Welcome back to school, to Hanover, to Dartmouth. Yes, it's time for Fall term again. Fall term is really the most unique term at Dartmouth. You have a bunch of clueless 'shmen shmobbing around, a ton of sophomores rushing houses they've been to twice, barely any juniors, and seniors running into each other for the first time in years. Ah, to be home again.
Starting the school year, moving into new rooms, seeking out new ways to live, it is the perfect time to ask ourselves, "What should I be doing?" Well, let me offer up a few suggestions.
First, help someone else out. This means taking the time to answer some freshman's inane computer question, or telling a '00 which profs are the best, or even giving honest directions to where Cook Auditorium is. Seriously, try to make some first year student's -- I believe I've now used all possible terminology for them -- life better. Remember the cool upperclassmen that you knew on your hall freshman year? Try to keep the tradition alive.
Secondly, help yourself out. Although it is really important to have fun, don't short change yourself -- DarTalk is already doing that for you. Challenge your mind by signing up for that difficult but rewarding class, or buy a book that's not just for classes. Honestly spend a few hours a day doing work, not just cramming the night before. Hey, you might have gotten by freshman year that way, but is that really what you want out of college?
Also check out all of your options. The smartest thing I ever did was to place my first NRO. NROs are the best thing the administration has done for students since ... , well I can't name another, but NROs do rock. If you're not taking a class for distributive requirements, or for your major/minor, try one out. Even if you might consider it for your major, set a low NRO, like a "C-" and use it as a safety-net, in case you get a paper-per-class professor. They can also serve to motivate you to make the grade that you set them at. The College does not make too many rules set up to benefit students, but the Non-Recording Option is one; use it.
The following tips are really geared to freshmen or other inexperienced Dartmouth students:
Alcohol can be a marvelous thing, but it can also be very dangerous. Beware of ending up way too drunk at a frat basement, as bad things generally follow -- especially if you are a woman.
Advisors?!? They are generally a joke here. Dartmouth is probably the best college in America without an advising system. I can't tell you how many people have been screwed by their advisors' ignorance, or how many people who, like myself, saw their advisor only once. You are on your own.
There are a few offices at Dartmouth that will cause you tremendous headaches. So to forewarn you: never expect the registrar to help you, especially if it's an emergency. DarTalk will steal your money from you unless you are very careful. Check your clocks when you make calls, as they like to set their clocks slow. Don't believe ORL when they tell you that they won't be able to house you next year. Just be prepared for the River or the Choates. Don't be fooled; if you get put on the waitlist you're gonna get some sweet room that a senior gave up. Unless you are literally dead last in housing numbers.
Now that I've clued you guys in on a few things, could someone help me out with a few questions:
What is DASH, and how is it ripping me off?
Is your dean more like a principle or a guidance counsellor?
Why is this talented student body so apathetic when it comes to standing up for their own rights?
Why did they wreck the Lone Pine Tavern?
Enjoy your term, and I'll be speaking to you on Mondays.
