- Commuter Student Resources
Students who commute to campus from home or an off-campus apartment have a variety of opportunities to get involved with student life and many resources to help make commuting convenient.
Suffolk University Law School students can visit the Student Services/Dean of Students page for more information concerning their commuter student experience, including directions on how to purchase discounted MBTA passes for the semester.
Connect with Your Campus
First of all, get involved! Student Activities Groups meet during Activities period on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons so commuter students can participate easily. Check out all the student organizations you can be involved with. Be sure to visit the Hub Information Center, located in the Sagan Lobby of the Donahue Building regularly. Stop by Monday—Friday, 9am—5pm, email thehub@suffolk.edu or call 617.994.4225.
Keep an eye out for the Dateline Bulletins on TV screens throughout campus near elevators and other gathering places. Also look out for regular updates on the "This Week at Suffolk" board found throughout campus. Pick up the Student Activities Office (SAO) Monthly Calendar of events distributed throughout campus or check the calendar online for campus-wide events.
Pick up the latest copy of The Suffolk Journal, Suffolk University’s print newspaper, or go online to peruse The Suffolk Voice, our school’s online news source.
Participate in the Commuter Student Association, an organization that helps to connect non-residential Suffolk students to campus, to each other, and to resident students. The Director of the Off-Campus Housing Office (OCHO) advises the group and co-sponsors events with this organization. Get more information or send program ideas to ocho@suffolk.edu.
Take Advantage of Campus Conveniences
Lounges
Donahue Building, Fourth Floor
With a ping pong table, TV and video games, and easy access to several student organizations, this is the place to hang out if you want to relax, have fun, and meet other commuters.
Sawyer Building, First Floor
This lounge offers a convenience store for snacks and drinks, a microwave and bagel toaster, as well a large screen TV and foosball table. Hang out, study, and work on assignments, or meet other students in this popular spot.
Ridgeway Building, Second Floor
Overlooking the intersection of Cambridge and Staniford Streets, students can use this common area to get some work done or to hang out before going to class.
Sawyer Building, Graduate Student Lounge, Fourth Floor
This is generally a quieter place to hang out, study, and work on assignments. There is a microwave and fridge for your use.
Lockers
Store your books and other school supplies on campus. Lockers can be obtained through the Facilities Management Department located in the basement of the Sawyer Building at 8 Ashburton Place. Contact them at 617.573.8110.
Ram Account
The Ram Account is a stored value/debit account linked to your Ram card, which is your Suffolk ID. Ram Account funds can be used at all participating on- and off-campus locations, and they are available as long as you are an active member of the Suffolk community—commuter and resident students, faculty, and staff. Students and parents can now add funds to the Ram Account at www.ManageMyID.com. For more information about the Ram Account visit the Ram Account Web page, email mailto:ramcard@suffolk.edu or call the Office of the Bursar/Ram Card Services at 617.573.8407.
T Pass Program
Purchasing a monthly transportation pass (T pass) saves you money and time. Suffolk participates in a discount T pass program where you pay a flat rate at the beginning of the semester and pick up your pass at the start of each month. For more information, call the Student Activities Office at 617.573.8320 or visit the program Web page.
Also, be sure to check out the new CharlieCard Discount Book for deals on arts and entertainment options, restaurants, retail stores, health and fitness services, and more! Plus, most of the listings are easily accessible by the T.
Parking
Information regarding area parking can be found here.
Transportation
Amtrak
1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245)
http://www.amtrak.com
Trains run from North Station, South Station and Back Bay. For more information, visit the Amtrak website.
Long Distance Bus-Lines
Long distance travel lines are located at South Station. You can contact specific bus companies for updated schedules and information.
Peter Pan
1-800-343-9999
http://www.peterpanbus.com
Greyhound Bus
1-800-231-2222
http://www.greyhound.com
Zipcar
As a commuter student, did you know that you are entitled to a discounted membership with Zipcar? As one of Suffolk’s sustainability initiatives, the University formed a partnership with Zipcar in the spring of 2008, enabling Suffolk faculty, staff, and students who are 21+ to sign up for just $25. Visit www.zipcar.com/suffolk to join the dozens of Suffolk people who have already taken advantage of this opportunity.
Ridematching & Emergency Ride Home
If you plan on getting to campus with a car, you are encouraged to carpool. Through MassRIDES, you may access a free ridematching service. You may also enroll in an Emergency Ride Home program, which provides you with a ride home in the event of an emergency up to four times per year. To enroll, visit http://www.commute.com/.
Request access to the Off-Campus Housing and Neighborhood Resources Page on Campus Cruiser for more information on rideshares and carpooling. We have a message board for students who are looking to commute together.
Ride Your Bicycle
There are bike racks across campus if you want to “go green” and ride your bike.
- In the passageway north of the Donahue Building
- Across from the Sawyer Building the street at One Ashburton Place
- At 73 Tremont Street near the Tremont Place entrance to Mildred Sawyer Library
- In the Sargent Hall/Law School Garage
- At NESAD in the 10 St. James Avenue garage
For more information on bike safety and going “carless,” visit http://www.massbike.org/.
Suffolk University also has a brand-new student group dedicated to making our university a more bike-friendly environment. Visit Suffolk Bikes to find out the latest events that are going on and ways that this group is reaching out to the community.