Originally founded in 1852, Tufts University is a prestigious private university located in Medford, Massachusetts. Today, Tufts University has over 10,000 students, including international students from more than 60 countries. In fact, there are approximately 55,400 international students from all over the world studying in the state of Massachusetts. Let’s take a closer look at Tufts University. 

Student Life: International students have plenty of opportunities to get involved both on and off campus. On campus, students can join any of the 341 student organizations recognized by the Tufts Community Union. These clubs and organizations are very popular among students, as approximately 94 percent of students participate in at least one extracurricular activity.

Tufts University is also very well known for being active in the community. While studying at the university, students are encouraged to take part in different programs that benefit the immediate Medford area. For example, community activism can involve serving as a mentor and teacher to local children, caring for rescued wild animals or even contributing to a renewable energy and sustainability project. 

The Jumbos: One of the most exciting parts of being a student in the United States is attending sporting events. Tufts University’s athletic teams are known as the Jumbos, named after their mascot, a blue elephant.

Year-round, students can enjoy a number of sports, including basketball, American football, hockey, lacrosse, sailing and soccer. The men’s soccer team even won a national championship in 2014. Students interested in playing sports, either competitively or recreationally, can sign up for intramural sports. Intramurals are a fun way for students to stay active throughout the year and meet new friends while playing sports.

Getting an Education: The education you receive while studying abroad in the United States is the most important part of the experience. In 2016, Tufts University was ranked 12th among research universities by Forbes, with the undergraduate school ranking 18th in Forbes’ America’s Top Colleges. 

Tufts University offers students a multitude of degree programs to choose from, including degrees from the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts. Following graduation, graduates of Tufts University often accomplish great feats, whether it’s beginning a career or pursuing post-graduate opportunities. The university offers many resources to students, including the Career Center, to ensure students are optimizing their time at the university and preparing for future success. 

Moving in: Students studying at Tufts University can choose to live either on or off campus. If you plan to live off campus in an apartment, you’ll need to find a location close by and in a safe location. ApartmentSearch.com is a great resource to use for students moving to a new area. The tool allows you to search for an apartment in your ideal location, while also detailing the cost of living, local restaurants, the length of your commute and more. If your apartment is unfurnished, furniture rental is an economical and hassle-free way to furnish your home. CORT, the leading provider of furniture rental in the U.S., furnishes thousands of student apartments with everything from beds and sofas to housewares and electronics – all with affordable rental package options.

Studying abroad in the United States provides an incredible opportunity for international students to get a great education and experience a new culture. When planning to study abroad, think about your goals and what you would like to experience while in the United States. Take some time to research great universities like Tufts University to find the best school for you!

Yu Wu is a native of Nanjing, China, and works with universities and education organizations at CORT Furniture Rental to help international students and scholars settle in faster when studying in the U.S.