Q. When do I need to arrive for Orientation, and when should my parents arrive?
Helpful websites:
Q. When is Orientation? What happens during that time?
Orientation begins with Family Orientation & Move-In Day on September 15th and ends on the first day of classes, September 23rd. The purpose of Orientation is to introduce you to academic life at Dartmouth; begin conversations about community values, principles and college policies; introduce you to other students, our faculty and staff; and, acquaint you with residential, social, cultural and recreational opportunities available at Dartmouth. Activities include meetings with advisors, placement exams, social programming, and Convocation.
Q. What is the best way to get to Hanover by plane/bus etc?
There are several different airports options: Lebanon, NH; Manchester, NH; Burlington, VT; and Boston/Logan. The bus from Manchester is Greyhound/Vermont Transit; it takes 1.5-2 hours. Dartmouth Coach offers bus service from Logan Airport and South Station in Boston; it takes about 3 hours to get to campus. Both buses drop off students on campus.
For students coming from New England or New York, there are Greyhound bus and Amtrak train stations in White River Junction, VT (10 min. drive from campus; taxi companies are listed below). The Dartmouth Coach also offers luxury bus service to campus from Stamford CT and NYC.
Transportation - contact information
Note: this is simply a list of available services taken from the yellow pages; none of these services are endorsed by Dartmouth College.
- Dartmouth Coach: 800-637-0123 or 603-448-2800, www.dartmouthcoach.com
- Greyhound: 802-295-3011, www.greyhound.com (Please note the Greyhound schedule does not show the Hanover stop even though it exists; please call for the schedule.
- Dartmouth Regional Airport Service: 800-395-3479 or 603-641-477
- Lebanon Taxi: 603-448-7027
- Big Yellow Taxi/People Mover: 802-296-2733 or 603-443-2653, www.peoplemoversinc.net
Q. Do I need to send a deposit to Dartmouth? When will the tuition bill arrive?
Dartmouth does not require a deposit. Tuition bills can be viewed on-line in August. For more detailed questions, please contact Financial Aid at 603-646-2451 (http://www.dartmouth.edu/apply/financialaid/) or Student Financial Services at 603-646-3230 (http://www.dartmouth.edu/~control/sfs/).
Q. Will I need to have a physical/immunizations before coming to Dartmouth?
Yes. The Health Services website (http://www.dartmouth.edu/~health/) will have a list of immunizations and information for incoming students. The information will also be mailed to you during the summer; if you already have a physical scheduled, consult the website. You can also call Health Services at 603- 646-9438/9439.
Q. Do I have to do the summer reading?
The Class of 2013 lecture, which is being delivered by President Kim, will be about the book, Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder, and there will be a variety of other events that tie the summer reading into Orientation. Although the reading is optional, it is worth the read. A copy of the book will be sent to each member of the Class of 2013 in June.
AREA & COLLEGE SERVICES
Q. What cell phones work in Hanover? What banks are available? Where can I order a birthday cake/flowers/balloons?
Although we don't recommend any particular business over another, this information might be useful.
- Verizon, Sprint, Cellular One, AT&T, and Unicel provide local cellular service
- There are five banks within walking distance of campus: Bank of America, Citizen's Bank, Ledyard National Bank, Mascoma Savings Bank, and Lake Sunapee Bank.
- Cakes can be ordered from Lou's Bakery (603-643-3321) or Dartmouth Dining Services (603-646-2271). Flowers and birthday balloon packages can be ordered at
- Robert's Flowers (603-643-4343) in Hanover.
