Arguments for Breakfast: Debate at Tufts
Tufts Debate Society has been more than an intellectually stimulating group of like-minded peers to discuss ideas and tackle other schools with. They've…
Keeping Up with Friends
Under COVID, it's safe to state that having a typical college social life is nearly impossible — the key pillars of meeting people in large groups are no longer available. We have, however, adapted and improvised to find ways to meet new people and preserve old friendships. I've included a list of some of my favorite social activities from last semester below!
Standing zoom calls
I have a few friends with whom I have standing zoom calls, and they are a very reliable and convenient method to stay in touch. We've set up a calendar invite and a recurring Zoom link, and we try to be accessible at that time every week so we can catch up. This is especially useful for friends who reside in various time zones, as it might be difficult to phone them on the spur of the moment. Tufts offers Zoom premium accounts for all its students, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing a license.
Chats about Career Development
Because seeking an internship or employment can be stressful between junior and senior year, the Career Center at Tufts offers a platform called Jumbos4Jumbos. This a portal, just like LinkedIn, where students who haven’t been able to find internships can find opportunities posted by Tufts alumni. I have met amazing Tufts alumni who are helping current students find opportunities in a difficult time. This has helped the graduating class as they navigate an extremely competitive job market. I have actually become friends with some of them over the semester, and it's exciting to know that meeting people and building friendships in a completely virtual space is still possible!
Game Nights
Many departments at Tufts have organized game nights to keep students connected. One of the most popular games has been Among Us. Large groups of students have come together to have fun and meet new people through gaming. The Latinx Center, the Muslim Students Association, and even the Tufts Undergraduate Social Collective have put together a series of original competitive challenges and mini-games to be completed in teams, ranging from scavenger-hunts to trivia.
Overall, while college is far from typical, there are still numerous opportunities to meet new people and establish friendships.
