Tufts Class 2008

[Dr.BadVibes]

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snsethy,

How late do the students stay on campus after school? Someone told me that her husband was at school until late a lot his first year. Just wondering how safe it is to travel on the T at night, especially in the winter when it gets dark earlier. Thanks for your help!

Everyone thinks Boston is like a paradise city of all students and everything is safe and cheery cheery, but that is far from the case....it has its fair share of crime....I havent had much city centre experience, cause my family lived way out in the Boston burbs which was generally safe, but going to this site:

http://www.bestplaces.net/crime/crime.aspx?Lcity=2507000&Rcity=4260000&=

and see how Boston compares to a city like Philadelphia, notorious for crime on these forums....(although Philly is just as bad for crime, you can see how its population is almost 3X of Boston, yet shares similar crime statistics (except for murder rate))

 

[snsethy]

Everyone thinks Boston is like a paradise city of all students and everything is safe and cheery cheery, but that is far from the case....it has its fair share of crime....I havent had much city centre experience, cause my family lived way out in the Boston burbs which was generally safe, but going to this site:

http://www.bestplaces.net/crime/crime.aspx?Lcity=2507000&Rcity=4260000&=

and see how Boston compares to a city like Philadelphia, notorious for crime on these forums....(although Philly is just as bad for crime, you can see how its population is almost 3X of Boston, yet shares similar crime statistics (except for murder rate))

Well, I live in MI, and Boston doesn't hold a candle to Detroit in terms of crime of any sort

But if you're smart, you'll be fine generally. You can usually go walking by yourself at night in actual Boston without worry, just avoid the parks and the area just south of Chinatown, I'd say those are the most dangerous parts. As for the stats, I doubt those relate to actual Boston, but rather areas like Roxbury and Mission Hill, which I wouldn't probably go to at night alone. I was on the Fung Wah ($10 Boston to New York Chinatown bus) once, and it broke down in the Bronx for 5 hours, and we got back around midnight. It seemed that everyone on that bus was really frightened by the thought of being in Chinatown after dark, it seems that BC and BU tells their students not to go into Chinatown after dark as it's not safe. I told them that I lived in Chinatown and you're fine as long as you don't talk to people you don't know after dark, and if they come up to you, just say "No" quite firmly and they'll leave you alone.

A funny thing happened during orientation last year... we went to some bar and ended up getting lost and while some of the group was asking for directions a friend and I were approached by a thug-like gentleman who said, "Coke, hunnid hunnid." We had no clue what he was talking about and kinda just looked at him. Well, he said it again a few more times, then opened the CVS bag he was holding and started pulling out little plastic baggies of what I assume were cocaine. My friend said "Oh, how much you selling that for?" (in jest) and he replied "I said, hunnid hunnid." Then we just laughed and walked away. If this same thing had happened a few weeks later we probably would have just walked away, but we were being naive and thought it was funny. So, sure you have wierd things like that happen, but if you're smart about it you'll be just fine.

 

[Dr.BadVibes]

Well, I live in MI, and Boston doesn't hold a candle to Detroit in terms of crime of any sort

But if you're smart, you'll be fine generally. You can usually go walking by yourself at night in actual Boston without worry, just avoid the parks and the area just south of Chinatown, I'd say those are the most dangerous parts. As for the stats, I doubt those relate to actual Boston, but rather areas like Roxbury and Mission Hill, which I wouldn't probably go to at night alone. I was on the Fung Wah ($10 Boston to New York Chinatown bus) once, and it broke down in the Bronx for 5 hours, and we got back around midnight. It seemed that everyone on that bus was really frightened by the thought of being in Chinatown after dark, it seems that BC and BU tells their students not to go into Chinatown after dark as it's not safe. I told them that I lived in Chinatown and you're fine as long as you don't talk to people you don't know after dark, and if they come up to you, just say "No" quite firmly and they'll leave you alone.

A funny thing happened during orientation last year... we went to some bar and ended up getting lost and while some of the group was asking for directions a friend and I were approached by a thug-like gentleman who said, "Coke, hunnid hunnid." We had no clue what he was talking about and kinda just looked at him. Well, he said it again a few more times, then opened the CVS bag he was holding and started pulling out little plastic baggies of what I assume were cocaine. My friend said "Oh, how much you selling that for?" (in jest) and he replied "I said, hunnid hunnid." Then we just laughed and walked away. If this same thing had happened a few weeks later we probably would have just walked away, but we were being naive and thought it was funny. So, sure you have wierd things like that happen, but if you're smart about it you'll be just fine.

