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The Tufts Daily
Where you read it first | Thursday, March 28, 2024

35 Little Things To Think About At Tufts University

The other night, I started reflecting on my career at Tufts. It dawned upon me that I will be leaving Medford, Mass. in just a few weeks. I also realized that I have had an incredibly enriching and memorable four years here. Thinking back, I thought of things I wish I had done or known while I was here. For current Tufts students and those who will be here next year, I wanted to share 35 little things to think about to make the most of your time here at Tufts. This list compiles some things I have done, some things I wish I did and some things I wish I did better. Enjoy and good luck!

1. Don't get hung up on a guy or girl too long. Most of the time, you will realize that they just aren't that cool.

2. Don't cheat on a girlfriend or boyfriend. It doesn't say much about your moral character and it is hurtful to the person you are cheating on. No one is forcing you to date anyone.

3. Eat at the dining hall. It sucks freshman year but by the time you are a senior, you will appreciate all the choices and realize the fact that the restaurants on Boston Avenue are sub-par if that.

4. Do something memorable on the library roof.

5. Buy a Tufts sweatshirt. Why not? Have some pride in your school. But please get a sweatshirt that is brown or blue ... not those other random-ass colors they have.

6. Run in the Naked Quad Run.

7. Join something! Don't spend four years just doing work. It'll be fun and you can meet some new people rather than the regulars at the local bars.

8. Don't hate a guy or girl because they are seeing your ex. It's not their fault.

9. Paint the cannon - one cold night of painting will lead to years of stories. Just do it.

10. Join a fraternity or sorority. No, you aren't paying for your friends. You are paying for parties, mixers, beer and a great group of people.

11. Live off campus for at least a year. You will learn more about yourself and your friends than you ever thought possible. You'll also learn the dorms aren't too shabby and that paying rent, utilities, changing light bulbs, and cleaning the toilet bowl aren't fun at all.

12. Give everyone a chance. Don't pre-judge. Most people are nice once you take the time to know them.

13. Don't gossip. Keep everything to yourself.

14. Be nice to those younger than you. You aren't better than them.

15. Say "Hi" to everyone you walk by on campus. We all go to Tufts. We are all the same age, say "Hi." It's nice and could make someone feel good.

16. Call your parents at least once a week. They helped you become the person you are and they would love to hear how you are doing.

17. Go to bars, go to clubs, go shopping, go to dinner, walk around, go to museums - experience Boston. It's a pretty cool city and right at our

fingertips.

18. Treasure your friends at school - they are the ones who will be holding your hair back one night ... just kidding. College friends are real. You are with them all the time and you can't hide much from them. Treat them well because they are essential to having the best college experience possible.

19. Take an easy class. Not everything has to be hard and boring. Take aerobics, take sculpture - do something that makes you happy.

20. Think about something you really enjoy. Figure out how to make a major for it. Then figure out how to get paid for it (I'm still working on that one).

21. Don't go crazy on your 21st birthday. Don't have 21 shots. You'll either throw up, pass out, or just make a fool of yourself.

22. Don't waste your whole day on AIM or theFacebook. No one is doing anything that exciting and the person you want to IM you most likely won't.

23. Grades aren't the be-all-end-all of life. At the same time - do well. You got into Tufts. You are smart and you are paying a lot of money to go here.

24. Become close with a few choice professors. You never know the impact they may have on your life or the integral role they may play in helping you find a job.

25. Be nice to the TUPD cops that break up the parties. They are just doing their job and what a bad one it is. They are breaking up a party at 2 a.m. with a bunch of rich and drunk college students when they should be at home with their families.

26. Acquire a fake ID. It is essential for the first two years of college. Plus, it seems Tufts won't have frats soon so the fake ID will be more necessary than ever.

27. Don't be easy. No one wants their nickname to be "room service," "plan Z," or the "town bicycle."

28. If you are a Yankees fan at this school, don't get caught up in the craziness of the Red Sox fans. If you are a Red Sox fan, chill out a little bit but congrats on last season. Go Yankees!

29. Don't just do the crossword in the Tufts Daily. Read the whole paper - find out what is happening on campus and what your peers are doing or accomplishing.

30. Buy a warm jacket and a pair of snow boots. Otherwise, it will be a long four years.

31. Go to church or temple. Religion is important and Sunday is a great time to reflect about your decisions over the past week and weekend.

32. Go abroad. See another country, meet new people and take a break for a semester.

33. Steer clear of drugs.

34. Go to a Tufts sports event. It's a way to spend time with friends and cheer on your school's team. Shout out to my lady Jumbos!

35. College is only four years - it flies by and you can never get it back. Live it up, get involved and most importantly, BE YOURSELF!

Best of luck in all your future endeavors!

Erin Connolly is a senior majoring in political science.