Hey! I'm Nuna and I'm a '28 from Accra, Ghana. I'm currently studying Biology at Dartmouth on the pre-med track but I'm still on the lookout for any other interesting areas of study. When I'm not in class (and not catching up on sleep), I'm reading, cooking or winning card games with my friends (especially Uno and Hearts!). I am constantly exploring new activities, places on campus or meeting new people, so come along for the ride!
"The River People" is a term used to describe the students who live on the westernmost side of campus. The two buildings, Judge Hall and French Hall, make up the River Cluster. We call it that because we are situated right next to the Connecticut River. We often joke that we're closer to Vermont than we are to the dining hall, and frankly it may actually be a fact. Both Judge and French are residential halls for first years of West House. This is my experience having lived here for half a term!
As someone who wasn't very conversant with walking a lot every day, being in French has been a change of pace—literally! Realistically, nothing on campus is ever too far to walk, but going anywhere from French definitely takes a bit of time. I would say we're a 15 minute walk from most buildings. In the mornings and evenings, this walk is compounded by the chilly weather. As a result, most of us living in French pack our bags for the day in an effort to return to the dorm only after a full day of classes. However, I will say that most of us get upwards of 15,000 steps a day in, so we're forced to be healthy!
Different halls have slightly different room setups. In the River Cluster, we mainly have two-room doubles, three room doubles and single rooms. I am in a two-room double; in effect, I have my own room, which I love, while also having a roommate in an adjoining room. The rooms are comfortable and relatively spacious. I love the simultaneous feeling of having my own space but also having a roommate who I see and can talk to everyday.
My room, which I love so much. If I'm not out having class, I'm probably in here napping. Did I mention that I love my room?! (There's a bit more stuff in the room, like my desk and mini-fridge, so there is a bit of space not captured in this picture!)
People in the River Cluster tend to get to know each other a lot faster than the other halls; it might just be because we're the best, but don't take my word for it. Most of my friends are either in French or Judge, and I get to see them every day because of the proximity. The French Hall common room is always abuzz with activity. People often hold movie nights, play ping-pong or simply hang out there. You can always meet new people by stopping by the common room and talking with other people. Better yet, you can meet new people on the walk back to the dorms at night.
The French Hall common room—home to presidential debate watch parties, movie nights, ping pong and a foosball table! Some also use it as a study room.
Lastly, the most important thing about the River Cluster has to be the river. Wow, who didn't see that one coming? Seeing as it's only about a ten minute walk from French or Judge, you'll often find us traipsing down to the waterfront to canoe or just to hang out. The scenery is beautiful, especially in the fall with the trees turning red, yellow and orange.
The Connecticut River! At this time, foliage hadn't started yet but it's still quite a view!
Living in French Hall has been great, and even though it took some getting used to, I'd definitely say that I'm happy I was placed here this year. West House, Best House
Welcome back to Open Doors—your inside look at life in the Woods! This week, Sarah Getraer '26, a studio art major, showed me around her dorm room, where we discussed Dartmouth residence halls, classes, and campus life.
