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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of computer should I get and what are the system requirements?
Answers to all of your computer and technology-related questions can be found on the Library & Information Services Web site.
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What if I am in need of an accommodation due to a disability?
To disclose a disability and request related accommodations, please visit Disability Services for information on how to proceed.
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Do I need to take the Math Placement Exam?
Yes. All incoming students must take the placement exam, unless they are explicitly excluded. (Exceptions to taking the exam can be found on the Mathematics Placement Exam Information page.) The Mathematics Placement Exam is a 25-question, 30-minute exam written by the Mathematical Association of America. It is a calculus readiness exam. As such, the exam is used to evaluate your proficiency in pre-calculus. There is no calculus on this placement exam. Taking the placement exam now allows you to do so while the material is still fresh in your mind from high school.More detailed information can be found on the Placement Information page.
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Do I need to take a Language Placement Exam?
Dickinson College requires students to demonstrate that they have completed work in a foreign language through the intermediate level. If you have studied a foreign language in the past and plan to continue with the study of that language, this exam will determine your appropriate placement. Spanish, Italian, Latin, French, Chinese and German exams should be competed online by June 29 and may be accessed through Gateway. Placement exams for other languages are scheduled based on the results on the Language Background Form you will submit through Gateway by June 29. More detailed information about the language placement exams can be found on the Placement Information page.
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When do I register for classes?
You received advising and course selection information in the May mailing. Academic advising will happen by phone from July 8-12. Online course selection will take place July 15-22. Please note: You will not be able to make course selections until you have completed your advising appointment. Details about your call-in time are posted on the advising page.
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When should I buy my books?
The Bookstore provides a list of required books for all courses. You can order your books in August once you know which courses you are in (as of Aug. 7) and they will be ready for you upon arrival. Learn more on the Bookstore Information page.
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When do I move in?
The general move-in day for new students is Wednesday, August 21, between 8-11 a.m. First-year students will report to your assigned residence halls to check in and transfers will report to the Office of Campus Life. Your housing assignment will be sent to you by early August. There will be a late check in available from noon-4 p.m. in the Campus Life Office in the lower level of the HUB.
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How should I dress for Orientation?
In general, Orientation is very casual and you should dress comfortably. On the evening of the Red and White Banquet, students are asked to dress in nice but not formal attire.
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When will I find out who my roommate is, and how are roommates paired?
Your room assignment and your roommate information will be e-mailed to you in early August. Contact information for your roommate will be provided to you at that time, and we encourage you to contact your roommate over the summer to begin the process of getting to know each other and to coordinate who will bring specific items. You should also discuss how you will share expenses such as room carpeting and/or a microfridge. Learn more on the Housing/Move-In page.
Roommates are randomly matched using the responses from the survey form that’s in the Dickinson Gateway (due June 1). That’s why it’s so important that you fill it out accurately, rather than having your parent(s) or someone else fill it out.
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When should I sign-up for a meal plan?
All incoming students are automatically enrolled in the Traditional Plan unless they indicate otherwise. This plan offers 19 meals a week, which includes three meals a day on weekdays and brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. We recommend that all first-year students participate in the Traditional Plan. Learn more about Dining Services, including where the office is located and how to obtain and use your student ID card.
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What is my mailing address?
HUB Boxes are assigned to students over the summer, and your HUB address will be sent to you in late July via your dickinson email account.
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Do I need to purchase the health insurance coverage offered by the college?
All full-time matriculating students attending Dickinson College must enroll in or waive out of the insurance coverage offered by the college. Students who wish to waive out of the coverage must be U.S. citizens and provide proof of comparable private coverage. All full-time matriculating students who are NOT U.S. citizens will be automatically enrolled and charged for this insurance coverage. Learn more on the Student Health Information page.
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When do I get my student ID card, and how can it be used?
Dining Services provides each student with a photo identification card, which is the official College ID. New students will have their photo for their ID taken during Orientation. Learn more about Dining Services, including where the office is located and meal plans.
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What do I do if I have questions about my bill?
If you have any questions or concerns about your billing statement, please direct them to Student Accounts at 717-245-1953 or stuaccts@dickinson.edu. You can also visit the Student Accounts Web site for frequently asked questions and more.