Key takeaways
Visiting Tufts University offers a unique opportunity to experience campus life and envision your future as a Jumbo. A well-planned campus tour can provide valuable insights into academics, student life, and the vibrant culture at Tufts.
- Campus tours last 75-90 minutes and are led by current students, providing an authentic perspective on daily life (Tufts University).
- Prioritize visiting key locations like Ballou Hall and Tisch Library to understand the university's history and resources.
- Peak visiting seasons require booking tours weeks in advance, especially in April and October (Tufts University).
- Engage with students and explore areas like Davis Square to get a true feel for the Tufts experience.
Contents
Planning a visit to Tufts University is more than just a stroll through campus—it’s your first real look at life as a Jumbo. A campus tour can shape how you picture your future, and here’s what you need to know about it.
What to Expect During Your Tufts University Campus Tour?
“Just get a feel for the campus vibes and imagine yourself being there for four years. Make sure to see all the main buildings and try to tour any relevant to your major”
Tufts isn’t just a college—it has a unique vibe. The best way to experience it is with a campus tour. Tours last 75-90 minutes and are led by current students, so they feel more like real conversations than presentations. You’ll see famous spots like Ballou Hall and Tisch Library, visit classrooms (on weekdays), and hear what daily life is really like. Your guide will likely talk about:
- Academics
- Campus Life
- Global Focus
- Student Voice
You’ll also pass Dowling Hall (Admissions) and end near President’s Lawn, with great views of Boston.
Key Locations to Visit on Campus
Here’s a breakdown of the must-see places during your visit:
| Location | Why It Matters? |
| The Cannon | Probably the most famous symbol at Tufts, the Cannon gets repainted—often at night—with messages, jokes, protests, or event promos. It’s the voice of the campus |
| Ballou Hall | The oldest building on campus and home to the administration. A great place to understand Tufts’ roots—and take a classic photo |
| Tisch Library | It’s a go-to spot for studying and hanging out, with rooftop views, group work areas, and a café |
| Dowling Hall | Home to admissions and the starting point for most tours. There’s also an epic view of Boston from the upper floors |
| Science and Engineering Complex (SEC) | A modern building where students do research across fields. If you’re into biotech or sustainability, try to get a look inside |
| President’s Lawn | A popular spot to relax and study. It’s also home to major campus events like Spring Fling and Commencement |
| Campus Center at Mayer | Student orgs, events, meetings, and hangouts all converge here |
Duration and Schedule of the Campus Tour
The standard campus tour lasts about 75-90 minutes. During peak seasons, you might need to book weeks in advance—especially for April and October visits.
How to Plan Your Visit to Tufts University?
Start by signing up for a tour on the Tufts Admissions website. Tours fill up fast, especially during spring and fall, so try to book a few weeks early. You can choose a general tour or one focused on engineering, international relations, or the arts. Once you’re registered, plan your day:
- Arrive early
- Dress for the walk–The campus is hilly with stairs and brick paths. Wear comfy shoes and check the weather
- Sit in the Campus Center, try a dining hall (ask if it’s open to visitors), or walk through the Residential Quad
- Talk to students
- Check out Davis Square
The visit is your chance to see what life at Tufts really feels like.
What Are the Options for an Audio Tour at Tufts?
Here’s how the audio tour works and what you can expect:
| Feature | Details |
| Platform | Available via the Tufts Admissions app or on your browser |
| Format | GPS-based audio tour with location-specific narration |
| Length | 45–60 minutes, depending on your pace |
| Stops | 15+ key locations, including Ballou Hall, Tisch Library, President’s Lawn, SEC, and the Cannon |
| Voice | Narrated by current Tufts students with unscripted commentary |
| Extras | Includes photos, campus history, and links to learn more about academics or clubs |
Can You Experience Tufts University Virtually?
