This page provides a number of different resources for Longy students. While Longy is a non-residential campus, our students are very involved in campus life, and the Student Services Office is always available to help!
Student Resources [DRAFT]
STUDENT
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Students often form groups and associations based on common interests. Active organizations will vary from year to year and new groups are welcome and encouraged. Existing student organizations include:
The Longy Student Association is a group of elected representatives from the student body who advance student ideas and concerns, host events and activities, and bring the student community closer together. All students are encouraged to provide feedback to the LSA.
Members are nominated and elected annually by the Longy conservatory student body. The LSA By-Laws are available from the Student Services Office.
The LSA Facebook page allows students to stay up to date on LSA and Longy events and participate in an open-ended discussion of life at Longy.
LSA on FacebookContact: lsa@longy.edu
The Longy Black Student Union (BSU) is a student-led organization, welcoming all students to join and participate. The BSU serves as a place of fellowship for students and alumni of The Longy School of Music of Bard College, and moderates open discussions on topics related to race, diversity, socio-economic status, gender, inclusion, intersectionality. The BSU also regularly promotes and celebrates the accomplishments of Black creatives by curating events highlighting elements of the Black experience.
Longy also has these student-led organizations:
Latinx Student Union (LSU)
Queer Student Union (QSU)
Asian Students Alliance (ASA)
Mentor Collective
Longy is proud to offer the Mentor Collective Program, designed specifically to help our international students transition from acceptance to attendance.
What is Mentor Collective at Longy?
- Mentor Collective is a national online mentoring community
- Longy is one of many schools to partner with Mentor Collective to provide support within the community through mentorship
- Mentor Collective matches incoming Longy students with a trained mentor based on common interests, background and academics
- Mentors are highly qualified Longy upperclassmen and alumni
- If you have logistical questions at any point during your mentorship, feel free to email Becky Reuse at
What are the expectations for a Mentor Collective mentorship?
- MC mentorships involve meeting at least once per month, usually via video chat
- Longy.mentorcollective.org is the mentorship program’s online home base, where mentors and mentees can…
- Access discussion guides for each session
- Share insights on the mentee’s academic and individual concerns
What are other MC mentees saying about the experience?
- An expert friend before even arriving on campus: “It felt good to talk to someone and get to know the place that’ll be your home for the next 4 years!” – Aradhya
- Real-life examples of how to be successful at school and answers to important questions: “[My mentor] is the type of person that is easy to talk to. He answered all my questions with examples of his friends, which was a bonus for me.” – Bruno
- A role-model who really gets to know you and helps you reach your goals: “We talked quite a bit about who we are and what we hope to accomplish with our lives.” – Victoria
How can students get matched with a mentor and get started?
- Once you submit your deposit you will receive information from Longy about several important next steps, including directions to register for the mentor program
- Haven’t received this information or want to learn more? Contact or
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
Longy offers student accident and sickness health insurance coverage through Gallagher Student Health & Special Risk, a Massachusetts-based specialist in student health insurance. Students enrolled or planning to enroll at three-quarter or full time are automatically enrolled in the school’s plan and are billed for this coverage with their tuition statement each year.
Qualifying part-time students enrolled at half time or less may elect to enroll in the school’s health insurance program for a slightly higher cost.
Contact Admissions at for information regarding health insurance costs for part-time students or for single semester (fall-only or spring-only) costs.
Waiver Process
The waiver form is available starting in early June for Fall enrollment and early December for Spring enrollment. The deadline for completing the online waiver form is August 1 for the fall semester and January 31 for the spring semester.
If your current coverage is comparable to the Student Health Insurance Plan:
- Go to the Gallagher Student website.
- On the left toolbar, click ‘Student Waive/Enroll’.
- Log in (if you haven’t already).
- Click the ‘I want to Enroll/Waive’ button.
- Follow the instructions to complete the form.
- Print or write down your reference number. Receipt of this number only confirms submission, not acceptance, of your form.
If you believe you are enrolled in a health plan within the exceptions listed above, please contact Benjamin Nourse Gross in the Admissions Office at bgross@longy.edu.
Health Insurance Card
While Health Insurance cards are delivered to the school and will be available for pickup during the first week of classes, digital cards are available for download via the BCBSMA app or website.
Follow the instructions below to print your Health Insurance ID card or verification letter.
Health insurance cards can also be viewed and accessed by the MyBlue Member app. You can download this app on your phone via the App Store or Google Play by searching for the name “MyBlue Member.”
You will need your BCBS ID number in order to access this app. You can get this number by doing the following:
- Go to www.gallagherstudent.com/Longy
- Under “My Account” click on “Account Home”
- Login to your account and write down your “Claims ID number” (this is your BCBS Member ID number)
*You do not need to your Social Security Number to create your account. Enter your BCBS Member ID number in the Social Security Number field.
