Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the Class of 2027: Incoming Students and Families/Supporters
∇ = new item!
Remember to check back often; we will continually update this page as new information becomes available, or as new questions arise.
Please contact New Student Orientation if there is a question/answer we could add that you think would be helpful to new students and their families/supporters!
New Student Orientation and First-Year Trips: General Information
- What is New Student Orientation?
- When will New Student Orientation take place? What can I expect?
- When will First-Year Trips registration materials be available?
- When will First-Year Trips take place?
- What if I choose to not participate in a First-Year Trip?
- If I am participating in a First-Year Trip, when will I find out more about what to expect?
- Who are the Orientation Leaders?
Arrival and Moving Into Your Residence Hall
- When can I move into my residence hall? Is this the same thing as arriving to campus?
- When will I receive my housing assignment and learn who my roommate is?
- What should I bring to campus?
- Should I bring a bike to campus?
- Am I allowed to have a car on campus?
- When can I mail packages to myself to be picked up when I move-in?
- When can I pick up packages that I've mailed to myself?
- ∇ What is the schedule on arrival/move-in day?
- ∇ If they are available, can my family/supporters help me move in? If they are not available, will there be people to help me move in?
- ∇ How long should families/supporters plan to remain on campus?
- ∇ Will there be programs and events for families and supporters on Wednesday, August 30 and Sunday, September 3?
Getting Started
- Do I need to send a deposit to Datmouth?
- When will the tuition bill arrive?
- Do I need to have a physical exam or receive immunizations before coming to Dartmouth?
- Do I need health insurance?
- How do I request accommodations and services for medical or other disabling conditions related to my classes, dining, or housing?
Computing and Technology
Academic Information, Resources, and Support
- Where can I find information on Credits and Exemptions?
- What are placement exams? When will placement exams take place?
- When do I elect courses (select classes)?
- What is an undergraduate dean?
- When do I declare a major?
- Where can I learn the study skills that will help me do well academically at Dartmouth?
- Are there tutors available?
- Is there a course to help me transition into my Dartmouth experience?
What is New Student Orientation?
Supporting your transition to both academic and co-curricular life at Dartmouth is a priority for New Student Orientation. Faculty, staff, student mentors, and community members are working together throughout the summer to create an exciting and informative program to help support that transition. Our commitment to celebrating the many paths you have taken to get to Dartmouth can be seen throughout all of the programming. We are so excited to welcome you to our community!
During New Student Orientation, you will have an opportunity to:
- Learn about the campus, our community, and each other with space for self-care, well-being, focus, and reflection.
- Begin to find and establish an identity within the Dartmouth community.
- Meet each other and have fun!
- Learn about the many resources available to you.
- Connect with faculty, upper-level students, and staff.
- Elect fall term courses, supported by programs and advising beforehand.
- Explore the variety of ways you can become involved on campus.
Additionally – and with equal importance – we expect that you will learn about your rights and responsibilities as a member of the Dartmouth community. A simple introduction to those rights and responsibilities is this: you have the right to learn, grow, and experiment here. You also have the responsibility to engage in these pursuits in a way that does not come at the cost of others.
By engaging with the New Student Orientation Canvas site over the summer (beginning soon!) and then the in-person New Student Orientation programs with your new classmates, you will learn – together – what it means to be a member of our community and contribute to what is best about Dartmouth. And soon you, too, will be a very important part of “what is best about Dartmouth.”
When will New Student Orientation take place?
New Student Orientation begins on Wednesday, August 30 for students who are participating in First-Year Trips and who are already on campus for pre-orientation programs or pre-season athletic training.
When not engaged in one of the four sections of First-Year Trips, students cycle through three days focusing on the following:
- Campus Welcome
- Introduction to Our Intellectual Community
- Creating Community Around Our Shared Values
These three days are required for all incoming students; you will be able to fully participate in these programs and your First-Year Trip.
Students who are not participating in First-Year Trips will arrive on Sunday, September 3 and engage with their peers and Orientation Leaders, joining the rest of the class to cycle through the three required days listed above.
