Pre-Orientation Programs: Should you do one?
Congratulations to the class of 2026!
If you are planning to attend Tufts, you may be wondering about orientation and starting your life at Tufts…
When I started Global Orientation, my chosen pre-orientation, I had no idea I’d be meeting the people that would become my best friends at Tufts. I chose Global Orientation to meet a diverse group of Jumbos and to get more acquainted with Boston before the semester officially started. I was expecting a summer camp-esque experience (one that I did get and had a lot of fun with) and a lot of icebreakers (I got this too), but I also got the cheesy and wonderful addition of lifelong friendship. One my favorite memories from freshman year is a trip to Boston Commons with the pre-o participants, where I discovered a great coffee shop with two girls in my group who have since become two of my close friends.
Pre-orientation, or pre-o, is a short program exclusively for first-years to introduce you to classmates and start building communities before orientation even begins. I came in to my first day with a bucket of nerves and a general fear of small talk, but right from the first minute, my enthusiastic host advisors and group of equally nervous peers helped me feel comfortable and at home, even though I had just moved to a completely new city on the other side of the country.
While it may be a virtual experience for incoming first-years this fall, that doesn’t mean it won’t start your Tufts experience off with amazing friendships and opportunities! I spoke with Aadhya Shivakumar ‘22, one of the two coordinators for this year’s Global Orientation. Aadhya says “Although things will be different this year with virtual pre-o, I know that it will still be really rewarding for participants! Pre-orientation is a great opportunity to get to know more people and learn more about Tufts, and while programming will be different, advisors, coordinators, and leaders are working to make pre-o fun and exciting as always”.
There are great options for pre-orientation programs that can allow you to get to know other Tufts students from diverse backgrounds and interests. Here’s a little intro to each of the programs!
CAFE (Conversation, Action, Faith, and Education) → In CAFE, you can meet other students and staff with a passion for connecting and creating change! In this program, you can explore identity, interfaith understanding, and community organizing. Participants from diverse religious, non-religious, ethical, and spiritual backgrounds are welcome!
TWO (Tufts Wilderness Orientation) → While TWO is typically an outdoor experience with groups of first years, this year will look different while still being lots of fun! Join TWO to meet peers and upperclassmen leaders that love nature and exploring.
FOCUS (First-year Orientation CommUnity Service) → Tufts students love to be civically engaged with their community and this pre-o is a great way to do that, while making friends and having a great week.
BEAST (Building Engagement and Access to Students at Tufts) → BEAST focuses on the unique social and cultural experiences specific to students who may be the first in their families to attend college and students seeking guidance navigating financial and academic resources at Tufts. You’ll be acquainted with great resources while connecting with our community and your peers!
CREATE (Cultivate Relationships by Engaging with Arts at Tufts Experiences)→ This pre-o, previously known as Arts @ Tufts, is an amazing opportunity to explore visual art, theater, and music while meeting other students interested in arts!
FIT (Fitness and Individual Development at Tufts) → FIT is for students interested in starting off a healthy and active college experience! You’ll learn about wellness, nutrition, fitness, and self-care while making new friends with other first-years and your peer leaders!
GO (Global Orientation) → My personal favorite (I guess I’m a little biased)! This is a great option for international students (while it is open to everyone!) and will give you opportunities to form intercultural connections and amazing friendships with students from all over the world!
SQUAD (Student’s Quest for Unity in the African Diaspora) → This program focuses on fostering and celebrating relationships within the African Diaspora! You’ll get to explore and learn about African-diasporic history, culture, and community in Boston, as well as on campus.
For more information on pre-orientation programs, click here !
