First-Year Trips
First-Year Trips is a student-run orientation program for all incoming Dartmouth students, in collaboration with the Outdoor Programs Office and New Student Programs.
Our Mission: First-Year Trips supports the transition to Dartmouth for incoming students by fostering a sense of belonging and place through inclusive, accessible, small-group experiences around the Upper Valley. We create a welcoming environment where new students can connect meaningfully with peers, build lasting relationships, and engage with the Dartmouth community and its surrounding landscape. Through student leadership, intentional community building, and layered peer support, Trips empowers both new and returning students to engage, reflect, grow, and contribute to a culture of care, connection, and belonging at Dartmouth.
First Year Trips 2026
Registration for First-Year Trips 2026 is OPEN! Please check your Dartmouth email for more information on how to register. Registrations close on July 17th, 2026 at 11:59PM EST.
Students participating in First-Year Trips 2026 and not already on campus for Pre-Orientation programs or Fall pre-season athletics will move in on Wednesday, September 2nd.
For more detailed arrival information, or arrival dates if you are not participating in First-Year Trips, please visit the New Student Orientation Home Page.
Trips is for Everyone!
First-Year Trips is a program for anyone and everyone. Each individual Trip is centered around an activity (or “Trip Type”). With over 30 Trip Types to choose from, you can farm, hike, visit museums, rock climb, paddle lakes and rivers, or relax at a lakeside cabin. No particular experience is necessary to participate in First-Year Trips and no level of comfort in the outdoors is assumed. Trips range from wilderness settings to staying right on campus. We provide options that represent a wide range of experience and comfort levels, and we believe that anyone can find a Trip to be excited about!
Adjustments & Accommodations
We recognize that some students may need additional adjustments or accommodations related to religious practices, ability, dietary concerns, allergies, sleeping in shared spaces, and/or other needs. First-Year Trips is excited to work with you and campus partners to create accessible and inclusive Trip experiences for all participants. We are committed to doing everything possible to help all students participate in the Trips program to the extent they feel comfortable, and we encourage you to reach out to us to discuss how we can support your Trips experience. If you have concerns about accommodation in First-Year Trips or beyond, particularly related to a disability or diagnosed condition, please reach out to Student Accessibility Services.
Cost & Financial Aid
The cost to participate in Trips 2026 is $420. It will cover food, transportation, gear, lodging, and programming. This charge will be billed to your college account, and payment is not required when you register.
If you receive financial aid from Dartmouth, the cost of Trips will AUTOMATICALLY be reduced according to the amount of financial aid you receive from the College. You will receive information about your adjusted trip cost the same day you receive the registration email for First-Year Trips. We are committed to making sure that finances are not a barrier to participating in First-Year Trips, both in the cost of the program and any gear you may need. If you have questions about financial aid or the cost of Trips, please reach out to us!
The Dartmouth Class of '68 funds a large portion of the financial aid available to First Year Trips!
Sustainability
As a program very active in the Upper Valley, serving a large number of people, First-Year Trips is dedicated to continually reducing our environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices. We recognize that, given the scale of our program and our commitment to prioritizing trippees' comfort, we generate leftovers and waste. It is our aim to limit the amount of waste produced through proactive measures and deal with waste as best we can once it arises. This requires planning, forethought, and initiative, which our commitment is reflected in the revival of the Sustainability Coordinator position on Directorate. We have already implemented composting practices, amassed a stockpile of rental gear for students to borrow, and donated leftover food to local food pantries. Recently, we’ve started a BuyBack Program where First-Year Trips, in partnership with the Environmental Stewardship Division of the DOC, pays current students for outdoor gear they may not want or need. Starting this year, we are also introducing a Sustainability-themed Trip type for those interested in exploring sustainability on and around campus. Looking forward, we aim to build on and refine practices to reduce food and gear waste, while working to expand sustainability practices to all aspects of First-Year Trip’s operations. If you have ideas, want to partner with us, or want to support us in this goal, please contact us at First-Year.Trips@dartmouth.edu.
Contact Us
Let us know how we can support you as you prepare for your First-Year Trip! Reach out to us with any questions or concerns. We want to hear from you!
First-Year.Trips@dartmouth.edu
(603) 646-3996
Check out Frequently Asked Questions about Trips.
Check out our Instagram to keep up to date with the team of current Dartmouth students and staff members who are busy preparing for your First-Year Trips experience. We can’t wait to meet you and support your transition into your new community! Welcome to Dartmouth! Visit our blog to find archived posts written by students and alumni of all ages detailing their Trips experiences.