<p>My son was admitted during the first ED period, so Tufts has been a tacit part of our lives since December. However, there hasn't been a lot of communication from the school since then, at least not until the Jumbo Days announcement we received a few days ago. Given the distance and (in my opinion) the relatively short notice, he won't be able to attend. My son doesn't know anyone heading to Tufts from his high school, and I can tell he's a bit nervous. Is anyone aware of any effort on the part of the school--or privately--to get west coast kids together before August? Or even those in Northern California? I might be willing to organize such an event if there's any interest. Thanks.</p>
<p>Tufts does arrange getting-to-know-you type events out in California for the students who are going to be matriculating. At least that was the case a couple years ago for D1 here in SoCal. Is your S interested in one of the pre-orientation programs? Check those out, too.</p>
<p>Good to know. I guess I’m just impatient. I didn’t even know there were pre-orientation programs but will definitely investigate. Thanks!</p>
<p>My D is a freshman from San Diego, and there were no ‘get to know you’ events last year. She still doesn’t know any California kids at Tufts- but that is fine- she has amazing friends from all over. She signed up for a pre-orientation, which I highly recommend. It is generally the week before school, and she got to move in to the dorms early. I went out with her and stayed in a hotel while she did pre-orientatiion, shopping for last minute things for her dorm etc, and stayed through matriculation. Also, highly recommend you do ALL your dorm shopping at a Bed, Bath and Beyond near you. Best deal ever. You choose what you want here- then pick it up when you get there- at no extra cost and it is all wrapped up for you to review, buy and stick in your car. Ask at the bridal registry spot in your store, they are shockingly helpful. Good luck! And feel free to ask more questions. I asked about a zillion last year, and everyone here helped me SO much! Tufts parents are THE BEST.</p>
<p>Oh! And start saving all your Bed, Bath and Beyond coupons now, as they let you use them ALL- even if they are expired! I had a huge stack and saved about $100! I was kind of embarrassed when I pulled them out and they saw them and laughed and said, “Bring em on!”</p>
<p>My D was admitted RD and we are from San Diego. We were invited to an Alum meet and greet for admitted students this Sunday. Think it depends on how active the alum are in your area (and how many). D was admitted to Brandeis as well and we heard nothing from alum locally.</p>
<p>Ah- yes, we went to that last year as well- very helpful to meet the young alumni. There were a dozen admitted kids (my D the only public school kid) who may or may not choose Tufts, so no real student bonding or anything. But helpful for them to make their decision.</p>
<p>Thanks, tolstoy2. What was the name of the thread where you posted all your questions, do you remember? I’m sure I’ll have many of the same. This is my first time sending a child off to college, and getting him set up on the other side of the country seems rather daunting at the moment. It’s wonderful to have this knowledgeable group of folks to get us through it!</p>
<p>I thought I had heard that there would be a reception at some point for bay area admitted students and interviewers. I haven’t heard anything about it in a while, though.</p>
<p>Call up Tufts and ask if they are doing any meet-and-greets. Try to get on the NoCal alumni email list (for events in the area) and stop by. </p>
<p>There’s also this super-awesome thing called “Facebook” that helps people to meet each other before school. I think it even has an “app” for a “smartphone”. ;)</p>
<p>Snarkiness aside, the above poster is right. Contact the Tufts admissions officer responsible for your area and simply ask if there are any local events planned. </p>
<p>My daughter’s currently a freshman, and last spring there was a reception in our area (not CA) for all admitted students and their parents, including undecideds. Both the Admissions Director and the officer responsible for our region were in attendance.</p>
<p>@Nerdanimal- I was in exactly the same boat! First child to college and no friends or family in the east. Daunting to say the least! I think I asked a lot of my questions on Jumbo Parents- check out that link and don’t be afraid to just ask anything here, no matter how small!</p>
<p>Nerdanimal - My S is a sophomore at Georgetown and we have no family on E Coast. We are a close knit family and miss him, but wouldn’t change a thing. Having your S on E Coast will build up valuable strength in terms of self reliance. The changes I have seen in my son are amazing, and I truly believe if he had stayed in Ca it would’t have been the same. Another advantage, he is having his E Coast experience and loving it but now appreciates the San Diego area he grew up in much more. Before he couldn’t wait to get out into the world. Don’t be at all worried about letting your S experience the world - it’s priceless!</p>
<p>I highly recommend one of the pre-orientation camps. My D enjoyed it so much, she became a counselor the next year!</p>
<p>I had heard about using expired Bed, Bath & Beyond coupons; however, I just checked the FAQ at the BBB website, and they don’t officially allow it. If, however, unofficially BBB will accept coupons regardless of expiration date, then I will definitely continue saving the coupons. (I won’t be doing the “pick up from a store near campus” option, however; my D is attending a college in western IL, at least 50 miles away from the nearest BBB.)</p>
<p>Yes, BBB accepts all expired coupons. I used some that expired 6 years ago.</p>