Hi everyone! I'm Julia from Seattle, WA. This blog was very influential during my college search, so I am excited to be writing to you all now! I'm majoring in Quantitative Social Science with a concentration in Geography and minoring in French and Religion. Outside of class, you can find me in Robinson Hall participating in various Dartmouth Outing Club sub-clubs, cooking in the Sustainable Living Center, or chatting with friends while waiting for my go-to Collis Cafe smoothie order. Talk soon!
Academic Program
QSS major; Religion and French double minor
Favorite Thing Right Now
Beautiful (and free) dinners at Moosilauke Ravine Lodge!
Wow, the term is flying by. This post might be a bit delayed (they have to spread out the content on the back end), but at least for me it's the Friday of Homecoming 2K23 and everyone's in great spirits! The weather has been terrible today, but I'm pretty confident that the bonfire will still catch (if you have no idea what I'm talking about, Google "Dartmouth bonfire" and prepare to be amazed).
As everyone finally gains their footing for the term, especially '27s, it's time to talk about clubs at Dartmouth. Extracurriculars make up about 70% of your time here (the other 30% reserved for homework and class time). While some students focus on sports, others have many different organizations that they are a part of.
To be honest, one of the most difficult parts of this term has been finding clubs to join. There are so many options, but it can be difficult to gain membership to some of the "elite" ones. I interviewed for many organizations that denied me. It felt difficult to just be arriving at a school and immediately feel like I didn't belong in some settings.
But I have some good news for you. Although the selection process can feel brutal, everyone I know has found some niche that they are excited about. I have friends who sing, dance, and even do improv in a variety of organizations. There are places for everyone to thrive across so many different disciplines.
As for myself, I can happily report that my clubs have worked out. I'm part of our class council, The Dartmouth, Growing Change (a program where we go to elementary schools and teach students about plants!), and a few Dartmouth Outing Club subclubs. Paid jobs at Dartmouth also serve as great communities. I have two jobs right now as a blogger and a ski instructor. I will say that most first years I know don't have multiple jobs, but I am lucky to have positions that are very compatible with one another.
Here I am with my sister's friend, Mehak, outside an event for The Dartmouth.
There are so many ways to get involved across campus. It can be difficult to face rejection, but it makes the acceptances feel so much more special. And hey, you might even get to be woken up a time or two. But I'll leave that as a campus secret for now.
The River Cluster (the group of residence halls closest to the Connecticut River, including French and Judge Hall) has a reputation…and some of it is warranted. But there's more to living in the River than you might expect!
Welcome back to Open Doors—your inside look at life in the Woods! This week, Isabelle Sullivan '26, an environmental studies and geography major, showed me around her room, where we discussed Dartmouth residence halls, classes, and campus life.
There was never a single "aha!" moment of clarity when I knew that Dartmouth was right for me, yet now, it is impossible for me to imagine having chosen anywhere else.
