Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the Class of 2028: Incoming Students and Families/Supporters
Remember to check back often; we will 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?
- 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?
Getting Started
- Do I need to send a deposit to Dartmouth?
- 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?
- Where can I learn more about Dartmouth Dining Services?
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 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, wellbeing, 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 online Canvas site* over the summer and then the in-person New Student Orientation programs with your new classmates and Orientation Leaders, 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.”
* All incoming students will be invited to the New Student Orientation Canvas site in early June! Canvas is Dartmouth's learning management system - you will use it often as a student.
When will New Student Orientation take place?
New Student Orientation begins on Wednesday, September 4 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 of required programming, supported by Orientation Leaders:
- Discover Dartmouth
- 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 8 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 11, the Class of 2028 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 16.
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 at the end of June. Deadline to register will be mid-July. We’ll have more news soon!
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 September 4, 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 8 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 8 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 26. Please contact First Year Trips with any questions or concerns. Thank you!
Who are the Orientation Leaders?
The Orientation Leaders (OLs) are so excited to welcome you to Dartmouth!
OLs are upper-level students 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 physically and metaphorically) at Dartmouth. Follow them on the OL's Instagram (@dartmouth_ols).
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, September 4* or Sunday, September 8* (depending on First-Year Trip participation). Move-in times will vary depending on your arrival day with a limited number of timeslots every 30 minutes to help reduce lines and traffic around campus.
If you are participating in a First-Year Trip, your arrival/move-in date is Wednesday, September 4*. You should move into your residence hall by 4:00 p.m. ET to begin New Student Orientation, including First-Year Trips; peer-led experiences with Orientation Leaders; and required Orientation programming.
If you are NOT participating in a First-Year Trip, your arrival/move-in date is Sunday, September 8*. You should move into your residence hall by 5:00 p.m. ET to begin New Student Orientation, including peer-led experiences with Orientation Leaders and required Orientation programming.
*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 will be 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?
By the end of July, housing assignments, roommate information, and House Community memberships will be available on your Housing Portal. Students will receive notification of the availability of information via their Dartmouth email.
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 undergraduate students are not permitted to bring a privately-owned vehicle to campus. This long-standing regulation applies to motorcycles and motorbikes as well and is strictly enforced. In rare circumstances, first-year exceptions can be granted, primarily for disability-related circumstances, emergency, or medical situations. Please contact Transportation Services regarding questions at 603-646-2340 or by email.
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.
If needed, please contact the Hinman Mail Center by phone (603-646-2824) or email.
When can I pick up packages that I've mailed to myself?
Hinman Box (HB) number assignments will be released on your Housing StarPortal with your House Community and room 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 (identification) 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. Dartmouth IDs are *not* available for pick up before then.
Your Hinman mailbox will be located in the basement of the Class of 1953 Commons building ("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. (Reminder: You will receive your Dartmouth ID card on your assigned arrival/move-in day. Dartmouth IDs are *not* available for pick up before then.)
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, September 2: Closed
- Tuesday, September 3 - Friday, September 6: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 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 4 or September 8. Pre-Orientation and early arrival athletes will get their ID with their program arrivals. - Saturday, September 7: Closed
- Sunday, September 8: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Monday, September 9 - Friday, September 13: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday, September 14: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Sunday, September 15: Closed
- Monday, September 16 - Friday, September 20: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
If needed, please contact the Hinman Mail Center by phone (603-646-2824) or email.
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.
We'll have more news for families and supporters soon!
Do I need to send a deposit to Dartmouth?
Dartmouth does not require a deposit.
When will the tuition bill arrive?
Available on Friday, August 9, your first account statement is due September 3, 2024.
The D-Pay system is available 24 hours a day. Student account statements and billing information/schedule are available online.
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; you will receive instructions for accessing DartHub later in May. Once authorized by you, parents, guardians, or other individuals will access D-Pay through a different link. Authorize your parents/guardians by August 7, 2024 to ensure they receive an email from the D-Pay system when the Fall term bill is posted on August 9. Both links may be found here.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Campus Billing and DartCard Services at 603-646-3230 or by email.
For questions about bills, please contact: Campus Billing and DartCard Services at 603-646-3230 or by email.
For questions about Financial Aid awards, please contact: Financial Aid at 603-646-2451 or 800-443-3605 or by email
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 by June 30. Please see this link for details.
If you have any questions about your health and immunization requirements, please call 603-646-9404.
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 July 1, 2024 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 campus partners to determine and implement reasonable accommodations and services. Students who think they may be eligible should start by reviewing the 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, or call 603-646-9900.
Where can I learn more about Dartmouth Dining Services?
Check out their First-Year Dining website!
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. You will be asked to complete a Mandatory Computer Survey during the summer - we'll make sure you know when it's due!
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.
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 later this summer!
In the meantime, you can also find departmental placement information on individual department websites.
Placement Exams will be administered online.
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 16, 2024
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 Support Services (SSS).
- Together, the initiatives of Student 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 on campus (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 2028 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 FREE academic coaching sessions, workshops, and programs that focus on important academic strategies, including time management, task initiation, and test prep. We also provide students with intentional study spaces. Please visit the ASC’s website for more information about their services and how to sign-up for coaching. 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?
Of course! One of the Academic Skills Center’s most utilized services is the Peer Tutoring Program that provides FREE tutoring for students by students. The goal of the program is to provide more structural support for students during their first and second year at Dartmouth. Most courses supported by Peer Tutoring are introductory and foundational courses. Peer Tutors offer course-specific content-based support while students transition to college learning, explore their academic interests, and navigate a new environment. Visit the ASC’s website to learn more about the Peer Tutoring Program. If you are interested in writing support, the Writing Center offers writing tutoring for all academic disciplines.
IS THERE A COURSE TO HELP ME TRANSITION INTO MY DARTMOUTH EXPERIENCE?
Yes! The ASC’s Learning at Dartmouth introduces students to habits of mind, including mindfulness, key learning strategies, and important resources that greatly enhance the Dartmouth experience. Students who complete a Learning at Dartmouth course will receive 1 WE/PE credit. Courses include College 101, The Mindful Academic, and Navigating Your College Journey. Please visit the ASC’s website during the first week of classes for program details and registration.