FIT Pre-Orientation
Welcome to Tufts and congratulations on being being admitted to Tufts University! While we are sad that we are unable to welcome you on campus this Spring, the Tufts Pre-Orientation Programs have each created blogs to tell you a little bit about our respective programs. The Pre-orientation program highlighted in this blog is FIT!
WHAT IS TUFTS FIT?
Tufts FIT stands for Fitness and Individual development at Tufts. FIT provides first-years and transfers with the tools they need to live a healthy lifestyle at Tufts in terms of both physical and mental health. The Pre-Orientation Program is geared toward integrating the first-years into the Tufts community through activities on and off campus. Be sure to check out our website as well.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING FIT?
One great way to gain insight as to what goes on during FIT is to watch our “Fit Finale” videos. During FIT, students will learn how to live an active lifestyle at Tufts. During the program, they will get the opportunity to participate in fun Jumbo Workouts like kickball, ultimate frisbee, swimming, spin classes, yard games, hip-hop dance, and many more. Additionally, they will participate in outdoor activities off-campus like sailing, golf, hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing. Another main off-campus activity is when FIT groups get to explore Boston and its surrounding areas. FIT groups take an afternoon field trip to areas like Davis, Cambridge, or Downtown Boston. You will learn how to navigate the T (Boston’s subway system) and about the best places to hang off-campus.
In addition, throughout the program, students will be introduced to the mental health resources and support systems available at Tufts. FIT also teaches students about proper nutrition, sleep, and stress management at college. Moreover, they will receive a tour of the fitness center and the fitness amenities available to Tufts students, along with information about how to get involved with activities on campus, such as club and intramural sports. Participants in FIT also attend helpful talks by nutritionists, top Tufts Professors, Q-and-A sessions about anything college related with our FIT Leader panel, and much more!
WHO ARE THE FIT LEADERS?
There are roughly 40 FIT Leaders chosen each year for the FIT Pre-O Program! FIT Leaders are selected from a wide pool of applicants to help lead the incoming first years in their college transition process. After writing applications, sending in recommendation letters, and interviews, the 3 FIT Head Leaders select the 40 FIT Leaders for the new year. The 3 FIT Head Leaders are responsible for making sure the FIT Pre-O Program runs smoothly. In addition to the 3 Head Leaders, FIT is overlooked and run by program advisor Matt Callahan who is the Assistant Director of Recreation and Clubs Sports at Tufts. Before the FIT Program starts, the FIT Leaders have a 3 day training, where they attend mandatory training. Once the 3 days of training are complete, the first years arrive and the FIT Program finally begins!
IS FIT FOR EVERYONE?
Yes, FIT is built for anyone! You do not have to be athletic or super “fit” to participate in this Pre-O Program! While participants certainly will have the opportunity to engage in athletic and fitness activities, the program is open to anyone who generally likes to be active. FIT offers a wide variety of options for everyone, regardless of your athletic experience or fitness
background.
HEAR WHAT PREVIOUS FITTERS AND FIT LEADERS HAVE TO SAY:
"My experience as a FITer inspired me to get involved as a peer leader and help make a positive impact on future classes of first-years. Being a FITer and working as both a peer leader and head leader are some of my fondest Tufts memories. I have always said that at FIT, you don’t have to be traditionally athletic - there is truly something for everyone. Whether you’re playing frisbee on the lawn, practicing yoga, or busting a move in hip hop dance, FIT is a welcoming environment where you are appreciated for being the true version of yourself. There are so many different facets to a healthy lifestyle and, to me, FIT emulates that.” Paige Fielding, FIT Class of 2019
“Being a part of FIT really allowed me to immerse myself into all that is Tufts before the chaos of classes began. I got to meet people who did all kinds of things, from all over the world, who all cared about having a happy and healthy college experience." Thomas McNulty (transfer student), FIT Class of 2022
"The program gave me a sense of comfort and community in the first few weeks of school that was invaluable in my adjustment to college life.” Mia Cravitz, FIT Class of 2023
