Hi everyone! I'm Kabir, an international member of the class of '26, from New Delhi, India. I'm thinking of majoring in Psychology and Film & Media Studies. Outside the classroom, I enjoy watching movies, going on hikes, hanging out with my friends, and going on runs (if you see me on the streets of Hanover, say hi!) In the short while I've been here, I've come to love Dartmouth, so if you're interested in what I have to say, stick around! This should (hopefully) be fun :)
My Writing 5 class was definitely my favorite class this term — it opened my eyes to the realities of the food industry, strengthened my skills as a writer, and helped me make a ton of new friends.
My seminar was possibly the best class I've taken so far at Dartmouth. I learned about the importance of free speech and journalists in a democratic society, and how those rights to freedom are being stripped everywhere, all the time.
I've loved Cognitive Psychology as a class so far, especially because of the cool demos that the professor uses to illustrate every type of phenomena we learn about. From illusions to memory tests, it's so cool to see how the human psyche can be tricked so very easily.
The Benefits of Having Smaller Classrooms at Dartmouth
One thing about Dartmouth that sets it apart from most colleges is its commitment to smaller class sizes. I'd argue that this distinctive feature is one of the key features of the Dartmouth experience and plays a huge role in creating an environment conducive to learning. When I walked into my first-year fall classes, I was taken aback by how small they were. An average class at Dartmouth has no more than 25 students; in my opinion, there are many benefits to this kind of model.
For starters—and more obviously—there is a stronger push for personalized attention and learning that is tailored to each student's needs. Whether it was my first-year seminar or most of the psychology classes I've taken, I've always felt like an intimate setting allows professors to get to know you as a student better. This ensures that your individual strengths and learning styles are taken into account, creating a more personalized classroom experience.
Secondly, I've always found that smaller classrooms create a safer space for participation. I know that some people feel weird about speaking in class. I can assure you—it's way easier to ask a question in a 16-person classroom as opposed to a 100-person lecture hall. More discussion-heavy courses (like those in the Department of Government) also ensure that diverse perspectives are entertained, which may help you challenge or reinforce your beliefs.
Finally, and most importantly—in my opinion—smaller classrooms help you make lots of friends! Especially when you're a first-year, smaller classes are amazing, because you get exposed to Dartmouth in smaller (and less overwhelming) doses. Especially for incoming '28s and beyond, nerves are a part of this process, but I promise you, smaller classes foster stronger relationships. Whether you're looking for a friend or a professor who can mentor you and offer you research opportunities, smaller classes have got you covered.
All of this lends itself to creating a strong sense of community at Dartmouth. If you're looking for a place to be more than just a name on an attendance sheet and meet some super cool people in the process, Dartmouth is the place to be!
As a Digital Media Student Director for Dartmouth's First-Generation Office, it is my role on campus to amplify first-gen voices, foster community, and create meaningful connections through creative outreach.
