fridge/microwave unit), and single-serve coffee maker/Keurig.

The closest airport is Boston Logan International (BOS). From Logan Airport, you can then take a cab to campus or public transportation: 

Board the MBTA Blue Line (board the airport shuttle to the Blue Line) to Government Center. Change to the Green Line outbound to the Medford/ Tufts. The Tufts campus will be on your left.

Massachusetts Department of Transportation - (MassDOT's) Sumner Tunnel Travel Time Dashboard is a tool that can be used to help plan trips in, out, and around East Boston and Logan during times that avoid traffic congestion and delays.

Medford Campus – There are several parking lots on campus, including Dowling Hall Garage (419 Boston Avenue, Medford, MA) and Cousens Parking Lot (161 College Avenue, Medford, MA) . Families will have a four hour period to park for free during any early move in dates.  Families will not have to pay for parking during move-in on August 23rd and 28th.  Families will also not have to pay for parking during Matriculation on August 29th.  

A map of the Medford campus and parking lots is available on the Orientation Program for Parents. 

Students and families arriving for move in on the Medford campus must check in at the Joyce Cummings Center (JCC) first. If coming by car, you will be directed where to park once you arrive at the JCC. 

SMFA Fenway/Boston Campus –Tufts has reserved a limited number of parking spaces in front of 1023, 1025 and 1047 Beacon Street during move in for students and families. 

After move-in at SMFA Fenway, it is recommended that students and families drive to and park at the Medford campus if attending pre-orientation, matriculation, or related events.

NOTE: Due to height restrictions for low-clearance bridges, moving trucks, box trucks, and moving vans are not allowed on several parkways in Greater Boston, including Storrow Drive and Soldiers Field Road in Boston and Memorial Drive in Cambridge. If you plan to drive one of the vehicles mentioned, please seek alternate routes.

Please visit the links below for updates from the MBTA. 

• The closest subway to the Medford Campus is the Green Line E train at Medford/Tufts station on Boston Ave. The Red Line at Davis Square is about a 15-minute walk from campus. Bus Routes 80, 94, and 96 bring you directly by the Medford campus.
• The closest subways to the SMFA Fenway/Boston Campus are the Green Line E train or the Ruggles stop on the Orange Line. 

 Tufts free shuttle services, including to and from the SMFA, are also available.