Olá! I'm Luana from Brasília, the capital of Brazil. A couple of years ago I was, just like you, looking through this blog hoping to get to know Dartmouth. But now, I get to tell you why I love being a Dartmouth student! From the academic opportunities to the community, I'll show you how grateful I am to have chosen the College on the Hill. So, consider this an invitation to accompany me as this blog becomes your looking glass into life in Hanover.
Don't frame your college dreams! Frames are placed on paintings to make them immutable—behind a glass wall where they should never be changed. Don't do that to your dreams.
Coming from a big city, during my college search, I was fixated on keeping my urban way of life—going to a city populated by millions and with tall buildings you can barely see the top of. I couldn't imagine being happy in a place different from what I was already familiar with, and I framed my college dreams that way.
Spoiler alert: life had other plans for me. I chose a school so different from the urban setting I envisioned that it's known as "The Woods." Between hikes, bonfires, gorgeous scenarios, and lifelong friendships, I found my sense of belonging. Surprisingly, I am now here, in the middle of "The Woods," and I couldn't be happier.
It's scary to think I almost missed out on all of that. Dartmouth's supposed rural setting scared me away. But, due to a counselor's advice, I reluctantly took a second look. This time, leaving room in my search for more than the population number, I learned about this very supportive community and its strong school spirit. I was amazed by the campus's beauty, shocked at the academic opportunities, and impressed by the students' way of life. Suddenly, there I was, head over heels, waiting for Dartmouth.
So, here is my advice to you as you walk through this college search season: know your preferences, but leave a little room to be surprised. Your true happiness might not be in that dream you framed.
Who knew a big-city girl would ever call "The Woods" her home? Maybe you will too.
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.
