Commuter/Graduate Support Services
Even though you aren't always on campus, commuter students are a vital part of the Simmons community and we strive to make it easier to stay connected. Below is your quick guide for being a commuting student. We encourage graduate students to be in direct contact with their academic programs for academic resources!
Connect with a Student Support Specialist from the REEF Support Center
The REEF Support Center is here to support commuter students in accessing resources on campus. Though you will find commuter-specific resources below, our Support Specialists are here to review resources and navigate campus. Email: [email protected]
Our Transportation resources list everything you need to know about getting to campus, from discounted MBTA passes to on-campus parking!
Once you get to campus, you can dine at any eating venue. Students can purchase meals on campus with cash, card, or Fenway Cash, or sign up for a meal plan. If you're looking for a convenient and cost-saving way to dine on campus, consider a commuter dining plan that fits your needs.
Many of our students also opt to bring their meals to campus. We welcome you to store your meals in a lunchbox in our community fridge located in the Commuter Student Lounge (A-075).
- The REEF Support Center offers year-round programming that centers resource sharing and commuter support! Follow @simmonsreef on Instagram for updates and events
- Commuter Student Organization
- The Commuter Student Organization (CSO) holds meetings in the lounge, which are open to the entire Simmons community. Since the organization is vitally important in keeping commuter students involved and connected, we encourage all commuter students to get involved on a regular basis or as your schedule allows. For further information on the Commuter Student Organization, please email Commuter Students Organization orfollow them on Instagram @simmonscso.
- Campus Connect for Undergraduate Students
- Campus Connect is our one-stop virtual location for campus engagement at Simmons. There are all sorts of student organization meetings, workout classes, COF events, and more going on. Get logged in, get connected, and get involved at Simmons!
The Commuter Student/Dix Scholar Lounge is on the ground level of the Main College Building. The space features tables for getting work done, couches for lounging, and is the perfect place to relax with friends between classes. In the space, students will find a commuter fridge for storing meals, a microwave, a tea kettle, games, office supplies, occasional snacks, and programming! The space is also home to the REEF Support Center.
Simmons offers Commuter Lockers on the ground floor of the Main Campus Building (located across from the bookstore as well as down the hallway past dining services and the mailroom). Lockers are available to commuter students on a first-come, first-locked basis. We cannot hold or guarantee lockers for students if the locker does not have a lock on it.
In an effort to manage the lockers, we ask that all students register their lockers with us each year.
Locker registration for Fall/Spring 2024 starts on August 12th.
To reserve a locker:
- Purchase a locker lock (available at the Simmons Bookstore, target, etc.)
- Select a locker, located anywhere across from the bookstore or down the hallway
- Email [email protected] with your name, ID, and locker number to reserve your locker. You will receive an email confirmation and will be notified at the end of the semester to clean out your locker.
Students must clean their lockers and remove the padlock and locker contents at the end of the academic year. The University takes no responsibility for items left in the lockers.
Many of our students opt to live off-campus, but with students from over sixty colleges and universities in Greater Boston, there is a high demand for suitable housing. Learn more about the housing resources available to you by visiting the Off-Campus Housing and Housing Access Resources by visiting the REEF Support Center website. Our resources are a great starting place for first time renters, renters new to Boston, and students who could use some problem solving!
Common Commuter Questions
Do I have access to the residence campus?
As a commuter, you are welcome to visit friends at the Residence Campus. Please note that your Simmons ID will not give you access to the Residence Halls so, you will need to be accompanied by a friend. Commuter students can stay overnight as a guest of a residential student.
Do commuters have a study space?
Commuters have access to the Simmons Library, University Center, and other academic buildings. All students can reserve study space through the Library.
What time can I arrive on campus?
Campus opens at 7am and officially closes at 11pm.
I am not sure where the office I need is located. What do I do?
Try the Who Can Help @ Simmons website for a directory of offices, their location, and contact.
What other Simmons resources can I access?
As a commuter, you have access to many of the same offices on campus that are accessed by residential students at no additional charge. This includes the Health Center, Counseling Center, Holmes Sports Center, Fit@Simmons Classes, and the Tutoring/Writing Center just to name a few!
Where can I get support with food?
The REEF Support Center has compiled a list of Food Access resources in the Boston area that can be accessed on our Food Access webpage.We specifically recommend getting connected to the Community Resource Room and the Guest Meal Swipe Bank.
Where can I access study space or reserve rooms for group meetings/studying?
Information about study spaces (including a 24-hour study space) can be explored on the Library website. Additional meeting rooms can be booked with Simmons room reservations.