Prospective Residents

Virtual tour of apartments [link]

The Westgate Family Housing Community consists of a high-rise tower with 90 efficiency apartments and 60 one-bedroom apartments, as well as 60 two-bedroom apartments divided between four buildings built around a popular playground area [satellite photo]. The building is open to MIT graduate families, and is administered through the MIT housing office [link].

Westgate is located on the western edge of campus [map]. The main campus academic buildings are a 10 minute walk away, while the Kendall T stop is a 20 minute walk away. The MIT TechShuttle and SafeRide both provide regular, easily accessible transport to other parts of campus, and the grocery shuttle runs to a local supermarket on Saturday mornings [link]. Parking is available for a fee in small lots around the low-rise buildings, and in a large gated lot adjacent to the high-rise building [link].

All apartments are unfurnished and uncarpeted; refrigerators and stoves are provided. Photographs of apartments can be found on the virtual tour [link]. There is a common laundry in the high-rise basement with a large number of washers and dryers at a cost of 75 cents per load. Apartments are heated but not air conditioned; you can arrange to have air conditioners installed [link]. Electricity, heating, hot water, basic cable TV [link] and high-speed internet (wireless and wired) [link] are all included in the rent. A basic telephone service allowing residents to receive calls or make on-campus calls is also included; full telephone service is available at an additional cost [link].

Community space includes a common lounge on the basement level, a children's playroom on the first floor, an exercise room on the first floor, and a large playground and barbecue area. The playground area is a popular social environment for families with children. Photographs of community spaces can be found on the virtual tour [link].

The Westgate Community Association runs an active social program which includes:

• Weekly coffee hour (9-10pm Wednesdays)
• (At least) monthly events focusing on couples
• (At least) monthly events focusing on families with children
• Exercise classes such as yoga and Pilates
• Weekly "hot grill" nights during the Summer (Friday evenings)

New initiatives from residents are highly encouraged.

Two recommended sources of further information include:

• The Spouses and Partners' FAQ [link] (a resource compiled by the MIT Spouses and Partners group for families arriving at MIT)
• How to Get Around MIT [link] (a book compiled by MIT undergraduate students for new students arriving at MIT)

Many more links to useful information can be found on the resident information page [link].