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FIT (Fitness and Individual Development at Tufts) is a five-day pre-orientation program for students interested in leading a healthy and active lifestyle while at Tufts. Incoming Tufts students have proven they are academically FIT to be a Jumbo; likewise, we believe Jumbo Health is just as important. The program introduces students to the Tufts community through wellness, nutrition, and activities. Students are taught how to include healthy behaviors and learn about self-care, wellness, and stress reduction. FIT provides the opportunity to develop lasting relationships with other first-year students and upper-class student peer leaders. 

FIT students are placed with 10 other first-years and 2-3 upper-class student peer leaders. The leaders were first years just like you and will help guide you in your transition to life as a Jumbo. Participants in FIT develop strong relationships with other first-year students and their peer leaders. These friendships have been known to last all four years.  

FIT is supported by two Tufts staff members who have years of experience in college health and support Tufts students’ health year-round. 

Fitness

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Over the course of the five days, students will learn how to live an active lifestyle at Tufts. During the program, they will get the opportunity to participate in fun Jumbo Workouts like kickball, ultimate frisbee, swimming, spin classes, yard games, hip-hop dance, and many  more. Additionally, they will participate in outdoor activities off-campus like sailing, golf, hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing.

Health/Wellness

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Throughout the program, students will be introduced to the mental health resources and support systems available at Tufts. FIT also teaches students about proper nutrition, sleep, and stress management at college. Moreover, they will receive a tour of the fitness center and the fitness amenities available to Tufts students, along with information about how to get involved with activities on campus, such as club and intramurals sports.

Adjusting to Campus

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FIT program primarily takes place at Tufts and students will get the opportunity to find their way around campus before Orientation. They will have a few days to adjust to campus life before the rest of the rest of student body arrives. However, FIT isn’t just all on-campus! Participants also get the chance to explore the city and surrounding areas of Boston. FIT groups take an afternoon field trip to areas like Davis, Cambridge, or Downtown Boston. You will learn how to navigate the T (Boston’s subway system) and about the best places to hang off-campus.

FIT is built for anyone! You do not have to be athletic or super “fit” to participate in FIT! While participants certainly will have the opportunity to engage in athletic and fitness activities, the program is open to anyone who generally likes to be active. FIT offers a wide variety of options for everyone, regardless of your athletic experience or fitness background.

We encourage everyone to sign up for FIT and follow us on Instagram @Tufts_FIT! We can’t wait to meet you in the fall!

2024 Student Coordinators

Louie's Headshot

 

Louie Demetriades (he/him)

Coordinator, 2026

Louie is a sophomore double majoring in political science and history from Houston, TX. He is a member of the varsity swimming and diving team, and he loves to read in his free time. Louie participated in FIT as a first-year, and he was a peer leader his sophomore year.

Courtney Kreitzer

Courtney Kreitzer (she/her)

Coordinator, 2025

Courtney is an Engineering Psychology and Spanish student from Randolph, New Jersey. In her free time, she enjoys running, yoga, Scrabble, and watching Survivor. This will be her second year coordinating FIT and she is so excited for the best year yet!

carrie ortner

Carrie Ortner (she/her)

Coordinator, 2025

Carrie is a rising senior from Scarsdale, New York and is majoring in English. Other than being involved with FIT on campus, she is on the board of the Tufts Chabad House and New Member Educator for The Ivy Sorority. In her free time, Carrie loves hanging out with friends and exploring the Boston area. She is so excited for the program in her final year with FIT!

Staff

Jon Bird

Assistant Manager of Athletics Operations and Promotions

 

Ian Wong

Director, Health Promotion and Prevention

Schedule

Program Dates: August 24 - August 28

A Typical Day of FIT

An example of what we might do on any given day based on past years’ activities

Time Activity
8 a.m. Breakfast in Carmichael Hall
9 a.m. Hear from Tufts faculty about life at Tufts
10 a.m. Jumbo workout: Choose from various activities like spinning, swimming, and hip-hop dance
12 p.m.  Lunch with your peers and leaders
1 p.m.  Outdoor adventure: Get off campus to (for instance) hike, golf, or kayak
5 p.m. Dinner and good conversation
7 p.m. Group activities like bowling in Davis Square or exploring Boston

I loved FIT because it was the perfect opportunity to make a big school feel small. Instead of jumping into freshman year with thousands of new faces, I was able to digestibly meet new people and dip my toes into the college experience. I’ve remained close with my friends from FIT, and it’s still awesome seeing a familiar face in the hallway or around school. FIT creates an amazing sub community within the larger Tufts student body, everyone should do it if they can!”

Rebecca Altholz, Class of 2026

FIT was an incredible pre-orientation where I got to know Tufts; we learned about stress management, nutrition, and awesome extra-curricular opportunities. The main thing I loved about FIT was the people. The leaders were enthusiastic, funny, welcoming, and people I looked up to, and the students were just as fun. I loved FIT so much I decided to become a leader in order to pay it forward.

Gabrielle Salomon, Class of 2018