![Adrian Chimboza '25 Adrian Chimboza '25](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_4027_0.jpeg?itok=wUxBL8Qu×tamp=1687842331)
![Baker Library Baker Library](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x236_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/bg/1920.jpg?itok=7sJVb9da×tamp=1687843031)
Adrian Chimboza
![Adrian Chimboza '25 Adrian Chimboza '25](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_4027_0.jpeg?itok=wUxBL8Qu×tamp=1687842331)
You are here
![Back Stacks Baker Stacks](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/3218e355-0223-453b-95e5-92ca587ec65f.jpeg?itok=eHdLXgO_×tamp=1634011534)
My First Week of Classes
Hello there! It's me again. If you were wondering whether I am still alive after going through my first week of classes, then this is a sign to show you that I am still buzzing and kicking. I know you have a lot of questions. How did it go? Did you learn anything new? Is Dartmouth really rigorous as they say? Don't worry. Just sit down and read this post. It has everything you need to know.
If I could choose one word to summarize my first week of classes I would go for 'demanding', but in a good way though. Don't let this worry you. It's all part of the college experience.
I vividly remember when the first day of classes caught up with me. I was anxious to learn and as geeky as that might sound, it is true. It was my first time getting a feel of U.S education, so I was eager to see how it was different from my previous experiences with Zimbabwean education and whether I could adjust to the new demands. I remember I even woke up early that day just to make sure I didn't miss my first class.
Despite the zeal to learn, one thing that kept circling in my mind was the fact that I hadn't got into the classes I wanted. I even emailed some of the professors for the classes that I had not gotten into. The responses oscillated between the statements, "I would love to have you in my class, but unfortunately the class is full and college policy does not allow me to exceed the assigned number of students" and something along the lines of, "We've added you to the waiting list".
After three days' worth of classes, I finally accepted the reality that nothing was going to change. As the week progressed, I realized I had gotten into some of the best classes at Dartmouth, and I had been missing out on the fun by envisioning what it would have been if I had taken different classes. After this moment of realization, I fell in love with my classes. How could I have resisted a class where watching movies was actually part of a lecture and homework? How could I have resisted a class where you get to learn about patriarchy and sexuality in the Bible?
Despite my unmatchable love for film, I finally heard back from one of the professors for my WGSS 10 class–Sex, Gender, and Race–and sadly, I had to drop my film class. So, whenever you don't get into a class you want at Dartmouth, try emailing the professors. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. To avoid all this, try to have a backup list of potential classes you will be willing to take during a term, and also meet with your Undergraduate Dean and Faculty Advisor in advance before course selection starts. Always have an open mind and don't be rigid. Get out of your comfort zone and take that Spanish class, even if the only Spanish word you know is Ola.
Finally, one thing I enjoy and appreciate about most of my classes right now is how they have a main emphasis on student participation through group discussions and presentations. This allows people to share their views in a safe space in which each opinion is respected and not condoned or scrutinized harshly. I don't regret the decision that I made to take the classes I have right now, and I'm really happy I ended up in some of the best classes at Dartmouth. I look forward to sharing more with you. Stay safe.
Posts You Might Like
![A picture of the 24X Ujimelt members](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screen_shot_2024-07-24_at_7.55.18_pm.png?itok=545m9H84×tamp=1721865342)
This week at Dartmouth, I had an amazing time performing with Ujimelt. I also enjoyed making delicious Japanese curry with my roommate. To top it off, I had a relaxing movie night at Nugget Theaters, watching Despicable Me 4.
![Picture of Memo smiling in front of a pond](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/screen_shot_2024-07-17_at_9.01.11_pm.png?itok=NhqBy66V×tamp=1721264590)
![Orange sunset over Tuck Drive](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screen_shot_2024-07-15_at_9.42.44_pm.png?itok=GU1ixnAN×tamp=1721094188)
Reflecting on my sophomore year and how I feel about being halfway through my time at Dartmouth!
![Profile Picture](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_6959_2.jpeg?itok=8Ic27ok0×tamp=1717243884)
![An image that says, "Dartmouth Debunked" with clipart of a person sleeping on a bed. Besides the bed is text that says, "part one: dorms"](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/blog_800x548_dartmouthdebunkedpart1.png?itok=dovES2sg×tamp=1719958732)
Welcome to the first part of Dartmouth Debunked, a series of comprehensive blog posts answering common questions first-years have prior to their arrival at Dartmouth. This post will cover all the housing options for a first-year student.
![Cal standing on the Dartmouth Green in front of Baker Tower](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/untitled_design_6_-_cal_shin.png?itok=eVUxVOeC×tamp=1697736503)
![Group of girls enjoying a sunny day in a grassy field, standing and looking away from the camera.](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/unnamed_7.jpg?itok=h2PMVDSj×tamp=1721892638)
As I reflect on my first year, I reminisce on the people, places, and things that made the most of my Dartmouth experience!
![Arianna smiling at the grocery store](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_7676_-_arianna_dunkley.jpeg?itok=eQQiMmwB×tamp=1694612412)
![5 sticky notes laying on a table with a stick figure drawing on each](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/unnamed_5.jpg?itok=7-pLgral×tamp=1721802532)
![Connecticut river](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screen_shot_2024-07-11_at_12.34.54_pm.png?itok=Za7K_il9×tamp=1720715742)
Sophomore Summer has already defined itself by its exciting, unfamiliar experiences and the relaxed atmosphere of campus. With new classes and clubs in full swing, here is what I have been up to during this wonderful time on campus!
![Me! blog_828 × 1026_brendilou](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_1226.png?itok=U8hQQ4ev×tamp=1663881287)
![FIRE study abroad program at Rome](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/fire_1650x916.png?itok=cypHcxe5×tamp=1718399675)
In this blog, I would like to share some other academic-inclined ways that Dartmouth students spend their freshman summer.
![blogger_image](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/wechatimg3290.jpg?itok=_fEvVHFF×tamp=1695605711)
![An image of a map of Dartmouth College](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/unnamed_5_800x600.jpg?itok=aUgvuRDu×tamp=1721722730)
In the summer, prospective students might take the time to visit potential colleges and universities to apply to. But what are some things to look for as you peruse campuses and take in the view, especially during the summer? Here are some ideas!
![Olivia Koo - blogger](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/4b596702-2c48-4037-8b1f-db79eeb3e7b0_1_201_a_0.jpg?itok=9S9os9ML×tamp=1663532063)
![chem](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_4517.jpg?itok=lB6u7Onl×tamp=1718400172)
I'm now finally done with my pre-medical requirements and wanted to continue my recap of the whole journey!
![pic](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_1827.jpg?itok=BAuyur99×tamp=1665456638)