Totally agree with you....I think if you are smart and dont bring attention to yourself (like laughing at a cocaine dealer!!!!!!!!!!..hahahahh), then you'll be fine anywhere.....including that "war zone" known as Temple 🙄

 

[46976]

.

 

[Mo007]

Boston can have a sunset as early as 3:30 - 4pm in winter times... trust me, that place can get coooooooooooooold, and this is coming from someone who was born in a country that is located on the equator. My worst experience in Boston was in the negative 20's to 30's.... step outside, and each second will feel like an hour. Walking is definetly not recommended during such period.

 

[Dr.BadVibes]

Boston can have a sunset as early as 3:30 - 4pm in winter times... trust me, that place can get coooooooooooooold, and this is coming from someone who was born in a country that is located on the equator. My worst experience in Boston was in the negative 20's to 30's.... step outside, and each second will feel like an hour. Walking is definetly not recommended during such period.

Yah, Boston is so damn cold....it gets much colder than Toronto, which by the way is in Canada, for all those who think Canada is only the Arctic Tundra...

 

[Bickle]

bump, keep it alive!

 

[compugirl]

hey guys!

what is the dress code for day one of orientation (family day)? can't wait to meet you all! 😀

 

[Reed1978]

I think (hope) we can wear whatever we want. If you guys all dress up, then I'm gonna look like an even bigger troll!

Does anybody know how it works for the orientation...I mean, there are going to be something like ~150 of us, so do they break us up into groups, or do they just send all of us running and screaming through the halls?

Has everybody found housing already? My wife and I found a really nice place that's only about a 10 min walk to the school - so I blew off a T-pass. I'm sure I will have salt stains all the way up to my knees, and 3rd degree frostburn all over my face come winter, but oh well.

 

[compugirl]

does anyone know what the dorms are like? anyplace i can get pics of them?!?!?

 

[Bickle]

does anyone know what the dorms are like? anyplace i can get pics of them?!?!?

They showed me a few pics during my interview. Try emailing the admissions office and maybe they can send you some pictures.

 

[snsethy]

I think (hope) we can wear whatever we want. If you guys all dress up, then I'm gonna look like an even bigger troll!

Does anybody know how it works for the orientation...I mean, there are going to be something like ~150 of us, so do they break us up into groups, or do they just send all of us running and screaming through the halls?

For orientation you should wear khaki's and a polo shirt or dress shirt. That's what most of the d07s wore last year at least. you're going to be split into groups and take a tours, get your ID photos taken, go to some presentations on financial aid and stuff, you can skip some of it (e.g. by the end of orientation word had spread about the financial aid lady and no one was at her presentation.) Your family/friends also get split up into groups and taken around on the first day.

Has everybody found housing already? My wife and I found a really nice place that's only about a 10 min walk to the school - so I blew off a T-pass. I'm sure I will have salt stains all the way up to my knees, and 3rd degree frostburn all over my face come winter, but oh well.

Where are you living? Bay Village?

does anyone know what the dorms are like? anyplace i can get pics of them?!?!?

I lived in the dorms last year. They're 10'X15' or so if I recall (except rooms 301 and 401--if you get one of these rooms call and complain, they're much smaller, louder and colder than the other rooms.) When you walk into the room there are equally sized closets on either side of you both with bars to hang your clothes, one also has shelves. then the rest of the room is just an open space. There's a twin bed (it's just a standard twin even though they claim it's extra long) desk with 3 large drawers, dresser with 3 drawers, and bookshelf. The window takes up most of the wall opposite the door, there is a large window in the middle with an A/C in it, and a small window on each side of the A/C. The windows and A/C are 2 years old.

 

[compugirl]

hey snsethy,
thanks for the information. how many people share the bathrooms? what was your experience like in the dorms overall? would you recommend it to someone else?

thanks!

 

[Reed1978]

Where are you living? Bay Village?

We originally wanted to live as close to Woburn as possible, so we checked out areas in that vicinity but ultimately decided that living closer to the school would be best. So we're making a nest on Marlborough Street, and are really looking forward to moving in and meeting everybody and just getting settled.

