Welcome to the beginning of what will likely be the weirdest, most transformative, emotionally chaotic and occasionally magical four years of your life. You’re probably gearing up for your final summer at home right now — graduation parties, late nights and maybe even a Pinterest board full of ‘dorm aesthetic’ ideas. You’re making lists, buying way too many things from Target and possibly imagining what it’ll feel like to walk onto campus as a brand new Tufts student.
As someone who’s been there (and learned a few things the hard way), here are a few unfiltered dos and dont’s to carry with you from Tufts’ resident college shopaholic.
DO NOT: Buy a completely new wardrobe before college.
I know, I know. The idea of showing up on campus with a whole new aesthetic is tempting. You want to look cool and confident — like someone who has their life together. But here’s the truth: You will likely discover new things about yourself — your taste, your identity, your daily routines — within the first few weeks of school. That vintage jacket you bought in July might feel so right at the moment, but by October, you might realize you’re more of a hoodie-and-slippers kind of person. Wait until you settle in, see what people are actually wearing and figure out what you feel best in before doing a full closet overhaul. Save your money (and your suitcase space).
DO: Find your comfort films.
You’re going to need them. College comes with its own brand of stress — whether it’s from exams, social pressure or just a bad dining hall meal that sends you spiraling — and nothing soothes the soul like a film that feels like a hug. Have a list of go-to movies that you can throw on when everything feels like a lot. My comfort film rotation includes Greta Gerwig’s version (of course) of “Little Women” (2019) and “The Parent Trap”(1998) (yes, Lindsay Lohan is iconic — don’t ask questions). Also, do yourself a favor and watch a few iconic high school movies before you graduate. My top picks: “Booksmart” (2019) for the chaotic best friend vibes, “The Edge of Seventeen” (2016) for the emotional realism and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012) for the tears, Tumblr flashbacks and perhaps the best high school coming-of age-film of all time. Trust me on this.
DO NOT: Buy an iPad.
Unless you’re going into digital art or a very specific major that requires it, an iPad is not a college necessity. It’s a sleek, beautiful device that can cost upwards of $1,199 and which you will likely end up using to play Candy Crush or stream “Love Island.” Everyone thinks they’ll be the exception — the one person who takes all their notes on Goodnotes and color codes their life. Most people revert to Google Docs by the third week. Just stick with your computer. It does the job.
DO: Invest in good shoes.
This is not a drill. Tufts is a campus of hills, stairs and cobblestone-adjacent walkways that will test your calves and your spirit. Get yourself some comfortable, durable walking shoes. Your feet will thank you. Also, get a pair of waterproof boots or rain shoes for those surprise downpours and New England winters. The first time you have to trek uphill in slush with soggy sneakers is a humbling experience I hope you never have to endure.
DO NOT: Overpack.
It’s so tempting to bring your entire room with you. But let me tell you: Your dorm room will feel half its size the minute you start filling it with stuff. And you will absolutely accumulate more once you’re here — club merch, event t-shirts, random stuff from the student center. Bring what you need and a few things that make the space feel like home. Everything else can wait.
DO: Call your people.
College can feel like a whirlwind — new faces, new routines, new stressors — and in all of that, it’s easy to forget to stay connected with the people who got you here. Call your parents. Call your high school best friend. Call your sibling, your grandma, your dog if someone will hold the phone up to its ear. It doesn’t have to be long or profound — just a check-in, a little reminder that your world is bigger than the bubble of campus. You’ll be surprised how grounding it is to hear a familiar voice when everything else feels unfamiliar.
So, no, you don’t need the latest tech, a suitcase full of trendy outfits or a perfect plan. You just need to show up with an open mind, a sense of humor and maybe a really good pair of sneakers.
