Things I would tell myself as a new transfer
Looking back at the start of my journey at Tufts as a transfer student, I would have loved to give myself some advice.
1) Never shy away from a conversation with someone new. Whenever I am asked about why I chose to attend Tufts, my answer is always the community and the people who make Tufts so awesome for me. Everyone is so unique and always ready to have a conversation with you and you never know who you might end up becoming really good friends with. Through organizations you are a part of, classes and your dorm, you might meet people who end up becoming your home away from home at Tufts, and so I would always encourage people to go out of their comfort zone in a new environment and really put themselves out there.
2) Make the most of Tufts events. Tufts has so many cool events organized through the Tufts University Social Collective for the entire Tufts community and some of my favorite events have been Bingo Nights, where you have the chance to win some amazing prizes, Spring Fling, a Tufts tradition, and Tuftonia’s day. Many of these events are Tufts traditions, they are a way to just get a break from academic stress and meet new people/ hang out with your friends.
3) Have a balanced schedule. Sophomore year I often felt like I was overwhelmed because I was doing too much and did not really have time for myself during the weekdays but since then I have learned it is all about prioritizing what is important and what matters over trying to do everything. Having a healthy lifestyle and getting enough sleep is so
important in college.
4) Take a diverse range of classes and take classes that challenge you. It is often easy to take classes that you have been recommended by others and that are labeled “easy” but I personally have felt that taking classes that have challenged me have often led to me learning the most and retaining what I have learned. Also, taking classes outside of my major has given me the opportunity to understand other disciplines and expand my understanding but also be able to apply it to my major.
5) Join organizations that excite you. Tufts has so many organizations whether cultural, sports, professional development to name a few categories, and joining ones that interest you is a great way to find a community and be involved. I joined a social impact focused consulting club and the Tufts Association of South Asians after I transferred and found
these organizations through the club fair which takes place in the Fall right when the semester begins. I would highly recommend doing this and looking back I wish I had tried some more clubs out.
Overall, I would say have an open mind and make the most of college especially freshman and sophomore year because you have so much to learn both inside and outside of the classroom. College goes by so fast and there are so many times when I wish I could redo so many parts of it, but I have learned and grown through it all so just make memories and have fun along the way and prioritize yourself, always.