With New Hampshire and the cape only a few hours away - I can't not bring my Jeep with me to school. However, I've been reading horror stories about "snow chairs" and such...is this for real? If so, I may end up having to pay for a garage space outside the city and just take the T there to leave on the weekends.

 

[snsethy]

We originally wanted to live as close to Woburn as possible, so we checked out areas in that vicinity but ultimately decided that living closer to the school would be best. So we're making a nest on Marlborough Street, and are really looking forward to moving in and meeting everybody and just getting settled.

With New Hampshire and the cape only a few hours away - I can't not bring my Jeep with me to school. However, I've been reading horror stories about "snow chairs" and such...is this for real? If so, I may end up having to pay for a garage space outside the city and just take the T there to leave on the weekends.

Actually, the street outside the hospital and school (washington) has free parking. There are other random free parking spots around the city as well. Also, if you register your car in MA you can get resident parking for free. I have no clue what snow chairs are, sorry.

 

[snsethy]

hey snsethy,
thanks for the information. how many people share the bathrooms? what was your experience like in the dorms overall? would you recommend it to someone else?

thanks!

There are 2 bathrooms (one for each gender) and there are 14 people that share each bathroom. The mens room has 3 showers, 3 stalls, 2 urinals, and 2 sinks. I think the girls has 3 stalls, 3 showers and 2 sinks. the mens room is much larger than the womens. The dorms are alright, I wouldn't want to live there again, but I lived in dorms for 4 years in undergrad (was forced to) so I was kind of sick of it. Hopefully you get the 4th floor becuase the RA next year is really cool, and will be really helpful in keeping everything clean and stuff. Be sure to complain if you have any problems with anything (such as the cleaning lady--she's horrible,) the new building director is really good about handling complaints/suggestions. I would suggest the dorms because they're in a really central location, easy to get to class, pretty cheap, and it's really easy to get to know people when you live there. Oh, and the internet connection is so fast, it's amazing--I came home and thought my 1.5 Mbps cable was slow! One downside is that you're never really alone, it's really easy for anyone just to come up and knock on your door while you're sleeping, trying to study, etc. I could never study in my room because there was always something happening in the hall. Although, the girls side was a lot less active than the guys side (the hall is split) generally. But if you really feel the need to study, M&V, Jaharis and the other buildings attached to them are open 24 hours, so you can always go there to study.

Oh! Your ID photo is also your composite picture for the next 2 years...so try to get your ID before you move in and get sweaty. Last year they didn't tell us this until orientation started so the dormies are all sweaty and nasty looking in the composite. 🙁

 

[Reed1978]

I was told that I MUST get my car registered (new Mass. plates/license/insurance/etc), and then I can get a Back Bay sticker. Oh, snow chairs (I am told) are placed on the street following snow storms (too hold a parking space for whoever shoveled out that space). I was informed that removing someone's chair on the street so you can park there may result in broken windows, or slashed tires. I would hope that this kind of thing wouldn't happen in BB...but I don't live there yet so I have nothing to base that on.

 

[compugirl]

thanks so much snsethy!

your info is a big help!

 

[snsethy]

I was told that I MUST get my car registered (new Mass. plates/license/insurance/etc), and then I can get a Back Bay sticker. Oh, snow chairs (I am told) are placed on the street following snow storms (too hold a parking space for whoever shoveled out that space). I was informed that removing someone's chair on the street so you can park there may result in broken windows, or slashed tires. I would hope that this kind of thing wouldn't happen in BB...but I don't live there yet so I have nothing to base that on.

II've never heard of that...I just know not to park in Chinatown if you can help it, your car tends to get hit if you leave it on the side streets. One of my friends keeps his car in free on-street parking on Washington by the hosptial. There are other places in the city with free parking, the only problem is finding a spot, sometimes they're all empty, sometimes it takes about an hour of waiting to get a spot. Insurance is really expensive in Boston from what I hear (and having driven there a lot recently, I know why.) For anyone else reading this, you can get a zipcard for Zipcar for pretty cheap if you're a tufts student. go to www.zipcar.com/tufts/ to get more info.

 

[claudiadent]

hey everyone!

All this info is definitely helpful. So orientation is not jeans and a shirt type of event_

Is it just one day or is it longer_

I blew off the T pass too. Will be walking for sure, but am not living far from the school anyways. I?m also leaving my car at home......don?t want to deal with the permit stuff just yet.

