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.

Reach out to Zishi Liu to begin the conversation!

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.

Many apartments in Boston provide heat and hot water as part of the monthly lease cost but require tenants to create and manage accounts with outside vendors for their electric, gas, and Wi-Fi. Always refer to your lease agreement when making decisions about utilities. Often your apartment will only be set up for one provider of each type of utility, so be sure to check with your landlord as to which utility company you should use before contacting a company. Also, companies usually offer discounts for combined phone, cable, and internet services. 

• Electricity or Gas
  NStar, 800-592-2000
  National Grid, 800-322-3223 

• Cable/Internet
  Comcast, 800-COMCAST
  RCN, 800-RING-RCN
  Verizon, 800-870-9999 

• Heating
  Costs can be included in your monthly rent or can be charged to your apartment every quarter. Heating costs during the winter months are naturally much higher than in other seasons and are often separate from electricity charges.  Be sure to ask what the average cost for heating is per quarter/month if applicable.
  

Most landlords require you to invest in an insurance policy that provides coverage for your personal property from loss due to theft, fire, or flooding. These policies are relatively inexpensive, especially considering how useful they can be in the event of a major misfortune. They also generally include protection from personal liability if a visitor is injured while in your apartment. It would also be a good idea to find a policy that provides coverage for your instrument(s). Policies can be obtained through a private insurer or through the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriters Association (MPIUA), also known as FAIR Plan. 

• MPIUA/FAIR Plan
  2 Center Plaza, 7th Floor
  Boston, MA 02108
  www.mpiua.com 

Information on tenant rights, laws, and protection within the state of Massachusetts can be accessed here.

As a student, you need to consider the following when deciding to rent an apartment or room:

• Distance of the apartment from Longy
• Accessibility to public transportation
• Rent and other costs, such as security deposits and/or realtor fees
• Cost of utilities and whether heating is electric or gas (electric heat is far more expensive)
• Conditions of the lease that the landlord will require. These include time of payment, proper use of the apartment, maintenance and repair, subletting, and ending the lease
• Cost of furnishing the apartment in the way you prefer to live

Although it is possible to find apartments which are rented on a month-to-month basis, most renters sign leases. The lease is a legal agreement between the tenant and the landlord that the tenant will stay in the apartment for a certain amount of time and pay the landlord a certain amount of money per month. It is meant to protect you as the renter as much as it is to protect the landlord, so make sure that everything that is agreed upon is in writing and that the landlord gives you a copy of the lease for your records. Also, be sure to read the lease thoroughly before signing it. If you would like to make any changes, discuss them with the landlord before you sign your name. The most common lease term is one year (12 months), not the 9-month academic year. If you rent an apartment in September and do not expect to stay in the apartment during the following summer, it is common for students to find people to sublet the apartment temporarily. Please keep in mind that when subletting your apartment to someone, you are responsible if that person does not pay the rent.

Follow these lease guidelines:

• Read everything carefully.
• Be sure the form is complete before signing. If you have made special lease agreements with the landlord, make sure they have been added and are signed by both you and the landlord. Find out how the lease can be renewed when the term is finished. Keep a copy of the lease signed by you and the landlord.
• Your lease should include:
• Beginning and ending dates of the contract
• Amount of the rent
• Security deposit cost and what it covers
• Furniture and appliances included with the apartment or house
• Procedures for subletting
• Party responsible for yard and shoveling of snow, trash removal, etc.
• Whether utilities are included in the rent
• Whether there is a parking space included

Common Lease Requirements:

• Amount of Rent – When you sign a lease you promise to pay the entire amount, not just the monthly amount. This means that if you leave the apartment before your lease expires, the landlord may require you, by law, to pay the rest of the rent due.
• Amount of Security Deposit – The landlord is required to pay you interest on this amount. You should ask the landlord what the interest rate is equal to.
• Rent Due Date – Rent is usually due on the first day of each month. If the rent is not paid on time, there is usually an extra charge you must pay.
• Length of Lease – Most leases are for one year. You may be able to sign shorter leases at some apartments, although the rent may be higher.
• Maintenance Requirements – You are expected to keep the apartment clean and free of excess garbage. If you break anything in the apartment, you are expected to pay to have it repaired. Normal wear is expected. However, grease on kitchen walls, for example, is not considered normal wear and a landlord may deduct from your security deposit to have the walls painted.
• Breaking the contract – If you leave the apartment before the end of the lease, you may still be required to pay the remaining months’ rent if you cannot find another renter.
• Subletting – With many apartments, you will not be allowed to rent the apartment to another person without the owner’s written permission. Be sure that you understand this if you think you may want to leave before your lease ends.

