Tufts is pretty unique — in all facets of the school. Ranging from the distinct and quirky clubs and organizations Tufts offers, such as Tufts Dance Collective and Alpha Tau Omega, to the eclectic style choices students rock in the Tisch Library basement, Tufts stands out as a university.
Naturally, that uniqueness means a difficult transition for any new Tufts student. I still remember my first time seeing a car go 100 mph up Packard Avenue at 10:30 a.m., my first time walking into the Squash house basement and my first time watching burlesque (I’m still traumatized). Even as an upperclassman, I am often surprised at the quirkiness of our university. And, in this strange way, that is what makes Tufts and our experiences as Jumbos so enjoyable and unique.
However, there is one part of Tufts that I absolutely canNOT stand: the slow walkers. I can’t even quantify the amount of times I’ve walked to a class in the Joyce Cummings Center and gotten stuck behind a group of the slowest f---ing walkers in the universe. And it’s never just one slow walker. No, it’s always a five-person phalanx taking up the entire sidewalk like they’re defending the Roman Empire. Like, yeah, go ahead, it’s my fault that I’m on the sidewalk; let me go put myself into danger and go into the street to try to get around. Don’t they have s--- to do? Why are you walking the speed of a turtle? IT DOESN’T MAKE ANY F---ING SENSE!!!!
I’m sweating just writing this publication. My computer is soaked from angry sweat. Anyway, throughout my time at Tufts, I’ve realized that the majority of the slow walkers on campus are first-years. How can I tell? Well, I look for the signs: a glisten in their eyes, a skip in their step and novelty in their heart. With this realization, I’ve decided to — out of the kindness of my heart — provide a list of tips and tricks for the first-years of Tufts. Below are a few things that I wish I knew as a first-year here at Tufts University:
- WALK FASTER!!!!
- The JCC offers students free tissues and paper towels.
- There are definitely no bodily fluids in the Tisch single-stall bathrooms — feel free to use them for anything!
- Sports houses offer free printing for anyone!
- The Career Center gives away jobs for enthusiastic and eager first-years.
- Dewick MacPhie and Fresh at Carmichael dining halls have secret security guards acting as students (like air marshals). Be on the lookout if you intend on stealing some forks and knives.
- The Gifford House is always open! President Sunil Kumar loves impromptu visits, especially if you bring him a Hodge bowl.
- First-years are both allowed and encouraged to bring their cars to campus! There is free parking outside Latin Way.
- Tufts has a DJ deficit. The university needs a lot more DJs on campus to keep up with all the parties that happen!
- Be on the lookout for the Poop watcher. Legend has it that they linger around Lewis Hall and all the culture houses in October.
And there it is, freshies. Hopefully you can keep these tips and tricks at the forefront of your minds as you continue to settle into Tufts. If these are too many tips, the one I believe you should really remember is to enjoy your time here. Enjoy and relish everything, from your first midterm to the first time you snag a table at The Sink to your first afternoon on Prez Lawn watching the leaves turn colors. It won’t be long until you are my age, in bed by 10 p.m. and reminiscing about Tisch Roof (well, that may be a stretch).
Enjoy every moment. We were all first-years once — even the guy in my economics class with a full beard who looks like he has a mortgage and three kids waiting for him at home. We all know how intimidating and overwhelming this transition can feel. But if we made it through, you absolutely can too. So trust yourself, embrace the ride and keep moving forward. And seriously, for the love of God, WALK FASTER!!
Trottingly,
Ben Rachel