Q. Do I need health insurance? What health care providers are available?
Dartmouth requires that every student have health insurance coverage. Students are enrolled in the DSGHP (Dartmouth Student Group health Plan) unless they obtain an approved waiver for another health plan. Health plans must meet several criteria, including the provision of benefits for non-emergency services that students need while in residence in the Hanover area. Information is available online: www.dartmouth.edu/~health/depts/insurance
Health care services are available at Dick's House on campus, as well as at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
Q. Is a specific computer required? Do I have to purchase it through Dartmouth?
You can bring a computer from home, but students are encouraged to consider purchasing a computer through Dartmouth. Many students who bring a new or used computer from home have difficulty getting them set up for our network, even though the computer appears to meet our specifications. Computing Services offer preconfigured computers at educational prices that run on our network right out of the box. Please visit their website: http://www.dartmouth.edu/comp/support/library/start/using-pc/ownership-req/incoming-students/class.html
Q. Am I allowed to have a car on campus?
First-Year Students are not allowed to have a car on campus or in Hanover. The only exceptions are for emergency, medical, or special family situations. In those instances, the student or parent should call or e-mail the Deans Office with the request, reasons, and dates the vehicle is needed.
Q. How can I get around Hanover and to the stores in West Lebanon without a car?
Advance Transit is a free bus system that runs Monday - Friday and goes to all of the surrounding towns. You can view a schedule online at www.advancetransit.com. For students over 21, two Zip Cars are available on campus.
Q. How does my Dartmouth Card work? How can I put more money on it?
Students and parents can check their balance online and add money online. For more information, please see http://www.dartmouthcard.com or call the Dartmouth Card Office at 603-646-3724.
Q. Is there a laundry service?
Yes. Students can either do their laundry in the residence halls or opt to use a laundry service.
- Laundry rooms are available for student use on the ground or first floor of each residence hall cluster. Washers and dryers can be used 24 hours a day. The cost is $1.25 to wash and $1.25 to dry, and can be paid for with quarters and/or Dartmouth Card.
- E&R Laundry Service information is sent in a summer mailing and can be found at www.thecampuslaundry.com.
- MAIL/ SUMMER MAILINGS
Q. When will I receive the housing application and DOC Trips application?
Both housing applications and DOC Trips information will arrive the first week of June. Please call the Office of Residential Life with questions at 603-646-3093. You may e-mail DOC Trips at DOC.trips@dartmouth.edu with questions, or call 603-646-3996.
Q. I will be traveling all summer and won't have access to my mail. How can I make sure I don't miss anything?
If you aren't leaving until mid-June, you should get all of the most important information before you leave. If you are leaving right away, you need to have your mail forwarded or call the First Year Office (603-646-2861) with an alternate address for someone who can open your mail and take care of any applications that need to be completed by a certain date.
Q. When will I learn who my roommate is?
Room assignments and roommate information will be mailed to students during the first week of August.
Q. What's my new address and when can I mail packages to myself to be picked up for move-in day?
Your individual address here at the College will be mailed to you in mid-August with your housing assignment.
Here is an example of how your mail and packages should be addressed:
John/Judy Doe (student)
1234 Hinman
Dartmouth College Hanover, N.H. 03755-3529
Your Hinman mailbox is located on the first floor of the Hopkins Center. Students wishing to send belongings, including trunks, in advance of your arrival should address items as shown in the sample above. Your mailbox will be available beginning September 1. Please plan shipments accordingly. Shipment may be made by U.S. mail or by a shipping company such as Airborne, United Parcel Service, or Federal Express. If the company requests a "street address" for delivery, use your actual Hinman box number with the word "Hinman" (see sample above), in effect making a street address.
Parcels and packages shipped to students are received at the Hinman Post Office. The packages are placed in secure storage and a notice with the date and time of receipt is placed in the student's post office box. The notice requests that students pick up your packages at your earliest convenience. Limited storage space and the possibility of loss or damage to packages stored for extended periods necessitate the Hinman Post Office staff to return all packages to the sender that are not picked up within 15 days after receipt of notice.
CREDITS, EXEMPTIONS & ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Q. How can I gain exemption from the Dartmouth writing requirement (Writing 5)?
Most students take Writing 5 and it is an excellent course. Very few students are exempt and the faculty hopes to eventually require the course of ALL students.