 

[Reed1978]

Claudia,

Did you end up taking that place on Tyler St? Also...living in Fl, did you fly up here to look at places? Hope you live REAL close, NE winters are not nice - and the weather as of late, is unseasonably cold. Last year Boston had the coldest winter in something like 100 years.

Is everyone going to hold off on books until classes start, or are you guys gonna take your chances? I at least want to buy my plastic skull (I have to entertain myself with something for the next few weeks).

For everyone not already living in Boston, and who can only move in on Sept. 1st, what are you gonna do for the first night there?

 

[claudiadent]

Reed;

No, I didnt end up taking the apartment on Tyler Street, but am living really close to the school anyways, only like a 5 minute walk. AS far as the books go, I am gonna wait to buy the books, but there is also summer reading that is recommended. Are you guys reading all of that stuff?

Well, talk to you guys soon!

 

[Reed1978]

Summer reading? Really? I don't live at my permanent address where all my mail is being sent - so I didn't catch that part. What summer reading are we suppossed to be doing...or what is recommended?

 

[Bickle]

Summer reading? Really? I don't live at my permanent address where all my mail is being sent - so I didn't catch that part. What summer reading are we suppossed to be doing...or what is recommended?

Its for the practice managment course. I doubt I'll do it, it was recommended summer reading, not required.

 

[Reed1978]

I thought that Practice Management course was second semester? Either way, I'm still burning the candle at both ends finishing up with the final few weeks up my masters, so I doubt I could read it even if I had the book.

Bickle - are you in Boston already?

 

[Bickle]

No, I'm making the move on the 24th. How about you?

 

[Reed1978]

I can only move in on the 1st...so I think we are going to stay with friends of the family for a day or two before. Good luck with the move man! We also checked out Malden - but ultimately decided that being close to the school would be best for the BOTH of us. The trip from Malden to Tufts took 17 mins, so that's really not bad. I think getting some physical space between yourself and the school will be good...we may end up moving further out of town at some stage.

 

[claudiadent]

I don?t live at my permanent mailing address either. I have been in South America for 2 months now, and just found out about it today. From what I have been told, the recommended summer reading is 5 books, all seeminly about business...so yeah, it probably is for the practice management course which is during the second semester. I won?t be leaving forFL till the 22nd and then for Boston on the 25th.

Reed;

so what are you getting your masters in?

 

[Reed1978]

Claudia - I PM'ed you.

 

[Dr.BadVibes]

I don?t live at my permanent mailing address either. I have been in South America for 2 months now, and just found out about it today.

thats decent....where have you gone and are u backpacking or working?

 

[claudiadent]

Dr Bad

None of the above. I am visiting my family in Colombia. I was working up until I left two months ago. Vacation is running out though...are you guys getting ready to study all the time? Well, that?s what I have been told by other Tufts students...that they study big time. But you have all read the forums regarding study habits...some study all the time others don?t....just personal habits I guess.

 

[Dr.BadVibes]

Dr Bad

None of the above. I am visiting my family in Colombia. I was working up until I left two months ago. Vacation is running out though...are you guys getting ready to study all the time? Well, that?s what I have been told by other Tufts students...that they study big time. But you have all read the forums regarding study habits...some study all the time others don?t....just personal habits I guess.

I REALLY REALLY wanna goto Colombia one day! I was in Panama last week with a doctor from Colombia, but thats as far as Ive gotten....i have really good friends in Bogota and actually the dentist Im working the MPH with at Temple is from Bogota, so you can see that Ive encountered many Colombians in my days and why I really wanna go there!

Is the border between Venezuela and Colombia safe?

 

[compugirl]

Does anyone know if we have orientation all day from the 31st to sept 3rd?

what are the hours?

 

[Reed1978]

That's a good question. I have to move in to my apartment at some point - so I'm really hoping that all orientation activities are going to end in the early afternoon...not that I don't want to hang around everybody or anything. With that being said, it's occurred to me on several occasions that I will end up spending more time with all you guys over the next 4 years than I will with my wife. AND, on that note, Mark Gonthier mentioned at orientation that only about 10% of us coming in are married - however, 40% of us will be married by graduation. Unbeknownst to us now, it is really interesting to consider that several of us (the incoming 2008 class) will be meeting future husbands/wives in three weeks.

 

[rezzdogg]

Are you guys going to order your books online or wait and buy them from school?

 

[Reed1978]

I'm waiting to buy my books.