Please Note: 

It is common for landlords to require you to pay the first month’s rent, the last month’s rent, and a security deposit, which is usually the equivalent of one month’s rent. There is also often a broker fee equal to one month’s rent, which is the cost of working with a realtor to help you secure the apartment. Make sure you get a receipt for every payment made to the landlord. If there is no damage to the apartment while you are living there, the security deposit will be refunded to you in full when you move out. As a result, the initial costs of moving into an apartment are high but become more affordable after the initial deposit. 

 Beware of predatory landlords! See this resource for more information. 

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

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. 

Campus Safety Support & Reporting Options 

Incident Report 

ACADEMIC YEAR HOURS

Buildings are accessible only via ID Card. Subject to change for performances. 

ZABRISKIE HOUSE

REY WALDSTEIN BUILDING

SUMMER HOURS

Buildings are accessible only via ID Card. Subject to change for performances.

ZABRISKIE HOUSE

REY WALDSTEIN BUILDING

BUILDINGS CLOSED

Labor Day
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Thanksgiving (Thursday and Friday)
Winter Break
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Memorial Day
Summer Break
Juneteenth
Independence Day (United States)

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. (Source: the Center for Disease Control (CDC)) 

 Why should you care about mental health?

• Mental health is health; it’s just as important as physical health
• Bad mental health can increase risk for certain diseases and negative health outcomes
• It can negatively impact your performance in school and work
• It can negatively impact your relationships with family and friends
• It is very common – 1 in 5 US adults (or 40 million people) have a mental illness (Source: the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI))

How Can You Improve Your Mental Health?

• Exercise & move your body in ways that excite you! Play a group sport, go to the gym, swim, dance – whatever makes you happy to move about!
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet – proteins, fiber, carbs, sugar, fats – it’s all important! If you have questions about food resources or cooking please contact student.services@longy.edu.
• Take breaks and time for yourself. Spend time with your support system – friends, family, and community members.
• Get a good night’s sleep
• Talk to someone you trust if you’re having a hard time. Let someone know if you need extra support. Mental health concerns are very common and are not something to be ashamed of if you are struggling.

Longy has put together a CARE team (Concern, Assessment, Response, Evaluation) to respond to and prevent dangerous situations within the Longy community.  

Who is part of the CARE team? 

Lucyn Martindale, Associate Director of Student Services
Rebecca Teeters, Acting Associate Dean
Tyler Reece, Acting Dean
Benjamin Nourse Gross, Acting Director of Admissions and PDSO
Natalie Bavos-Chen, Admissions Counselor 

What does the CARE team do? 

Our CARE team ensures that everyone on campus is aware of the safety and well-being resources we have available and helps find a solution that works best for every individual. 

When the CARE team receives a report, we consider many factors to help us understand if there is any immediate danger to the reported individual or the community. Regardless of the severity of the situation, the CARE team will always connect with associated parties to ensure they have the appropriate resources to feel safe. 

When should I report a situation? 

The CARE team encourages the community to utilize a “see something, say something” mentality when reporting a situation. When in doubt, we recommend thinking about the following questions: 

Is someone you know … 

• behaving differently than you normally witness? 

• experiencing a decline in work or academic performance? 

• demonstrating disruptive or disturbing behavior? 

• having problems at home, with classes or work? 

• making disturbing comments in conversation, email, letters, social media postings or papers? 

• sad, anxious or experiencing dramatic mood shifts? 

• abusing alcohol or drugs? 

• isolating themselves socially? 

• frequently angry or easily frustrated? 

If any of this reminds you of a situation you are aware of, we encourage you to let us know at care@longy.edu. 

If you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or need to talk to someone about mental or emotional distress, consider sessions with a therapist or counselor. There are many different kinds of therapists, so it is best to look at options that could be the right fit for you. It’s also important to know if your specific insurance plan covers mental health or therapeutic services.