Beginning in the late afternoon on Wednesday, September 6, the Class of 2027 and incoming Transfer Students continue New Student Orientation together, to include:
- Academic Department and Program Open Houses
- Course Election and Course Changes, supported by faculty and other advising
- Introduction to House Communities
- Student Involvement Fair
- And more!
Fall term classes begin on Monday, September 11.
We can't wait to meet you soon!
When will first-year trips registration materials be available?
All incoming first-year students received an invitation to register via their Dartmouth email on Friday, June 23. Deadline to register is Friday, July 7 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
When will First-Year Trips take place?
The First-Year Trips program will take place in four sections integrated into the New Student Orientation schedule after August 30, once students have arrived on campus.
Students who are not participating in First-Year Trips should arrive by 5:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 3 to join New Student Orientation and your classmates!
If you are participating in pre-orientation programs or pre-season athletics, your arrival date is determined by your program or team.
What If I choose to not participate in a First-Year Trip?
No problem! You will have plenty of opportunities to get to know classmates and upper-level students during New Student Orientation.
Students who are not participating in First-Year Trips should arrive by 5:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 3 to join New Student Orientation and your classmates!
If you are participating in pre-orientation programs or pre-season athletics, your arrival date is determined by your program or team.
If I am participating in a First-Year Trip, when will I find out more about what to expect?
The First-Year Trips program will email Trip assignments and packing lists after Friday, July 21. In the meantime, make sure to visit their Frequently Asked Questions. Please contact First-Year Trips with any questions or concerns. Thank you!
Who are the Orienation Leaders?
Your Orientation Leaders (OLs) are so excited to welcome you to Dartmouth!
OLs are upper-level students (24s, 25s, and 26s) who will be here alongside you during New Student Orientation (NSO) while you transition to Dartmouth and start building your community. You’ll find them hosting programs, leading conversations, welcoming you to events, and always available to help you find your way (both literally and metaphorically) at Dartmouth.
They’ll be posting updates throughout the summer and during NSO on the OLs Instagram (@dartmouth_ols). Follow along with them there so you get all of their updates. They’ll be in touch soon to introduce themselves!
When can I move into my residence hall? Is this the same thing as arriving to campus?
∇ Yes! Your arrival to campus is the day you move into your residence hall.*
Later this summer, all incoming students will be asked to sign-up for a move-in time on Wednesday, August 30 or Sunday, September 3 (depending on First-Year Trip participation).
If you are participating in a First-Year Trip, your arrival/move-in date is Wednesday, August 30. You should move into your residence hall by 4:00 p.m. ET to begin New Student Orientation.
On Wednesday, August 30, move-in times will be between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. with a limited number of timeslots every 30 minutes to help reduce lines and traffic around campus.
If you are NOT participating in a First-Year Trip, your arrival/move-in date is Sunday, September 3. You should move into your residence hall by 5:00 p.m. ET to begin New Student Orientation and small group programming with Orientation Leaders.
On Sunday, September 3, move-in times will be between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. with a limited number of timeslots every 30 minutes to help reduce lines and traffic around campus.
*If you are a pre-season athlete or participating in a pre-orientation program (FYSEP [First-Year Summer Enrichment Program], International Student Pre-Orientation Program, or Native and Indigenous Student Pre-Orientation), your arrival/move-in date has been communicated to you by your program or coach. It’s important to note that you may not be scheduled to move directly into your fall term room and instead may be moving into temporary housing with your team/program when you first arrive on campus.
When Will I Receive My Housing Assignment And Learn Who My Roommate Is?
Housing assignments, roommate information, and House Community memberships will be sent to your Dartmouth email by the end of July to students who applied by the application deadline.
What Should I Bring To Campus?
Before rushing out to purchase items to bring to campus, remember that most students will be sharing a room with up to three other students. This Residential Life website has all sorts of great information on what will be in your room, what to bring, and what NOT to bring.
Should I bring a bike to campus?
Check out Dartmouth Bikes for great advice about bikes on our campus. Their FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page is a great resource.
Am I Allowed To Have A Car On Campus?
First-year students are not allowed to have a car on campus or in Hanover. This long-standing regulation applies to motorcycles and motorbikes as well and is strictly enforced. The only exceptions are for disability-related circumstances, emergency, or medical situations. Please contact Transportation Services with questions: 603-646-2340 or Transportation.Services@Dartmouth.edu.
