Hi everyone! I'm Rika, a semi-international '28 from Japan, India, and Malaysia. I'm interested in studying women, gender, and sexuality studies, as well as public policy, global health, and biology while also being on the pre-health track! In my free time, I love to read books, cook and bake, play violin, spend time with animals, be sarcastic, and drink hot drinks (especially teas)! I'm so excited to share my exploration of Dartmouth with everyone :)
Sex, Gender, and Society is a class in the Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) department. It focuses on how gender and sexuality are represented in the media and explores different ways society shapes our perspectives. This discussion-based class features multiple group projects, which allowed me to meet and interact with many of my classmates, which was super helpful in my first term! Fun fact: this class taught me how to plan, film, and edit a podcast on campus!
In this class, we explored the different contemporary meanings of the 4 concepts; love, romance, intimacy and dating. What did they look like at Dartmouth? How were they represented or defined in scholarly research? Why are they important to the world and human interaction? Our classes consisted of thoughtful discussions, insightful lectures, and even primary research. The final project was a research paper that featured the data we collected as a class. It was a wonderful course that introduced me to the world of sociology and qualitative research!
This class was my first English/literature class and it was an absolute BLAST. Professor Jodi Kim provided us with so many interesting texts that explore the nuanced intersections of identity and sexuality, in various Asian American settings. Texts include M. Butterfly, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, and The Necessary Hunger. Our classroom discussions were lively, filled with new and contrasting interpretations of quotes. I highly recommend this class!
SummerBoston, Massachusetts
This summer term, I decided to stay with my parents, who moved to Boston at the end of May! I kicked things off by spending a few weeks training to become a certified nurse assistant (CNA), and after earning my license, I took some time to recharge. I reconnected with family, explored Boston’s best food spots, and went on a few spontaneous trips around the U.S. with friends! Definitely a refreshing and memorable summer!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
