Housing Choices

Special Interest Houses

Special interest group housing offers undergraduates a chance to live with students who share cultural or academic interests!  There are fifteen units, each offering an assortment of activities for residents.  Students interested in living in one of the small group units should stop by the unit and speak with the members, contact the person(s) listed, or call/visit the Office of Residential Life and Learning, South Hall, 617.627.3248.

Please click on a housing unit below for more information, floor plan, and website.

Africana Unit - Located at 8 Professors Row in Capen House, the Africana Unit offers students interested in Africana culture a place to live together and share common experiences. Programs such as the Peer Advisor Program and celebration of Black History Month are coordinated in cooperation with the Africana Center. Advisor is Lisa Coleman, 627-3372.
See the floor plans | Africana Center website

Arts Special Interest Unit - The Arts House, also known as Bartol House is located at 37 Sawyer Ave. Students interested in an active and artistically diverse environment live together in the Arts House. During the year there are numerous events that encompass a wide variety of artistic mediums. Advisor is Gary Leupp, 627-2426.
See the floor plans

Asian American Culture Unit - The Asian American Unit, located in Start House at 17 Latin Way, welcomes students interested in learning about the Asian American experience. Residents of the unit are required to organize activities related to the Asian American experience. Past activities have included an art exhibit, a food fair, informal afternoon gatherings with faculty, and discussions/talks on Asian American issues and topics. Advisor is Linell Yugawa, 627-3056.
See the floor plans | Asian American Center website

Jewish Culture Unit - The Bayit provides a setting in which students can live and develop in a Jewish communal atmosphere. Residents sponsor programs aimed at informing the community about Jewish issues and culture. The residents also maintain a kosher kitchen. The unit is located in Hall House. Advisor is Rabbi Jeff Summit, 627-3242.
See the floor plans

Chinese House - The Chinese House is a language based housing unit sponsored by the Chinese Program. It is located in the A220's of Latin Way. The mission of the Chinese House is to provide language learning experience outside of the classroom and to promote and facilitate cross-cultural exchange and understanding within the larger community at Tufts. Advisor is Jinyu Li, 627-2374.
See the floor plans

Crafts Special Interest Unit - The Crafts Unit, located in Anthony House, 14 Professors Row, is a cooperative living and learning community. The members are dedicated to the operation of the Crafts Center, which provides an opportunity for unit members to conduct workshops and share craft knowledge and techniques. The Crafts Unit also operates as a food cooperative, where residents share responsibility for the purchase, preparation, and clean-up of meals. Advisor is Mary Glaser, 627-5045.
See the floor plans | Crafts House website

French Language Unit - The French Unit, located in Schmalz House, 11 Whitfield Road, has space for two French exchange students. Its raison d’être is to give Tufts students the opportunity to improve their French language skills and gain more exposure to French and francophone cultures by living with French students and by participating in gatherings that bring together the francophone community of Tufts. Advisor is Emese Soos, 627-2692.
See the floor plans

German Language Unit - The German Unit allows residents to improve and enhance their understanding of the German language and culture. It also acts as a resource center, offering practice sessions to students studying German. Residents also sponsor "Coffee Hours" throughout the year. It is located in Wyeth House, 21 Whitfield Road. Advisor is Bernhard Martin, 627-2637.
See the floor plans | German House webpage

Latino Culture Unit - The Latino Culture Unit provides a support system to the Latino community at Tufts. It welcomes students who are interested in the Latino Culture and Latino issues. Residents sponsor activities and events to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of Latino culture in conjunction with the Latino Center. The Latino Culture Unit is currently located in Milne House, 8-10 Whitfield Road. Advisor is Ruben Salinas-Stern, 627-3363.
See the floor plans | Latino Center website

International Culture Unit - The philosophy of the unit is to create an environment in which residents can experience an intercultural living arrangement. The International Unit consists of residents who represent a mix of students from different nationalities and cultures, including representation of Americans. The goal of the unit is to foster intercultural friendships and experiences. The unit is currently located in Davies House, 13 Sawyer Avenue. Advisor is Jane Etish-Andrews, 627-3458.
See the floor plans | International Center website

Japanese Language Unit - The Japanese Unit, located in the 150's of Hillside Apts., provides residents an opportunity to develop a greater understanding of the Japanese language and culture. The residents gather bi-weekly for dinner and weekly for language "chats," and celebrate Japanese holidays and cultural events. Advisor is Kiyoko Morita, 627-2371.
See the floor plans | Japanese Language webpage

Muslim Special Interest Unit - The Muslim Unit, located at 176 Curtis Street beginning in the fall of 2003, offers both Muslims and non-Muslim undergraduates the opportunity to live in a friendly, diverse environment. It provides one the opportunity to enhance their cultural experience while creating new friendships and participating in several social events. Advisor is Father David O'Leary, 627-3427.
See the floor plans | Muslim Students Association

Rainbow House Special Interest Unit - The Rainbow Unit, located in 160's of Hillside Apts., provides a "gay-friendly" atmosphere where students can live and interact. The unit brings issues of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students to the entire Tufts community through educational, social, and community programming. The Rainbow unit also serves as a social outlet for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students and their friends. Advisor is Dona Yarbrough, 627-3770.
See the floor plans | Rainbow House website

Russian/Slavic Culture Unit - The Russian/Slavic Culture Unit, located at 101 Talbot Ave., provides a unique atmosphere where residents with similar interests can develop an increased understanding of Russian and East-European culture through lectures, films, and ethnic dinners. Residence is open to any returning student who meets the following criteria: taking courses in Russian and East-European culture and history, of Slavic or East-European background, or having a demonstrated interest in the field. Knowledge and use of Russian is NOT a requirement, though the unit does provide an opportunity for language practice. Advisor is David Sloane, 627-2596.
See the floor plans | Russian/Slavic Culture House webpage

Spanish Language Unit - The Spanish Unit enables residents to develop greater fluency in the language and enhance their understanding of Spanish/Latin American countries, life styles, and cultures. Residents hold weekly events, where members of the Tufts community can stop by and enjoy Spanish refreshments and conversation. The unit is located in Chandler House, 125 Powder House Blvd. Advisor is Marta Rosso-O'Loughlin, 627-5110.
See the floor plans

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