PART 2
Q: There’s so much to do here that I feel overwhelmed. How do I decide which opportunities are the best for me?
A: Consult with an Academic Coach! They can help you develop your goals, which will help you see opportunities that relate to what you want to do, and your Undergraduate Dean can guide you in maximizing your Dartmouth experience.
Q: How do I figure out what the heck I want to do with my life?
A: For help deciding what you want to study, consult with your Undergraduate Dean. For help figuring out what you want to do after college, make an appointment with the Center for Professional Development by clicking “Dartboard Student Login” and clicking “Coaching Appointments” on the left side of the screen.
Q: I don’t have any friends while everyone else already has established friend groups. Is there any hope for me?
A: You’re going to college in the middle of a pandemic. It is completely normal to feel lonely right now. Plenty of Dartmouth students don’t find close friends until their sophomore year. Until then, I would join clubs, reach out to people in class using the zoom chat, join a tutoring group, or sign up for the Mental Health Union pen-pal program. Don’t forget to call your friends and family from back home, and if you need additional support, please contact the Wellness Center or the Counseling Center. Just know that it gets better.
Q: I just made friends, and now I’m not going to see them for another four months. How can I keep up with these friendships?
A: Text them, FaceTime them, study together over Zoom, send each other updates or pictures of your hometown, send emails, or become penpals! The possibilities are endless. If you’re looking for a new friend, Mental Health Union has created a penpal sign-up that’ll match you with another Dartmouth student, and you can choose how to communicate with each other!
Q: My roommate goes out every weekend even though we are in a pandemic, and I’m worried about my health and safety. What should I do?
A: Talk to your UGA! They will help you approach or settle any roommate conflicts that you have, and if it’s more serious they can refer you to another resource.
Q: How can I cope with homesickness?
A: Talk about it with a friend, your UGA, a sibling who’s already left home, or a professional at the Wellness Center or the Counseling Center. You should also keep in touch with your family and friends, and bring reminders of home to campus. Give yourself time to explore Dartmouth and make it your home away from home!