Making My Transition to Tufts
After three years, I can say quite confidently that I feel settled in my life here at Tufts. I’ve found a major and a minor that align with my interests and push me to think in new ways. My clubs on campus allow me to connect with the local community and pursue my more arts-based interests outside the classroom. And the most impactful part of my education has been the network of brilliant people I’ve met here at Tufts, from friends to faculty. However, as a member of the class of 2027 with graduation on the horizon, I can’t help but think about how much my life has changed in the past few years.
Back in high school, I decided to apply to Tufts through the Early Decision I (ED 1) application cycle. ED 1 felt like the right decision because I knew Tufts was the school for me, and I wanted to receive a college decision earlier rather than later (December instead of March). After my acceptance, I didn’t have to worry about preparing other applications, and I had several months to process and prepare for my transition to Tufts. Despite that, I still had lingering anxieties build up the summer before move-in. I worried about my coursework and whether I’d enjoy the major I planned on studying, what on-campus housing would look like, and how I’d meet new people and find clubs that I’d enjoy. Luckily, all of those feelings started to dissipate once I’d arrived on campus.
One thing that aided in my transition to Tufts was participating in a pre-orientation program. These programs are designed to connect students of shared backgrounds or similar interests to help them build community on campus before first-year orientation even starts. I participated in FOCUS, which is a community service-based program. FOCUS aims to connect Tufts students with the local Medford/Somerville neighborhood through volunteer projects with specific focuses (food and housing insecurity, youth advocacy, environment, elderly, etc.). Through this program, I was able to meet many people, some of whom have remained my best friends here on campus. My group centered on working with older community members in assisted living facilities and senior centers. Now, three years later, I am a member of the Tufts Legacy Project, which is a service-based club working to connect college students with local senior citizens in assisted living facilities.
Early experiences on campus like pre-orientation programs, first year orientation, and events held by residence assistants were all foundational in my transition to Tufts. They helped me to find friends with similar interests, discover clubs and organizations that have built my community, and feel more connected to the campus and greater Tufts network.