If you are having difficulty logging in to www.gallagherstudent.com contact Gallagher Student Health & Special Risk
Customer Service (Mon-Fri, 8:30am-8pm): 1 (877) 307-3120
LiveChat (8:30am-5pm): www.gallagherstudent.com/Longy
More information on the BCBS card can be found HERE
Physical Health
Finding a Doctor
There are a variety of doctors available to Longy Students in the neighborhood surrounding a campus. A few examples are listed here. More providers can be located by logging in to your healthcare website and searching their database.
Please Note:
- You should select a doctor within your insurance network for the best coverage. You may incur additional charges if you select a care provider outside of your network.
- Most specialists require a referral from a primary care provider. Please contact your doctor’s office for further information.
- Most in-office appointments require a co-payment. Details should be listed on your insurance card.
Browse our list of Local Physical Health Professionals
Prevention Information
The best way to avoid health problems is to take preventative measures. The following links offer advice for preventing the common cold, the flu, STDs, headaches, and injury.
Cold and Flu Prevention
- Make sure to get a flu shot every year. Flu shots are available at your local doctor’s office or at a local pharmacy, such as CVS.
- Wash your hands often.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze, cough, or blow your nose.
- Stay home if you are sick. Make sure to contact professors, teachers and ensemble coaches in advance if you will be absent.
- Tips for Flu Prevention
STD Prevention
Stress Prevention
A high level of stress can cause headaches, high blood pressure and emotional distress. The following tips may help you lower stress levels.
- Exercise
- Try relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. Consider taking Yoga for Musicians or Performance Techniques as one of your elective courses.
- Get enough sleep. Most people need between 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
- More Tips on Stress & Headache Prevention
Injury Prevention
- Take a Mind/Body Class: Alexander Technique, Body Mapping, Yoga for Musicians
- Discuss it with your teacher as soon as you notice signs of pain or discomfort.
- Exercise.
- Take practice breaks.
Mental Health | META Teletherapy
META is a mental health and wellness app that provides accessible and affordable mental health support to individuals. The app offers a range of features and tools to support mental wellness, including:
- Mindfulness and meditation exercises to help reduce stress and anxiety
- Mood tracking to monitor changes in mood and identify patterns
- Journaling to reflect on thoughts and emotions
- Personalized recommendations based on user preferences and needs
- Teletherapy services to connect users with licensed therapists
To use META, simply download the app from the App Store or Google Play and create an account. Once you’ve signed up, you can start exploring the different features and tools available on the app. If you’re interested in teletherapy services, you can schedule an appointment with a licensed therapist directly through the app.
With META, you can take control of your mental health and wellness and get the support you need, whenever and wherever you need it.
In addition to the features and tools listed above, META also offers resources to help users cope with academic and financial stress, which can be significant sources of anxiety and stress for many individuals. Watch this helpful webinar of META professionals discussing stress and techniques to deal with it:
META’s teletherapy services can connect users with licensed therapists who specialize in working with individuals who are experiencing stress related to academic and financial concerns. These therapists can provide strategies and tools for managing stress, improving time management and productivity, and setting and achieving academic and career goals.
The app also offers personalized recommendations and resources tailored to the user’s specific concerns and needs. For example, if the user indicates that they are experiencing stress related to academic workload or financial concerns, the app may recommend specific exercises or activities designed to help manage stress and anxiety related to those areas.
Overall, META is a valuable resource for anyone and provides the tools and support needed to manage stress and improve overall well-being.
TalkCampus
TalkCampus is an online community that provides a platform for people to connect and talk about mental health and emotional wellbeing. It is designed for individuals who may be experiencing emotional or psychological distress, as well as for those who want to offer support and advice to others.
The platform allows users to join various communities or groups based on their interests or mental health concerns. These groups are moderated by trained professionals who are there to provide guidance and support to users. Users can also participate in one-on-one chat sessions with trained counselors or therapists, either anonymously or using their real name.
TalkCampus.io is available on both desktop and mobile devices, making it accessible to users from anywhere in the world. It also offers a range of resources, including articles, videos, and tools to help users manage their mental health and wellbeing.
Overall, TalkCampus.io aims to provide a safe and supportive space for people to discuss mental health, share their experiences, and connect with others who may be going through similar challenges.
Students can download the TalkCampus app from the Google Play Store for Android devices or the App Store for iOS devices, or simply search for “TalkCampus” in the respective app store and download the app for free. Once the app is installed, they can create an account and start exploring the various communities and resources available on the platform.
