Move-in Memories

For the class of 2021 and their families, starting new lives at Tufts brought a mixture of emotions

Photographing parents move their first-year students into their residence halls is a ritual that never gets old. There is always something interesting to observe amid the controlled chaos and flurry of activity that starts early in the morning on move-in day.

Students from Somerville to Singapore made their journey to Tufts and started their day on August 30 rolling up their sleeves and making a new home. It is a final moment of bonding—unpacking the car, meeting roommates and their families, setting up beds, rolling out rugs. The students are often eager to dive right in.

Move-in is quite the undertaking across the Medford/Somerville campus. Upper-class students, faculty and staff all come together to welcome and support the new arrivals. Spirits are high as friends reunite and the campus comes to life after the summer hiatus.

Sophie Pollock

Sophie Pollock checks into her new dorm room at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Photo: Anna MillerSophie Pollock checks into her new dorm room at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Photo: Anna Miller

Yiquan Gu

Yiquan Gu is a new B.F.A. student at the SMFA in Boston. Photo: Anna MillerYiquan Gu is a new B.F.A. student at the SMFA in Boston. Photo: Anna Miller

Tyler Barnes

A parent’s job is never done. Tyler Barnes works on fan assembly for his son Avery Barnes, A21. Photo: Anna MillerA parent’s job is never done. Tyler Barnes works on fan assembly for his son Avery Barnes, A21. Photo: Anna Miller

Ava Soltani

New roommates Elizabeth Barnes, A21, and Ava Soltani, A21, share a laugh. Photo: Anna MillerNew roommates Elizabeth Barnes, A21, and Ava Soltani, A21, share a laugh. Photo: Anna Miller

Abby Raymond

Abby Raymond, E21 talks with Josh Harvey, A21 outside her room. Photo: Anna MillerAbby Raymond, E21 talks with Josh Harvey, A21 outside her room. Photo: Anna Miller

Bayley Cornish

Bayley Cornish came to Tufts from Singapore, and catches up with his mother reading a school handbook. Photo: Alonso NicholsBayley Cornish came to Tufts from Singapore, and catches up with his mother reading a school handbook. Photo: Alonso Nichols

Thomas Girdwood and Clark Lindsey

Thomas Girdwood, A21, and Clark Lindsey, A21 get a little help from Lindsey’s dad with installing carpeting in their new dorm room. Photo: Alonso NicholsThomas Girdwood, A21, and Clark Lindsey, A21 get a little help from Lindsey’s dad with installing carpeting in their new dorm room. Photo: Alonso Nichols

Alonso Nichols can be reached at alonso.nichols@tufts.edu and Anna Miller can be reached at a.miller@tufts.edu.

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