When Can I Mail Packages To Myself To Be Picked Up When I Move-In?
Packages you plan to pick-up upon arrival at Dartmouth should not be sent to Hinman more than ONE WEEK before your arrival/move-in date.
When can I pick up packages that I've mailed to myself?
Hinman Box (HB) number assignments will be mailed with student housing assignments in late July.
Packages you plan to pick-up upon arrival at Dartmouth should not be sent to Hinman more than ONE WEEK before your arrival/move-in date.
You will need your Dartmouth ID card to pick up your packages/mail at the Hinman Mail Center. Under no circumstances will the Mail Center be able to provide your package without scanning your ID card.
You will receive your Dartmouth ID card on your assigned arrival/move-in day [August 30 or September 3, unless you are a pre-season athlete or part of a pre-Orientation program]. Dartmouth IDs are *not* available for pick up before then.
Your Hinman mailbox will be located at the bottom of the Class of 1953 Commons Building on Massachusetts Row ("Hinman" is the name of our mail service).
You should address packages to yourself in the following format:
Student name
Dartmouth College
XXXX Hinman (XXXX will be the actual number of the student Hinman Box)
Hanover NH 03755
You will receive an email from the mail center when your package is ready for pick-up at the Hinman Pick Up Window. PLEASE REMEMBER: You will need your Dartmouth ID when you go to retrieve your package.
Incoming students will have five days from their arrival on campus to pick up any packages that have been delivered before their arrival. Visit the Hinman Mail website for more information about mail/package pick-up once the term begins.
Hinman Mail Center Schedule for New Student Orientation
- Monday, August 28 - Friday, September 1: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Please note: you need your Dartmouth ID to pick up packages and you will not get that ID until your assigned arrival/check-in time on August 30.
- Pre-Orientation and early arrival athletes will get their ID with their program arrivals.
- Saturday, September 2: Closed
- Sunday, September 3: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Please note: you need your Dartmouth ID to pick up packages and you will not get that ID until your assigned arrival/check-in time on September 3.
- Monday, September 4: Closed
- Tuesday, September 5 - Friday, September 8: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday, September 9: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Sunday, September 10: Closed
What is the schedule on arrival/move-in day?
∇ Here is a brief outline for Wednesday, August 30 and Sunday, September 3. We will update the New Student Orientation website with further information later this summer.
- Arrive on campus, check-in, move into residence halls
- Meal plans are active for students.
-
4:30 P.M. - 5:15 p.m. A Dartmouth Welcome!
-
College leadership and our House Communities look forward to welcoming you with brief remarks and an opportunity to watch new students begin Orientation as they process to their First Meeting of the Class. This event will be live-streamed, recorded, and posted online so you will be able to watch it later if you are not on campus today or need to leave before this time.
-
If they are with you, families and supporters should say goodbye before 5:15 p.m. and leave campus.
- Beginning at 4:00 p.m., incoming students will be busy with New Student Orientation, First-Year Trips (for those arriving on August 30), and joining the Class of 2027 community.
If they are available, can my family/supporters help me move-in? If they are not available, will there be people to help me move-in?
Yes, your family/supporters are able to help you move-in.
We know that not all families/supporters can accompany their students - and that's okay!
There will be plenty of friendly folks on hand to help you move in and get settled if you travel to campus on your own.
How long should families/supporters plan to remain on campus?
∇ For students participating in a First-Year Trip, you will join your classmates at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 30 for A Dartmouth Welcome!
Families and supporters are encouraged to join us at that program, which begins at 4:30 p.m. and then should depart campus at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 30 (if you are participating in a First-Year Trip).
See this schedule for more information.
If you are not participating in a First-Year Trip and arriving on Sunday, September 3
Beginning at 4:00 p.m. on those days, incoming students will be busy with New Student Orientation, First-Year Trips (if you arrive on August 30), and joining the Class of 2027 community.
∇ Will there be programs and events for families and supporters on Wednesday, August 30 and Sunday, September 3?
Please see this schedule of programs on Wednesday, August 30.
