Welcome New Students

New Student Orientation and other events are designed to help you get familiar with the School. You’ll have the opportunity to meet NBSS staff, faculty, and your fellow students at Orientation, which is a required event.

• New Student Orientation: Orientation and first day of training for Cabinet & Furniture Making, Jewelry Making & Repair, and Locksmithing & Security Technology is on Tuesday, January 20, in-person at our School facility, 150 North Street, Boston, MA 02109.
  • 8:00 am – Welcome and continental breakfast
  • 8:30 am – Orientation & Staff Introductions
  • 9:00 am – Building Tours
  • 10:00 am – Program Orientations with Faculty
  • 12:30 pm – Neighborhood Tours with Locksmithing
  • 3:00 pm – Neighborhood Tours with Jewelry Making and Furniture Making
• Orientation and First Day for Violin Making & Repair is Monday, February 2.
• Normal Program Hours, after Orientation day:
  • 8:00 am – 3:00 pm, Cabinet & Furniture Making
  • 8:00 am – 3:00 pm, Jewelry Making & Repair
  • 7:30 am – 12:30 pm, Locksmithing & Security Technology
  • 8:30 am – 3:30 pm, Violin Making & Repair

Please fill out the Incoming Student Information Form by Monday, January 5, 2026. We must have this information from you before the start of school. That includes uploading a photo, which we use to make your student ID.

During your time at NBSS, we’ll communicate with you in a variety of ways, including emails and occasional texts, especially for weather-related cancellations or delays. You’re responsible for reading and understanding communications sent to you by NBSS. If your contact information changes (including email, mailing address, or cell phone number), please share it with us so you do not miss important notifications.

Please use our Payment Portal to pay your Registration Fee, Tuition Down Payment, and to set up a payment plan if necessary. 

Your Student ID number can be found on the first page of your Enrollment Agreement, which was sent through DocuSign, which may be helpful as an email search reference. If you need assistance with your Student ID, please contact admissions@nbss.edu.

If you have questions about payment or billing, please contact business@nbss.edu.

If you have questions about your Financial Aid Award or VA Benefits, please contact Jamie Dergay at jdergay@nbss.edu.

Visiting NBSS Before the Start

If you’re planning to be in Boston before the start date and would like to visit the School, please schedule a visit with Rob O’Dwyer in advance so he can plan accordingly.

Attendance

The building opens at 7:00 am on weekdays. This gives you time to get here and get settled in before class begins. We’ll use a proximity card reader at the front desk to take attendance once you’ve been issued a student ID card. Please be aware that your attendance is tracked and recorded on your transcript. We’re educating you for employment and, for future employers, your attendance record at NBSS translates to reliability during employment. Treat your time here as if it is your job, arriving on-time (or early), working hard, and communicating with us if you’re having trouble getting here.

Auxiliary Aids & Academic Adjustments

To better ensure that your training will be the best it can be, please contact provost@nbss.edu if there are any reasonable accommodations that you require (adaptations for your learning style, physical limitations, etc.) while you’re in school. In order to begin the process for possible accommodations your request must go through proper channels.

Student Support

Our School offers career workshops, individual appointments and counseling, and other assistance to support you while attending NBSS. In addition to general resources, we provide the following:

• We provide mental health resources to students through the School from an outside organization. For more resources, look at Appendix H, pages 61-64, in the Student Handbook.
• A food pantry provides students with access to healthy food. Located outside of the Admissions suite on floor 1N, it provides a range of frozen meals, snacks, soups, and ingredients for larger meals. Please take only what you need.

Bicycles

For those planning to ride a bicycle to school, you are strongly encouraged to use a high quality lock (such as Kryptonite) when securing your bike. NBSS is not responsible for any bikes or bike equipment that may be stolen. Also, please note that bikes are not allowed in the building. There are two outdoor options: a vertical bike rack in the courtyard against the wall next to the ramp to the back entrance, and a rack on North Street, just across the street from the School’s front entrance.

Student IDs

All students are issued an identification card at the beginning of their program start date. ID cards may be used for student discounts and will be used to track attendance. If you have not already done so, please make sure that you include a photo when you submit the Incoming Student Information Form, as this photo will be used to create your student ID.

Daily Transit

Check out information on our website to help with your commute. Given how difficult to find and expensive parking is in the North End, we recommend using public transportation if possible. Here are some transit tips:

• Use the MBTA Trip Planner to find your route options from home to school, including the type of Monthly Pass you’ll need.
• Find MBTA Maps here, including subway, bus, and Commuter Rail.
• The MBTA has had many temporary closures and service disruptions recently for maintenance. Sign up for their text alerts to get the latest info.

Student & Alumni Portal

As a student, you’ll get access to our password-protected Portal just for Students & Alumni. There, you can find important documents, a Classified Board for housing and opportunities, and a Jobs & Commissions Board with job openings and work available for hire or commission. You’ll be sent a log in link this summer. Once logged in, you can sign up for weekly digest alerts for posts in your discipline.

If you have questions or have trouble logging in, contact marketing@nbss.edu.

