<p>Just wanted to post that we were all thrilled with my son's new dorm (Berry in the McLaughlin Cluster). It's true it's not completed yet, but it was just fine for move-in. (Security people and construction workers were the nicest folks too.) There are plenty of large windows in the building for great natural light, beautiful study areas, lounges, state-of-the art kitchens, and spacious rooms for the students to live in. The wood doors, trims and furniture are beautiful. Honestly, if my son had owned more clothing he could have brought double what he did and would still have had space to put it in the closet and bureau drawers. We loved the ability to adjust bed height so under-the-bed storage is possible if you want. There is a large private one-toilet bathroom and a separate one-shower room to be shared among 4 students. Also, he was able to put his bike in a rack right outside the front door. We couldn't have asked for more comfort and convenience. </p>
<p>Also, he had a wonderful time on his DOC hiking trip, despite not getting his first choice (kayaking). In particular, he was happy to see that all the other students were knowledgeable and intelligent, just as you'd expect at a school like Dartmouth. Lastly, yesterday he attended a faculty brunch event where he met at least one professor who teaches a class he had planned to take first quarter and was delighted with her.</p>
<p>Wonderful news! You'll have to keep us posted about how he likes Dartmouth as time goes on. DS can't wait to get back this weekend. I recently joked that if he got into a joint MD/PhD program at Dartmouth, he could probably stay there for 15 years or something!</p>
<p>I am glad to hear that the move-in went well and he had a great time on his trip. </p>
<p>Now for the bad news; sounds like you have lost him to Hanover. Sounds like he's a happy camper whose blood now runs green, he'll pop in to come home, start blitizing friends and making plans for when he gets back. Hoping that he has a great freshman year.</p>
<p>Yup, even his room decorations are green to match! I feel wonderful knowing S is in a great place and is very happy. Of course, this is still only the college camp phase--no studies yet.</p>
<p>The only dorm complaint we have is that the "substance free" label appears to be a label free-of-substance. His roommate is a big drinker (out all night) and keeps beer in the fridge in their room. He claims to have drunk a double digit number of cans last night, but I think that happened at a party and not in the actual room. The roommate is such a polar opposite to my S in terms of lifestyle, that I'm not sure why Housing decided to put them together. Of course, the roomie is also the total opposite of my S in terms of personality, world view, and sexual orientation, but that is part of the broadening effect of the college experience.</p>
<p>I just returned to Florida after spending the past week helping my son move in and get equipped (i.e. - buy warm cloths, it was 44 degrees yesterday!) Even though his dorm in the Choates was not new, large or private (he shares a bathroom with 9) - he loves it. His attitude is a closet at Dartmouth is better than a palace anywhere else. His roommate was wonderful, the location was convenient and the facilities clean and well kept. He had a great time on his DOC trip and said "they could not have done anything else to make me feel more welcome". As a parent, I am sad that he is so far away but I know that he will be happy in his new home in Hanover. I rank Dartmouth a "10"!</p>
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Now for the bad news; sounds like you have lost him to Hanover. Sounds like he's a happy camper whose blood now runs green, he'll pop in to come home, start blitizing friends and making plans for when he gets back. Hoping that he has a great freshman year.
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<p>It's true. My parent get annoyed because I'm counting down the days until I "go home." Only three left!</p>