What should I do during a Dartmouth campus visit to get a better sense of the school?

To get a real feel for Dartmouth, prioritize the parts of the visit that show daily student life, not just the most scenic spots. Sit in on a class if available, eat in a dining hall, and spend time in the center of campus around Baker-Berry Library and the Green, since that area captures a lot of the school’s academic and social energy.

A student-led tour is useful, but the most revealing moments usually come before and after it. Pay attention to how students talk to each other, whether campus feels collaborative or intense, and how busy the Green, Collis Center, and library areas are during a normal day. At Dartmouth, the close-knit community is a major part of the experience, so it matters whether that smaller, more interconnected feel appeals to you.

If you can, visit an academic department you may study in and ask how undergraduates get involved with professors, research, or advising. If you are interested in the outdoors, also look into the Outdoor Programs Office or nearby access to trails and the Connecticut River, since that culture is genuinely part of student life there.

It is also smart to explore beyond the official tour route. Walk through Hanover a bit, check how much there is to do off campus, and think honestly about whether the rural location feels energizing or isolating.

Finally, ask current students about things that shape everyday life: winters, social life, housing, and what they do on weekends. Those answers usually give the clearest sense of whether Dartmouth fits you.