Resources for International Students
Advising Sessions
The International Student Experience Office staff offers one-on-one and group advising sessions to support international students at Dartmouth. Depending on students' needs, advising sessions can cover a range of topics.
Dr. Seun Bello Olamosu (Dr. O), Director
Advising hours:
Tuesdays 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Email: seun.b.olamosu@dartmouth.edu
Winter Resources.
New England winters are beautiful, but they can be harsh! Check out our some the resources below for more information on how to take care of yourself this winter, and make the most of this classic element of living in New Hampshire!
Thriving During Winter
It's always good to have some tricks up your sleeve to make winter more enjoyable, whether it is less-than-usual ways to stay warm or uniquely winter fun activities!
Getting Around Campus
Warmcuts
In the freezing Hanover winter, Dartmouth students often take “warmcuts”—walking through buildings they normally wouldn’t, just to catch a few seconds of warmth on the way to class. One of the best warmcuts is through Baker-Berry Library!
Campus Connector
The Campus Connector is a great way to get around campus without walking through the cold. Check Dartmouth’s Campus Shuttles website for the schedule, or check this live map that tracks the bus.
Fun Winter Activities
A snowy day doesn’t mean you have to stay inside! Discover all the unique experiences that winter has to offer!
- Sledding in Pine Park (you can get sleds from the DOC house)
- Ice Skating at Occom Pond (you can get skates through the DOC)
- Taking Downhill Skiing or Snowboarding for a PE Credit
- Annual Snow Fight
- Build a snowman
- Polar Plunge
- Winter Carnival
- Explore Trailhead for other guided outdoor activities!
Dressing for Winter
Dressing up for the Hanover winter is practically an art (and a little bit of science), but don’t worry, we have compiled all the tips and tricks for you to be an expert! With these tips and tricks, you’ll be ready to handle even the coldest days without freezing up.
Basics of Layering
"The idea of layering is that you can add or remove layers as the temperature changes throughout the day (think being inside heated buildings versus walking outdoors to class, or the freezing 7 a.m. air compared to the milder 2 p.m. temperature).
The four pillars of layering:
- Base Layer: This layer keeps sweat away from your skin and helps regulate body temperature. It should fit snugly to your body. Depending on how sensitive you are to the cold, go for a light or mid-weight wool or synthetic base layer. Wear both a top and bottom. You might see these sold as “Thermal Underwear” or “Thermal Base Layer.”
- Midlayer: This layer traps some heat and should fit a bit looser than the base layer. Options include sweaters, pile jackets, thin puffers, fleece, and similar warm layers.
- Shell: This is your big winter coat that goes over everything else. Its job is to trap heat, block wind, and keep you dry in the snow. Look for something insulated, like a down coat or parka, and make sure it’s roomy enough to fit over your base and mid-layers.
- Accessories: Keeping your head, neck, feet, and hands warm is a must!
- Head and ears: Beanies, earmuffs, or headbands work great to stay warm and cozy. If your face is particularly sensitive to the cold, try a balaclava or ski mask.
- Neck: Scarves are always a stylish and versatile choice that can cover your head, ears, or face when needed.
- Hands: Mittens generally keep heat in better than gloves, but if you’ll be handling snow, waterproof gloves may be the better option.
- Feet: Walking through the snow can male your feet cold fast, so insulated and ideally waterproof winter boots are best. Pair them with one or two layers of socks (wool or synthetic are excellent, while cotton is best avoided).
As you go about your day, be mindful of not overheating, since sweating can make your clothes damp and leave you feeling colder once you stop moving. Add or remove layers as needed to maintain a comfortable temperature. If you’ll be doing physical activity (like hiking or skiing), it’s best to start out a little cold, as you’ll warm up quickly once you get moving.
Remember, everyone has different tolerances for the cold, so dress in a way that feels right for you! It may take a few tries to find the perfect combination of layers, but once you do, you’ll be all set for the Hanover winter.
Layering Workshops
Still not convinced that you know how to layer? ISEO offers layering workshops in collaboration with Campus Partners during the Fall and the Winter. Be on the lookout for announcements from the office about dates and locations!
