Welcome to Commuter Student Life at Emmanuel College!
Our goal is to ensure that the unique needs of commuter students are met. Offices and departments across campus offer several services and opportunities with this goal in mind.
If you have any questions or concerns about your commuter experience, email Brian Quinlan at Quinlanb2 [at] emmanuel.edu (Quinlanb2[at]emmanuel[dot]edu)
Commuter Welcome Day 2024
Wednesday, August 28th
12:00-4:00 PM
Class of 2028 new commuter students are invited to join us for a special welcome event before the fall semester begins. Highlights will include:
- Have lunch on us in our Marian Hall Dining Room
- Connect with campus resources
- Meet and interact with upperclassmen and student leaders
- Win giveaways throughout the event including MBTA passes. Uber gift cards & more!
Commuter Lounge
Looking for a place to relax between classes, grab a meal, hang with your friends or study that's just for you? The Commuter Lounge in Marian 315 is the official hangout for Emmanuel's commuter students.
This space is open during normal JYC operating hours, and is equipped with many amenities, including computers, a big screen tv, plenty of soft seating and study tables, as well as a refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker. We even have spare 3-ring binders if you forget yours. Stop in and relax in between classes or catch a nap.
Lockers
As a commuter, you are eligible to rent a locker in Marian 317 to minimize the amount of "stuff" you have to carry around campus! Once you apply and pay your deposit fee, you will receive a lock and a locker assignment. Lockers left in good condition with the lock returned will receive a refund on their locker rental deposit. There are limited lockers available, and lockers are rented semester to semester. Students are responsible for clearing out their space at the end of each semester.
If you are interested in receiving a locker, reach out to the Office of Student Involvement at osi [at] emmanuel.edu (osi[at]emmanuel[dot]edu) and keep an eye on your Emmanuel email.
Facilities and Study Space
Just because you don't live on campus, doesn't mean Emmanuel can't feel like home! Time on campus isn't all classes and meetings; you may want to find somewhere to hang out and relax outside of the commuter lounge.
You have full access to all campus spaces, including the common area of our new residence hall. The Jean Yawkey Center (JYC), is your living room on campus, and home to the Commuter Lounge, dining hall, and plenty of places to hang out. There are study lounges located in the Wilkens Science Center on each floor, and you can always find a spot in the Cardinal Cushing Library.
Fitness and Gym Access
All commuters have access to fitness facilities on campus (Jean Yawkey Center, St. Julie Hall and St. Joseph's Hall Basement) and to Roberto Clemente Field. To access any fitness center on campus, simply check in with the front desk of each building and leave your Emmanuel ID with the staff while you work out.
We also offer spin classes, weekly Zumba classes with the Zumba Club, weekly yoga with the Yoga Club, and access to the COF Intramurals program. St. Julie Hall also has a dance studio, and we offer open gymnasium hours in the Jean Yawkey Center every day. If you want to work out in between classes, you can utilize locker room facilities in the JYC to freshen up!
Meals and Dining
A commuter meal plan is a great option if you think you will have at least 1 meal a day on campus. Please view options on the Dining Services website. Plans can be purchased at any time in the semester, but they are non-refundable!
Fenway Cash is like a debit card, but funds are loaded onto your EC ID card. FC can be used at all campus dining facilities, local vendors, as well as our vending machines and the Bookstore.
There are refrigerators, microwaves and other kitchen facilities across campus for you to access if you want to pack your meals:
- Commuter Lounge - Marian 315 - fridge with a freezer, microwave and a Keurig.
- JYC Atrium and Muddy River Cafe offer microwaves so you can heat up and eat with your friends
Discounted MBTA Passes
Prior to the start of each semester, you will have the opportunity to register for a discounted MBTA pass. When you get a pass through the semester program, you get an 11% fare discount. Your CharlieCard or CharlieTicket arrives loaded with the Semester Pass of your choice, depending on which mode of transit you take the most:
- Semester LinkPass: Unlimited travel on subway and local bus
- Semester Commuter Rail Pass: Unlimited travel on the Commuter Rail (up to the zone distance purchased), plus unlimited subway and local bus trips
For bus and subway passes, you'll get a CharlieCard that is active for the entire semester. For Commuter Rail and ferry passes, you'll get a new CharlieTicket each month. Information on how to sign up will be sent to you via email, so keep an eye out for it toward the tail end of each semester!
For more information on MBTA passes, you can contact osi [at] emmanuel.edu (osi[at]emmanuel[dot]edu).
The MBTA offers many tools to help you plan your commute. You can sign up for direct text updates on your commute, and get information on the Transit app, which helps track trains and busses in real time, and up to the minute information on delays or service interruptions.
Longwood Medical Area Shuttles
Emmanuel College is part of the Longwood Medical Area, and as a student, you get access to FREE transportation to and from campus, as well as around Boston. LMA shuttles run on 9 different routes, including pick up from MBTA stations and other COF campuses. All you need is your Emmanuel ID, and you are set to catch a ride!
Parking
A limited number of parking spaces are available for commuter students commuting from home. Please visit the Parking page for more information. Please note that there is a semester cost for parking passes.