You’re a month or so away from making the big move to Hanover and I can’t believe that a year ago I was in the same place. The good news is that the first year flies by… the bad news is that the first year flies by! Looking back, I wanted to try to give you a few tips for getting through the first few weeks and months at Tuck that will hopefully make the transition a little smoother.
- Do things. Okay, that’s vague. But that’s the point. If there’s a TuckTails, GO (and bring the kids). If the Gourmet Club is hosting a potluck and you can’t cook, sign up to bring soda and GO. If a dean or alum is giving the “Welcome to Tuck” speech, they mean you, too, so GO! This is not the time to stay home. Getting out in the first few weeks is the best way to meet other Partners, to reconnect with friendly faces from ASW, to learn your way around Tuck and to start feeling comfortable with life for the next two years.
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Get settled in. At least for me, unpacking and getting settled into our new home was a huge help in starting to feel to feel good about things. We live in Sachem, so finding out who else lived nearby was critical – these neighbors are now the people in my husband’s carpool, the friends I hang out with on a weeknight, the couples we get together with for a Sunday afternoon barbecue… you get the point.
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Be patient. Your Student will probably be really busy and overwhelmed at first. I think every student I know when through feelings of, “What was I thinking?” I’m not smart enough to be here. Can I really do this?” Which means that every Partner goes through the feelings of, “You dragged me ALL the way out here and now you’re second guessing yourself? ARE YOU CRAZY??” Be patient. Do not wring his/her neck just yet. Be supportive and keep yourself busy (see #1) and things will smooth out.
I hope that everyone’s really excited about coming to Tuck but I also remember being really nervous, too. If you still have questions or just need a reassuring “welcome,” now’s the time to reach out to the Partners you met at ASW or on the Web Board. If you haven’t met any other Partners yet, email us. You can reach the Partners Club at tuck.partners.club@dartmouth.edu and we’ll hook you up with someone who can answer any questions you have. See you soon!
Read the full article: Hot Tips: Partner Edition