![Kiara Ortiz '24](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/kiara_ortiz_24_resized.jpg?itok=S1W7XYFW×tamp=1600910121)
![lone pine](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x236_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/bg/background_14.png?itok=0ugslJJD×tamp=1600458124)
Kiara Ortiz
![Kiara Ortiz '24](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/kiara_ortiz_24_resized.jpg?itok=S1W7XYFW×tamp=1600910121)
You are here
![Finally reached my winter dorm!](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_3078.jpeg?itok=o71OJRhk×tamp=1610944703)
21W Move-in Day!
And we're back!
![A before picture of my dorm!](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_width_only/public/admissions/wysiwyg/img_4700.jpg?itok=QWab9lxh)
More specifically, I'm back on campus! Though classes started on January 7th, Dartmouth allotted at least two weeks for students to properly quarantine after the holiday break and had students move-in the weekend of the 16th. As the last term, I am in a building with West House first-years and our UGA (undergraduate advisor). Navigating campus was fairly easy, unlike my new dorm building. I am now inhabiting the space known as "North Fay" which is connected to "South Fay" and "Mid Fay" by a series of hallways in the basement. (Together, they make up "The Fays"). However, I didn't realize this as I entered South Fay and climbed the floors searching for my room. I walked through laundry rooms, common spaces, and dorm floors before someone luckily recognized me and directed me toward the proper hallway. I found my floor, unlocked my room, and was ready to drag some suitcases up the stairs!
![An after picture of my dorm!](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_width_only/public/admissions/wysiwyg/img_4711.jpg?itok=mJRUFXsh)
Each Dartmouth room usually has a closet, a desk, drawers, a bookshelf, and a bed. I was in a single room again, but some of my friends on the floor were in two-room doubles, two-room triples, or one room doubles. To help clarify this, a one-room double means it's one room with two beds in it. A two-room double has a separating wall that creates the illusion of having two rooms, so the beds are in separate spaces. And a two-room triple has two beds in one room while another bed is in a space separated by that wall. (Note that, due to the pandemic, each student's room assignment has enough space for them to effectively quarantine.)
![West House Welcome Bags!](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_width_only/public/admissions/wysiwyg/screen_shot_2021-01-17_at_11.42.43_pm.png?itok=trGXoHKq)
Besides dorms, students can live in fraternities, sororities, living-learning communities, undergraduate society houses, and more. I can't wait to explore these options in the upcoming years! I am so excited to be on campus with new opportunities such as ice skating on the Green, sledding on the golf course, and more! For the next couple of days, I will be in quarantine (with West House welcome bags for comfort), but afterward, I'll be ready to venture out and continue exploring campus!
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As I reflect on my first year, I reminisce on the people, places, and things that made the most of my Dartmouth experience!
![Arianna smiling at the grocery store](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_7676_-_arianna_dunkley.jpeg?itok=eQQiMmwB×tamp=1694612412)
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In the summer, prospective students might take the time to visit potential colleges and universities to apply to. But what are some things to look for as you peruse campuses and take in the view, especially during the summer? Here are some ideas!
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My first-year at Dartmouth has been a period of profound growth and self-discovery. It has challenged me to push beyond my limits, embrace my strengths and weaknesses, and navigate the complex web of opportunities that define college life.
![blogger_image](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/wechatimg3290.jpg?itok=_fEvVHFF×tamp=1695605711)
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I got a bike this term! Read this blog to learn how!
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The Dartmouth Alma Mater isn't my most played song on Spotify, but it did teach me a lot.
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Have you ever thought of working for reunions? Well, neither did I. But it was super fun, come check what it's all about!
![Antonio Jorge Medeiros Batista Silva '25](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/blog_antonio_profile_picture.jpg?itok=z4tVogx3×tamp=1632239532)
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