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Selfie of me and 2 friends at the ice skating rink

Dartmouth encourages students to stay active, and for those graduating in 2026 and beyond, that means completing 3 PE credits. Fortunately, Dartmouth offers a variety of activities to meet this requirement—everything from Power Pilates to Modern Dance, Timber Team, Jiu Jitsu Club, and even being a First-Year Trips Leader or taking a Foundations of Mindfulness course. The best part is that you don't need to do anything too intense. Just attend a set number of classes or practice sessions, and you're good to go.

In my first term, I joined the Women's Club Basketball team. I didn't quite make the attendance requirement for a PE credit, but it was still a great introduction to Dartmouth's PE requirement. I met new people and got a taste of what it takes to stay active on campus.

In my sophomore year, I decided to try something more structured and joined the "Pilates to the Core" class with a couple of friends. We met twice a week at the gym, and for an hour, our instructor led us through a variety of exercises that worked muscles I didn't even know existed. I'm not someone who naturally finds time for the gym, so having a set schedule really helped me stay on track. That class earned me my first PE credit, and it also introduced me to a new way of staying fit.

During my sophomore summer, I joined Ujimelt, a summer dance group. Most campus dance organizations count toward PE credits and are a great way to build community and stay active. Summer groups tend to be more relaxed as they're generally lead by sophomores and welcome students of all experiences. We practiced twice a week for two hours and even put on three performances that term. Since I wasn't officially enrolled for the summer (due to visa complications), I couldn't use it toward my PE credit. Still, Ujimelt was one of the highlights of my summer, and I loved being part of such a fun and supportive group!

Picture of the ice skating rink at the Thompson Arena

This fall, I'm taking a beginner ice skating class with some friends. I've skated a few times before, but let's just say it's not my strongest skill. So far, I've attended two classes, which have focused on basic drills and practice time. After just a couple of lessons, I can already turn in a full circle—something I'm really proud of! I signed up for the class to prepare for winter skating on campus, and I'm excited to keep improving.

Picture of me and Noah on the ice
On the ice!

Overall, Dartmouth's PE program has made staying active fun, and it's given me the chance to try things I never thought I'd do.

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