Where to shop for items
Some options located close to campus:
- LL Bean 📍Lebanon
- Eastern Mountain Sports 📍Lebanon
- Sierra 📍Lebanon
- Free Market 📍Massachusetts Hall, Dartmouth
- Visit Dartmouth Sustainability’s website for information on their operating hours.
- Thrifting: In the U.S., it is culturally accepted and even encouraged, and it has recently become a trend. With benefits like saving money, supporting the community, and promoting sustainability, thrifting is a common practice embraced by many.
A few other options available online:
*This is by no means an exhaustive list of options. You can definitely do your own research to see which of the options mentioned above is ideal for you, or even discover one that we didn’t include.
Winter Wellbeing
Aside from the cold and snow, winter brings other changes you might not expect. One major difference is the reduced daylight hours. You might head into your 2A while it’s still bright outside and walk out to what looks like 9 p.m. in the summer!
Self-Care Essentials
Here are some personal care essentials to fight against the dry weather and limited sunlight that come with winter:
- Hydrating lotion
- Chapstick/Vaseline (this one will become your best friend!)
- Sunscreen (even if you don’t feel the sun, it still burns!)
- Vitamin Supplements (some people experience vitamin deficiencies during the winter, so schedule an appointment with Dick’s House for advice on how to stay healthy and what supplements you might want to add to your daily routine)
- Sun lamp (you can get one through the Sun Lamp Loaner Program)
- Humidifier (it gets dry in the winter!)
Taking Care of Mental Health
Seasonal Affective Disorder is something many people experience, so don’t be surprised if winter leaves you feeling a little under the weather. Instead, be armed with resources that can help you navigate the new feelings that the season might bring.
- Try to maintain the same routine you would in a non-winter term.
- Socialize! You might not be able to sunbathe on the Green with your friends this term, but you could still sit inside and sip on some hot chocolate with them (grab it for free at One Wheelock!).
- Explore the multiple counseling resources available through Dick’s House.
Visit the Student Wellness Center to learn about its upcoming events.
Weathering Winterim
The International Student Experience Office supports overall Winterim efforts alongside key campus partners, such as the Office of Pluralism and Leadership (OPAL) and First Generation Office (FGO). International Student Experience Office priorities for Winterim support include food access, community connections, travel, and general well-being.
As an international student, please check the weekly newsletter emails from the International Student Experience Office to stay updated on all programming opportunities during Winterim.
If you are interested in organizing a Winterim program or sharing a campus resource open to the community, please contact winterim@groups.dartmouth.edu. Emails sent to this address are monitored by staff in the Office of Pluralism and Leadership (OPAL), the International Student Experience Office (ISEO), and the First Generation Office (FGO).
For further information on Winterim, please visit the collaborative Winterim website set up by the Winterim Committee.
Summer Resources
Planning to be in the Upper Valley over the summer term?
Summer can be a really fun term if you are prepared for it! Read through our guide to find tips, opportunities, and resources to enhance your summer experience.
Explore the different opportunities available for this Summer Term:
Undergraduate Students who are interested in leave term housing are required to apply and be approved. Also, as in past years, students are expected to partake in 30 hours of productive engagement in a Dartmouth-related activity to be approved to stay in Dartmouth housing during the summer. Depending on your financial situation, you may have access to grants or funding that can help cover housing for the summer. Please speak with your financial aid counselor.
Any leave-term student living in housing coordinated by the Undergraduate Housing Office—including all residence halls, apartments, living learning communities and College—or privately-owned Greek and undergraduate society facilities—must participate in an on-campus College dining plan. Financial aid funds typically used for room and board are not available for leave-term housing costs. Students receiving financial aid should meet with their financial aid counselor to discuss their specific situation and options.
Although things may look quiet over the summer; there are many events happening both on campus and in the surrounding area for you to explore!
Explore different local events!
Find out about campus events on the official Dartmouth Events Calendar.
Look through Trips offered by the Dartmouth Outing Club at Trailhead.
