Orientation Tips and Resources
We send a weekly message to new students throughout the summer prior to Orientation to introduce them to all the resources and supports available on the Tufts campus. The items below may also be useful as you prepare to join us on campus for Orientation.
Sending Packages to Campus
We encourage students to pack light! However, we understand you may want to ship some items in advance, particularly students who are traveling long distance to come to campus. Dates when you can start to mail items to the Tufts mailroom will be posted here soon (please check back).
Getting to Campus
Please be aware that we can not provide accommodations before your official move-in date. If you arrive early for orientation or pre-orientation, you will need to arrange lodging until student housing opens for the new academic year.
By Air
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.
By Car (Parking)
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 28 and September 2. Families will also not have to pay for parking if they attend Matriculation on September 3.
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.
By Public Transportation
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.
Arriving for Pre-Orientation
Your program will send out more detailed information regarding your arrival day and where to go. If you will be participating in Pre-Orientation and will be living on campus, you will be able to pick up your room keys and be able to move into your room on the first day of Pre-Orientation. We’ll send you information about where and when to pick up your keys during the summer.
If you are a commuter student, contact us directly once you have been assigned to a program and we will make specific arrangements for your housing during the Pre-Orientation program.
Technology at Tufts
Tufts offers a variety of technology resources to help you achieve your academic objectives.
The Basics
- Your Tufts Account is your Tufts username and password.
- Your Tufts email is powered by Microsoft Office 365
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second level of verification when you log into designated Tufts websites and online services.
- The Student Information System (SIS) is your go-to place for course registration, catalogs, schedules, financial accounts, financial aid, address information, transcripts, and grades
- Canvas is Tufts’ learning management system that offers faculty and students a collaborative online learning environment
- Computer purchases - view Tufts’ recommendations or request a computer purchase consultation
- Student discounts for computer purchases
- Tufts Mobile provides information on Tufts shuttles, news, events and calendars, athletics, Facebook and Twitter feeds
Connecting to the Tufts Network
On-Campus
Your Tufts username and password will connect you to the wireless network using Tufts Secure (recommended) or Tufts Wireless.
Tufts Guest is an open wireless network with limited access.
Off-Campus
Use the Tufts Virtual Private Network (VPN) to create a secure and private connection from off-campus locations.
Tools and Software
A variety of tools and software are available to you at a discount or for FREE:
- Microsoft Office Suite (O365) for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, online and downloadable software. (free)
- DUO (2FA) adds a second level of verification when you log into designated Tufts websites and online services.
- Box - File storage and file sharing (free)
- Other software (discounts on Adobe Creative Cloud, SPSS, and more)
Computer Labs and Printing
- Public computer labs and the library offer Macs, PCs, printing, and internet. Many also provide specialized software.
- Printing, copying, and scanning from either personal or public computers is available in all Medford libraries and labs.
What Is the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)?
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act, or DMCA, is a U.S. federal law that protects copyrighted materials like music and movies. The DMCA allows a holder of a copyright to inform an entity that it has violated the copyright and that the offending entity must take certain action. When a copyright holder -- of a piece of music, a movie, or another type of file -- determines that a Tufts-owned IP address is the source of a violation, they send a complaint to University, who in turn follows up with the owner of the IP address.
Find out more about DMCAs on the Tufts Technology website -- including what happens when a student is found sharing or downloading content illegally on the Tufts network.
Help and Other Resources
The TTS Service Desk is available to help you 24/7
- Phone: 617-627-3376
- Email: it@tufts.edu
- Walk-In tech support
Unfortunately, the Tufts campus is not immune from hackers. Tufts Technology Services (TTS) Information Security maintains a number of tips on securing information and your devices while at Tufts.