Alternative social spaces diversify the range of activities available to Dartmouth students. This past Friday, the house communities and Palaeopitus senior society partnered to host Clubhouse, an alternative social event that was introduced at the College last year. The 150 students who swiped into the event at House Center A, commonly known as the Onion, enjoyed free food, massage therapy and student performances by DJ Fresh Prince and the Brovertones. Alcohol was also available for attendees aged 21 and over.
Attendee Alexis Castillo ’19 noted that the variety of activities Clubhouse offers attracts a large pool of students. In particular, students looking to socialize outside of Greek houses may have attended the event, Castillo said.
“I like [Clubhouse] because it offers so many options,” she said. “[Clubhouse] tries to offer something for everyone here, and I think that’s what makes [Clubhouse] successful.”
Undergraduate advisor Hannah Lang ’21 said Clubhouse is comparable to BarHop, a program that has been on hiatus since May 2017. Both events attract undergraduates and graduate students, according to Lang.
She added that she and her fellow undergraduate advisors hoped the raffle prizes would compel more students to attend Friday’s Clubhouse. Students could enter to receive prizes ranging from a Lou’s Restaurant and Bakery gift card to a pair of Apple AirPods.
Celeste Kearney ’19, a member of Palaeopitus, said Clubhouse allows students with limited involvement in the house communities to interact with them. The unique opportunity to meet new people outside the Greek communities compelled her to attend, Kearney said.
“[Clubhouse] offers a more chill vibe if you’re not into the Greek scene,” she said. “The 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. time block is really effective too, because it doesn’t necessarily compete with going out on a Friday night.”
Kearney added that while the free alcohol might entice seniors and graduate students to come, other students may also be encouraged attend Clubhouse to escape the Greek scene.
This term’s Clubhouse combined aspects of the previous two Clubhouses held last winter and spring terms. North Park assistant director of residential education Riccardo Purita said students involved in Palaeopitus connected with student performers after the performances saw a high turnout of 400 attendees last spring.
“[Palaeopitus] wanted a similar vibe to last year,” Purita said. “They combined the games, crafts and massage therapy of last winter with the student performances of last spring.”
He added that he hopes events like Clubhouse continue to thrive on campus in order for house communities to intermingle and to provide students with alternative social options.
Zachary Benjamin '19, editor-in-chief of The Dartmouth, is a member of Palaeopitus senior society.
