Opportunities for studying off-campus exist at the nearby Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In the sophomore year, many departments assign students a tutor in their area of interest, and tutorial groups meet weekly. Early meetings give an overview of the chosen discipline, while later they explore single topics. A large number of undergraduates go on to pursue advanced studies, with many entering medical or law school. Almost all undergraduates reside on campus.
Freshmen live together in dormitories in the central part of campus.
As sophomores, students are assigned to small communities called houses where they live for the remainder of their college career. Students can enter the housing lottery in groups so that friends can stay together. A master and a tutorial staff oversee each residence. Houses are coeducational and conduct many social activities. All include dining facilities and a library.