Life Beyond Walnut Hill
As Tufts students, we’re all familiar with saying “just outside of Boston” to describe where our school is. It’s something we hear as prospective students and throughout our time here as undergrads: that simple phrase, repeated like a catchy jingle, perfectly describes the geographical advantages of Tufts. Tucked away in suburban Medford/Somerville, Tufts has a beautiful historic campus with a plethora of buildings to explore and green space to enjoy. Students get to experience the perks of having a separate campus to call home while still being connected to local communities and the greater Boston area.
There are three main ways students get into the city from the Medford campus: the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA) shuttle, which brings students from outside Granoff Music Hall to the Fenway campus; the Medford/Tufts T stop on the green line; and the Davis Sq. T stop on the red line.
In the city, there are many different things for students to enjoy. The Boston Common (America’s oldest park) or the Public Garden (the first public botanical garden in the United States) both popular places to walk around, set out a picnic, or listen to live music events hosted in the parks. In the spring and summer, these Victorian-style gardens are full of ducklings, blossoms, community events, and festivals. Or if you’re looking for a longer walk, the Charles River Esplanade has a plethora of beautiful views, waterfowl to watch, fun parks/playgrounds, docks to sit on, and outdoor music venues. Another popular place to go and visit on a day off, for a class trip, or for an assignment is the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA). They have great exhibits, both permanent and rotating, as well as concerts, community programs, and after-hours events (admission to the MFA is free for all Tufts students because of our School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA)). Also, as one of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston offers many different opportunities to connect with and learn about this country’s history through museums (Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, the Old State House, or the Museum of African American History) and various walking tours with guides or through the National Parks of Boston. Additionally, Boston has many different opportunities to get involved in volunteer work with youth programs, food access groups, housing initiatives, and more.
Whether you’re on campus or taking advantage of what Boston has to offer, you can find Tufts students everywhere you go, either out with friends, trying a new restaurant, volunteering with local organizations, or discovering new places across the city.