LONGY
Campus Safety
Emergency Phone Numbers
| Cambridge Police Department |
(617) 349-3300
|
| Cambridge Fire Department | (617) 349-4900 |
| Cambridge Hospital (CHA) | (617) 665-1000 |
| Emergencies | Dial 9-1-1 |
Campus Safety
If you or someone you know experiences sexual harassment or unlawful misconduct, please follow the Campus Safety Support and Reporting Options document below. You can also refer to page 23 in the Student Handbook.
Opiate Drug Abuse
College aged students continue to be at risk for prescription and recreational drug abuse at alarming rates.
- Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health show that non-prescription opiate use among those ages 18-25 rose to 11.8% and we can estimate that this number has increased, following the national trend in more recent years.
- Opiate deaths are on the rise. In 2015 there were more than 52,000 opiate-related deaths in 2015. That is more than the total of deaths from car crashes (37,757) and death by gun (36,252).
Next to prevention, the best method in reducing student opiate deaths is knowing how to reverse an actual overdose once it has happened. Naloxone is a life-saving antidote that can save the life of someone overdosing on opiates.
Naloxone has been recommended by U.S. Surgeon General and can help save a life.
- This non-addictive, non-lethal medication can be administered by anyone and has the capacity to reverse an overdose within seconds.
- This drug has proven itself time and time again, even reversing 10,000 overdoses between 1996-2010.
Facilities
SCHOOL YEAR HOURS
Buildings Are Accessible Only via ID Card
ZABRISKIE HOUSE
| Monday – Saturday | 8:00 am – 11:00 pm |
| Sunday | 8:00 am – 10:00 pm |
REY WALDSTEIN BUILDING
| Monday – Saturday | 8:00 am – 10:00 pm |
| Sunday | 9:00 am – 9:00 pm |
Please note the facilities crew will ask students to vacate classrooms and practice rooms one hour prior to closing time. Students are welcome to stay in the common areas (Bistro, Lounge, Library) during this time.
Emergency Funds
At Longy School of Music, we’re always here to help in any way we can. We understand the challenges of life can sometimes lead to dire situation requiring immediate access to funds otherwise unattainable.
For that reason, if a student at Longy is experiencing an emergency in which immediate funding is needed, we invite them to be in touch with the Student Services office immediately, and by submitting the following form along with supporting documentation.
Food Pantry
At the beginning of the Spring 2023 semester, Longy School of Music launched a Community Food Pantry to help students who may be experiencing food insecurity. Located in the basement lobby of the Rey-Waldstein building, this food pantry is free for students to use, 7 days a week. Funded by an anonymous donor, we do our best to keep the shelves full week after week.
While the anonymous donor’s funds are incredibly helpful and appreciated, the inventory in the Food Pantry tends to deplete quite rapidly. If you would like to donate to the Food Pantry, please bring your donations to the Student Services office on the 2nd floor of the Zabriskie building.
You can also make monetary donations via credit/debit cards. To do so, please follow these instructions: visit The Longy Donation Page and select “Other.” In the text box please write “community pantry” to ensure your donation goes towards supporting this cause.
We greatly appreciate all of the love and support that continuously pours in from our wonderful and caring community.
Housing
Longy Roommate Board
We have a private Facebook group called the Longy Roommate Board that connects Longy students who want to live together. You can use this service to request a roommate or to contact students who have already posted requests. Join the group to start connecting with potential roommates
Partnership with East Coast Realty
Longy has partnered with East Coast Realty to provide a resource page for incoming students. Here you can search for an apartment, connect with a trusted realtor, and find a step-by-step guide to securing housing.
View the Longy/East Coast Realty Housing Resources page
While East Coast Realty and Longy School of Music of Bard College have partnered to provide this resource for prospective students, we have no formal financial or legal arrangement. You are not obligated to secure housing through this arrangement and should explore all available resources before signing a lease. Longy does not receive remuneration for housing arrangements secured through this partnership.
Transportation
The Greater Boston Area offers many options for transportation and Cambridge has a walk score of 88!
Longy assists students with finding the most affordable means of getting around the city and offers several resources to members of the community.
Public Transportation
The MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority), or the “T” for short, operates Boston area subways, commuter rail, trolleys, and buses. The MBTA website provides useful tools to map your location, create point-to-point directions, and view schedules and fares: www.mbta.com
Semester T Pass Program
The MBTA offers an 11% discount on monthly fares when students purchase a Semester T Pass through Longy. These passes can only be purchased twice a year prior to beginning of the semester. All students will be contacted via email when registration for MBTA passes opens in the fall and the spring.
Fall Semester Pass
4-month pass (September 1 through December 31)
Order Deadline: August 10
Spring Semester Pass
5-month pass (January 1 through May 31)
Order Deadline: December 12