5 Things You May Not Know About Tufts Until You Attend There

Tufts University situated in Medford and Somerville, Massachusetts, outside of Boston, is widely known for its excellent academic reputation, beautiful campus and close-knit community. However, beyond these well known attributes, Tufts has a collection of quirky traditions and historical facts that make the university an intriguing place to be at.

1. From Circus Star to Peanut Butter Jar

Tufts' beloved mascot, Jumbo the elephant has a rich and unparalleled history that ties the school to circus fame and student tradition. Before becoming a symbol of Tufts spirit, Jumbo was the largest elephant in captivity and a celebrated attraction in P.T Barnum's circus. During his time with the circus, Jumbo ignited a nationwide ‘Jumbomania'. After his death in 1885, P.T Barnum, an early trustee and benefactor of Tufts donated Jumbo's hide to the university. He was quickly adopted by the students as the school's mascot. For years, students would rub his trunk or tug on his tail for good luck on an exam or a sports game. A fire in 1975 tragically destroyed his hide, and in its aftermath, the ashes were carefully preserved in a peanut butter jar.

2. A Light on the Hill

Charles Tufts was once asked what he would do with 'that bleak hill over in Medford', he replied stating 'I will put a light on it'. To honor this, every freshman class, on their first night on campus, gathers together on the President's Lawn and light candles to celebrate the beginning of their academic journey at Tufts. This cherished tradition is repeated the night before graduation with students often preserving their candle from their freshman year to relight once again before they graduate. For many, it's a highlight of their final days on campus, providing a poignant moment to celebrate their personal and collective achievements.

3. Snow Days and Cardboard Sleds

After the first significant snowfall of the year masks the campus, students flock to the hill that slopes down President's lawn. With makeshift sleds that often encompass cafeteria trays, garbage can lids and inflatable rafts, students race down the hill in a chaotic and competitive manner. The tradition isn't just about the thrill of the ride, it's a chance for students to take a break from their studies, embrace their playful side, and bond with friends. It involves a sense of camaraderie and fun which brings the campus to life amidst the coldest months of the year.

4. Paint the Town Red

One of the most vibrant and enduring traditions at Tufts includes Painting of the Cannon, a beloved ritual encompassing spirit, creativity and playfulness. The cannon, located at the centre of the campus near the academic buildings, is a longstanding symbol of Tufts history. A replica of ‘Old Ironsides', an original cannon from the USS Constitution, it has become a canvas for student expression, changing colors everyday. The tradition began in the 1970s and since then, it has transformed into a colorful, everchanging masterpiece reflecting everything from campus events to social causes and sporting victories. The Cannon may only be painted at night, and it must be vigilantly guarded to preserve the artwork until morning, ensuring that no one else alters it during the night. This tradition encourages students to engage with one another whether it's for a sports win, advocating for a cause or embracing the Tufts spirit in a colorful and fun way. The Cannon even has its own instagram account: @Tufts_Cannon.

5. Make Your Own Salad Bowl

The Experimental College at Tufts University is a unique program that allows students to explore unconventional academic subjects, engage in hands-on learning and even design and teach their own courses on unique topics. Established in 1964, the ExCollege fosters creativity and innovation by offering interdisciplinary courses that often blend multiple fields of study, encouraging students to think outside traditional academic boundaries. What sets the ExCollege apart is its student-driven approach where students can propose and teach courses based on their own interests, ranging from social issues like activism to niche topics such as the history of video games. One can take classes ranging from 'Unraveling the Mysteries of Agatha Christie' to 'American Fashion trends throughout History'. The ExCollege cultivates a culture of exploration and intellectual curiosity, giving students the freedom to shape their education in dynamic and meaningful ways.

Tufts University is full of quirky traditions and off-beat features that make it stand out from other colleges. Whether it's the ever changing artwork on the Cannon or the history of a real life mascot, Tufts fosters a sense of creativity, humor and community that students carry with them long after they graduate. These veiled, idiosyncratic facts add to the charm of Tufts and make it a place where the unexpected is always just around the corner.