Resources

• Please familiarize yourself with our Student Handbook, which provides useful information such as academic policies and program expectations.
• Download our 2025-26 Academic Calendar.
• Check out our School Store, which is open Monday-Thursday from 7:30 am – 2:00 pm.
• Get your bearings with this building map.
• New to the North End? Check out this list of local sights & restaurants or watch a tour of the neighborhood with Rob.
• Get to know our staff and faculty.
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Students have the option of purchasing a semester-long (January 1, 2026 – May 31, 2026) MBTA pass from the School at an 11% discount. The deadline to order your spring pass is Friday, December 1, 2025. If you miss this order deadline, you can order a discounted Fall 2025 pass in the late spring/earlysummer.

How to Order

1. Fill out the Spring 2026 T-pass order form, which includes cost by zone and payment info.
2. Return the form:
   • Scan and email it to business@nbss.edu
   • Print and mail it (include a check if that’s how you’re paying) to attn: Business Office, 150 North Street, Boston, MA 02109
   • Drop it off in person at the front desk (include a check if that’s how you’re paying)
3. Pay by check with your printed form, or through our online payment portal. If you pay online, we also need you to submit the order form so we know your pass details and contact info.

If you have any questions, please contact Marcia Michelson at mmichelson@nbss.edu.

Pick Up: If you ordered a T pass, it will be available for pick up at the NBSS Front Desk beginning Monday, January 5. We are not able to mail passes. Please note that the School is closed for Winter Break from December 22 – January 2.

Note: The MBTA also offers an income-eligible reduced fare program to riders aged 18-64 enrolled in an approved state assistance program. Rates are about 50% off. Visit the MBTA website for instructions on how to apply for that type of pass.

Some veterans also qualify for reduced fare passes. If you are a veteran or think you might qualify for an income-eligible plan, please reach out to Esther Tutella-Chen, Director of Student Support & Career Services, at etchen@nbss.edu. She can help talk you through options.

Daily Transit Resources

Check out information on our website to help with your commute. Given how difficult to find and expensive parking is in the North End, we recommend using public transportation if possible. Here are some transit tips:

• Use the MBTA Trip Planner to find your route options from home to school, including the type of Monthly Pass you’ll need.
• Find MBTA Maps here, including subway, bus, and Commuter Rail.
• The MBTA has had many temporary closures and service disruptions recently for maintenance. Sign up for their text alerts to get the latest info.

As a student, you’ll get access to our password-protected Portal just for Students & Alumni. There, you can find important documents, a Classified Board for posting about roommates, housing, and opportunities, and a Jobs & Commissions Board with job openings and work available for hire or commission. You’ll be sent a log in link shortly after you enroll, or in late summer for Fall starts. Once logged in, you can sign up for weekly digest alerts for posts in your discipline.

If you have questions or have trouble logging in, contact marketing@nbss.edu.

For those moving to Boston and looking for housing, our Living in Boston page is a good resource with links for apartment search sites and more.

You can also log in to the Student & Alumni Portal to view or post on our Housing & Classifieds Board. You should have received a log-in invite in your email inbox once you enrolled; reach out to marketing@nbss.edu if you have trouble logging in or haven’t received an invite.

More Resources

Move-In Day in Boston: Tips for Moving to the North End and Beyond

August 22, 2017

Categories: Boston

Move-in Day in Boston: Get to Know Our Neighborhood

August 22, 2017

Categories: Boston

• Orientation Invitation
• Faculty Welcomes
  • Cabinet & Furniture Making
  • Jewelry Making & Repair
  • Locksmithing & Security Technology
  • Violin Making & Repair
• MBTA Discounted T Pass Order Info
• Tool Kit Purchasing
• Student Support & Career Services
• Provost Welcome

Class Hours

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

Instructors

Learn more about Cabinet & Furniture Making faculty

Faculty Welcome Letter Spring 2026

Tools & Supplies

• We’ve put together a Cabinet & Furniture Making Starter Tool Kit (pdf) which can be purchased through our online store (link coming soon), to facilitate a smooth program entrance for first semester students. The kits are recommended as the easiest way to get tooled up with essentials. Prices subject to change.
• This list has been reviewed by your instructors and will provide you with the required tools for the first few weeks of instruction. You can expect additional purchases throughout the program.
• Your instructor will be reviewing a full Tool List during the first few days of class. We recommend not purchasing any tools beyond the Starter Tool Kit before your program begins. 
• Those of you who already own hand tools may bring them in on the first day of class so that we can review them with you, or you may wait until we’ve reviewed the tool list in class. You will receive fair warning when specific tools are necessary so that you will have time to purchase them and bring them to class.
• It is recommended that you have a laptop computer compatible with Google Suite and SketchUp. (Asus VivoBook A12 Laptop is available through the School Store at current market price, with advance notice).
• If purchased by Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the Tool Kit will be at your bench on the first day of your program. For questions about purchasing kits, please contact Kristen Odle at 617-227-0155 x140 or store@nbss.edu.

You will need to have the following items for the first day of class. Note: if you purchase the Starter Kit, items 4-8 are included in the kit.

