Hi everyone! I'm Kabir, an international member of the class of '26, from New Delhi, India. I'm thinking of majoring in Psychology and Film & Media Studies. Outside the classroom, I enjoy watching movies, going on hikes, hanging out with my friends, and going on runs (if you see me on the streets of Hanover, say hi!) In the short while I've been here, I've come to love Dartmouth, so if you're interested in what I have to say, stick around! This should (hopefully) be fun :)
In my opinion, the coolest, most unique feature of Dartmouth's dorm life is the housing system. Think Harry Potter, except without all the weird rivalries and an extremely dangerous wizard coming for one house in particular—what's not to like?!
Dartmouth's housing system started recently in 2016, and there are six houses: West House (best house!), East Wheelock House, South House, Allen House, School House, and North Park House. Each dormitory falls under one house, and more often than not (especially in the case of freshmen), house dorms are clustered together.
Personally, I was in West House, and saw firsthand the experience of housing bringing me and my friends together—especially in the fall! Freshman fall is an especially tricky time to make friends (wherever you go to college!) Everyone is eager to socialize and make deep connections to prove to themselves and to others that they're not 'alone' at college.
The housing system does a lot of the work for you! For starters: Homecoming weekend, which is the biggest weekend of the fall, is a time that you spend with your house as freshmen. You go to a big pizza party with your housemates from various dorms, wear house merch, and walk around campus, proudly displaying your house.
I think that the housing system is ingenious: more than anything, it gives you a unique sense of belonging at Dartmouth, beyond being a student of the college. It allows you to form friendships through communities that are given to you. And the best part is that you are sorted into these houses at random, so the opportunities for forming meaningful bonds are endless!
The house system also lends itself to building a fantastic community—there is a strong structure of a House Professor and Assistant Director, there to aid you personally, socially, and academically. Last term, when I had a personal issue, my assistant director was of great help to me and helped me sort it out.
Some added benefits of the housing system? Firstly, each house has its own student centres, kind of like common rooms, where students can chill out, hang with friends, eat food, or even study with each other. Secondly, there are multiple house trips you can go on—West House took its members to Boston to watch Hamilton! Allen House took its members to Six Flags for a fun day-trip.
These unique opportunities, ways to bond, and balance of academia and adventure are all great examples of how the housing system lends itself to solidifying Dartmouth's core promise of immense community.
To all prospective '27s, your home (and your house!) is waiting for you. :)
The Sri Lankan New Year falls on the 13th and 14th of April, a time for plenty of celebrations and family time. At Dartmouth, I keep these traditions with my friends and celebrate a part of home every year!