Claudia...you are so popular - I tried sending you a PM but your inbox is packed! I think you will be veeeeeeeeery interested to read the dirt that I urgently need to send to you (if you catch my drift).

 

[dental44]

If I were sitting on a giant pile of money, I would buy all the texts on that list. Unfortunately, I have no money. Therefore, I will buy the books required by professors specifically-as they will be the ones who actually will come up with exam questions. I'm not going to screw myself, just save money (for I don't know, eating food).

 

[snsethy]

Practice management has summer reading?!?

Too funny!!

They expect you to read for that? It's 5 classes and a 1 minute exam.

 

[claudiadent]

Yeah, Colombia is awesome!! I love it here. I definitely want to come here and do some volunteering during the summers once I am proficient in dentistry. Some areas definitely need the aid. Well, I thought the orientation was only on the 31st...all day. I have been told to dress as if you were going to a job interview. No jeans...just nice clothes. But a suit?? I don?t think so. The girls from last year mostly wore nice pants or skirt and a blouse. Anyways....

Reed just PMed you.

Claudia

 

[compugirl]

snsethy,

What was first year orientation like? Do they have activities planned for the entire day for 4 days?!?!

 

[snsethy]

snsethy,

What was first year orientation like? Do they have activities planned for the entire day for 4 days?!?!

At first (the family day part) orietation isn't too bad, they seem to want to impress the families, but as soon as they're out touring the school and you start filling out paperwork it gets awful! The paperwork is easy to figure out on your own, yet they walk you through it step by step taking hours. Then the financial aid lady comes in to try to scare you into not spending any money and bore you to death.

Most of the first day you sit in merritt, something you should get used to. If you have a PDA be sure to load it up with games and sync your avantgo so you have something to do when you get bored with the presentations--I was playing bluetooth minigolf against one of the people sitting around me, it was a life saver. You'll be out by mid-afternoon on most days, by noon on one day. As orientation goes on you'll talk with your classmates about which sessions are worth your time and which aren't--my group had the financial aid session at the end of the week and had heard such horror stories that no one went to it.

On a seperate note, when you turn your teeth in to Dr. Silvestri for denal anatomy, be sure that you keep at least two adjacent anteriors and one decent posterior as you'll need them for a project at the end of the year.

 

[compugirl]

How do we transport the teeth? Keep them in the jar with the bleach solution?

 

[snsethy]

How do we transport the teeth? Keep them in the jar with the bleach solution?

that's what I did. I was afraid of crossing the border (canadian) because I always get searched, but luckily they didn't, I just wouldn't want to have to explain that if they found 'em. 😱

 

[Bickle]

How do we transport the teeth? Keep them in the jar with the bleach solution?

If your flying, you cant take any bleach with you, even diluted bleach. I'm just going to take the bleach out and fill it with regular water for the flight.

 

[snsethy]

If your flying, you cant take any bleach with you, even diluted bleach. I'm just going to take the bleach out and fill it with regular water for the flight.

You can keep them dry too, they ask you to dry them out before you pass them in. Just keep the ones that you keep wet so they don't break before you need to use them.

 

[Reed1978]

do we need to turn our teeth in during orientation?

 

[Bickle]

Does anyone know if students can get free dental supplies (ie floss, brushes, toothpaste)? I'm going to Costco to get all my toiletries and was wondering if i should get any dental care items.

 

[snsethy]

Does anyone know if students can get free dental supplies (ie floss, brushes, toothpaste)? I'm going to Costco to get all my toiletries and was wondering if i should get any dental care items.

You turn your teeth in during the second week of school I think...you don't really need to have any as they don't record who turns them in and who doesn't, but it's probably best that you have some for the project at the end of the year.

You get a bag during orientation with toothbrushes in it, and some floss I think. You get a lot of this stuff throughout the year, then in the second semester you go to yankee dental cogress and get a lot more of it all at once. You also get a sonicare and some oral-b electric toothbrushes during Micro.

 

[compugirl]

hey snsethy!

i read somewhere on this thread that we dont need textbooks during our first year because everything is in the syllabus. Are these coursenotes that we purchase, or powerpoint/ handouts that we can print out off the internet?

thanks so much for all this info! i'm so excited to start school!

 

[Bickle]

Just got an email from tufts. Looks like barnes and noble has some deals for textbooks. I'm still going to wait it out.