Local events in the Upper Valley:
- May-October, third Sunday of each month – Hanover Farmers’ Market
- May-October – Norwich Farmers’ Market
- June 19-21 – Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival
- July 11 – The Prouty
- The Prouty is northern New England’s largest family-friendly fundraising event combining cycling, walking, rowing, golf and more to raise funds and awareness at Dartmouth Cancer Center.
Exchange Students
The Frank J. Guarini Institute for International Education created the Exchange Student Guide to Dartmouth College which provides more information on attending Dartmouth as an exchange student.
If you have any questions, please contact the Program & Exchange Manager:
Noelle Warinsky
noelle.l.warinsky@dartmouth.edu
603-646-3105
Graduate Students Resources
The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement (DICE) offers diversity programming and works with the International Student community at Geisel.
The Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies provides academic and social resources and support for international students and postdocs. Their International Scholar page has more information on International Scholar resources, support, and orientation.
Please refer to Thayer’s BE & Graduate Student Resources Page which contains information for International Students in addition to other general student support resources.
An International Student’s page on Tuck’s website that provides specific resources, contacts, and information for MBA students. Check out their International Student Pathways and Alumni stories linked at the bottom of the webpage.
Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS)
OVIS advises Dartmouth-sponsored internationals on maintaining legal immigration status and provides U.S. immigration information to College offices and departments that admit, host, sponsor, or work with non-U.S. citizens.
OVIS is responsible for institutional compliance with government regulations relating to the admission or hiring of international students, scholars, and staff. This includes managing the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) for data tracking, reporting, and overall compliance. In these roles, OVIS acts as the institution's liaison with the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security, State, and Labor.
63 South Main Street, Suite 303
Tel: 603-646-3474
Website: https://ovis-intl.dartmouth.edu | Email: ovis@dartmouth.edu
Career Resources
The Center for Career Design supports all Dartmouth undergraduates in exploring career interests, identifying strengths and opportunities, applying for jobs and internships, preparing for interviews, and learning about the professional world. They work collaboratively with employers, alumni, faculty, parents, and other colleagues – all of whom help educate students about the ever-changing world of work.
63 South Main Street, 2nd Floor
001 Lower McNutt Hall, 10 North Main Street
Website: https://careerdesign.dartmouth.edu/ | Email: careerdesign@dartmouth.edu
D-Plans
If you changed your D-Plan to be enrolled this summer because you were worried about access to on-campus housing and you are an international student with F-1 status, we ask you to consider if being enrolled will have other unintended outcomes that could negatively impact your SEVIS record in the future. If so, then you could consider applying for leave term housing as discussed above, finding alternative Dartmouth activities to classes, and working with the resources that will allow for access to a meal plan and housing. If you have any questions about the immigration implications of your D-plan, please reach out to your OVIS advisor.
SURFD (Scholars programs, Undergraduate Research, and Fellowships)
These are programs for students engaged in sustained faculty-mentored research. These are academic experiences rather than jobs, and funding decisions are made accordingly.
Leave term grants
This is funding for full-time research during a leave term (deadline April 29).
- Funding is intended to cover room and board (not an individual stipend)
- Program is for students to continue research with a faculty mentor, not for students just starting out in research
- Priority for summer grants goes to rising seniors engaging in research in preparation for an honors thesis
URAD (Undergraduate Research Assistantships at Dartmouth)
Describes part-time research opportunities during an “on” term (deadline May 27).
- Equivalent time/effort to what students would devote to an academic class (average of 10 hours a week throughout the 10 week term)
Dartmouth Historical Accountability Student Research Fellowship
Independent Archival Full-Time Research Project at Rauner Library during an off-term.
