Hello, and welcome to my corner of the woods! I'm Lauren, a '27 from Munger, Michigan. On campus, I enjoy writing sports for The Dartmouth, going on as many DOC trips as I can, and hanging out with my friends. I also love Woccoming, doing the daily NYT mini crossword, and paddling!
I took this class as part of Dartmouth's first year writing requirement. We read a pro cyclist's life narrative, discussed research papers on controversial topics in sports, and wrote our own papers on a contentious sports technology of our choice. I really enjoyed this course's emphasis on discussion, and the small class size!
This was my first class in the classics department, which was super exciting as a classical studies major! We learned about the ancient Olympics and the connections between athletics and other aspects of ancient Greek society. I loved the final project in this class, which involved creating an argument about how the ancient pentathlon was scored!
To conclude my language requirement, I took Latin 3! This class was super exciting because we began to read ancient texts and poetry. We also took a class trip to the Rauner Special Collections library so we could physically handle and read some manuscripts. And as an added bonus, Latin counts as a prerequisite for my classical studies major!
As a part of my language study abroad in Italy, I also took a class on Italian history and culture! We went on field trips to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, participated in walking tours of Rome, and watched a lot of great cinema in this class! I loved it so much that I decided to minor in Italian.
This class, in addition to being a pre-requisite for my major, was super interesting! I loved learning about archaeology through hands-on projects and lectures that felt like TED Talks.
My favorite course on my Italian LSA+ in Rome is focused on Italian literature, which we are studying in a reverse-chronological order! It has been incredibly fun to see different topics and styles evolve over time and to learn from the works of the best writers.
Everyone has their own definition of Dartmouth—yet the phrase "That's so Dartmouth" often gets thrown around.
This week, I wanted to create a perfect guide to have an extremely "Dartmouth" day, whether it's your first time on campus or your last term as a student. Here's how to take advantage of everything campus has to offer:
Breakfast
In my opinion, there's nowhere more iconic for breakfast in Hanover than Lou's Restaurant & Bakery. Located just a few minutes from the Green on Main Street, Lou's offers typical diner plates to students and members of the Upper Valley community.
My personal go-to is the mocha latte paired with a pumpkin muffin, but honestly, anything on the menu will be delicious! Don't leave without grabbing one of their mini bottles of maple syrup—it's the perfect souvenir or gift.
Morning
After grabbing a bite to eat, start your day by taking a stroll across the Green. Head towards Sanborn Library and make sure to check out the beautiful "Poetry Room" (John Milton Reading Room).
Then, head through the 1902 Room and spend a few minutes in "Blobby" (Reiss Hall, which is the Lobby of Baker Library, hence the nickname). I consider this space the heart of campus! While you're there, head down to the lower level to check out the Orozco Murals and pop into the Dartmouth Book Arts Workshop's "Story Booth" to read some typewritten snippets (and maybe even contribute a few words of your own)!
Early Afternoon
Dartmouth wouldn't be Dartmouth without a little outdoor adventure. Depending on the season and your interests, there are countless ways to get outside!
During the fall, hike Gile Mountain for stunning views of foliage. In the winter, sled at Pine Park or take the shuttle to the Dartmouth Skiway and hit the slopes! If it's spring or summer, take a "Woccom" (walk around Occom Pond) or rent a canoe at Ledyard Canoe Club's clubhouse for a paddle down the Connecticut River.
Lunch
For lunch, head to my favorite Dartmouth Dining Services location: Collis Café! Try the student-favorite stir-fry or check out the lunch special of the day (both will be equally delicious).
After you finish your meal, you can peek around Collis to see if anything exciting is happening. You might stumble upon a club event or bump into a few friends. If you're in the mood for a game, head downstairs to 8-Ball Hall to play foosball, Skee-Ball, or a round of pool!
During New Student Orientation last year, most of our activities took place at Collis! Here, Tom is painting a Dartmouth "D" on a tote bag!
The Hood showcases art from around the world, and Rauner is home to rare books, manuscripts, and Dartmouth's archives. Both spots are perfect for sparking curiosity and are often visited by classes!
Dinner
Dinner calls for a visit to '53 Common, known as "FoCo." Opt for a seat at a "dark side" long table for that classic collegiate dining experience, or grab a booth on "light side" for a more relaxed vibe.
Whatever you do, don't skip the legendary chocolate-chip cookies. If you're lucky, you might catch a special themed meal like Harvest Dinner or a festive holiday spread!
Evening
As your Dartmouth day winds down, take time to connect with those around you and reflect on your adventures. At its core, Dartmouth isn't just a place or a checklist—it's a community, a feeling, and an experience that stays with you.
While many people might associate cold, long, snowy winters with hardship, I've found that winter at Dartmouth is full of potential to be just as fun as other seasons.
In just a month, I went from a complete beginner to a proficient skier, smoothly making my way down the green and blue runs at Dartmouth Skiway. Read about my journey and how I made such rapid progress!
