A Guide to Winter Wellness at Dartmouth
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Winters at Dartmouth are beautiful, but if you're coming from a warmer climate, winter can also feel a little intimidating. Know that you're not alone! This guide covers how to best prepare for the season.
- No. 1
Layering and Winter Preparedness
The first step to navigating New England winters is dressing for the weather. The Outdoor Programs Office (OPO) offers a comprehensive layering and winter preparedness guide that explains what layering is and how to do it effectively to stay warm and comfortable in the winter. This guide is especially helpful if you’re not familiar with colder winters, as it takes a lot of the guesswork out of preparing for the season. And to help make winter gear more accessible, Dartmouth provides free LL Bean gift cards for low-income students to ensure that they can purchase high-quality clothing. Additionally, the Free Market, Dartmouth’s on-campus thrift store, offers free winter gear (and other clothes) for any student to keep.
- No. 2
Sun Lamps
The cold temperatures aren’t the only aspects of New England winters to be aware of. The days are much shorter, with the sun setting as early as 4:30 PM. While the relative lack of natural sunlight may take a toll, sun lamps are available on tables in the third and fourth floors of the Berry Library, making them the perfect spot for studying. If you’re more inclined to study in your dorm, Dartmouth has free sun lamps available to borrow at the Baker-Berry Library circulation desk.
- No. 3
The Life Sciences Greenhouse
One of my favorite underrated spots on campus is our on-campus greenhouse, located at the Life Sciences Center (LSC). It’s warm, humid, and filled with beautiful plants with vivid, colorful hues! You may find yourself itching to take off your jacket and hoodie as soon as you step inside the greenhouse.
For students coming from warmer places, winters at Dartmouth may be a bit of an unknown. Don’t worry, you won’t be navigating the season on your own! Many people who have never seen snow leave with their own favorite winter traditions, cozy spots, and a deep appreciation for the season. And who knows, winter may become your new favorite season!