Massachusetts College of Art and Design Student Move-In Guide
Moving to MassArt in Boston? Learn about Fall 2026 move-in dates, assigned arrival times, Tree House, Smith Hall and Artists’ Residence, art-supply packing, nearby neighborhoods and off-campus apartment setup.
Starting at MassArt
Plan for art supplies as well as normal dorm belongings
Massachusetts College of Art and Design is located at 621 Huntington Avenue near the Longwood Medical Area, Mission Hill and the Colleges of the Fenway.
MassArt students may arrive with portfolios, drawing materials, cameras, computers, sewing equipment, design supplies and other valuable creative tools. Protect, label and inventory important equipment before traveling.
Fall 2026
MassArt residence-hall move-in dates
Housing and Residence Life assigns each student an arrival time and sends detailed instructions by email in early August.
Arrival procedure
How MassArt move-in day works
Confirm the assigned residence
Check whether the student is assigned to Tree House, Smith Hall or Artists’ Residence and use the exact residence address in GPS.
Arrive during the assigned slot
Do not arrive before 7:00 a.m. or substantially earlier than the assigned period.
Check in while the vehicle is unloaded
MassArt uses an idling unload-and-drop-off process. Helpers unload belongings while the student checks into the residence.
Move the vehicle to parking
Once unloading is complete, staff direct the vehicle to a nearby parking location so the unloading area remains available.
On-campus housing
MassArt’s three residence halls
All three halls are on Huntington Avenue across from MassArt’s academic and studio buildings.
Tree House
Suite-style housing with single, double and triple bedrooms, shared suite bathrooms, lounges, study spaces, a community kitchen, fitness space and central air conditioning.
Smith Hall
A smaller suite-style residence for approximately 116 students, with two to four bedrooms per suite and one to three students per bedroom.
Artists’ Residence
Apartment-style housing with kitchens, shared living areas and creative workspaces for students seeking greater independence.
Before buying furniture
MassArt rooms are already furnished
Residence rooms generally include a Twin XL bed and mattress, desk, desk chair, dresser, closet or wardrobe, window covering and basic overhead lighting.
Wait for the room and suite assignment before buying large storage units, tables, seating or appliances. Coordinate shared products with roommates and suitemates to avoid duplicates.
Packing checklist
What to bring to a MassArt residence
- Twin XL bedding and mattress pad
- Pillows, blankets and towels
- Desk lamp and approved power strip
- Laundry basket and detergent
- Cleaning supplies and wastebasket
- Toiletries and bathroom supplies
- Computer and charging equipment
- Portfolio and protective storage
- Art tools required for initial classes
- Protective cases for cameras or equipment
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Medications and important documents
Residence restrictions
Leave prohibited products at home
MassArt’s residence packing guidance prohibits products including candles, incense, halogen lamps, air conditioners, curtains, sofa beds, waterbeds, outdoor antennas, most pets and weapons.
Nails and screws are not permitted. Tree House also identifies LED strip lights as prohibited. Use only currently approved removable products such as painter’s tape or qualifying removable strips.
Protect the room
Do not mount televisions or shelves in a MassArt dorm
Because nails and screws are prohibited, students should not drill, mount televisions, install permanent shelving or attach heavy equipment to residence-hall walls.
Use approved freestanding storage, tabletop television stands and removable décor that does not damage walls or block exits, windows, ventilation or fire-safety equipment.
What to bring to a Boston student dormCreative equipment
Pack art supplies safely and selectively
Protect Fragile Work
Use rigid portfolios, archival folders, lens cases and padded containers for artwork, cameras and electronics.
Label Valuable Equipment
Record serial numbers and label cameras, tablets, laptops, sewing machines and specialty tools.
Do Not Overbuy
Wait for course supply lists before purchasing large quantities of specialized materials that may be difficult to store.
Off-campus housing
Where do MassArt students commonly consider living?
Mission Hill
Shared apartments and multifamily homes with walking, Route 39 and Green Line access to Huntington Avenue.
Mission Hill guideFenway–Kenmore
Often walkable to MassArt, with student apartments, managed buildings and Green Line connections.
Fenway–Kenmore guideLongwood
Convenient to MassArt and nearby institutions, with heavy hospital traffic and limited loading access.
Longwood student guideBrookline
Apartments near Green Line and bus routes may provide a manageable commute to MassArt.
