A Life Between Two Campuses
The moment I learned about Tufts’ BFA+BA/BS Combined Degree Program, I was hooked. I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to expand my artistic practices while simultaneously pursuing a degree in the social sciences. I quickly fell in love with my schedule. I spent nights in the SMFA darkroom developing and printing, and days reading and researching anywhere my computer could find free Wifi. However, it was the little things that began to confound me and my friends. My meal plan was different from the majority of students around me, and few peers seemed to know what "meal money" was or how to use it. Sometimes I came unprepared to my studio courses after forgetting equipment back on the Medford campus. Most of all, I struggled to balance the demands of vastly different classes. Early on, I wished that I knew an older student in the Combined Degree Program to share secrets learned from experience. Now, I am here to bestow those secrets upon you. First and foremost, remember that there will never be another time in your life that is like the undergraduate experience. While you are here to study and receive a degree, time in the day is needed to socialize, eat, explore, and simply enjoy life, which leads me to my top three tips.
Tip #1: Utilize those random moments of free time in between classes.
What may seem like an awkward gap of time between Intro to Ceramics and Bio 13 can be transformed into a quick study session that allows you to get a jumpstart on your homework. Never be afraid to pull out a reading on the SMFA shuttle (or even the T).
Tip #2: Learn what you like at locations that accept Meal Money.
Across both campuses, SMFA Meal Money is referred to as JumboCash. However, until one runs out of their Meal Money, food-related JumboCash purchases on campus will be deducted from your Meal Money. This means a Commons burger, a Hotung pizza, or the extra cents from a Kindlevan and Hodge order are all charged to Meal Money. After late nights at SMFA, a cheeseburger with seasoned fries from Commons is my go-to. The juiciness of a burger mixed with the saltiness of fries (better if shared with friends) is a perfect way to end a long day in the studio.
Tip#3: Get a locker.
SMFA’s lockers are free to use and last all year. Using a locker allows you to keep your art supplies in one place without having to commute back and forth with all your essentials every time. Moreover, it's a perfect size to house snacks on days that the SMFA Cafe is closed. Currently, a multitude of items sit in my basement locker. One portfolio, full of prints collected over the last three semesters from print, paper, and photo classes. To its right, a binder, decorated from my high school days, full of negatives, prints, and test strips. In front of them lies a random notebook, a half-full sketchbook, a cup or two of ramen, and a mechanical pencil.
Every undergraduate degree is different, and what works for some may not work for others. However, I hope that my tips can help you start your journey!