Navigating New Student Orientation

You'll be outside, so prepare accordingly: 

• If you are participating in a First-Year Trip, you may be sitting on the ground (if you are able).

• Check the weather each morning to best prepare for time spent outside.

• You'll be moving around campus quite a bit, and you may even meet in small groups outside. Whatever you need to feel comfortable outdoors, plan to have it with you throughout the day.

• Please email New Student Orientation (new.student.orientation@dartmouth.edu) or talk to an Orientation Leader if meeting outdoors will be challenging for you or if you have any concerns about moving around campus.

Pack your bag the night before - that way, you aren't rushing in the morning. Include: 

• A water bottle! There are hydration stations all over campus, and you’ll want to stay hydrated.

• Any personal items and supplies you need during the day, as you may not be able to get back to your room when you need it.

• Snacks. Your meal times may be on a different schedule than you are used to, so it might be helpful to have a few snacks in case you get hungry. 

• An umbrella or a raincoat.

• A notebook and something to write with. For most programs, you will not need your laptop but you may want to take notes.

• Your Dartmouth ID! You should have it on you at all times anyway.

• This schedule!

Charge your cell phone overnight - you may not have a change to charge it during the day! 

Look ahead to the following day's schedule and determine your needs - while reviewing, think about what excites you or what concerns you. Some things for you to consider while reviewing might be:

• The location of the buildings you are visiting and the distance between those spaces. You can check out the mobile map to see where buildings are located and what entrances are accessible at dartgo.org/mobilemap.

• There are times in the schedule set aside for exploring wellness or making space for what you need. Determine where these breaks are and how you will use them. OLs can help you understand the day ahead and plan accordingly!

And in addition to the campus map (both in this schedule), keep an eye out for our directional signs and sidewalk stickers to help you find your way!

Reminder! 

• All New Student Orientation modules and programs will be useful in your transition to the Dartmouth community. Take advantage of everything on the NSO Canvas site (dartgo.org/nsocanvas) and on this schedule – each module and program is there for your benefit.

• All meals during NSO are a part of your dining plan. For dining hours, please see Dartmouth Dining's website. For more information, please see our Meals and Dining page. 

• Visit the Tucker Center if you're seeking a space for connection, community, or a welcoming place to ask questions