TL; DR Tufts isn’t fun because of location and size. Look elsewhere unless you are an introvert or only are interested in academics and clubs.
If you are interested in a fun college experience, which I hope everyone of you are, then do not come to Tufts.
Though it touts itself as a “Boston school”, you will hardly go to Boston, and when you don’t, there is nothing to do (seriously, nothing) in the surrounding towns.
There is no collegiate culture of sports or community.
Take it from a graduating senior, Tufts is not fun. Don’t come here (or anywhere) because of its status. Academics are good of course, but this is four years of your life that are supposed to be a fun, social time, before you enter the workforce. My suggestion is to go to a big state school or a school in a city or college town. Think Boston College, UT Austin, Syracuse, Michigan, Maryland, UNC. Academics are important, but not important enough to sacrifice four years to a dull college experience.
This school is good for introverts, or people entirely focused on academics and clubs. Definitely not for extroverts.
I’m more extroverted and roll with a similar crowd, and I’ve loved Tufts so far. Of course to each their own, but you can’t make generalizations like this about an entire school’s student body. You can be as reclusive or involved as you’d like. I personally have found things to do every weekend (mostly on-campus parties Thursday/Friday/Saturday night), and I actually go into Boston quite often.
Yes, a sports culture is lacking, but I don’t think most of us come to Tufts because of its sports teams…
I’m back at home now and I constantly dream about the day I’ll be returning to campus – my Tufts experience has been the most action-packed years of my life so far.
I think there may be more serendipity involved in how Tufts plays out for each student than at some other schools. If you are lucky, you’ll end up on a fun hall that bonds well. Or you’ll get involved in an activity (or be on as team) that connects you to folks you like. Some of the academic programs are very cohesive while others are less so.
It sounds like you may have been unlucky, OP. Sorry about that and sorry you would have liked your 4 years to have been different. In reality, these are not necessarily the best years of everyone’s life although for some of your classmates, they may be. Luckily for you, you got a first rate education and can now look forward to post grad life without a longing for your college days.