For students participating in a First-Year Trip, you will join your classmates at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 30 for A Dartmouth Welcome!
Families and supporters are encouraged to join us at that program, which begins at 4:30 p.m. and then should depart campus at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 30 (if you are participating in a First-Year Trip).
Families and supporters should say goodbye before 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 30 (if you are participating in a First-Year Trip) or Sunday, September 3 (if you are not participating in a First-Year Trip). Beginning at 4:00 p.m. on those days, incoming students will be busy with New Student Orientation, First-Year Trips (if you arrive on August 30), and joining the Class of 2027 community.
We know that not all families/supporters can accompany their students - there will be plenty of friendly folks on hand to help your student if you are unable to join them.
FYI: Families are invited to take part in Family Weekend, taking place September 29 - October 1, 2023. Please visit the Family Weekend website for more information.
Do I need to send a deposit to Dartmouth?
Dartmouth does not require a deposit.
When will the tuition bill arrive?
Available on August 4, your first account statement is due August 28, 2023.
The D-Pay system is available 24 hours a day. Student account statements and billing information/schedule are available online: https://www.dartmouth.edu/finance/tuition/billing_paying_tuition/billing_schedules.php.
If you would like parents, guardians, or other individuals to view your account statement or make payments to your account, you must first authorize them. You may have multiple authorized users. Access D-Pay through DartHub. Once authorized by you, parents, guardians, or other individuals will access D-Pay through a different link. Authorize your parents/guardians by August 2, 2023 to ensure they receive an email from the D-Pay system when the Fall term bill is posted. Both links are found here: https://www.dartmouth.edu/finance/tuition/billing_paying_tuition/information_incoming_students.ph.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Campus Billing and DartCard Services at 603-646-3230 or campus.billing@dartmouth.edu.
For questions about bills, please contact: Campus Billing and DartCard Services at 603-646-3230 or via E-mail at campus.billing@dartmouth.edu.
For questions about Financial Aid awards, please contact: Financial Aid at 603-646-2451 or 800-443-3605 or via email at financialaid@dartmouth.edu.
Do I need to have a physical exam or receive immunizations before coming to Dartmouth?
All incoming Dartmouth students are required to meet a series of health and immunization requirements. Please see this link for details including a list of required immunizations and online health forms that each student must complete by June 30: https://students.dartmouth.edu/health-service/about/health-service-requirements.
If you have any questions about your health and immunization requirements, please call 603-646-9404.
A preparticipation physical exam is required only for incoming varsity and men’s rugby student-athletes. For sports physical-related questions, call 603-646-9419.
Do I need health insurance?
To ensure that every student has adequate insurance coverage, all students are automatically enrolled in, and charged for, the Dartmouth Student Group Health Plan each academic year. If you wish to waive this automatic enrollment and charge, you are required to complete the annual waiver by the June 30 deadline. Please follow the link for details. If you have any questions about Dartmouth's insurance requirements, please call 603-646-9438.
How do I request accommodations and services for medical or other disabling conditions related to my classes, dining, or housing?
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) works with disabled students and their faculty to determine and implement reasonable accommodations and services. Students who think they may be eligible should start by reviewing Apply for Services content on the SAS website and completing its online application. Students who require accommodations on placement tests should apply to SAS first so that approval can be provided to the appropriate departments. To learn more, visit the Student Accessibility Services Incoming Class webpage, email Student.Accessibility.Services@Dartmouth.edu, or call 603-646-9900.
Am I required to have a computer on campus?
Dartmouth requires all students to own a computer that meets minimum hardware requirements and works on the Dartmouth network. Please make sure to complete the Mandatory Computer Survey by July 20.
Am I required to purchase my computer from Dartmouth?
You may choose to purchase your computer anywhere as long as it meets the minimum requirements and works on the Dartmouth network. The Dartmouth Computer Store however offers some advantages.
Is there a minimum hardware/software requirement for my computer?
We believe that starting with a computer that meets these minimum requirements will enable students to have a useful computer for their four years at Dartmouth. Please make sure to complete the Mandatory Computer Survey by July 20 so you know whether or not the computer you intend to bring to Dartmouth will meet the requirements.
