Hi everyone! I'm Julia from Seattle, WA. Reading this blog during my junior and senior years of high school helped me to envision myself on this campus, so this all feels very full-circle. I'm studying QSS, Geography, French, and Religion (I know, it's a lot at the moment!). I love cooking/food, watching old Modern Family episodes (my favorite character is Mitch), and finding cozy places to study on campus. Talk to you soon!
Academic Program
QSS major; Religion and French double minor
Favorite Thing Right Now
Beautiful (and free) dinners at Moosilauke Ravine Lodge!
Wow, the term is flying by. This post might be a bit delayed (they have to spread out the content on the back end), but at least for me it's the Friday of Homecoming 2K23 and everyone's in great spirits! The weather has been terrible today, but I'm pretty confident that the bonfire will still catch (if you have no idea what I'm talking about, Google "Dartmouth bonfire" and prepare to be amazed).
As everyone finally gains their footing for the term, especially '27s, it's time to talk about clubs at Dartmouth. Extracurriculars make up about 70% of your time here (the other 30% reserved for homework and class time). While some students focus on sports, others have many different organizations that they are a part of.
To be honest, one of the most difficult parts of this term has been finding clubs to join. There are so many options, but it can be difficult to gain membership to some of the "elite" ones. I interviewed for many organizations that denied me. It felt difficult to just be arriving at a school and immediately feel like I didn't belong in some settings.
But I have some good news for you. Although the selection process can feel brutal, everyone I know has found some niche that they are excited about. I have friends who sing, dance, and even do improv in a variety of organizations. There are places for everyone to thrive across so many different disciplines.
As for myself, I can happily report that my clubs have worked out. I'm part of our class council, The Dartmouth, Growing Change (a program where we go to elementary schools and teach students about plants!), and a few Dartmouth Outing Club subclubs. Paid jobs at Dartmouth also serve as great communities. I have two jobs right now as a blogger and a ski instructor. I will say that most first years I know don't have multiple jobs, but I am lucky to have positions that are very compatible with one another.
Here I am with my sister's friend, Mehak, outside an event for The Dartmouth.
There are so many ways to get involved across campus. It can be difficult to face rejection, but it makes the acceptances feel so much more special. And hey, you might even get to be woken up a time or two. But I'll leave that as a campus secret for now.
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!
As I approach the end of my first year at Dartmouth, I would like to reflect on some of the experiences and lessons I've learned throughout this school year.
