westernhillsmom

My d's first choice by far is Tufts, though we haven't been able to afford a visit (we live in California). I did promise her a visit if she is admitted (and the finanicial aid is doable). Since the letters will be arriving soon, I'm starting to worry about plane tickets and hotels, if we should be so lucky as to go. Any recommendations on where to stay? We'd only be there for a couple of days, so I'm thinking we might as well stay in Medford and not worry about sightseeing in Boston too much?

Seashore

I guess if it were me, I'd look for on line bargains throughout Boston and Cambridge. Or check out the Tufts discounts mentioned here:

Accommodations - Office of Undergraduate Admissions - Tufts University

My priority would be that it be somewhere near the T (the subway) so that I didn't need a car. That would mean not staying in downtown Medford.

WCASParent

"Downtown Medford"? What a concept! That's an oxymoron more interesting than "jumbo shrimp."

Seashore

Well, you get what I mean--staying in Medford shouldn't be a goal, whether sightseeing is part of the trip or not!

Anyway...another thought for the OP: Have you considered having her go on her own for one of the April weekends for admitted students?

westernhillsmom

I have- it's just a lot to navigate for someone coming from California and not knowing the Boston area. I did read on the Tufts site that she might be able to stay on campus though...

Seashore

Yeah, it's a bit to navigate, and I assume you'd like a look at the place too. But it sounds like you might live in the city and if she's used to taking public transportation, she'd be fine. If you do decide to let her go on her own, post again, and we can give her some specific advice.

westernhillsmom

Fingers crossed that visiting if she's admitted, is something we'll have to figure out!

abs294

I am pretty sure that there are a few hotels in the area that offer shuttle service to the university. I've seen their vans on campus so it seems pretty common. Hope this helps!

Detail

Your daughter will have the opportunity to spend a night on campus but parents will have to find a hotel.

I believe there are several hotels/motels in Davis square, from where there is a shuttle to Tufts every 20 mins.

Also the Tufts campus is pretty boring. If you're going to spend several days here you should enjoy Boston!

westernhillsmom

I wish it could be several days, but the admitted-student open house days are not during her spring break, so in order not to miss too much school, it would have to be a quick trip (especially allowing for traveling time from California).

supportivemom1

We are from California too, and when we took our son to visit colleges in the northeast last spring break, we stayed in a little furnished apartment we found through the Boston bed and breakfast association (Boston bed and breakfast, Boston lodging, Boston accommodation, furnished apartment). It was great because our whole family fit in, we had a kitchen to prepare breakfasts and sandwiches, and it was right on the T (subway) line. And all for the price of one hotel room or less! The apt. was in the Back Bay area of Boston, about 15 minutes from Medford on the T (followed by a walk or quick bus trip to Tufts) -- and it was easy and fun to explore Boston from that location. It's a shame you won't have much time on this trip, but if your D gets in, you'll probably make many trips to Boston -- I recommend checking out the B&B options in the future -- it was a fun alternative to a hotel.