A Beginner's Guide to Exploring Medford and Somerville

One of the things I set out to do once moving to the Medford area to attend Tufts was to familiarize myself with my surroundings as quickly as possible. I recognized I would be calling this place home for at least the next two years, and I was eager to explore what the community had to offer. One of the first places I visited was Yego Coffee, a Rwandan coffee shop at Teele Square's edge. There, they offer a variety of café items, including authentic Rwandan coffee and delicious pastries. It has since become my go-to spot for affordable, on-the-go breakfast options. 

Davis Square, located just a 12-minute walk from the Tufts campus, offers a remarkable variety of cuisine for such a compact shopping area. My favorite place to dine is Dakzen, a Thai restaurant that offers a wide array of dishes from across the country's regions. I also enjoy Life Alive Café, a vegetarian, health-conscious restaurant that serves salads, smoothies, and sandwiches. As someone who is not a vegetarian, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food here. It’s also a great spot to get some work done, as it functions as a co-working space! 

While in the area, I recommend taking a short walk to the Somerville Theater, a historic venue that has been in operation since 1914. In addition to screening regular films, the theater hosts live music events and other performances. Lastly, one of my favorite places to visit in the area is the Somerville Public Library. It offers ample study spaces, free Wi-Fi, and hosts various community events. The library also provides invaluable resources related to food insecurity, volunteering, tax assistance, and, of course, books—all available at no cost. 

In conclusion, this is merely a beginner's guide to exploring the area around Tufts University. There are many more activities, restaurants, and fascinating places to discover!