Tufts Blogs

When I tell people that I am an SMFA student, they, more often than not, bring up the hassle of having a commute. While the Fenway campus is a mere 6 miles away from the Medford campus, setting aside time for commuting can be daunting. Over the past two years at Tufts, I’ve narrowed my commute methods to two main modes of transportation: the SMFA shuttle and the Green Line of the MBTA’s trains (fondly referred to as the T).

The SMFA shuttle is a great option for getting to class on time. It runs hourly, starting at 7:25 am and ending at 11:00 pm on weekdays, with slightly more limited weekend hours. It usually takes around 30 minutes to get between campuses, sometimes slightly more during rush hour. You can sit and chat with classmates and friends or get some much-needed rest before that early morning studio. 

SMFA classes require a significant amount of work to be done outside of class, so you will need to go to the SMFA a few times a week in addition to class days. While the SMFA shuttle is a consistent and reliable source of transportation for getting to class, I prefer the T for getting between campuses when I’m not on a strict schedule. The trains run every 7-13 minutes, allowing for more flexibility in departure time than the shuttle, and the Heath Street (E) branch of the Green Line makes taking the train between Medford and Fenway a breeze! The Medford/Tufts station is conveniently located on Boston Avenue, right on the North side of campus. You can then take that train all the way to the Museum of Fine Arts station, right across the street from the SMFA. The train ride generally takes around 45 minutes, which I find to be the perfect amount of time to complete a reading for one of my classes, so the time isn't wasted. Also, the free Charlie Card given to all SMFA students means that students can use the T to commute as much as they need without worrying about the financial impact. 

The commute does take time. But instead of considering it a loss, I like to consider it dedicated time to complete a task, whether that be spending time with a friend who is also going to the studio or finally sorting through my email inbox. The commute forces me to sit down and focus on just that thing, which is a valuable opportunity for busy Tufts students. 

While different in frequency and length, both the SMFA shuttle and the T provide SMFA students with convenient and reliable transportation options.