1. A loose leaf 3-ring binder for handouts
2. Paper or a notebook for taking notes
3. Pencil or pen for taking notes
4. Drafting pencil or lead and holder in 4H hardness
5. Eraser: Paper Mate® Pink Pearl and/or Mars® Plastic
6. Erasing shield
7. Drafting Triangles: 30/60/90 & 45 degree (standard size 10”-12”)
8. Architect’s Drafting Scale: 12”
9. Everyone will be assigned a locker; you need to provide the lock.

Class Hours

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

Learn more about Jewelry Making & Repair faculty

Faculty Welcome Letter Spring 2026

Tools & Supplies

• We’ve put together a Jewelry Making & Repair Starter Tool Kit (pdf) which can be purchased through our online store (link coming soon), to facilitate a smooth program entrance for first semester students. The kits are recommended as the easiest way to get tooled up with essentials. Prices subject to change.
• This list has been reviewed by your instructor and will provide you with the essential requirements for the start of your program and your career. You can expect additional purchases throughout the program.
• If purchased by Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the Tool Kit will be at your bench on the first day of your program. For questions about purchasing kits, please contact Kristen Odle at 617-227-0155 x140 or store@nbss.edu.
• It is recommended that you have a laptop computer compatible with Google Suite and SketchUp. (Asus VivoBook A12 Laptop is available through the School Store at current market price, with advance notice).
• Your instructor will be reviewing a full Tool List during the first few days of class. We recommend not purchasing any tools beyond the Starter Tool Kit before your program begins. If you already own tools and want to bring them with you, your instructor will help you reconcile them with the full Tool List.
• On Orientation day and beyond, bring a notebook or paper and a pen or pencil for taking notes. 
• Please note that in the first couple of weeks of school, there will be a series of reading assignments, so plan on allowing for ample time to read them.
• Everyone will be assigned a locker; you need to provide the lock.

Class Hours

Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 12:30 pm

Instructors

Learn more about Locksmithing & Security Technology faculty

Faculty Welcome Letter Spring 2026

Tools & Supplies

• We’ve put together a Locksmithing & Security Technology Tool Kit (pdf) which can be purchased through our online store (link coming soon). It details all tools required for your program. Prices subject to change.
• This list has been reviewed by your instructor and will provide you with a solid foundation for the program as well as your career.
• If purchased by Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the Tool Kit will be at your bench on the first day of your program. For questions about purchasing kits, please contact Kristen Odle at 617-227-0155 x140 or store@nbss.edu.
• It is recommended that you have a laptop computer compatible with Google Suite. (Lenovo S340-14 Chrome Book is available to purchase through the School Store at current market price with advance notice).
• The only items you need to bring on Orientation Day are a notebook or paper and pen or pencil for note taking.
• Everyone will be assigned a locker; you need to provide the lock.

Class Hours

Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Orientation and First Day for Violin Making & Repair Spring 2026 is Monday, February 2.

Instructors

Learn more about Violin Making & Repair faculty

Faculty Welcome Letter Spring 2026

Tools & Supplies

• We’ve put together a Violin Making & Repair Starter Tool Kit (pdf) which can be purchased through our online store (link coming soon). Prices subject to change. The Tool Kits facilitate a smooth program entrance for first semester students and are recommended as they are the easiest way to get tooled up with essentials.
• The tool list has been reviewed by your instructor and will provide you with the essential requirements for the start of your program as well as your career. 
• If purchased by Monday, January 26, 2026, the Tool Kit will be at your bench on the first day of your program. For questions about purchasing kits, please contact Kristen Odle at 617-227-0155 x140 or store@nbss.edu.
• If you already own tools, you may bring them in on your first full day of class, so that Roman can review them with you, or you may wait until your class has reviewed the tool list. 
• Expect to spend up to $2,200 on tools right away, and a total of around $2,900 on tools over the three years. 
• It is recommended that you have a laptop computer compatible with Google Suite and Rhino. (Asus VivoBook A12 Laptop is available through the School Store at current market price, with advance notice).
• Everyone will be assigned a locker; you need to provide the lock.

If you have questions about your financial aid, please reach out to Jamie Dergay, Director of Financial Aid, at financialaid@nbss.edu or 617-227-0155 x115.

His office hours are Monday – Thursday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. He’s in-person at NBSS Mondays, Tuesday mornings, and Wednesdays, and remote Tuesday afternoons and Thursdays.

If you would like to visit the School before Orientation, please schedule an appointment with Rob O’Dwyer in advance so he can plan accordingly.

We have put together Tool Kits or Starter Tool Kits, depending on your program, which are available for purchase in our online store. Scroll above to find the plus sign by your program to find the buy link and all the information you’ll need to know about tools.

Your instructor will review a full Tool List during the first few days of class and will help you reconcile what you have with that list. Those of you who already own tools may bring them in during the first week to review them with your instructor.

For more information on tools specifically for your program, scroll above and click the plus sign by your program name.

Scroll above to the Program-specific details for your program to find that information. For many programs you just need a pencil and paper for taking notes, but for some programs there are a few tools or supplies you’ll need (like Carpentry, where you need to purchase your tool kit the week before).

You should also plan to wear closed-toe shoes, attire you can work in, and ability to tie back long hair.