Places to Find Care and Support

• Off-Campus Clinicians – Cambridge-based therapy practice that offers in-person and virtual appointments.
• Thriveworks and Alma – Search networks for therapists. These typically require insurance.
• Open Path Psychotherapy Collective – Cambridge local search network for therapists for individuals without insurance or mental health coverage. Sessions typically cost between $30.00-$70.00.
• Cambridge Health Alliance Behavioral Health Center – Mental Health urgent care, accepts walk-ins.
• Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Health | Boston.gov – Citywide resources through Mass.gov.

If you would like to discuss which mental health resources would be best for you, please feel free to schedule a meeting with Associate Director of Student Services, Lucyn Martindale.

Longy is proud to offer TalkCampus to our students, a global platform that connects students from all walks of life to offer support, community, and answers to questions that they may not find elsewhere about the college experience. Students can download the TalkCampus app (available on the App Store and Google Play) and sign in using their longy email address.

What you can access on the app:

• Peer-to-peer support from around the world in 26 different languages. Connect with other students to build a safe, supportive community to show that you are not alone.
• A 24/7 clinical help line for urgent mental health care needs. You’ll be connected with a licensed counselor in minutes who can help.

TalkCampus also offers counseling to students in need. If you are interested in counseling, please fill out this form to be connected with the TalkCampus Counseling Network.

We understand that International Students face specific issues when attending school in another country. For more information, videos, and helpful tips for international students check out this International Student’s Emotional and Mental Health Awareness page. 

There are a variety of doctors available to Longy Students in the neighborhood surrounding campus. 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 have to pay additional costs 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 co-payment. Details should be listed on your insurance card. 

 Local Physical Health Professionals 

Getting plenty of sleep, staying hydrated, moving your body and eating nutritious, regular meals are easy ways to keep your immune system strong to prevent illness and injury. There are many pharmacies nearby for over-the-counter medicines and other medical supplies. If you are worried you may be sick, consult with your professors to see if there are options to join class virtually. If you miss class due to illness, you are responsible for communicating with the professor to complete any missed work.  If you develop an injury related to your instrument, speak with your teacher about ways you can adjust to keep your body safe and healthy. 

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. 

Naloxone Guide – Everything you Need to Know 

As a student enrolled in full-time education in the state of Massachusetts, you are required by law to have health insurance coverage for certain medical needs and emergency services. 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 admissions@longy.edu for information regarding health insurance costs for part-time students or for single semester (fall-only or spring-only) costs. 

• Benefits & Plan Information 

• Find a Doctor 

• Find a Pharmacy 

 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 you have an existing plan or want to purchase a plan comparable to the Student Health Insurance Plan: 

• You will receive an email from Gallagher with your login details. You will need to use the personal email address you used to apply to Longy. 

• 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 have questions about your health insurance plan, please contact Lucyn Martindale at lmartindale@longy.edu. 

Health Insurance Card 

While physical 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. 

 You can download the app “MyBlue Member” on your phone via the App Store or Google Play 

You will need your BCBS ID number 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 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 

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 all Longy community members to use, 7 days a week. The pantry is stocked by the helpful donations of the Harvard Square Churches Meal Program. This program is made up of 10 Cambridge area churches who combine their efforts to host a hot meal program every Thursday at 5:00pm. We are always looking for volunteers to help prepare and serve the meal, interact with guests, or perform during the meal service.  

While the HSCMP donations are generous, the inventory in the Food Pantry tends to deplete quite rapidly. In the spirit of community and supporting each other, if you are not experiencing food insecurity, please leave food items for those in need. 

We recognize that the food pantry tends to deplete quite rapidly. If you are in need of additional resources, there are some other options in the Cambridge area. Please also contact Lucyn Martindale in Student Services (student.services@longy.edu) if you are struggling with food insecurity and need additional assistance. 

SNAP/EBT Benefits in Massachusetts 

You can apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly known as food stamps) depending on your income. Please use this page of the Mass.gov website to see if you’re eligible and apply. 

East End House 

Hours: Tuesdays: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM; Fridays: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM 

Address: 105 Spring Street, Cambridge, MA 02141 

This food pantry provides canned and dry food, meats, dairy, and fresh produce to those in need. Members are allowed to visit the pantry twice a month. People who visit this food pantry are required to register in-person and provide 2 forms of identification. For more information, please visit their website. 

