Guarini Graduate Student Council Handbook

We have provided you with this resource in order to introduce you to
Dartmouth and to briefly showcase some of the events, places, and
organizations that help make the Upper Valley a thriving, inclusive community for all of its residents.

 Dartmouth’s Mission

Dartmouth College educates the most promising students and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and of responsible leadership, through a faculty dedicated to teaching and the creation of knowledge.

The Basics

  • Founded in 1769
  • Type - Four year private liberal arts
  • Affiliation - Ivy League
  • Motto - Vox clmantis in deserto ("a voice crying out in the wilderness")
  • Color - Dartmouth Green 
  • Nickname - Big Green 
  • Academic Calendar - Year-round, four-term (quarter system)
  • 4,400 undergraduate students
  • 2,100 graduate students/professional students

Upper Valley

Dartmouth is located in the Upper Valley, which straddles the Connecticut River between New Hampshire and Vermont. The four main areas are Hanover, Lebanon, and West Lebanon in New Hampshire and White River Junction in Vermont.


Housing Questions?

Visit our Housing Resources page!

 

Parking & Transportation

  • On-Campus Parking

    All students who live off-campus are required to register their vehicles. Contact the Parking Office (603-646-2340) or use the button below to assess individual permit eligibility, pricing or to purchase a permit. When registering, you will need your car registration and driver's license. You may register more than one car per permit for the same fee if alternating vehicles. The fee for parking is approximately $180 per year (July 1 - June 30). The fee is prorated by the term. Most graduate students are assigned to Dewey Lot. On-campus parking on the weekends and after 5 PM weekdays does not require a permit (FREE). Permits have been FREE recently due to COVID-19.

  • Safety & Security

    If you are on campus or at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and need a ride to somewhere in Hanover, you can call Safety and Security if Advance Transit is no longer running. You can reach Safety and Security at 603-646-4000. You can also download the Safety and Security app, LifeSafe, where you can report concerns and get notifications about emergencies.

  • Advance Transit

    Advance Transit (AT) is a free bus system that runs throughout the Upper Valley. The AT generally runs 5 am - 7 pm on weekdays, and does not run on the weekends.  There are bus routes that run from campus to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, West Lebanon, and other local areas. You can download the Advance Transit mobile app to see wait times and routes.

  • Dartmouth Coach

    The Dartmouth Coach is a private bus company offering daily direct service between Boston (South Station and the Logan International Airport) and the Upper Valley. There is also direct service between the Upper Valley and New York City. In the Upper Valley, there are stops in Hanover, Lebanon, and New London. You can purchase tickets online.

Airports

  • Lebanon Municipal

    Lebanon Municipal Airport is a regional, tower-controlled airport located in Lebanon, NH. There are daily commercial service connects passengers to Boston and White Plains, New York.  Their main airline is Cape Air.

  • Manchester-Boston Regional

    Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (aka Manchester Airport) is a public airport located in Manchester, NH (approximately 1 hour south of Hanover). There are daily flights to different domestic locations.

  • Boston-Logan International

    Boston-Logan Airport is the primary international airport serving the greater Boston area that is located in East Boston. The Dartmouth Coach can bring you to and from the airport, but parking at the airport is also available.

  • Burlington International

    Burlington International Airport is located in Burlington, VT. They offer daily, non-stop flights to domestic locations.

Getting Started

 Health Insurance

Dartmouth college requires all students who are classified as active in the College Student Information System (DartHub), including students not taking classes or on a leave term, to have health insurance meeting specified standards of coverage. To ensure that all eligible students are adequately ensured, all active students are automatically enrolled into DSGHP (more plan information here).

Students who have their own health or insurance coverage that meets Dartmouth's insurance requirements may apply to waive the automatic enrollment into the DSGHP by completing the insurance waiver petition. The student’s health plan must be compliant with the Affordable Care Act requirements in the Hanover, NH area. Please see the insurance requirements and instructions on how to waive DSGHP enrollment.

Stipend and TA Payment Information

Dependent on your program and if you receive a stipend, your first paycheck will arrive on October 1. For other students, your stipend may come on the first of whatever month follows your start date. After that, your stipend will arrive on the first of every month. Ask your program administrator about your first paycheck date. You will need to fill out hiring forms and provide identification documentation at the Payroll Office (7 Lebanon Street, Suite 302, Hanover NH).
You may want to consider filling out a Direct Deposit form to access your funds immediately once they are available on the first of each month. To do that, bring a voided check and your banking information when you go to register. You can visit the Payroll Office website to learn more.

Getting Involved

Places to Know

Food Options

Dartmouth graduate students are welcome to eat in any dining hall. Dining plans unique to graduate students is available at ‘53 Commons. You can purchase the plan at Campus Billing & DartCard Services at McNutt Hall or through GET. There are three dining plans available - Breakfast: 10 meals for $82.50 ($8.25 per meal); Lunch: 10 meals for $95 ($9.50 per meal); Dinner: 10 meals for $130 ($13.00 per meal).

Co-Op Food Stores

The Co-Op Food Stores are an organization of local grocery stores owned by the community! They have locations in Hanover, Lebanon, Norwich, and more!

 

Price Chopper

Price Chopper is a budget-friendly grocery store chain. Check out their two locations in Lebanon and West Lebanon.

 
 

Shaw’s

No one outside of New England ever knows about this grocery store chain. Check it out in West Lebanon!

 
 
 

Hannaford

A trusted and budget-friendly grocery store, also located in West Lebanon.

 
 
 

CSA

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is locally-based economic model of agriculture and food distribution. Some local CSAs: Sweetland, Sunrise, Cedar Circle, Root 5, Luna Bleu, and Scott Farm Orchard.

 
 

Farmers’ Markets

During the spring and summer month(s), a bunch of local towns host farmers’ markets. Check out the ones in Hanover, Lebanon, and Norwich!

 

Target

Not super budget-friendly, but the Target in West Lebanon does have some groceries (although not as much variety as a dedicated grocery store).

 

BJs Wholesale Club

If you like to buy in bulk, this is the place to go! Located in West Lebanon. It also normally has the cheapest gas.

 
 
 

International Food Markets

  • Yipings Asian Market

    Carries Japanese, Korean, Thai, Filipino, Vietnamese, and Chinese groceries! Located in West Lebanon. Visit their website for more information.

  • Asian Super Store

    Family-owned business that sells lots of Indian ingredients, as well as some Chinese and Japanese snacks! Located in the Lebanon Mall. Visit their website for more information.

Download the full handbook to find more information on:

local restaurants, bars, gyms, childcare, schools,hair care, pet care, and recreational activities!