Right now, you're probably trying to fit all your Yaffa blocks, extra-long sheet sets, and shower totes into your astonishingly small Wren hole-in-the-wall or somewhat aromatic Hodgdon double. On the ride here, your parents have likely given you much unsolicited advice concerning grades, studying, and partying. And while you have mentally blocked out their words of wisdom, there are a few things you should keep in mind as you begin your new life as a college student.
Wear shower sandals. Although they won't prevent the nasty feeling you get when the drain is clogged and the water level creeps up your feet and ankles, they will stop foot fungus. And they will really come in handy on Saturday nights, especially on the floor around the toilet (and maybe even sink) areas.
The weekend begins on Thursday night. Tufts' bizarre block schedule makes it easier to build an extra day into your weekend, and Thursday is as good as Friday night at college (the same goes for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights for those on the seven-year plans). Avoid Friday classes, and get your work done early in the week. When your friends are out, you don't want to be buried behind problem sets or English essays.
Avoid hooking up with people you live with. If you're looking for a way to ruin your entire freshman year, "floor-cest" is one of the best. But be sure to talk to everyone on your floor - they are by far the most convenient friends you'll have, and they're the ones who will make sure you find your bed when you come home from your first frat experience.
Be nice to your RA. Chances are they won't go out of their way to look for ways to write you up. They've been here a while, and they know a lot of the procedural things you'll need to get through the first year. And if you're lucky, they'll give you a floor to crash on when you get sexiled.
Most of all, keep an open mind about your next four years. The diversity of the student body and the location of campus enables Tufts to offer students a plethora of opportunities to expand their minds, meet new people, and explore new places. But these opportunities won't come to you. Get out of your room, join an extracurricular activity, attend speeches and plays on campus, and take a class for the sheer reason that it interests you. Run the naked quad run and stay out all night painting the cannon. Take advantage of Boston, as it is America's biggest and best-known college town. You no longer have a curfew, so get out there and enjoy your freedom.
Good luck, and welcome to Tufts.