Elnora Yard Food Pantry – St. Paul’s AME 

Hours: Wednesdays: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM; Thursdays: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM 

Address: 85 Bishop Allen Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139 

This food pantry provides a variety of fresh and canned produce to families and individuals in the Cambridge and Greater Boston area. To utilize this pantry, visitors are required to bring proof of residence, proof of household, and will complete a client intake form. This food pantry also features holiday programs, such as a Thanksgiving Turkey Drive. For general and contact information please visit their website. 

 Fair Foods Program 

Hours: Tuesdays – Saturdays; times vary by location 

Address: Up to 20 locations in the Boston area 

Fair Foods is a program that provides bags of over 12 pounds of fresh produce for $2. They have no eligibility requirements or ID checks. You can take as many bags as you need. They operate five days a week at various locations throughout Boston. Check their website for locations and times. 

First Church in Cambridge Friday Café 

Hours: Fridays: 12:00PM – 3:00PM 

Address: 11 Garden St., Cambridge, MA 02138 

The Friday Café, a weekly daytime drop-in program, offers a welcoming space where homeless and housed adults can gather and get to know each other. Serving an average of 100 guests a week, it offers food and coffee, rest and resources to people living on the margins—but most importantly, community. At the Friday Café, people experiencing a wide variety of life circumstances can relax, share a meal, and talk together as friends. To learn more, please visit their website. 

Margaret Fuller House 

Hours: Wednesdays: 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM; Thursdays: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM; Fridays: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM; Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM 

Address: 71 Cherry Street, Cambridge, MA 02139 

This food pantry provides a variety of fresh food to its patrons. Visitors must register for the pantry and provide proof of residence in the Cambridge and Greater Boston area. Patrons of this food pantry may receive food twice a month. For more information, please visit their website. 

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 situations requiring immediate access to funds that would be otherwise unattainable. 

For that reason, if a student at Longy is experiencing an emergency in which immediate funding is needed, we invite them to contact the Student Services Office immediately, and by submitting the following form along with supporting documentation. 

Student Emergency Fund Request Form 

Graduate Fellowship opportunities offer real-world professional experience, enabling students to broaden their horizons while reducing tuition fees by up to $8,000 annually. By working in academic or administrative departments, Longy’s Graduate Fellows receive training in valuable skills which will serve them well in the changing professional music world. Graduate fellows work in their assigned position for 10 hours per week. Applicants to Longy wishing to be considered for a Fellowship can note their interest in the online application. 

Teaching Assistants receive up to a $10,000 yearly deduction from tuition and work 10 hours per week within the public-school system and/or community music program sites that participate in Longy’s Side-by-Side Orchestra. Teaching is an essential skill for every musician, and Teaching Assistantships enable students to gain valuable, hands-on classroom and pedagogical experience. Though primarily music mentors, Teaching Assistants also have the opportunity to lead sectionals, help plan lessons, and work collaboratively with expert instructors. Applicants to Longy wishing to be considered for an assistantship can note their interest in the online application. 

For more information about Longy Institutional Aid, see Scholarships and Aid. 

Please Note: 

All students must have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) to begin work on campus. Please see Social Security Numbers for details. 

Longy does not participate in the Federal Work-Study Program; therefore, On-Campus Employment (OCE) is not part of a student’s financial aid package.  

Who is Eligible: Full-time, in-person students are given priority consideration during the hiring process. This includes international students on F-1 visas and all U.S. students. Students on the J-1 visa may work with permission of their sponsoring organization.  

Hours of Work: A student can work no more than 20 hours per week on campus. On a case-by-case basis, hiring managers may request prior approval from HR to hire a student to work more than this maximum. 

Summer Work: Hiring managers must get approval from HR if they wish to hire a student to work during the holiday breaks and/or summer break. 

Payment: Within 3 days of being hired for a position, but before completing any work, a student must visit Human Resources to fill out forms M-4, W-4, I-9 and direct deposit. All employees must provide a social security number and appropriate identification as directed by the I-9. For international students considering on-campus employment opportunities, please be aware that it can take up to six weeks to receive your social security card. Students without a social security number, required identification, or who do not complete the forms before doing work will not be paid. Timesheets must be approved and signed by the student’s supervisor and are due in the Business Office by the posted deadlines. Payday is every two weeks on Friday, and paychecks may be picked up at the Front Desk. Direct deposit is also available. Contact Human Resources for more information. 

