Cooper Ballard
All the Fun to Do On (and Off) Campus!
Although Dartmouth is located in a rural area, there is an abundance of incredible activities to partake in. I have already found so many places to go with friends, both on and off campus, that are just simply amazing and allow me to get closer with everyone. Here are some of my favorite spots at Dartmouth and in Hanover!
The River: With Dartmouth being conveniently located right next to the Connecticut River, it is impossible not to make the trek down to the river and hang out down there. If you are a student, you can rent paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes for free through the Ledyard Canoe Club! There is also a dock where you can jump off from and swim with friends, so it is just simply such an amazing place to go if you want a break from academics!

The Works Cafe: This cafe, located in downtown Hanover, is simply to die for. They have a wide variety of options, ranging from smoothies to quinoa bowls and they are all absolutely incredible. I like to compare it to Panera Bread as the food is very similar in terms of both the taste and also the quality. My personal favorite is the turkey avocado sandwich and the classic smoothie. Also, all of the options there are not too expensive and are great for anyone with allergies (I can attest because I am in fact allergic to both peanuts and tree nuts)!
Pickleball Courts: For anyone that knows me, I am simply obsessed with pickleball. It is such a great sport to pick up, and it is quite literally addicting. Dartmouth has their own courts which makes it so easy to get together with a group of friends and go play! It is not only an amazing way to get a workout in, but I have found that playing pickleball has allowed me to bond with so many people. No matter how skilled you are, it is undeniable how much fun pickleball is, and I highly recommend it to anyone—you won't regret it!

The Green: Ah, the miraculous Green. It truly does live up to the hype; it is absolutely beautiful! Going here to do work, talk with friends, have a picnic, or play yard games is very popular, and I absolutely love how central it is on campus. I find myself just talking with friends and taking in the views of Baker-Berry Library, Dartmouth Hall, the Hanover Inn, and the breathtaking sky. I always go to the Green to decompress and relax after a stressful day, and it is especially incredible to lie on the Green at night and look up at the stars.
This list, however, is not at all exhaustive, and simply every place on campus has its own charm and uniqueness! That's it for now, I will talk to you all soon!
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.
Exam at 8am, presentation on zoom, and paper due by noon!
Dartmouth has over 84,000 alumni all over the world, and I wanted to highlight a few notable alumni!
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.