Brookline guideBack Bay
A central option with walking and transit access, but generally higher housing costs and challenging move-in logistics.
Back Bay guideJamaica Plain
A residential alternative with Route 39 and Orange Line access, depending on the exact apartment location.
Jamaica Plain guideQuick comparison
Choosing off-campus housing near MassArt
| Area | Campus access | Housing considerations | Move-in concerns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mission Hill | Walking, Route 39 and Green Line | Shared apartments and multifamily homes | Hills, stairs and September 1 turnover |
| Fenway–Kenmore | Walking, Green Line and buses | Student apartments and managed buildings | Game-day traffic and loading reservations |
| Longwood | Walking or short bus trip | Medical-area and managed housing | Hospital traffic and garage restrictions |
| Brookline | Green Line and buses | Residential and managed apartments | Municipal parking and building rules |
| Back Bay | Walking and Green Line | Historic units and managed buildings | Higher rents and limited curb space |
| Jamaica Plain | Route 39 and Orange Line | More residential apartment options | Commute varies by exact address |
Before moving off campus
MassArt student apartment checklist
- Calculate the commute to 621 Huntington Avenue
- Review the lease and every required fee
- Confirm the lease start date and key pickup
- Verify the landlord or management company
- Check storage for portfolios and art supplies
- Review ventilation and workspace rules
- Photograph the apartment before unpacking
- Test locks, windows and safety equipment
- Measure doors, stairs, elevators and rooms
- Arrange internet service
- Review drilling and mounting restrictions
- Confirm vendor and insurance requirements
After the boxes arrive
What MassArt students may need help setting up
Furniture Assembly
Beds, desks, chairs, bookcases, storage units and work tables may need assembly in an off-campus apartment.
TV Mounting
Confirm landlord approval and identify whether the apartment wall is plaster, drywall, brick or concrete.
Identify the wall typeCurtains and Privacy
Measure windows before buying curtain rods, blackout panels or privacy treatments.
Creative Work Area
Organize desks, storage, lighting and materials without blocking exits, ventilation or common walkways.
Wi-Fi and Streaming
Position networking equipment to support bedrooms, digital work, large uploads and common areas.
Wi-Fi optimization guideMirrors and Artwork
Hang framed work using hardware appropriate for the wall material and the apartment lease.
For parents and families
Make MassArt move-in day easier
- Confirm the residence and assigned time
- Use the exact residence address
- Pack art materials in protective containers
- Label boxes by room and priority
- Coordinate appliances with suitemates
- Do not bring prohibited wall products
- Keep identification and medications accessible
- Move the vehicle promptly after unloading
Continue planning
Related MassArt move-in guides
College and Campus Guides
Return to the complete Boston-area school directory.
College guide hubBoston Student Neighborhoods
Compare Mission Hill, Fenway, Longwood, Brookline and Jamaica Plain.
Neighborhood hubApartment and Dorm Setup
Plan furniture, storage, Wi-Fi, privacy and wall décor.
Setup guideNeed help setting up a MassArt student apartment?
Mr Home Guy helps Boston students and families with furniture assembly, television mounting, curtains, shelves, mirrors, framed artwork, room organization and other off-campus apartment setup tasks. Same-day and next-day availability may be limited during peak August and September move-in dates.
See Boston Student Move-In ServicesFrequently asked questions
MassArt student move-in questions
When is MassArt new-student move-in for Fall 2026?
New MassArt residents move in on Saturday, August 29, 2026, during assigned arrival times.
When do returning MassArt residents move in?
Returning MassArt students move in on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
How are MassArt move-in times assigned?
Housing and Residence Life emails each resident an assigned arrival time and detailed instructions in early August.
What residence halls does MassArt operate?
MassArt operates Tree House, Smith Hall and Artists’ Residence, all located on Huntington Avenue near the academic campus.
What size sheets do MassArt residents need?
MassArt residence rooms use Twin XL mattresses.
Can students use nails or screws in MassArt dorms?
No. MassArt’s residence packing guidance prohibits nails and screws. Students should use only currently approved removable decorating products.
Can a television be mounted in a MassArt dorm?
Students should not drill or permanently mount a television in a MassArt residence hall. A freestanding television stand is a safer option.
Does Mr Home Guy help MassArt students move?
Mr Home Guy focuses on apartment and room setup rather than traditional moving transportation. Services may include furniture assembly, television mounting, curtains, shelves, mirrors, framed artwork and room organization.