My Davidson | A Student Blog Finding Your Happy Place: The Little Moments That Make Up College Life
November 12, 2025
About the Author
Ellie Heald ’26 (she/her) is a psychology major and communications minor from Dallas, Texas. Outside of the classroom, she is a Senior Admission Fellow and President of Gamut Dance Company, while also being involved with Chidsey Leadership Institute, Warner Hall Eating House and Davidson Outdoors.
“I always knew I wanted to go to a small liberal arts school. As soon as I toured Davidson, I was impressed not only by the way my tour guide waved at basically everyone she passed, but also by the friendliness of the people living in the town of Davidson. Something that was also important to me was the ability to continue to pursue multiple different passions and activities, while also trying out new ones. I am now involved in many different organizations, and the people I have met through them are some of my best friends!”
When I was in high school, thinking about which college would be my home, I focused on the larger and more obvious factors, such as the size of the student body and the majors that were offered.
Over the course of my four years at Davidson, I’ve discovered that what truly makes this place feel like home are the small everyday moments. It’s the little details that bring campus to life.
Here are just some of the simple things that have brought me joy in my day-to-day life at Davidson this fall:
Taking my AirPods out so I can have a conversation with friends on the way to class.
Paddleboarding at Lake Campus, college-owned property on Lake Norman.
Interacting with dogs and their people when members of the local community walk on campus.
Watching sunsets from the porch of my eating house.
Observing the change of seasons from the big windows in the dance studio.
Hearing the bells ring across campus when it’s time for a class change.
Playing card games with my friends at the picnic tables outside of Nummit, Davidson's on-campus coffee shop (and trying their seasonal drinks).
Getting free late-night food from Union Board on the weekends. Union Board is one of Davidson's largest social programmers.
Soaking up the Carolina sun on Chambers lawn.
Encountering deer and other wildlife while walking the cross country trails.
Enjoying Commonsgiving in November and the Night Owl Breakfast during finals weeks – anticipated traditions in the college’s main dining hall, Vail Commons.
While some of these moments happen daily and others only a few times each season, together they capture the true spirit of Davidson. It’s in these simple, often fleeting, moments that Davidson reveals itself not just as a school, but as a home. These little joys remind me again and again why Davidson is my happy place.
Apply to Davidson College
Ready to call Davidson College home too? Our Early Decision I application deadline is this Saturday, November 15, followed by our Early Decision II and Regular Decision deadlines in January. Start your journey today!