The Writing Program usually uses a combination of AP test scores and SAT I scores (both the writing and verbal section) to determine whether or not you are exempt from Writing 5. HOWEVER, the Writing Program changes the criteria every year and they have yet to determine the cut-off scores for the Class of 2013. Those will be available later this summer. Last year, the cut-off scores were:
- 770 or above on the SAT I Critical Reading test -OR-
- Exactly 760 on the SAT I Critical Reading test AND 780 or above on the SAT I Writing test
- AP scores will not be used to determine placement for writing courses.
Q. What AP scores (or IB or A-Levels) can I get credit or exemption for?
The chart listing AP, IB, and A-Level credit options is online: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~frstyear/work/policies/apexams.html (The website is intended for the Class of 2012; it is subject to change for the Class of 2013 and will be updated shortly.) If your AP test is not listed, it means the department does not accept AP scores for credit or placement. If you have further questions, you may contact the department directly.
- Credit for a class will count towards graduation but cannot fill a major or distributive requirement;
- Exemption means that the student can "skip" that class;
- Placement reflects the course a department recommends.
Q. If I don't have any AP scores, is there any way for me to get credit or exemption?
Yes. Dartmouth will offer placement exams during Orientation. They will be offered in most languages, chemistry, math, physics, computer science, and music. There is nothing to lose by taking the exam. If you do well, you will get credit or exemption, if you do poorly, your exam will be disregarded. You can start any exam and if it appears too hard, you can turn it in not completed.
You will only have one opportunity to take these exams during Orientation so make sure you locate the date in the schedule when you get to campus. Some exams will be available online during the summer of 2009. Information about the on-line exams can be found on your bannerstudent/pre-matriculation webpage which will be available to members of the Class of 2013 after you receive the first mailing during the first week of June. The website is at: http://www.dartmouth.edu/bannerstudent/
Q. How does the Language Requirement at Dartmouth work? Do I have to take an SAT II for placement purposes?
All students are required to take 3 terms (the equivalent of 1 year) of a language at Dartmouth. The goal is to reach a level of proficiency so you must take 3 terms of the same language (eg. you could not take Chinese 1, French 1 and Spanish 1).
There are several ways to be placed into a higher level or be granted exemption from the language requirement. If you have taken 3 or more years of high school Spanish or French, you will be placed into Spanish or French 2. If you receive a 4 or 5 on the AP test for Spanish, French, German or Italian, you will be exempt from the language requirement (consult the AP chart). If you did not take an AP or received a 3 or lower, certain departments recommend taking the SAT II for placement purposes (consult the department directly for scores and placement). You will have another opportunity to get exemption by taking a Dartmouth placement exam during Orientation. If you are proficient in a language we do not teach, please contact David A. Peterson at David.A.Peterson@Dartmouth.edu or 603-646-4024. He will coordinate a special exam to determine your level of proficiency.
Q. Who should I talk to about learning disabilities? Are there tutors available at Dartmouth?
Student Accessibility Services provides resources to students with disabilities. To learn more, visit their website www.dartmouth.edu/~accessibility/ or call 603-646-9900. The Academic Skills Center www.dartmouth.edu/~acskills/ provides general academic support, including tutors, study groups, and classes in effective study strategies.
Q. When do I select classes?
Classes are selected during the week of Orientation. You will be assigned a faculty advisor to help you make your selections and you will also attend a group advising workshop. Course selections are made on-line and you will have the chance to make changes during the add/drop period.
Q. When do I declare a major?
Students do not need to declare their major until the end of their fifth term on-campus (i.e. typically the middle of sophomore year). The Undergraduate Advising website is a good resource: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~ugar/premajor/
Q. Do I have an academic advisor?
Yes. All students are assigned a faculty advisor to work with throughout your first year. It is not possible for all students to be assigned a faculty member from their intended majors, but we do our best to make a good match. Students may also meet with their dean; all deans are trained academic advisors.
Dartmouth requires that every student have health insurance coverage. Students are enrolled in the DSGHP (Dartmouth Student Group Health Plan) unless they obtain an approved waiver for another health plan. Health plans must meet several criteria, including the provision of benefits for non-emergency services that students need while in residence in the Hanover area. Information is available online: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~health/depts/insurance/.