Open Positions: OCE job openings will be communicated to all in-person students via email by the Office of Student Services. Instructions on how to apply and any relevant contact information will be included in the announcement. Students are supervised by their respective hiring manager. Any work environment or supervisory issues must be brought to the attention of Human Resources. 

Many students work while being in school, and there are many different opportunities students can seek to earn income while balancing their education.  

*Please note: International students have different regulations than domestic students for off-campus employment. Please see International Student Regulations for details. 

• Arts Jobs 

• Whether you want to perform, teach, provide administrative services, or something else entirely, there are many organizations in Boston in the arts that need part-time employees. For example, you can usher for the Boston Symphony Orchestra! Please refer to hireculture.org to look for arts-based jobs specific to Massachusetts. 

• Restaurant/Barista/Retail Work 

• Many students find that working at a restaurant, cafe or clothing store provides a reliable source of income while they are in school. Many of these job postings can be found on websites such as Indeed.com or LinkedIn, or on the direct company website. 

• Longy Off-Campus Employment Board 

• We are frequently sent opportunities for students to work off-campus, either for individual gigs or recurring work opportunities. Please see the Off-Campus Employment Board for more. 

International students are allowed to do On-Campus Employment (OCE) for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the school year. On a case-by-case basis, hiring managers may request prior approval from HR to hire a student to work more than this maximum during vacations (no more than 40 hours). If a student is combining On-Campus Employment with CPT, the combined hours (on-campus and off-campus) cannot be more than 20 hours per week during the school year and 40 hours during school holidays and vacations. Students will be notified of available OCE opportunities at the beginning of each semester. 

• Students may start on-campus employment in their first semester. 

• Students should apply to all OCE positions directly to the department contact listed on the job posting 

• Students must obtain a social security number (see below for more information) before they can begin working. In addition, students will be required to fill out necessary OCE employment paperwork before they begin working: 

• Form I9 

• Form M4 MA Withholding Tax 

• Form W4 

• ADP Direct Deposit Form 

• Students should be aware that they must pay state and federal taxes on any money which they earn. 

A benefit of the F1 student visa is the ability to work off-campus in your chosen field as practical training. This means that students can work in the field of music with authorization by USCIS prior to employment. These benefits are called Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). 

Both are designed to give students the opportunity to gain meaningful, practical experience that will enrich their academic program. Employment authorization is automatically terminated when the student fails to maintain status. 

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) 

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows students to work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and 40 hours per week during vacations in music-related employment off-campus. If a student is combining CPT with On-Campus, the combined hours (on-campus and off-campus) cannot be more than 20 hours per week during the school year and 40 hours during school holidays and vacations. 

Graduate Students attending a U.S. institution for the first time – may not participate in CPT until the second semester of their program. Exceptions may be made if the student’s studio teacher gives specific approval for this work. 

Transfer students or graduate students that have completed a program in the U.S.can participate in CPT during their first semester. 

Students must provide two pieces of documentation to a DSO before EACH employment is scheduled to begin. The Faculty Approval form must be completed by a private instructor or department chair, and employers must complete the Employer Attestation. 

Optional Practical Training (OPT) 

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows students to work to apply for work permission for 12 months after their completed program is finished. Students must submit a formal application to Longy’s PDSO before applying to USCIS for OPT approval. Students with approved OPT are expected to work full-time (40 hours per week) in a music-related field. 

Students should apply for OPT approximately three months before the graduation or course completion date. A presentation is schedule 1 week before the application opens. For instructions on filing I-765 application form, please follow the link. 

Any OPT completed prior to graduation counts against the total time permitted. OPT following graduation/course completion is only available on a full-time basis. All Graduate programs are only eligible for 12 months of OPT, meaning that a student will only receive 12 months of OPT total for the Master of Music, Graduate Performance Diploma, Graduate Diploma in Composition, and Artist Diploma. If a student decides to do multiple programs, either at Longy or another school, a student may choose to split the 12 months of OPT available between the programs. Please see the Student Services Office for more information if you are considering this option. 

Once approved for OPT, you will be required to report your employment and maintain status. 

Types of Work that Constitute Employment while on OPT 

• Regular paid employment 

• Payment by multiple short-term multiple employers. Students, such as musicians and other performing artists, may work for multiple short term employers (gigs). The student should maintain a list of all gigs, the dates and duration. If requested by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), students must be prepared to provide a list of all gigs. 