- Meal and housing allowance + stipend
- https://exhibits.library.dartmouth.edu/s/HistoricalAccountability/page/fellowship
Dartmouth Center for Career Design – Immersion Program, Summer 2026 (Thursdays, 12:30-2:00pm)
The Career & Life Design Immersion is a 9-week, cohort-based program that combines interactive workshops with employer-based projects to support exploration through action, reflection, and experimentation. Grounded in life design and design thinking frameworks, the program helps participants connect interests, strengths, values, skills, and curiosities to multiple possible career paths rather than forcing premature certainty. Through activities such as Odyssey Planning, strengths and values reflection, informational conversations, AI-supported career exploration, and professional storytelling, participants develop practical tools for navigating uncertainty, prototyping ideas, and articulating evolving goals in professional contexts. In parallel, small teams collaborate on employer-based projects with local organizations, businesses, and partners, applying skills in practical settings while gaining insight into workplace dynamics, collaboration, and the types of problems and environments that generate energy and engagement.
Student registration will be available via Handshake.
- Explore multiple possible career paths through structured reflection, experimentation, and design thinking approaches
- Test strengths and interests through collaborative employer-based projects with local organizations, businesses, and partners
- Build practical career development skills including networking, professional storytelling, AI-supported exploration, and opportunity prototyping
On-campus Employment
F-1 International students are only allowed to work on-campus jobs part-time while school is in session (MAX 20 hours per week). Please review the F-1 Employment page on the OVIS Website. On-campus employment may only occur between the program start and end dates on your I-20 Form. F-1 students must complete the necessary paperwork with the Human Resources Department before beginning work.
When a student begins a job, they must apply for a Social Security number through the Social Security Administration (SSA) if they do not already have one. For more information on social security number eligibility and the application process, check out the OVIS Website.
Off-campus Employment (OPT & CPT)
The Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS) advises students on obtaining work authorization for off-campus employment. The work authorization is either through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available to F-1 students, and the practical training is related to the student's field of study and is an integral part of an established curriculum. Eligibility and employment options for CPT are based on regulations, but implementation may differ from school to school.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit available to international students in F-1 immigration status who are enrolled in, or completing, a degree program in the United States.
This employment can be used:
- Before the completion of studies during an annual vacation or leave term
- After the completion of studies.
Payroll Department
The Payroll Department is responsible for the payment, taxation, and reporting of all wages. This includes processing and distributing paychecks and direct deposit stubs as well as year-end tax forms (Form W-2 and Form 1042S). The Payroll Department also assists non-resident aliens with the completion of tax forms which are required before payments can be processed (Form 8233 and Form 1001).
7 Lebanon Street, Suite 309
Website: https://www.dartmouth.edu/finance | Email: dartmouth.payroll@dartmouth.edu
Student Employment Office (SEO)
The Student Employment Office (SEO) assists all students in their job search for both on-campus and local community opportunities. Employment provides students with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and to contribute to the cost of a Dartmouth education. It provides many services, including managing job listings through SEO JobNet and the student TempJob service, advising employers on how to hire and train student staff, and by developing new jobs.
7 Lebanon Street, Suite 203
Website: https://www.dartmouth.edu/~seo | Email: student.employment.office@dartmouth.edu
Campus Activities
Check out the different activities and events by the International Student Experience Office (ISEO) and partners posted here! More activities and updates coming soon...
GOOOOOOOOOAAALLL! Grab your blankets, picnic baskets, flags and foam fingers. Join football (aka soccer) fans from across campus and around the world. Catch the big game on a big screen on the Dartmouth Green! Free and open to all!
- Location: Dartmouth Green
- Date: Sunday, July 19
- Time: 3:00 PM
Then as day turns to night, athletics turns to arts… hang out on the Green and enjoy a free simulcast concert of Rhiannon Giddens, the Grammy-winning banjo player and folk artist who performs live in Spaulding Auditorium at 7:30 pm.
Rain location: Loew Auditorium
Presented by the International Student Experience Office and the Hopkins Center. Co-sponsored by the Dickey Center for International Understanding, the Office of Pluralism and Leadership, Programming Board, 2028 Class Council, the Office of Community Engagement and the Teevens Center for Peak Performance.
Stop by to write a letter home, or simply to pick up some international postage! Postage sponsored by ISEO)
- Location: North Fairbanks 205B
- Date: Monday, July 20
- Time: 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Get some ice cream for the heat or some sweets!
- Date: Friday, August 7
- Time: 2:00 - 3:00 PM