Food, Transportation, Housing and Essential Resources

Welcome to Tufts University, future Jumbos! I’m Khadija B. Nasir, a current MAT student and Graduate Student Representative. As a fellow student living off-campus, I know how overwhelming it can be to adjust to a new place. That’s why I have gathered some useful information to help you navigate life at Tufts—from grocery shopping and transportation to essential resources, including off-campus housing.
Many students at Tufts choose to live off-campus in areas like Somerville, Medford, and nearby neighborhoods such as Davis Square and Porter Square. These spots are vibrant, student-friendly, and offer a range of housing options from shared apartments to individual rentals. If you’re looking for housing, Tufts University’s Off-Campus Housing Services is an excellent resource. Through their website offcampus.tufts.edu, you can search for available rentals, connect with potential roommates, and get advice on how to navigate lease agreements and other important aspects of renting. They offer guidance that can help you feel confident as you transition into living off-campus.
I personally live off-campus, and it’s been a rewarding experience, offering more independence while still being close to campus life. I do my grocery shopping at the nearby Whole Foods and Star Market, which are accessible. Whole Foods is about two miles away in Medford, and Star Market is just 1.5 miles from campus. Both stores offer fresh produce, pantry staples, and specialty items that cater to different dietary needs. If you’re looking for more affordable options, Stop & Shop, Market Basket, and Trader Joe’s are popular among students. For specific ingredients, ethnic grocery stores like H-Mart and Patel Brothers are perfect for Asian and South Asian groceries and are easily reachable by public transport or the Tufts Shuttle.
Transportation at Tufts is super convenient, whether you’re living on or off campus. The MBTA Green Line, conveniently located just across from campus, and the Red Line at Davis Square, a short walk away, provide quick and easy access to downtown Boston and surrounding areas. For those closer to the Orange Line, Wellington Station provides another reliable option for getting around. The Tufts Shuttle is another essential resource, especially for grocery trips or getting to and from class. On Saturdays, the Grocery Shuttle runs from the Campus Center, taking students to local grocery stores like Stop & Shop, Target, and Wegmans, which is a huge help for students living off-campus without cars.
For those who prefer eco-friendly transportation, biking is a great option. The area around Tufts is bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes and racks throughout the campus. The Blue Bikes bike-sharing service is a perfect way to rent bikes for short rides to places like Davis Square or even into Boston. If you don’t own a bike, it’s a convenient and affordable option.
For longer trips or errands, Uber and Lyft are widely available, and if you ever need a car for the day or a weekend trip, Zipcar rentals make it easy. With so many transportation options, getting around as an off-campus student is a breeze.
While transportation and groceries are crucial, living off-campus also requires staying connected with on-campus resources. Dining halls like Dewick-MacPhie and Carmichael are accessible to off-campus students, and they offer a wide range of meals to accommodate different dietary preferences. There are also cafes like The Tower Café and Hotung Café for quick meals or coffee breaks between classes.
For students facing food insecurity or those who want to reduce waste, the Jumbos Community Fridge is a valuable resource. It’s stocked with food donations and is free to anyone who needs it. Plus, local grocery stores and restaurants often offer student discounts, so don’t forget to carry your Tufts ID when shopping or dining out!
All of this information has been gathered from Tufts students just like you, who want to help make your transition smoother. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Welcome to Tufts University— we can’t wait to see you here!