Davis Square Student Move-In Guide
Moving into a student apartment near Davis Square? Plan Somerville parking and moving permits, Tufts access, Red Line commuting, apartment inspections, furniture setup, Wi-Fi and daily travel toward Harvard, Porter Square and Cambridge.
Why Davis Square?
A major student hub between Tufts and the Red Line
Davis Square combines residential streets, restaurants, cafés, entertainment, grocery access and rapid transit in one of Somerville’s most student-oriented neighborhoods.
The area is especially practical for Tufts students who want access toward the Medford/Somerville campus while staying close to the Red Line for Harvard, Central Square, Kendall Square and Boston.
Housing ranges from older multifamily homes and triple-deckers to apartment buildings and shared student rentals. Move-in planning can be challenging because narrow streets, resident parking, busy commercial blocks and high September turnover all compete for curb space.
Municipal rules
Davis Square follows Somerville rules, not Cambridge or Boston
Davis Square is in Somerville. Resident parking permits, temporary new-resident permits, visitor parking and moving-van reservations are administered by the City of Somerville.
This becomes especially important near Porter Square because the Cambridge-Somerville municipal boundary is close. Two apartments that feel like part of the same neighborhood can follow different parking and move-in procedures.
Always confirm the exact street address before applying for a permit.
Tufts connection
Davis Square is a natural off-campus housing area for Tufts students
Medford/Somerville Campus Access
Davis-area housing can provide convenient access toward Tufts’ Medford/Somerville campus by walking, biking, bus or local transit, depending on the exact address.
Tufts University guideHarvard and Cambridge Access
The Red Line connects Davis with Porter, Harvard, Central and Kendall Squares, making the neighborhood useful for students with activities across Cambridge.
Daily Services Nearby
Restaurants, cafés, grocery shopping and entertainment help make the neighborhood practical for students living without a car.
Resident parking
Somerville requires its own resident parking permit
New residents can use a temporary permit
Somerville currently offers eligible new residents a temporary parking permit while they complete the steps required for a standard residential permit.
This can help during the first weeks after moving, but it is not a permanent substitute for updating vehicle and residency information.
Permanent permits require documentation
Standard resident permits require qualifying residency documentation and vehicle-registration information that meets Somerville’s current requirements.
A permit still does not guarantee that a space will be available directly in front of the apartment.
Moving vans
Reserve Somerville street space before move day when needed
Somerville allows residents to reserve eligible street space for a moving van or moving container.
The City requires advance permit and sign-posting steps for an enforceable reservation, so this should be handled before the truck arrives rather than on move day.
Metered locations may involve additional requirements or fees. Always verify the current Somerville procedure for the exact address.
Before move day
Coordinate parking, curb access and the apartment itself
- Confirm the address is in Somerville
- Review resident parking eligibility
- Apply for a moving-van permit if needed
- Post reservation signs on time
- Check temporary new-resident parking
- Confirm lease start and key pickup
- Ask about building move hours
- Reserve an elevator if required
- Measure stairs and doorways
- Coordinate large furniture deliveries
- Schedule internet installation
- Review drilling and mounting restrictions
Housing styles
Davis Square combines classic Somerville housing with newer apartments
Triple-Deckers
Multi-floor homes are common around Somerville and may have exterior stairs, narrow interior stairways and smaller door openings.
Multi-Bedroom Student Apartments
Shared apartments can make Davis practical for Tufts and graduate students splitting rent and utilities.
Walk-Ups
Older buildings without elevators require careful furniture sizing before sofas, beds and desks arrive.
Newer Apartment Buildings
Newer properties may provide elevators and amenities but can require move appointments, loading rules or vendor documentation.
Studios and One-Bedrooms
Smaller apartments benefit from furniture chosen for scale, vertical storage and a dedicated study zone.
Plaster, Masonry and Drywall
Older Somerville housing can contain plaster or mixed wall systems. Identify wall construction before mounting televisions or shelving.
Wall type guideNearby student areas
Davis sits at the center of a larger student housing corridor
Porter Square
One Red Line stop south, Porter offers Harvard access and additional student housing, but Cambridge parking rules apply there.
Porter Square guideTufts / Teele Square Area
Housing closer to Tufts can shorten the campus commute while keeping Davis Square within reach.
Tufts student guideHarvard Square
Students prioritizing Harvard campus access may compare Davis with Harvard Square and other Cambridge neighborhoods.
Harvard Square guideSomerville
Other Somerville neighborhoods may offer additional housing choices while remaining connected by bus, bike or Green Line service.
