Youmi Ji

Class of 2028

Youmi smiling and standing in front of the homecoming bonfire

You are here

« All Posts by this Blogger

In the sky, the clouds are dyed with colors of the sunset. The sky and mountains in the distance reflect on the clear river.

My first weeks at Dartmouth: meeting new friends!

All reactions: 16 18 20 17 20 20

Add a Reaction

First-Year Trips

First-Year Trips (FYT)—the preorientation camping trip—is one of the most well-known traditions at Dartmouth. There are a variety of activities for everyone, regardless of how comfortable in the outdoors you are. I didn't have much outdoor experience, but I never felt left behind throughout the entire trip, thanks to my TLs (trip leaders), tripees, and all the other trip coordinators.

five people lying on the grass and sunbathing on a meadow; there are some trees in the background.

Our trip members sunbathing in a meadow close to our base

I was assigned to the "moderately strenuous hiking" group, but our group did so much more than just hiking. Read more about my experience here!

Collis After Dark

During the orientation week, Collis After Dark hosted mini-events at night where first-years students meet other members of the class. Even though they are optional, I strongly recommend going to these events to meet new people and just to have some fun! Looking back, after almost halfway through my first term, I realize that this is where I met some of my closest friends today.

a group of four girls sit around a small table smiling at the camera. There are bingo cards and different snacks and drinks on the table. There are many people also sitting at tables in the background.

Bingo night with friends! There were prizes like iPads, speakers, headphones, keyboards, etc. This was so fun (even though none of us won any prizes…)

a group of college students gather in a dim karaoke room in a basement. Some are standing and dancing, others are sitting and singing. They appear to be having fun.

Karaoke night with my friends!

The Ledyard Docks

Dartmouth College is conveniently located right next to the Connecticut River. My friends and I would always have a picnic at the Boathouse if we wanted to take our minds off of our work or if we simply had a few extra hours. The Ledyard Canoe Club is located at the river, where students can rent canoes, kayaks, or paddle boards for free. My favorite time to be there is at sunset: bring some snacks and a speaker, invite a few friends, enjoy the sunset, and let your worries go. :)