<p>I'm considering doing all freshman housing or the bridge program, mostly b/c they seem to offer more social opportunities as well as more opportunities to get to know some professors. Do any current/former Tufts students have any input on either the Bridge program or all freshman housing?</p>
<p>I lived in Metcalf (The Bridge program) this year and I have to say, it's not as academic as you might think.. The scholar in residence, ROnnee Yashon is specialized in law and biology and most of the discussions seem to revolve around that. Because Metcalf is a fairly small dorm, you'll know everyone who lives in the building, but I wouldn't call it more or less social than any other mixed dorm on campus. The location is unbeatable though, it's in the very centre of campus and close to almost everything, except maybe Carmichael dining hall uphill or the Gym.</p>
<p>I definitely recommend all-freshman housing—it's very social if only because everyone wants to meet everyone, seeing as everyone is new. I made the mistake of living in a non-freshman dorm my freshman year and regret it. I spent most of my time in friends' freshmen dorms anyway. The nice thing is that Tufts has realized how popular this option is, so whereas my class ('07) only had two freshman dorms, now I believe there will be four or five! It's a testament to how happy people are living among fellow freshmen! :)</p>
<p>Yes, freshman housing is definitely super-social and friendly. I used to hang out in Tilton a lot and it was a really nice environment. The thing is, on weeknights when you really need to get work done and people are blaring music and running around having water gun fights, it may screw up your concentration. If you have no objection to going to the library to study if it comes down to it, then go for all-freshman housing.</p>
<p>Then again, I lived in a mixed dorm and made a bunch of freshman friends, and also got to know a lot of upperclassmen who were really helpful when we had questions about Tufts-related things. I mean, some of them were only freshmen last year, so they're eager to make new friends on the hall too.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, on Metcalf: some people really love it and apply to live there every year. As was said, it's got the best location as far as I'm concerned. But if you're a glass-half-empty kind of person, one of the reasons you may want to live there is simply because it's not the crappiest dorm on campus, and by choosing Metcalf you ensure that you won't end up in a nastier place, lol.</p>
<p>I'm not trying to be negative or anything, I'm just trying to point out pro's and con's :)</p>