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.
As a bookworm who loved dissecting and analyzing novels or philosophical works, a writing class focused on classical literature with weekly discussions was the right fit for me. Between reading Sophocles, Nietzsche, and Rawls, I had the opportunity to reassess my approach to reading, deepen my interpretations, and improve my public speaking skills while broadening my recognition of the significance of critical thinking.
I'll be honest: Physics has never been my favorite subject, until now. This term I am taking Introduction to Physics, a course that has shown me new horizons of what science can do. This class wasn't about calculating the movements of falling objects, it was about mathematically comprehending natural phenomena. The grandeur of that became evident as my professor, an accomplished experimental physicist, would passionately lecture on kinematics, waves, thermodynamics, and more.
I went into the woods and explored the fantastical worlds of the Brothers Grimm tales. It was definitely a thrilling and meaningful experience to analyse Snow White's virtues and Little Red Riding Hood's morals as important pieces of European culture. In other words, I got to study my childhood fairy tales, journeying through their real-world impact on a sociological, psychological, anthropological, and historical perspective.
For this summer, I decided to go home! Along with enjoying family and friends, I had the opportunity to learn a great deal during an internship at one of Brazil's top financial services institutions. There, I supported strategic growth and market positioning initiatives, delivered analysis and recommendations directly to senior stakeholders, and designed and executed internal engagement strategies to enhance organizational alignment and employee experience across business units. I also used this time to travel a little bit, exploring some of Japan. All in all, it's been a wonderful summer!
Flair, Snow Jackets, and Two Suitcases: What I Packed for Dartmouth
When I started packing for Dartmouth, I wasn't just folding clothes; I was folding together a life I hadn't lived yet. I didn't know what flair was. I didn't even know what a residence hall would feel like. But I did know one thing: I was going to bring a lot of outfits—and I was going to make it work.
As an international student, my entire first-year set up has to fit into two big suitcases. Happily, it all fit just right. No vacuum seal bags and no tears at baggage drop. Those two suitcases were all I needed.
Somehow, everything found its place once I got to Hanover. My closet fits my whole wardrobe! My desk had space for everything I brought, and even the dresser had room for flair (more on that soon).
So, if you're like I was—staring at your closet wondering what "essentials" actually means—here is what I packed, what I'm grateful I brought, and what I now know you can leave behind.
What I'm Glad I Brought
1. A real snow jacket
Let's be honest, Hanover gets cold! I mean, real cold. I brought a heavy-duty snow jacket, and thank God I did. You don't need five coats, but you do need one really good one. Think warmth first, then fashion.
2. Shoes you can hike in
Whether it's for First-Year Trips, a random DOC outing, or just slipping your way through ice-covered sidewalks in March, sturdy shoes are a must. I brought 3 pairs of snow boots and they all came in handy and fashionably during the long winter.
3. Lots of outfits (Yes, really)
I know everyone says "pack light", but hear me out: if you're someone who loves dressing up, dressing for the weather, or just dressing like you, bring what you love to wear. I packed lots of clothes and never felt like I overdid it. Dartmouth has seasons, moods, and events; you'll wear more than you think.
4. Flair. Bring flair.
Flair is that funky outfit piece you think you'll never wear. That one ridiculous tutu, funky shirt, or glitter cowboy hat? Bring it. You'll need it for many random (and fun) traditions.
What I Packed But Shouldn't
1. Bedding
Much better to just buy that along with other housing supplies once you get to Hanover or through an online retailor. That way, there is more room for your outfits!
2. Way too many scarves
Trust me, one or two is enough.
3. Fancy shoes.
Heels stayed in the drawer all year.
4. Books I thought I'd finally read
Spoiler: I didn't.
A Few Final Tips
1. Two suitcases are enough. Don't stress.
2. You'll be surprised how much fits in a dorm!
3. Bring something that grounds you and reminds you of home.
4. Wall decorations are fun! I decorated my wall with framed photos of all of my loved ones.
5. Pack like you're showing up as yourself, not a Pinterest version of a college student
6. And yes: bring flair.
Packing for Dartmouth might feel overwhelming, but once you arrive, it's not about what you brought—it's about what you build. Your room becomes home faster than you think!
New England's most iconic clock tower, captured from every angle and in every season! From sunrises to snowfalls, here's Baker Tower in all its glory. A visual love letter to Dartmouth's most timeless landmark.
