Tufts Blogs

When I was applying to colleges, I read so many “day in the life” blog posts to imagine what life might feel like on different campuses. Now that I’ve wrapped up my freshman year, I thought I’d give you a little glimpse into what a full (but fun) weekday at Tufts looks like for me.

I usually start my Friday mornings early, waking up around 7 AM. After getting ready and grabbing a light breakfast, I head over to my on-campus job at Kindlevan Café, Tufts’ cozy student run café tucked inside the Tsungming Tu Complex (TTC) space. Working there has been such a fun part of my Tufts experience. I’ve learned how to make the perfect cappuccino, bonded with fellow student baristas, and have come to love the small, quiet joy of helping students start their mornings with coffee in hand.

Once my shift ends, I head straight to the gym to meet up with a friend around 10:30 AM. Whether we are lifting weights, doing a bit of cardio, or just stretching and talking about our week, it is a nice reset and a chance to prioritize wellness alongside a busy schedule. Afterward, I head home, freshen up, and meet the same friend for lunch, either at one of the dining halls or at our favourite Hodgdon Food-on-the-Run. We usually catch up and mentally prepare for our next class.

Our afternoon chemistry lecture starts at 1:30 PM, and while it is definitely one of the more challenging parts of my schedule, I’ve appreciated how much I’ve learned and how approachable the professors are. Tufts makes it easy to seek help. Office hours and peer tutoring have been game changers for me, especially with the StAAR Centre and recitations. 

Once class is over, I like to spend a couple of hours finishing up assignments, especially anything due Friday. Some days I’m in the Tisch Library or Campus Centre, other times I find a sunny spot on the President’s Lawn to get work done. I try to stay productive during this time so I can enjoy my evenings without feeling overwhelmed.

If I’ve managed my time well, I love heading downtown in the evening. Boston is just a short ride away on the T, and Newbury Street or the Prudential Center is usually our go to. We walk around, window shop, grab a sweet treat or a matcha, and sometimes make our way through Boston Common. It is such a nice way to step outside the college bubble for a few hours and soak in the city’s energy.

Once we are back on campus, we will often swing by the Campus Center’s Late Night for their iconic fried chicken. There is something about that post adventure snack that just hits the spot. After that, it is time to rewind and rest. I like to get to bed at a reasonable hour so I can wake up refreshed, especially if I’ve got a Saturday morning workout or a study session lined up.

No two days at Tufts look exactly the same, and that is what I love about it. Some days are packed with academics, others are full of spontaneous outings, and many are a mix of both. For me, the best part has been finding a rhythm that blends work, wellness, and joy, and discovering that balance has made Tufts feel like home.