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Our location in the mountains of New Hampshire and on the shores of the Connecticut River gives Dartmouth a location rich in opportunities. Winter, summer, spring and fall each bring new outdoor sports and activities. Connect to these programs and places for more information on our incredible location and how Dartmouth makes the most of it.
 The Dartmouth Cycling Team heads out every day to ride through the hills around Hanover. Photo by Joseph Mehling '69
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The Dartmouth Green is a 6-acre square in the center of campus used for everything from graduation to Ultimate Frisbee.
 The Green is the location for everyday fun like tossing a frisbee and our most important ceremony of the year, Commencement in June.
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The Dartmouth Skiway, our own ski area, home of champions, and recreational skiers.
 The Dartmouth Skiway is home to the champion Dartmouth Ski Team and also provides hours of fun for many recreational skiers. Photo by Joseph Mehling '69
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The Dartmouth Cross Country Ski Center, 25 kilometers of groomed trails just a few minutes from campus, home to the 2003 NCAA Ski Championships.
 Ali Crocker '06, a member of the Dartmouth Ski Team, was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship and went on to study astrophysics at Oxford University.
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The Hanover Country Club, a challenging 18-hole golf course, and home of our golf teams is open to the public, and within 10 minutes walk from campus.
Ledyard Canoe Club, legendary in the paddling world, is home to canoeing and kayaking.
 Ledyard Canoe Club is renowned for producing many champion paddlers
and recreational paddlers enjoy it too. Photo by Joseph Mehling '69
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Dartmouth Riding Center at the Morton Farm, a full equestrian center with a beautiful location.
Moosilauke Ravine Lodge, open to hikers for meals and bunks, the Lodge is on the Appalachian Trail at 4,802 ‘ Mt. Moosilauke.
The Second College Grant, 27,000 acres of wilderness for outdoor fun.
 Students, staff, and alumni are eligible to use The Grant where there are two rivers for paddling and fishing.
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The Swim Docks are located right on the Connecticut River, and open only to students.
Occum Pond for skating, a glorious pond on campus, perfect for all kinds of skating.
 Every year at Winter Carnival, students and people from
Hanover get together for an afternoon Pond Party.
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The D-Plan was put in place in 1972 as a way to accommodate coeducation without substantially increasing the College’s infrastructure in terms of the physical plant and staff. By operating year-round, Dartmouth was able to increase its student body without changing the size and scope of the campus. Since then, it has become an important part of the Dartmouth Experience and gives students and faculty incredible flexibility in scheduling their time on campus and off. We use the D-Plan as the way to organize our year, and each student’s 4-year enrollment plan. The tremendous flexibility in the D-Plan encourages students to design a plan that works for their specific interests and goals. For some, this means they put together a term studying abroad with working for the next term in another country. Many students use leave terms to stay in Hanover and do research with a professor. Some students put two leave terms back-to-back and do an extensive internship or job experience. Others who are involved in competitive sports arrange their D-Plans to maximize their practice and competition schedules.
Dartmouth has over 400 opportunities for student involvement ranging from religious groups to performance groups to sports. Importantly, there is no cap on the number of student-run organizations. They are recognized and funded by undergraduate students who work with funding generated by the Student Activities Fee. In 2009, they allocated $960,000 for student organizations’ use.
Students are encourages to take their swim test prior to or immediately following their DOC trip in the fall. Otherwise, the test must be passed during recreational swim hours under the supervision of the lifeguard on duty. Exemptions from this requirement must come from the medical director of the college in the form of a permanent medical excuse. If a student is unable to complete the 50 yard swim, he or she may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing a course in Beginning Swim.
Of course, it depends where you live, but both the Vermont Transit and Dartmouth Coach bus companies pick up passengers at the Hanover Inn. In both cases, the buses then go to their stations where students can buy tickets. Neither bus service has a reservation system. However, they both have many years of experience transporting Dartmouth students and put on extra buses during the heavy travel periods. Additionally, Amtrak has a convenient station in White River Junction Vermont. Train passengers will need a ride in a cab or private car to the station. Travel by airplane is generally from the airports in Manchester New Hampshire or Logan Airport in Boston Massachusetts. There is a small airport with limited service in Lebanon New Hampshire, which is about 5 miles from campus.
Yes, it is useful to have a bike and if you do have one, it is essential to have a sturdy bike lock and to use it. Students should also register their bikes with the Department of Safety and Security.
The UGA, short for Undergraduate Advisor, is just one of the staff positions in the Residential Education program. Each contributes to creating a vibrant residential community for undergraduate students.
The Office of Conferences and Events coordinates housing in the residence halls for parents and families over Commencement (graduation) Weekend. Other than that weekend, students are permitted to have guests stay in their rooms according to the Office of Residential Life’s guest policies.
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