What is Dartmouth really like as a student?
I’ve been looking into Dartmouth a lot lately because I’m thinking about applying early decision, but every source seems to say something different about the actual experience there. I know it’s an Ivy League and it’s supposedly known for its tight-knit community, but I’m wondering what life is really like from a student’s perspective.
Is the small town vibe actually chill, or does it feel isolating? How much do people party vs study? I get that it’s rural, but I’d love to know if that means tons of outdoorsy stuff or if people get bored. If anyone has details about the classes or the social scene, I’d really appreciate it. It’s hard to tell what’s just admissions brochure talk and what’s genuinely true from students who go there.
Would love to hear anything about your experiences or what surprised you most about Dartmouth.
Is the small town vibe actually chill, or does it feel isolating? How much do people party vs study? I get that it’s rural, but I’d love to know if that means tons of outdoorsy stuff or if people get bored. If anyone has details about the classes or the social scene, I’d really appreciate it. It’s hard to tell what’s just admissions brochure talk and what’s genuinely true from students who go there.
Would love to hear anything about your experiences or what surprised you most about Dartmouth.
4 months ago
•
253 views
Grayce Gibbs
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Dartmouth definitely stands out among the Ivies for its unique location and community vibe, and many students find those factors make for a really distinct college experience.
Hanover is a genuinely small college town—the campus is the center of pretty much everything. The town feels cozy, and it’s easy to cross paths with friends going to class, Main Street for coffee, or out on the Green. For people who want a tight-knit atmosphere, it’s a huge plus. But the rural setting can be a double-edged sword. Some students relish the peace and closeness and actually say it makes social life less overwhelming to navigate, since you really get to know people quickly. Others do start to crave bigger-city options or feel stir-crazy during long winters.
Socially, Dartmouth is famous for its Greek life, but that's only part of the scene. About two-thirds of eligible students join fraternities or sororities, and a fair number of campus parties happen in Greek houses. That said, it's nowhere near impossible to find people and programs outside of that. Clubs for nearly every interest, everything from a cappella groups to outdoor clubs, are active and welcoming—a friend of mine who didn't rush still had a packed social calendar every term.
The outdoors do play a big role. Skiing, hiking, canoeing, and camping are common weekend activities, especially with the Dartmouth Outing Club (the oldest and largest collegiate outing club in the country). I know a student who’d never tried hiking before Dartmouth but started doing sunrise hikes because it was just easy and spontaneous to join other students. But, if nature isn’t your thing, there’s art, music, student film nights, and visiting speakers.
Academically, the D-Plan (quarter system) gives students more flexibility: you can do internships, research, or study abroad at different times of the year. Classes are often small, professors genuinely make time for students, and it’s not weird to see your professor in town or even at dinner in their home. That close relationship with faculty surprises a lot of people.
Dartmouth can be as lively, outdoorsy, or academically driven as you want it to be, but thriving there really depends on how you embrace the small community and take initiative. For some, the close bonds and adventure opportunities are the best part—they're constantly outside or involved. For others, the small scale does get confining, but many still find memorable friendships and unique opportunities. If you're curious and enjoy being part of a real community, there's a lot to love.
Hanover is a genuinely small college town—the campus is the center of pretty much everything. The town feels cozy, and it’s easy to cross paths with friends going to class, Main Street for coffee, or out on the Green. For people who want a tight-knit atmosphere, it’s a huge plus. But the rural setting can be a double-edged sword. Some students relish the peace and closeness and actually say it makes social life less overwhelming to navigate, since you really get to know people quickly. Others do start to crave bigger-city options or feel stir-crazy during long winters.
Socially, Dartmouth is famous for its Greek life, but that's only part of the scene. About two-thirds of eligible students join fraternities or sororities, and a fair number of campus parties happen in Greek houses. That said, it's nowhere near impossible to find people and programs outside of that. Clubs for nearly every interest, everything from a cappella groups to outdoor clubs, are active and welcoming—a friend of mine who didn't rush still had a packed social calendar every term.
The outdoors do play a big role. Skiing, hiking, canoeing, and camping are common weekend activities, especially with the Dartmouth Outing Club (the oldest and largest collegiate outing club in the country). I know a student who’d never tried hiking before Dartmouth but started doing sunrise hikes because it was just easy and spontaneous to join other students. But, if nature isn’t your thing, there’s art, music, student film nights, and visiting speakers.
Academically, the D-Plan (quarter system) gives students more flexibility: you can do internships, research, or study abroad at different times of the year. Classes are often small, professors genuinely make time for students, and it’s not weird to see your professor in town or even at dinner in their home. That close relationship with faculty surprises a lot of people.
Dartmouth can be as lively, outdoorsy, or academically driven as you want it to be, but thriving there really depends on how you embrace the small community and take initiative. For some, the close bonds and adventure opportunities are the best part—they're constantly outside or involved. For others, the small scale does get confining, but many still find memorable friendships and unique opportunities. If you're curious and enjoy being part of a real community, there's a lot to love.
Grayce Gibbs
Denver, CO
Dartmouth College (AB); Colorado School of Mines (MS)
Experience
4 years