How to Summer at Tufts
Classes have ended and the temperatures are rising - summer is here. Summer is not merely a season, something you ‘spend’ like you’re waiting out these three months of nice weather, but rather it is something to ‘do"... it’s an activity. Today, I’m going to tell you all the great things about summer in Boston and at Tufts so you can make the best of it!
Even though many students leave for home, lots of students prefer to stay at Tufts. Students often spend their summers doing research with their favorite professor, working at internships, or doing summer jobs all in the comfort of campus and the greater Boston area. It is safe to say that you will have plenty of friends on campus during the summer! After all, there is no homework during the summer… unless you’re taking summer classes.
Here is my guide to summering at Tufts:
Thrifting, and exploring the vibrant city and its many museums and galleries.
Boston is a museum city! Summer is a hot time for new shows at galleries. The MFA always has a new show that opens in the summer. They are currently showing the Roulin Family portraits by Van Gogh! Isabella Stewart Gardner is a favourite of mine - my favourite painting there is El Jaleo by John Singer Sargent. If you want to look at more Sargent paintings (for free!!), the artist spent twenty-nine years working on murals on the upper floors of the Boston Public Library that are open for viewing to the public. After a fun self-guided course of art history you can walk right onto Newbury Street for some food or coffee, or even a new book from the Trident bookstore.
One of my favorite activities in Boston is to go thrifting! There are plenty of places in the city and sometimes it’s a day-long activity as you hunt for the perfect new outfit. There are Goodwill locations all across the city. Our very own Davis Square has a couple thrift stores too. Vintage markets are also fun to attend during the weekends!
Mystic Lake
Mystic Lake is a 15 minute bike ride from campus and a usual weekend activity for me. It’s very lovely to go swimming, dip your toes in the lake, or just sit by the water and listen to the slow waves crash against the rocks.
Make Art!
Summer is a great time to be exploring your creative side. Start working on that project you have been planning for the whole year, or maybe even pick up a new hobby like crocheting or painting. As a painter myself, setting up my easel in the backyard and painting En plein air is a fun and soothing way to spend the evenings.
Sports
You are not going to be alone here in the summer. Most likely a lot of your friends are going to be around doing research, internships or summer jobs. In the evenings I love to host pickup soccer games or play pickleball with my friends on one of the tennis courts on campus.
Watch a lot of movies!!
Summer is when all the big blockbusters come out. So many options, you’ll most likely not be able to see them all, hey...that’s a summer project to take on. Speaking of movies, I love the Somerville Theatre in Davis; this summer they are having a lot of themed screenings showing neo-noir classics!
Boston is also thriving with plays and musicals. If you are an avid theatregoer, here is our Evan Kelly’s article!
Regardless of how you choose to spend your summer, there is something truly special about summer in Somerville. From getting your friends together on a nice warm evening to going out into the city for a fun activity, there’s no shortage of fun ways to spend your time. So cook food! Explore the city! But most importantly, share love!