![Portrait of Michal](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/michal_profil_blog_-_michal_demeter_tvrdon.jpg?itok=F_iApsX1×tamp=1694701618)
![People silhouetted on the summit of Moosilauke](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x236_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/bg/blog_background_-_michal_demeter_tvrdon_cropped.jpg?itok=etRnnu7-×tamp=1694703885)
Michal Demeter Tvrdoň
![Portrait of Michal](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/michal_profil_blog_-_michal_demeter_tvrdon.jpg?itok=F_iApsX1×tamp=1694701618)
You are here
![A picture of my new friends in the climbing gym, these will be your best friends if you become a climber.](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/cover_-climbing.jpg?itok=wQHEDous×tamp=1698035628)
Navigating Campus Life and Building Genuine Connections at Dartmouth (Finding friends at Dartmouth)
It has been six weeks since classes started, and I still haven't found friends. Jokes!! I found some, and today I am gonna share a few lessons that I learned not only as an international student here at Dartmouth but also as a person who changes his surroundings quite often. Let's assume you become a Dartmouth student:
- Be active: Upon your arrival at Dartmouth, your new home, The first step is to contemplate what you want to achieve and the kind of person you aspire to be. The activities you choose will not only influence the friends you make but also shape your values while allowing you to learn new skills.
- Be curious: Always be curious and expect the best from people, especially at Dartmouth. For example, as soon as I came to campus, I really wanted a bicycle, but I didn't feel like buying one, so I went to Dartmouth Bikes and made a deal with them. I would help them with fixing bicycles, and in return, they would give me one for free.
- Lastly, be yourself: authenticity is the cornerstone of genuine connections. Pretending to be someone you're not may lead to social success, but it won't bring you the profound sense of belonging and inner peace that true community offers. Embrace your unique self and let your authenticity shine. It's the only way to build authentic relationships.
All of these suggestions manifested in my path towards climbing. I was always interested in climbing, and one day on trailhead (Dartmouth's website for signing up for Outing Club trips) I saw a trip to go climbing, and I signed up! Once I met the leaders, I was hooked, and I asked them to teach me how to belay. One of the leaders, Tulula, actually trusted me enough with her life that I ended up belaying her down a tower. She then told me about the climbing gym, and I suddenly started becoming part of a community of something greater.
While these suggestions may seem obvious, they are fundamental, particularly for incoming first-years and international students who may find themselves feeling isolated. Dartmouth, with its rich tapestry of experiences, has shown me that building connections, being curious, and staying true to oneself are the keys to a fulfilling and transformative college journey.
So, no matter which college you will end up at, I hope you find these insights helpful as you navigate your own unique path. If you end up coming to Dartmouth, make sure to reach out to me, so you can find your first upperclassmen friend.
PS: The entrance to the climbing gym is free for all Dartmouth students, and the college subsidizes all the Dartmouth Outing Club trips. Arguably, that's one of the best things about being a Dartmouth student, apart from the great food, beautiful nature, and caring professors.
Posts You Might Like
![Orange sunset over Tuck Drive](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screen_shot_2024-07-15_at_9.42.44_pm.png?itok=GU1ixnAN×tamp=1721094188)
Reflecting on my sophomore year and how I feel about being halfway through my time at Dartmouth!
![Profile Picture](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_6959_2.jpeg?itok=8Ic27ok0×tamp=1717243884)
![An image that says, "Dartmouth Debunked" with clipart of a person sleeping on a bed. Besides the bed is text that says, "part one: dorms"](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/blog_800x548_dartmouthdebunkedpart1.png?itok=dovES2sg×tamp=1719958732)
Welcome to the first part of Dartmouth Debunked, a series of comprehensive blog posts answering common questions first-years have prior to their arrival at Dartmouth. This post will cover all the housing options for a first-year student.
![Cal standing on the Dartmouth Green in front of Baker Tower](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/untitled_design_6_-_cal_shin.png?itok=eVUxVOeC×tamp=1697736503)
![Group of girls enjoying a sunny day in a grassy field, standing and looking away from the camera.](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/unnamed_7.jpg?itok=h2PMVDSj×tamp=1721892638)
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)
![An image of a map of Dartmouth College](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/unnamed_5_800x600.jpg?itok=aUgvuRDu×tamp=1721722730)
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!
![Olivia Koo - blogger](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/4b596702-2c48-4037-8b1f-db79eeb3e7b0_1_201_a_0.jpg?itok=9S9os9ML×tamp=1663532063)
![writing essay in the library](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screen_shot_2024-07-16_at_3.20.04_pm.png?itok=HQbcow8c×tamp=1721157629)
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)
![Pop Up Bike Shop Sign Pop Up Bike Shop Sign](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/bike_shop_sign.jpg?itok=Q6g9dm_y×tamp=1718940753)
I got a bike this term! Read this blog to learn how!
![My first D26 swag! Me, holding up a Dartmouth 26 long sleeved t-shirt](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/bio_pic_redo.jpg?itok=yiMwSuSN×tamp=1673287174)
![Cute tree outside my dorm](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screenshot_2024-06-21_at_22.46.42.png?itok=cXPj0J_h×tamp=1719024425)
The Dartmouth Alma Mater isn't my most played song on Spotify, but it did teach me a lot.
![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)
![An image of the Seattle skyline across the water](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screen_shot_2024-07-15_at_10.20.59_pm.png?itok=IvcyiHVw×tamp=1721096489)
My first time in Seattle, during the week of the 4th of July! Exploring fish markets and watching fireworks, I had a great time exploring a new city during my off-term!
![Profile Picture](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_6959_2.jpeg?itok=8Ic27ok0×tamp=1717243884)
![My reunions co-workers](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screenshot_2024-06-21_at_22.38.05.png?itok=m-RnpBDm×tamp=1719023956)
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)