• Work for hire. This is also commonly referred to as 1099 employment where an individual performs a service based on a contractual relationship rather than an employment relationship. If requested by DHS, students must be prepared to provide evidence showing the duration of the contract periods and the name and address of the contracting company. 

• Self-employed business owner. Students on OPT may start a business and be self-employed. In this situation, the student must work full time. The student must be able to prove that he or she has the proper business licenses and is actively engaged in a business related to the student’s degree program. 

• Employment through an agency. Students on post-completion OPT must be able to provide evidence showing they worked an average of at least 20 hours per week while employed by the agency. 

• Volunteers or unpaid interns. SEVP says, “Students may work as volunteers or unpaid interns, where this does not violate any labor laws. The work must be at least 20 hours per week for students on post-completion OPT. These students must be able to provide evidence from the employer that the student worked at least 20 hours per week during the period of employment.” 

Students may be denied future immigration benefits that rely on the student’s valid F1 status if DHS determines that the student exceeded the limitations on unemployment. Additionally, the government may examine SEVIS data for an individual, a selected group, or all students on post-completion OPT and terminate a student’s record if it fails to show the student maintained the proper period of employment. 

To work on- or off-campus, students must have a Social Security number or a taxpayer identification number issued by the government. To acquire an SSN, you must apply in person at the Social Security Administration Office. 

 The nearest office to the Longy campus is located at 10 Fawcett Street, Cambridge (take the #78 bus west and get off at the Concord Avenue/Fawcett Street stop). 

If you are in international student, you must present the following documents to apply: 

• Passport with your visa 

• I-20 with CPT work authorization OR a letter from your employer that identifies you and the type of work you will be doing. Please contact Benjamin Nourse Gross, Longy’s PDSO to inquire about a template. 

• Proof of residency or address (a utility bill will suffice) 

All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Photocopies or notarized copies of documents are not acceptable. 

Longy is home to individuals from all over the world and hosts several identity-based student groups, as well as Longy’s elected student government, the Longy Student Association. All students are welcome to join, collaborate with and participate in any of these groups, regardless of their own identity or background. Each group maintains its own leadership system and creates events to foster culturally diverse conversation, education and exposure. Students are also welcome to start their own group, subject to approval by the Associate Director of Student Services.

Longy Student Association 

The Longy Student Association (LSA) is a group of student officers elected by their peers at the end of each academic year to serve the following academic year. The LSA serves as a means for student concerns and grievances to be brought to the administration, as well as providing support for student services and social activities. Past activities have included fall and spring galas, hosting salon series recitals and performance hours, and assisting with Grad Night during Commencement. The LSA By-Laws are available from the Student Services Office.
LSA Comment Box

Asian Student Alliance 

The Asian Student Alliance (ASA) was founded to protect Asian students from racial discrimination and celebrate the different Asian cultures within the Longy community. Our goal is to break down cultural barriers by calling attention to discriminatory traditions in the arts and higher education, promoting Asian artists, and celebrating special holidays and traditions from around the world.

Black Student Union 

Longy’s Black Student Union (BSU) serves as a place of fellowship for Black students and alumni. We raise awareness for issues that impact people of color, promote and celebrate the work of Black creatives, and moderate open discussions on topics related to race/inclusion/intersectionality. Non-Black allies are welcome to support our movement and attend events. We aim to provide a judgement-free zone that is conducive to healing the Black/Afro-diasporic community.

Hispanic/Latinx Student Alliance 

The Hispanic/Latinx Student Alliance (HLSA) seeks to create a sense of community for Latinx and Hispanic students at Longy. The HLSA hosts events and brings student-led projects to life while celebrating the breadth of diverse Latin American and Hispanic cultures represented in Longy’s community. Through our inclusive and informative events, we hope to shed light on the Hispanic/Latinx experience in conservatory education and highlight our unique contributions to the Longy community.

Queer Student Union 

Longy’s Queer Student Union (QSU) aims to serve three purposes within the Longy community. The first is to promote the LGBTQIA+/Queer culture on campus, the second is to provide a safe space for the queer community at Longy to be themselves, and the third is to continue to make Longy a welcoming and accommodating place for queer students, faculty and staff. We hold various queer outreach events, including movie nights, trivia nights, safe space meetings, and engagements with queer artists.

For more information on these student organizations, please contact Lucyn Martindale, Associate Director of Student Services, at lmartindale@longy.edu.

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