JANUARY MAY BE the start of the calendar year, but for Jumbos, every semester is a chance to refresh, set goals, and embrace the opportunities on campus and beyond. Whether returning to Tufts after winter break or gearing up for your first year, these resolutions can help make 2025 a memorable and meaningful year.
1. Break Out of Your Study Bubble
It's easy to fall into a routine on campus—I spent most of my first semester bouncing between Tisch Library, my dorm room, and the Mayer Campus Center. While these spots are great, switching up your study location can boost focus and improve memory. Imagine the thrill of discovering fresh spaces like Ginn Library in Fletcher, a quiet hideaway with great lighting, and Rez Quad on sunny days where fresh air meets fresh ideas. This change could be the secret to achieving that midterm you dread! Switching up your study environment might be the secret to achieving that midterm you dread!
2. Start Your Day Right
Begin your mornings with a coffee from The Sink, a student-run favorite in the Mayer Campus Center, or Hotung Café for a latte and quick breakfast. Pair it with a brisk walk around The Academic Quad or a run along the Mystic River Path to energize your body and mind before tackling classes. This invigorating start to your day will set the tone for a productive and fulfilling day.
3. Dive Into Tufts Arts and Entertainment
Tufts has an incredible arts scene! Cheer for the Beelzebubs, Amalgamates, or any of Tufts' talented acappella groups during performances. Catch a student-led play by Torn Ticket II or enjoy the Tufts Symphony Orchestra. And don't miss the TASA (Tufts Association of South Asians) Culture Show in the spring—a colorful celebration of music, dance, and South Asian traditions. Bonus points for making these events a tradition with friends!
4. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
College is the perfect time to try something new. Join a Crafts Center workshop or take a dance class at Jackson Gym. Whether you're learning to cook or training for your first 5K, stepping out of your routine could lead to unexpected joys—or at least a fun story!
5. Be Kind to Your Future Self
Stay on top of deadlines this semester by embracing planning tools. Use your to-do lists, schedule study sessions in advance, and visit StAAR (Student Accessibility and Academic Resources) for academic coaching or tutoring. Whether preparing for finals or working on a group project, being proactive is the ultimate gift to your future self.
6. Explore Boston and Beyond
Tufts' proximity to Boston is a huge perk. Spend an afternoon skating on The Frog Pond, explore Davis Square's cozy bookshops and restaurants, or take the T into the city for museums, concerts, and sports games. Don't forget to flash your Jumbo ID—student discounts make these adventures even sweeter!
7. Prioritize Wellness
Balancing academics, clubs, and social life can be challenging, but small wellness practices make a significant difference. Try yoga or meditation at Gantcher Center, visit the Counseling and Mental Health Service (CMHS) for support, or prioritize meal planning with healthy options from Carmichael Dining Hall or the various food options in Davis Square. These practices will enhance your physical health and contribute to your overall well-being, helping you easily navigate the demands of college life.
8. Build Stronger Connections
Tufts thrives on its sense of community. This year, focus on building connections—making new friends at club meetings, forming study groups, or chatting with professors during office hours. Relationships are what make the Jumbo experience truly memorable.
9. Embrace Sustainability
Tufts takes Sustainability seriously, and you can, too. Join an Eco-Rep project, carry a reusable water bottle, and explore fresh, local produce through the various markets in the area. Whether composting or using less energy, every small step contributes to a greener, better campus.
10. Celebrate the Little Things
Remember to savor life on the Hill amid deadlines and commitments. Watch a sunset from Memorial Steps, grab a Lucy in the Chai from The Sink, or enjoy campus vibes during Spring Fling. These small moments of joy can help you stay positive and motivated, even during the busiest times. Sometimes, it's the little things that create the most significant memories.
Here's to Your Best Year Yet!
Tufts offers countless opportunities for growth, connection, and fun. Whether you're breaking out of your study bubble, trying a new hobby, or simply taking time to recharge, these resolutions are here to guide and inspire you. Cheers to an incredible 2025 on the Hill!