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If you’ve applied to Tufts, or are planning to apply, you’ve probably learned that the campus is situated on a hill. You’ve probably also heard that there is a friendly rivalry between Jumbos regarding which segment of campus is better, uphill or downhill. Two and a half years into my time at Tufts, I figured it was time for me to pick up the mantle of that debate. 

During my freshman year, I resided in Bush Hall, while during my sophomore year, I called Harleston Hall home. I got so comfortable living downhill that, when I moved off campus, I made sure that my house was nearby, and I currently live on Bromfield Road, close to Ellis Oval. So, here is my totally unbiased, extremely scientific, and inarguable case for why I prefer to live downhill. 

First, I need to clarify where I draw the boundary lines for uphill and downhill. In my view, uphill ends where President’s Lawn meets Professor’s Row. So, Tisch Library is considered uphill, while Mayer Campus Center and Metcalf Hall are downhill. I’d also consider the Tsungming Tu Complex, despite it being on the uphill side of my aforementioned imaginary line, to be downhill, since it is more convenient to reach from a downhill dorm, like Hodgdon Hall, than an uphill dorm, like Wren Hall. 

Now that that vital information has been divulged, the foremost reason why I prefer to live downhill is food. Dewick-MacPhie Dining Center, Hodgdon Food-on-the-Run, Commons Marketplace, Hotung Café, Pax et Lox Kosher Deli, and, per my definition, Kindlevan Café, are all located downhill. This leaves Fresh at Carmichael Dining Center, Tower Café (in Tisch Library), and Mugar Café uphill. Downhill takes the lead, therefore, in terms of quality and quantity. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all easily accessible and within a short walk of each other. The last thing you want to do on a dreary winter evening is schlep around campus looking for something to eat, so having more of the Tufts Dining options close to your housing is a major advantage. 

Another benefit of living downhill is that it is closer to Davis Square. While Boston is the site of many Jumbo outings, Davis offers a plethora of great restaurants, such as Boston Burger Company and Foundry on Elm, and has some useful shopping locations, including H Mart and CVS. Furthermore, it features a Red Line stop that can take you into Boston easily. While uphill is closer to the on-campus Green Line stop, the shops, restaurants, and cafes along Boston Avenue (near the T station) don't offer the breadth of options in Davis. 

A third reason why I enjoy living downhill is simply that it is a little more removed from the hustle and bustle of daily college life. Tufts has a medium-sized campus, and it is easy to go from one side to the other in a 15-minute walk. Most academic buildings are uphill, alongside Tisch Library and the Joyce Cummings Center. Downhill, therefore, is a little quieter, not being home to as many students hurrying to class or late-night study group yap sessions. 

Lastly, the downhill part of campus is home to some great amenities. Mayer Campus Center is a great place to hang out with friends in between classes or late at night, the Lilly Music Library is one of the most underrated study spots on campus, the Granoff Music Center hosts incredible performances all year long, and the bookstore and mailroom both call downhill home. Admittedly, unless you’re a chemistry major, you will have to head uphill to most, if not all, of your classes. However, just as the Constitution preaches the separation of church and state, can’t we have separation of class and dorm?

Overall, the most important part of making Tufts your home is being comfortable. Whether you find comfort in the modern corridors of Houston Hall or, like me, in the coziness of Harleston Hall, you will always have access to an incredible Tufts community just a short walk away. Nonetheless, when picking your housing, I hope you consider what this downhill-centric Jumbo has to say. 

Photo Credit: Aaron Gruen, The Tufts Daily