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Wide view of Dartmouth's Memorial Field during orientation, with families and students in the bleachers and a stage and tents set up on the football field.

Orientation at Dartmouth is unlike anything I had imagined. Instead of the quick, two- or three-day program I had expected, Dartmouth's orientation lasts almost two weeks. At first, this felt overwhelming, since two weeks seemed like so much time, but it turned out to be one of the best things about starting college here. The extended schedule gave me the chance to actually settle in: to explore campus without rushing, to meet people slowly and meaningfully, and to figure out what my new daily life in Hanover might look like.

The College fills these days with a huge variety of programs, ranging from academic to social to just plain fun. Some of the more structured events, like the Dartmouth Dialogue Project or the class-wide matriculation ceremonies, brought everyone together to think about the kind of community we wanted to build. Others, like big-prize bingo at Collis Center, were lighthearted ways to unwind and meet new people. What I loved most was that no matter your mood, whether you wanted to learn, connect, or just relax, there was always something going on.

Two students standing in a dorm room, smiling while holding colorful Lego models of the house from Up, including balloons and mini-figures.

One of the coolest events I didn't expect was the Susty Sale, which happens during move-in and orientation. Upperclass students donate gently used items—everything from mini-fridges to lamps to mirrors—that are then sold for very low prices. I thought I had brought enough storage for my room, but I completely underestimated how much space I needed. After realizing that, I ended up buying two drawers at the Susty Sale, and they've been lifesavers ever since. It felt nice knowing that I was reusing items that had a life in Dartmouth dorms before mine, and the sustainability aspect made it even better.

Poster on a wall for the "Susty Grand Opening," advertising a sale of donated dorm items like fridges, bikes, drawers, clothes, and bedding.
Susty sale!

My absolute favorite events, though, were the bonfire socials outside Collis. On a few evenings of orientation, the small outdoor fireplaces were turned on, and we gathered around to roast marshmallows and make s'mores. There was something magical about those nights—the soft glow of the fire, the relaxed conversations, and the way it felt like everyone was opening up at once. Looking back, many of the friends I still spend time with today were people I first connected with over melted chocolate and graham crackers.

Another highlight of orientation was the department open houses. Each academic department hosted sessions where students could meet professors, ask questions about majors and classes, or learn about research opportunities. I found it exciting to walk from building to building, discovering just how many different paths were open to me. In fact, I had a life-changing experience at the Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies open house, which opened my eyes up to the possibilities of that department. Events like these reminded me that orientation wasn't just about finding friends—it was also about finding intellectual homes.

Students seated in an auditorium viewing a presentation slide listing Dartmouth student organizations, clinical experiences, and research opportunities.
The pre-health department's open house event!

And of course, orientation includes First-Year Trips, which are such an iconic part of Dartmouth. Trips helped me feel connected to the natural beauty of New Hampshire and bonded me with classmates I might never have met otherwise. Coming back to campus afterward, orientation felt less intimidating because I already had a small group of people I could wave to in the dining hall.

If I could offer one piece of advice to incoming students, it would be to take some time for yourself during orientation. Meeting so many people, figuring out classes, and adjusting to a new environment can feel exhausting. There were days when I skipped a social program and instead stayed in my room decorating, or went on a quiet walk to take in the views of Hanover. At first I worried about missing out, but I quickly realized that orientation is long enough that there will always be more chances to connect. Those solo moments helped me feel grounded, and they made the busy days much more enjoyable.

View of a pond surrounded by dense green trees and bushes, with a white house partially visible through the trees under a cloudy sky.
A solo walk to Occom pond!

Overall, orientation was the perfect introduction to Dartmouth. It gave me space to get comfortable in Hanover, to make friends I truly connected with, and to start imagining what the next four years could hold. Looking back, I'm so grateful for those two weeks because they weren't just an introduction to college—they were the beginning of a community I still feel lucky to be part of every day.

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