Caroline York
You are here
Hype for Homecoming
Woohoo! It's homecoming week here at Dartmouth. While I could focus on the game itself, I want to spend some time writing about the buildup and preparation for the extra special day.
- Building the Homecoming Bonfire: Dartmouth has a lot of traditions, but no tradition is as big (literally and figuratively) as the Homecoming Bonfire. Annually every night before the football game, Dartmouth freshmen walk around the bonfire as the school welcomes the newest class. I'm sitting on the campus Green with a beautiful sunny day as the bonfire is being set up. I'm used to a fire with three logs to cook s'mores, so the mountain of wood built right now in front of me is a different breed.

- Woccums: Walks around Occom pond, affectionately called "Woccums" are a campus favorite. To prepare for my lap around the bonfire as a new freshman, I have been taking power Woccums. Nothing is better than taking in the emerging New England fall at one of Dartmouth's prettiest spots.
- Preparing Parents: My parents came to Hanover this weekend, and it was so nice seeing them after five weeks away. To make sure they were ready for the game and the festivities surrounding it, we rehearsed Dartmouth's Alma Mater. We also stopped in the Dartmouth Co-Op to get them dressed head to toe in green. I told them to prepare for a bonfire like no other.
- Walmart Run: Homecoming is not an affair to be taken lightly. My parents drove me to Walmart to purchase "flair" (Dartmouth slang for bright, fun clothing that represents your personality). Homecoming festivities almost always include a theme, so I purchased a cowboy hat and bandana to fit a western-themed gathering with my floormates.
5.
This week has been one of the best yet as I've met alumni, students, parents, and community members all enthusiastic about Homecoming. Until next time, Go Big Green!
Posts You Might Like
Entering a new environment miles away from home, knowing little to no people at first, can feel daunting. However, Dartmouth's support systems, particularly through the First Generation Office (FGO), have been nothing short of incredible.
Dartmouth has over 84,000 alumni all over the world, and I wanted to highlight a few notable alumni!
This week, I thought it might be interesting to hear from a few of my friends who are also studying abroad about their experiences!
Hear all about the various spots to eat on Dartmouth's campus!
Dorm kitchens might be my new favorite social activity!
A key part of my Dartmouth experience so far has been my time on Sheba, one of many dance groups on campus! Read on to learn more about dance on campus!
After a long, restful Winter break, I'm back in Hanover! The weather is cold, and the Green isn't very green anymore, here's how it all feels.
Dartmouth's Winter Carnival is a beloved tradition that brings the community together to celebrate winter with a wide range of fun activities, from thrilling ski races to unique events like the Polar Plunge and ice sculpture carving.