Freshman year: two words that, when spoken by a nostalgic upperclassman are usually accompanied by a smile, a sigh, and sometimes a chuckle. But for incoming freshmen, the year is still a tabula rasa waiting to be filled, and this uncertainty causes much anxiety.
Help is available, however, and incoming sophomores have much to say about what it was like to first arrive on the Hill as freshmen.
Most students at Tufts chose the University for its combination of academic excellence and its proximity to the city of Boston. And all students hope to squeeze the most fun and excitement that they possibly can from their four years here.
But alas, Tuftonians cannot party all day and night. One of the biggest challenges for freshmen is to balance academics with a social life.
"You have all this newfound freedom and no one telling you not to go out when you have work to do," sophomore Arielle Jacobs said. "I learned the hard way that sometimes you just have to lock yourself in your room or get to the library despite the cool things your friends might be doing at the moment."
Sophomores advise that though it's difficult, staying on top of schoolwork must be a priority. "If you let your work slip, everything else is a mess as well," sophomore Jennifer Lejb said.
Others advise freshmen to take advantage of the long add/drop period for classes. "The first year is also a good time to experiment with different course loads and schedules," sophomore David Turkington said. Choosing the classes that you want, he added, is a good way to make friends with people who share your interests.
Another way to meet people is to keep your door open. "Don't hole up in your room," warns sophomore Seth Purcell. "Keeping your door open shows a willingness to just have a friendly chat with any passersby." Purcell recommends going around with a neighbor or two and meeting your neighbors on the first afternoon at Tufts.
"I know on my first day several groups of kids walked around meeting people as I was sitting in my room," Purcell said. "I was very thankful that they took the initiative to do so, but I then joined them for the rest of the dorm's tour and took on that active role myself... since everyone is so eager to meet others, things play out very easily."
But sophomore Alexandra Granato warns that being too friendly can be problematic. "As an incoming freshman, I wish someone would have told me that in the first few weeks of school, you have to watch who you trust," Granato said. "In the first couple months of school everyone is trying to find friends and 'friends with benefits,' and you need to be careful who you put your trust in and who you decide to share yourself with."
Freshmen should also not feel pressure to conform to the crowd.
"It's not like high school - you can be your own person and be proud of it. College is your time to learn about yourself, so embrace it," Rhonda Barkan said.
Besides going to class and meeting new people, the first few weeks at Tufts are a good time to become pro-active and join various campus organizations. The annual Student Activities Fair, to be held on Monday, Sept. 9, is one way to find out what the University has to offer by way of clubs and groups.
"If there is something that you want to get involved in, go and get involved in it," sophomore Neil Hirsch advises. One of the perks of attending a small liberal arts university such as Tufts is that one's ability and dedication, rather than age, will most often determine their level of involvement in the clubs and sports.
"Jump into things with both feet and don't worry that you won't be able to do something just because you're a freshman," Hirsch said.
In addition to making new friends and joining various organizations, decorating your dorm room will make you feel more at home in your new surroundings.
"Make sure to put a carpet down, and cover the walls with tapestries, posters and pictures, because it makes the room feel bigger and more comfortable," sophomore Lauren Gesserman said.
Yaffa blocks to store belongings, as well as Christmas lights, husband pillows, and fans are also guaranteed to spruce up a college dorm room.
"Don't buy a couch," sophomore Matts Pinard said. "One, you can get them for free off of the side of the road on trash days, and two, you can steal them from your common rooms of your dorm and hide them under a throw blanket."
The second reason, of course, is discouraged by campus authorities.