Yes. Their virtual visit options offer a surprisingly personal way to get a feel for the school, from academics to campus culture. Here’s what’s available and how to make the most of it:
| Virtual Experience | What It Includes? |
| Virtual Campus Tour | Interactive 360° views of key locations like Ballou Hall, Tisch Library, SEC, and dorms. Narrated by students |
| Live Information Sessions | Hosted by admissions officers and current students. Includes Q&A. You’ll hear about academics, student life, and application tips |
| Student Panels | Real-time Zoom events with current Jumbos from different majors and backgrounds. Great for asking personal questions |
| Recorded Webinars | Topics include financial aid, applying to engineering or arts programs, essay tips, and more |
| Tufts Admissions YouTube | Home to student vlogs, mini-tours, and “day in the life” content that gives you the behind-the-scenes view |
All of these options can be accessed through the Tufts Virtual Visit Hub, where events are listed by date and topic. Some sessions fill quickly—especially the student Q&A panels—so it’s smart to register in advance.
What Should You Know About the SMFA at Tufts?
“I think a huge strength of the smfa program is that essentially it is like a major/department within Tufts as a whole which gave me a lot of access to classes outside my major. For eg, as an smfa student I was still able to became a research assistant in the psychology department. At the end of the day it will depend on how you use both the smfa’s smaller community and the greater Tufts community as a whole”
Colleges often view academic extracurriculars as indicators of intellectual curiosity and commitment beyond the classroom. Joining one isn’t about racking up credentials—it’s about building a story around what you care about and how far you’re willing to take it. Here’s why academic clubs carry weight in the admissions process:
| Academic Club Type | What It Demonstrates to Colleges? |
| Science Olympiad / Biology Club | Passion for STEM, lab skills, and teamwork under pressure |
| Mathletes / Mu Alpha Theta | Advanced problem-solving, logical thinking, and competition experience |
| Debate / Model UN | Critical thinking and global awareness |
| Robotics / Coding Club | Applied technical skills and innovation outside of class |
| National Honor Society | Academic excellence combined with service and character |
| Mock Trial / Pre-Law Club | Legal reasoning, argumentation, and leadership potential |
| Book Club / Literature Society | Analytical thinking and love of reading |
Programs Offered at SMFA
The School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts (SMFA) is not your typical art school—and that’s intentional. Instead of limiting students to narrow tracks or traditional majors, SMFA encourages exploration across disciplines. It offers a unique model where you shape your own artistic path while earning a Tufts degree.
Here’s a breakdown of the main programs currently available at SMFA:
| Program | Degree | Key Focus |
| BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) | Undergraduate | Studio-based learning with full access to Tufts liberal arts courses. No fixed major—students build an individualized curriculum |
| Combined BFA + BA/BS | Dual Degree | A five-year program that merges the BFA with a liberal arts or science degree from Tufts. Perfect for students who want to pursue both art and academics |
| MFA (Master of Fine Arts) | Graduate | A two-year, interdisciplinary graduate program focused on individual artistic development, critique, and professional practice. Includes thesis work and solo exhibition |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Certificate | One-year intensive for students who want to deepen their studio practice, prepare for MFA programs, or shift toward a creative career |
| Studio Diploma (Legacy Program) | Non-Degree | A discontinued but still honored credential for students who attended SMFA before the Tufts partnership. Not available to new applicants |
Visiting the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston
Visiting the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston is more than a history lesson—it’s a chance to see amazing art up close. Whether you’re an SMFA student, a college applicant, or just someone who loves art, the MFA is worth your time.
Located in Boston’s Fenway area, the MFA is one of the biggest art museums in the U.S. Its collection includes everything from ancient Egypt to modern video art. You’ll see works by Monet, Van Gogh, Kehinde Wiley, and many more.
If you’re a student at SMFA, you get free admission with your ID—and you can visit as often as you like. Many students stop by between classes, sketch in the galleries, or attend special events for school credit.
Highlights of the museum include:
- Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings (like Renoir and Cézanne)
- A major Japanese and Korean art section
- The Art of the Americas wing, from colonial to modern art
- Contemporary exhibits, often featuring local artists
Planning to apply to SMFA or another Boston college? The MFA shows you the city’s creative side. It hosts talks, shows, and events all year.
Museum hours are usually 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some late nights. SMFA and Tufts students get in free; other students get discounts with a valid ID. Check mfa.org for current exhibits and hours.
Legacy Online School recommends visiting real museums to grow your art skills, explore history, and find new ideas. The MFA is the perfect place to do that.
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Top Tips from Our Expert
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Alyssa Mendoza, AP Coordinator and College Prep Specialist
Sources: Tufts University, Reddit