If I have questions about my Dartmouth email account or my computer where can I get help?
You’ll find several resources for help at the Student Tech Portal site: www.dartgo.org/studenttech.
You can also access support via the following, available 24/7:
- 603-646-2999
- 855-764-2485 (toll free)
- Help@dartmouth.edu
We’ll also let you know about support sessions with Information, Technology and Consulting (ITC) later in the summer and during New Student Orientation!
Where can I find information on Credits and Exemptions?
Please see the Pre-Matriculation Credit pages on the Registrar's website for information.
What are placement exams? When will placement exams take place?
The primary purpose of Dartmouth-generated placement exams is to ensure that you are taking courses appropriate to your level of preparation. It is strongly recommended that you take them when there is a question of placement or we lack sufficient information in the form of standardized test scores to evaluate advanced preparation during high school. Watch for information from New Student Orientation about placement exams in late July.
Visit the New Student Orientation Canvas site after July 31 for dates and other information. Placement Exams will be administered online.
In the meantime, you can also find departmental placement information on individual department websites.
When do I elect courses (select classes)?
First-year students elect fall term courses during New Student Orientation. Students are assigned a Faculty Advisor to help in making course election decisions.
Students will attend group advising workshops during New Student Orientation to support the decision-making process.
Your Undergraduate Dean will also support you in the process of course election.
Additionally, department and program chairs, individual professors, and upper-level student mentors serve as course election resources.
Course elections are made online and changes may be made during an add/drop period.
Fall term classes begin on Monday, September 11, 2023.
What is an undergraduate dean?
Each undergraduate student is assigned an undergraduate dean who provides support during your entire career at Dartmouth, from matriculation through graduation. You will be made aware of your assigned undergraduate dean before you arrive at Dartmouth and will have several opportunities to meet them over the summer via online advising chats and during New Student Orientation.
- Offer advising and assistance on academic, personal, and social matters throughout your entire time at Dartmouth.
- Help students elect courses and explore the curriculum, academic requirements, educational goals, summer opportunities, career aspirations, and extra-curricular interests.
- Act as both a sounding board for student's ideas and a link between students and resources.
- Strive to provide holistic advising through close collaboration with other offices in Student Academic Support Services (SASS).
- Together, the initiatives of Student Academic Support Services are directed toward anchoring students in the intellectual life of the College, supporting meaningful and inclusive interaction across difference, and facilitating engagement and personal development.
When do I declare a major?
You may not declare a major until your fifth term in residence (typically the middle of sophomore year). Even if you think you know what you want to do right now, the majority of the Class of 2027 will choose majors different than what they intend in this moment. That’s a good thing! Explore broadly within the liberal arts, find subjects and communities of scholars and mentors that resonate with you, and we’ll guide you towards major declaration during your second year.
Where can I learn the study skills that will help me do well academically at Dartmouth?
The Academic Skills Center (ASC) is here to support students in their academic journeys at Dartmouth College. Each term, the ASC provides academic coaching sessions, workshops, and programs that focus on important college study skills. Please visit the ASC’s website for more information about their services and how to sign-up. Excited for the start of the term? Get a head start by reading their blog and E-Guide to Academic Success.
Are there tutors available?
The Peer Tutoring Program (a service of the Academic Skills Center) provides peer academic enrichment in the forms of Group and Individual Tutoring for many introductory courses, primarily in STEM and the social sciences. To learn more about our programmatic offerings or join a tutoring group, visit the Peer Tutoring Program website. For writing support, visit RWIT: Dartmouth’s Peer Writing Center.
IS THERE A COURSE TO HELP ME TRANSITION INTO MY DARTMOUTH EXPERIENCE?
YES! In the fall, the Academic Skills Center offers Learning at Dartmouth: College 101. This course will help you learn the best practices for transitioning into our rigorous college environment. The weekly panels feature student, staff, and faculty voices as they discuss valuable campus resources and how to build meaningful connections with those who support you inside and outside of the classroom. The weekly Skills Lab offers hands-on engagement with critical time-management, study, and wellness tools. To register for this wellness-credit course, please visit Learning at Dartmouth during the first week of Fall classes.