Hey all! I'm Batu. I'm a '26 from Istanbul, Turkey, and I am passionate about the cognitive science of design, developmental psychology, aesthetics research, postcolonial literature, and social media marketing! Be sure to reach out with questions about exploring the liberal arts, learning a new language at Dartmouth, cafes in town (one of my favorite blog series dare I say), study abroad programs, and research on campus!
Last week was my first ever Halloweekend in the United States, but more importantly, it was the week for Homecoming! As the leaves continued to fall, the campus filled with joyous alumni and their families in Dartmouth gear as they reconnected with this precious place that holds tons of memories for them. Here is how I spent my Homecoming week.
There was a lot of preparation going on at the Green since the week preceding Homecoming. Our '26 bonfire builders (many thanks!) rigorously worked on building the bonfire, signing club boards, and making sure the structure was safe and sound. Moreover, as days passed, I started seeing more and more of the alumni I mentioned, touring around campus and showing their spouses and kids places across campus.
Bonfire Taking Up Shape
Friday Night: Bonfire Night! As part of East Wheelock House, we all met at our common space Brace Commons to grab a bite to eat and accessorize for the lap around the Bonfire. Putting on glitter and glow sticks as we tried to eat slices of pizza was a bonding moment for all of us. I took countless pictures with friends to commemorate that moment. Then, we exited Brace Commons as a group to join the rest of our peers before taking a lap around the Bonfire.
Picture with the Floor (Zim 2!)
Approaching the bonfire might seem like a visual experience only, but I started hearing wood burning and felt the warmth of the Bonfire before seeing it. Once I saw the fire, I, like everyone else, started taking pictures in awe of the amazing scene blessing my eyes. I have never seen a fire that big!
Bonfire
While taking a lap around the Bonfire, both upperclassmen and alumni were cheering from the outer circle, welcoming us to the Dartmouth community. There was a particular alumnus, who was in the class of 1998, that kept on cheering from the beginning to the end of my lap. Something about that moment was magical; I felt like I truly belong at Dartmouth as part of the community. After the Bonfire, there were several class celebrations including a concert exclusive to the '26s. Seeing such class spirit brought all of us closer and made Homecoming truly special.
The whole weekend after Friday night was full of celebrations for the alumni as well as for students. Going into week 8, Homecoming weekend was a boost of energy that reminded me of my sense of place at Dartmouth, and why I value community above all else. I am so glad to have witnessed the Bonfire and have experienced my first Dartmouth Homecoming!
In one of my previous posts, I mentioned how I joined a sorority earlier this fall by going through the recruitment process. I've come a long way since then. In fact, I am living in my sorority house for my sophomore summer!
Dartmouth is not just a college. With world-renowned graduate schools, why would we choose to call ourselves a college instead of a university? The story behind that decision dates back to a significant Supreme Court ruling.
On a quiet spring Saturday in Hanover, I traded the usual campus buzz for Monet in the morning and archery in the afternoon—a reminder that Dartmouth weekends can be just as meaningful when they're slow, reflective, and a little unexpected.
During my sophomore spring quarter, I took on the challenge of four STEM courses, and while it has been intense, the unexpected connections across subjects and the joy of learning have made it one of my most rewarding academic experiences yet.
Read about the Sophomore Summer Soiree and how I got to witness the beginning of something that hopefully grows into a long-standing Dartmouth tradition!
Here is my list of the restaurants in Hanover within walking distance of Dartmouth. Whether you're touring campus for the first time or are a Dartmouth student in need of a new place to eat, feel free to reference this list!
