Information on what to do for fun, outside of class, as well as a rundown of annual Dartmouth events and traditions by term
Dartmouth offers over 400 clubs and many activities for its students. Ranging from club sports and dance groups to gaming clubs, cultural societies, and musical groups, there is something for everyone. You can explore the many clubs on the “Dartmouth Groups” page. Contact the clubs by emailing or search for them on Instagram - many of the clubs have Instagram pages and this can be an easy way to connect.
For other student activities, visit The Collis Center for Student Involvement. Take a look and think about what you would like to get involved with while you are here!
Fraternities and sororities are an important social aspect of life on campus - there are 28 Greek chapters at Dartmouth. They host weekly events for both affiliated and nonaffiliated students. Some houses are older and more traditional, and some are more modern and unconventional.
The Outdoor Programs Office and Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC) are important to know! The DOC is home to many outdoor clubs that students can participate in throughout the year, and the Outdoor Programs Office facilitates that and many other activities.
DOC club members frequently lead free outdoor activities, such as hiking, cross-country skiing, and ice climbing. Students can sign up for those events and request gear at no additional cost on the Trailhead website.
Whether you are new to the outdoors or are more seasoned, there is something for you with Dartmouth Outdoors! Many students participate in the Outing Club activities while they are here and take advantage of Dartmouth's unique location and proximity to nature.
Dartmouth offers various fitness experiences.
Fitness and Lifestyle Improvement Program (FLIP) which offers classes in dance, spinning, skiing, martial arts, yoga, etc.
The Alumni/ Zimmerman Fitness Center offers fitness equipment and personal training
The Berry Sports Center which offers racquetball, squash, and basketball facilities. There are also many seasonal recreational sports, such as skiing in the winter and canoeing in the summer.
For more information, check out the intramural and club sports sections on the Physical Education website.
The Hop is currently undergoing renovations and will reopen in 2025.
The Hop is Dartmouth’s cultural hub, and is home to the drama and music departments, a woodshop, and a jewelry studio.
The Hop hosts performances, and facilitates student groups such as choirs, dance groups, and bands. It is connected to the Hood Museum of Art.
Beneath the museum is the Hood Auditorium, which regularly has movie showings.
The Connecticut River is the largest river in New England. Starting from the Canadian border, the river runs through four states and empties into Long Island Sound. The word "Connecticut" is a corruption of the Mohegan word quinetucket and Nipmuc word kwinitekw, which mean "beside the long, tidal river".
A popular spring, summer, and fall activity is paddling on the Connecticut River. Dartmouth students can rent canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards from the Ledyard Canoe Club (located at 9 Boathouse Road). The College's swimming docks are also located nearby the Canoe Club if you would like to take a dip!