Lauren Groulx

Dartmouth students love a good nickname or acronym. Don’t worry about not knowing these terms just yet–no one expects you to. One of the great things about being a first year student at Dartmouth is that the community is extremely supportive and welcoming. We’ll help you get accustomed to your new surroundings and teach you all the vocabulary you need once you get here.

But if you still want to engage in some quick pre-arrival studying, here’s a short list of common Dartmouth words: 

Yes, absolutely. I came into Dartmouth thinking that I would major in Quantitiative Social Science, and I’ve since pivoted to Classics! Here at Dartmouth, you can’t declare your major until sophomore year, and that’s by design.

Take this opportunity to explore your academic interests, try something new, and keep yourself open to all possibilities. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you discover!

Unfortunately, I can’t provide a comprehensive answer to this question. Dartmouth students are ambitious and engage in a wide variety of academic pursuits, extracurriculars, and other activities. Some common threads do unite us, though. Most days at Dartmouth will involve trips to Foco for food (although there are a multitude of other food options, both on- and off-campus), a commute that takes you across the Green, and some time in a study space.

Another characteristic of a typical Dartmouth day is running into people you know, nearly everywhere you go. It was jarring at first to be waving at people left and right as I made my way to class, but now I treasure these little moments. I love having the opportunity to quickly catch-up with my friends as we go about our busy days.

Although bundling up and barricading yourself in your dorm room or the library may be tempting, that’s no way to spend a term at Dartmouth. Instead, find ways to get outside!

The Dartmouth Skiway is just a short drive away from campus! And as I mentioned in my 24W preview, Dartmouth offers skiing and snowboarding lessons to both beginning and intermediate snowsports students. If you sign up for these lessons, bus transportation and equipment are provided.

During the first “big” snowfall of winter term, students are invited by Dr. Suess to a midnight snowball fight. Everyone meets up on the Green, and snowballs are hurled in every direction.

Did you know that Dartmouth has campus connector shuttles? Zigzagging across campus from Tuck Circle to Dartmouth Hall and the Hanover Coop Food Store, these buses provide convenient transportation during the colder months. I plan to take the bus to my class in the Life Sciences Center, which will cut my commute time in half and save me from the cold weather.

Light therapy can help combat the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Students can borrow sun lamps on a weekly basis by either emailing the Student Wellness Center or stopping by the Berry Library circulation desk. Additionally, some desks at the Feldberg Business & Engineering Library on the west end of campus are outfitted with sun lamps, which students can use while studying.