When the sun goes down in Hanover and the light in Baker Tower seems to be the only glow in the night sky, students accustomed to bright lights and big cities may begin to feel a little ... isolated.
With the nearest metropolis more than two hours away, Dartmouth's social life has its own, unique charm. Hanover may be a sleepy town, but Dartmouth students do not lack for night-time social activities.
From crowded fraternity basements to intimate coffeehouses, from live music to movies to Seinfeld study breaks, the College's social scene provides plenty opportunities for going out or hanging out.
Collis Center
The opening of Collis, the College's first true student center, last winter has lent a new face to campus social life and provided a late-night alternative to Greek house parties.
The renovated center houses student organization offices, conference rooms, a dining area and a Common Ground which in the evening hosts concerts, hypnotists, dances, movies and a comedy club.
Most of these events are planned by the Programming Board, a student group that also schedules big-city entertainment each term. The Programming Board usually puts on an event every weekend night.
In recent years the College has also welcomed bigger acts like A Tribe Called Quest, Saturday Night Live's Adam Sandler and 10,000 Maniacs for special performances, usually held in Leede Arena.
Down the stairs from the Common Ground in Collis is a game room and a billiards room.
The Lone Pine Tavern, the campus pub in Collis' basement, is a fun and popular option for both weekday and weekend nights. Walls plastered with Dartmouth memorabilia, a bar and small tables lend a mellow, unique setting.
Student artists perform nightly on the Lone Pine's stage, with talent ranging from jazz to poetry reading.
The Lone Pine Tavern also serves late-night munchies like nachos. Rey the bartender serves friendly conversation and, for those over 21, various beers on tap.
The Greek System
The College's Greek System provides brotherhood and sisterhood to about 60 percent of the upper-class students and ample social opportunities on any weekend night.
An exclusion policy prevents freshmen from attending parties at Greek houses during Fall term, and the College recently delayed Greek rush until Fall term of the sophomore year.
These changes reflect a Greek system striving for internal reform. The houses and the administration share a tenuous relationship, each looking at the other skeptically.
Though the years of "Animal House" are generally considered part of the College's past, both fraternities and sororities have enjoyed large pledge classes in recent years.
Greek activities are not confined to the beer-filled basement. Each house works on either local or national philanthropies and sponsors programming events.
Of course, as the pounding music shaking the houses on Webster Avenue on weekend nights indicates, the Greeks also open their doors to dancing, socializing and drinking.
For the most part, those looking for a party can find one on any weekend night and also on Wednesday's, when the houses open their doors after their weekly meetings.
Freshmen tempted to sneak, beg or name-drop their way into that mysterious fraternity party during Fall term are likely to have doors slammed in their faces.
Recent College and Hanover police crackdowns on hazing policies and incidents of alcohol being served to minors have left the houses wary and concerned for their futures.
As the Greek crackdown continues, other social organizations have began springing up.
In spring of 1992, Panarchy broke free from the Greek system to become the College's first undergraduate society, a coed organization akin to a Greek house with no selective rush process or pledge period.
Last fall, Amarna established itself as an undergraduate society. Panarchy and Amarna are both active on the weekend scene.
Dorm Parties
The term of exclusion from Greek houses gives the freshman class members a few months to get to know each other at ever-popular, ever-crowded dorm parties.
Dorm parties kick off during freshman week, when newcomers exchange countless electronic mail messages and wander the campus in large packs searching for the wild party they are sure is must be out there -- somewhere.
Freshman parties, although hot and usually jam-packed can be an easy way to meet new faces.
Dorm Events
Residence hall cluster events offer social opportunities right outside your dorm room.
Cluster Area Coordinators plan movie nights, panel discussions on campus issues and even dormitory field trips to destinations like Killington Skiway.
The Thursday night gathering in the cluster television room for Seinfeld and snacks is always a welcome break from the books.
Dorm common areas and Greek houses alike provide space for popular student performance groups and campus singing groups.
Other Events
Asgard, a student organization working for alcohol-free social alternatives offers non-alcoholic events, like a coffeehouse often held in residence halls.
The Hopkins Center for the Performing Arts stages drama, dance and musical performances to satisfy cultured former city-dwellers. The Hop almost always has programs on weekend nights.
The Dartmouth Film Society schedules a film series each term around a theme, mixing classic films with arty pieces and even some new releases and sneak previews.
The Nugget theater in Hanover continually screens two recent movies, and a wider selection is offered at Lebanon Cinemas in West Lebanon.
Coffee addicts can be satisfied at the Dirt Cowboy Caf e , which serves up cappuccino and delectable desserts in an intimate atmosphere.
Other evening hangouts in Hanover include Peter Christians' restaurant, Murphy's Tavern and Ben and Jerry's for students with a sweet tooth.
