Your First Year Checklist
After a couple years here at Tufts, I often find myself looking back at my very first experiences. Even though I was making the transition into college living, which of course had some stress with it, the opportunities in the new community I found myself in were so vast I could find it overwhelming at times! The first year of university is a once in a lifetime experience, so it’s important to make the most of it! As I take a look back, I wanted to share some of the things I think any first-year student should do as they become a part of our community! (In no particular order.)
10. Clubs and Activities Fair
This is the first event I’d always recommend because no matter what your interests are, you’re always going to find something to do here! Dozens upon dozens of student organizations present themselves and you get the opportunity to explore them all at once; it’s a great way to become more involved in the student body. If you’re lucky, you might find some free snacks they’re giving out as well!
9. Riff Off
An early performing arts event to head to during your first semester, all of the Tufts acapella groups compete against each other with audience voting to determine the winner. It’s like a scene right out of a movie and gives you a wonderful sense of the Tufts community.
8. Hodgdon Picnic
This one isn’t an event as much as it is an opportunity I don’t think anyone should miss out on. During the months of fall and spring, a nice sunny day is a perfect time to get a meal to go at Hodgdon Food-On-The-Run with a blanket for a picnic lunch out on President’s Lawn. Nothing beats a quesadilla and a cool breeze!
7. Boston Common Walk
This may be off of the Tufts campus itself, but easy public transportation into Boston means it might as well be! Boston Common is a beautiful park, and it makes for a relaxing walk with some great restaurants nearby. This is perfect for a change of scenery after some focused studying.
6. Tisch Takeover
Set up by the Tufts University Social Collective (TUSC), this event converts the main floor of our library into a plethora of food and activities! During my first year, TUSC put together a laser tag arena, and this past year had a rodeo theme with a mechanical bull. As you approach the time for first semester finals, it’s nice to get a break for some fun once in a while, and this is the perfect spot for that!
5. Department Meetings/Open Houses
On the academic side of things, most of our departments hold open house meetings where professors and students will gather and discuss new courses for the next semester, eat some good food, and get to know each other. Especially if you’re unsure of your academic focus at first, these are a great way to explore a bunch of options with professors and upperclassmen who know the majors firsthand.
4. MFA Trip
The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is an absolutely beautiful place in the city, and with your Tufts Student ID you get free admission! Sometimes arts and history courses will have you go there for projects, but even on your own it’s an experience I wouldn’t want anyone to miss out on. It’s super easy to get there as well, with the Tufts SMFA shuttle and MBTA Green Line providing quick access.
3. Tuftonia’s Day
Carnival games, fair rides, and food trucks, need I say more? Probably, but honestly, it speaks for itself! Head to the ferris wheel for an amazing view of Boston. Similar to the Tisch Takeover in fall semester, it’s a great way to unwind before finals of the spring semester begins.
2. Commons Late Night
Open on Friday and Saturday nights, Commons Late Night is a great place to grab a meal or dessert on weekend nights when you’re staying up just a little bit later than you probably should be! Heading here and sitting outside in the cool air is simply peaceful and having that late snack is great if you’ve had an early dinner or need to study later at night.
1. First Snow Sledding
As you begin your second semester, it can be tricky to re-adjust to school after winter break. But as soon as that first snow of the year begins, the student community leaps back in with full force for days and nights of sledding down President’s Lawn! Seeing so many students gather is an amazing community bonding experience. Just be careful not to crash too badly!