Somerville guideTransit strategy
Davis makes car-light student living practical
| Destination | Common strategy | Useful for | Move-in consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tufts Medford/Somerville | Walk, bike, bus or local transit | Tufts students | Choose apartment based on actual campus destination |
| Harvard Square | Red Line | Harvard students and cross-registration | Cambridge rules differ from Somerville |
| Central / Kendall | Red Line | MIT and research access | Longer commute than living in Cambridge |
| Porter Square | Red Line, walk or bike | Shopping and Harvard access | Municipal boundary affects parking rules |
Apartment inspection
Document older apartments before moving furniture inside
- Photograph every room
- Document wall and ceiling damage
- Photograph floors and trim
- Test doors and locks
- Check windows
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Inspect plumbing
- Test hot water
- Inspect appliances
- Test electrical outlets
- Check heating controls
- Report existing damage promptly in writing
Apartment setup
What Davis Square students often need help setting up
Furniture Assembly
Beds, desks, shelving and storage can often be carried more easily through narrow stairs before assembly.
Study Space
Prioritize a desk, task lighting, power access and storage before classes begin.
TV Mounting
Confirm landlord approval and identify plaster, masonry or drywall before drilling.
Identify the wall typeCurtains and Shades
Older windows may have unusual dimensions, so measure before buying rods, shades or curtains.
Wi-Fi Setup
Multi-floor apartments and older plaster walls can weaken wireless coverage. Test bedrooms and study spaces before deciding router placement.
Wi-Fi optimization guideRoommate Organization
Coordinate shared kitchen supplies, storage, furniture and utilities before multiple roommates arrive with duplicate items.
Move-in order
Make the apartment functional before the semester begins
- Photograph the apartment. Document condition before unloading.
- Move large furniture first. Keep stairs, porches and hallways open.
- Build beds. Make sure everyone has a usable sleeping area.
- Set up desks. Prioritize academic workspaces.
- Connect internet. Test Wi-Fi in every bedroom and study area.
- Organize shared storage. Establish kitchen and common-room space early.
- Mount items last. Confirm wall type and lease rules before drilling.
Continue planning
Related Davis Square student guides
Tufts University Student Guide
Review Tufts housing, move-in planning and Medford/Somerville campus access.
Tufts student guidePorter Square Student Guide
Compare Davis with Porter for Harvard access, Red Line commuting and Cambridge housing.
Porter Square guideStudent Apartment Checklist
Review leases, parking, utilities, inspections, Wi-Fi and apartment setup before moving.
Apartment checklistNeed help setting up a Davis Square student apartment?
Mr Home Guy helps Greater Boston students and families with furniture assembly, television mounting, curtains, shelves, mirrors, artwork, Wi-Fi-related setup and room organization. Older Somerville homes and shared student apartments may require extra planning for stairs, wall construction, narrow entrances and property rules.
See Boston-Area Move-In Setup ServicesFrequently asked questions
Davis Square student move-in questions
Is Davis Square a good place for college students?
Yes. Davis Square can be especially convenient for Tufts students and students who want Red Line access toward Harvard, Central Square, Kendall Square and Boston, with restaurants and everyday services nearby.
Is Davis Square convenient for Tufts University?
Yes. Davis Square is a common off-campus housing area for Tufts students, with access toward the Medford/Somerville campus by walking, biking, bus or local transit depending on the exact address.
Are Davis Square parking rules the same as Cambridge?
No. Davis Square is in Somerville and follows Somerville resident parking, temporary permit, visitor parking and moving-van procedures. Nearby Porter Square is in Cambridge and follows different rules.
Can new residents get temporary parking in Somerville?
Yes. Somerville currently offers eligible new residents a temporary parking permit while they complete the requirements for a standard residential permit.
Can I reserve street space for a moving van in Davis Square?
Yes. Somerville allows permits for eligible street space used by moving vans or moving containers. Advance application and sign-posting requirements apply under the City’s current rules.
Which schools are convenient from Davis Square?
Davis Square is especially convenient for Tufts students and can also provide Red Line access toward Harvard and MIT. The best location depends on the exact campus destination and preferred commute.
What wall types are common in Davis Square apartments?
Older Somerville buildings may contain plaster, masonry or mixed wall construction, while renovated and newer units may use drywall. Identify the wall type before mounting televisions, shelves, mirrors or heavy artwork.
Can Mr Home Guy help set up a Davis Square student apartment?
Yes. Mr Home Guy focuses on apartment setup rather than traditional moving transportation. Services may include furniture assembly, television mounting, curtains, shelves, mirrors, artwork and room organization, subject to property and building rules.