Tufts University Students Navigate Six Campus Cafes for Coffee and Study Spaces
Tufts University operates six distinct campus cafes, providing students with varied options for study spaces, meals, and specialty beverages. The establishments range from the student-run Sink to the art-filled Kindlevan Café, accommodating students navigating morning rushes and midterms seasons.
Campus Distribution and Specific Cafe Offerings
The Medford/Somerville campus hosts five distinct locations, while the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University has one of its own. Joie Li, a first-year combined degree student, utilizes the SMFA Café regularly during long studio classes because it offers sushi, sandwiches, and drinks comparable to the Commons Marketplace. The location accepts meal swipes for combined degree students, while others must use JumboCash or card. Li rated the ambiance an eight out of 10, pointing to the natural light in the SMFA building.
On the Medford/Somerville campus, Tower Café offers large windows, comfy chairs, and two vending machines stocking snacks and drinks such as Celsius energy drinks, chai, and matcha. Nearby, The Sink operates as the only cafe on campus run entirely by students. First-year Onyx Hopwood rated the aesthetic a 10 out of 10, highlighting the vibrant oranges, reds, and cozy setup above the Commons. Baristas and managers report that the Cinny Vanilly and the Beesting are the most ordered menu items.
STEM Complex Accessibility and Dining Plan Integration
Kindlevan Café sits inside the Tsungming Tu Complex atrium, offering smoothies like Mango Sunrise and Very Berry Chocolate Protein alongside iced chai. Sophomore Ellie Heller noted that the cafe experiences waves of students right when class periods end between 10 a.m. and noon. Heller rated the space a six out of 10 aesthetically, describing it as clean and airy with nice light, though primarily practical. Kindlevan stands out as the only cafe on the Medford/Somerville campus that takes meal swipes for breakfast and lunch.
A short distance away, Mugar Café operates inside The Fletcher School, providing a quiet atmosphere with large windows. First-year Anya Bhojwani rated Mugar an eight out of 10 for ambiance, noting that it remains relatively empty and quiet. Mugar is the only cafe located near the Residential and Academic Quads.
Hotung Café Traffic and Social Hub Dynamics
Hotung Café operates out of the Mayer Campus Center near underclassmen dorms and the Dewick MacPhie Dining Center, generating heavy foot traffic. Hopwood, who rated Hotung an eight out of 10, visits the space to study with friends but noted that finding an open seat is frequently difficult. Multicolored ambient lighting contributes to the location’s visual appeal, while staff members manage the continuous rush of students seeking a group study environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Tufts campus cafes accept meal swipes?
Kindlevan Café on the Medford/Somerville campus accepts meal swipes for breakfast and lunch. The SMFA Café accepts meal swipes exclusively for combined degree students.
What are the busiest hours at Kindlevan Café?
Sophomore Ellie Heller stated that lines peak immediately when class periods end between 10 a.m. and noon, though the queues typically clear out within 15 minutes.
Where is Mugar Café located?
Mugar Café is located inside The Fletcher School, positioning it near the Residential and Academic Quads.