![Liliana standing in front of a vista on Hawai'i](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/liliana_ciraulo_-_liliana_ciraulo.jpg?itok=r03sshHK×tamp=1694611150)
![Coastal mountains of Hawai'i](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x236_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/bg/img_3787_-_liliana_ciraulo.jpg?itok=a0ZaQ8xK×tamp=1694611216)
Liliana Ciraulo
![Liliana standing in front of a vista on Hawai'i](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/liliana_ciraulo_-_liliana_ciraulo.jpg?itok=r03sshHK×tamp=1694611150)
You are here
![Occom pond frozen over](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/occom.jpeg?itok=xSddSCNU×tamp=1706497088)
Anti-Hibernation Efforts
Sometimes, I think I'm more like a bear than I'd like to admit. When it's cold out, all I want to do is bundle up and hibernate in my room! As ideal as this may sound, it just isn't realistic as a busy college student. Recently, I've been encouraging myself to get out more often and embrace the colder months here at Dartmouth.
I'm not an outdoorsy or athletic person by any means, but I try to get outside and take walks around campus! My favorite way to do so is by taking a Woccom - a looping walk around Occom Pond - with friends. I'm not entirely sure how long the loop takes, but I can assure you it provides my friends and I plenty of time to chat and debrief together. While on woccoms, it's not uncommon to see other students running, local Hanover residents walking their dogs, and even deer frolicking in the snow! No matter the season, a Woccom brings a smile to my face, so when the world seems darker and colder during winter, a Woccom definitely brightens my day. It's also so cool to see how the pond looks throughout the year; right now, it's beautifully frozen over! Soon, we'll likely get to go ice skating on it, too.
Another way I get myself outside is to schedule some time with friends! This seems simple enough, but between going to classes and grinding in the library, it's difficult to find time to relax, grab a meal, and hang out! I'm still working on this aspect of my life, but at the moment, I try to schedule in a few meals and/or hangouts with friends each week. With the D-plan (our quarter system) in place, friends come and go as they take off terms or study abroad - so it is crucial to find some time to see them before they're possibly gone next term! I personally love to get meals with some of my sorority sisters, classmates, and teammates from my dance troupe! Though I see these friends in designated spaces - like in class - it's always nice to spend time more casually, and have fun!
Speaking of fun, I have found so much joy and fulfillment in trying new things. My new activity of the term is snowboarding! Last winter, I took ski lessons through the Dartmouth PE program: I learned at the Dartmouth Skiway and borrowed all of my gear through the college! Although I wasn't very good at skiing, I found it to be a fantastic way to get outdoors and try something I had never done before. This time around, I decided to sign up for snowboarding lessons for similar reasons. I was so nervous to begin, since I'd heard how steep the learning curve was, but I can confidently say that after two lessons I am loving snowboarding! I'm so excited to continue my lessons throughout the rest of the term - maybe by the end of it, I'll find the bravery to actually go up the ski lift.
Finally - and this may be the most difficult to carry out - I have been trying to get out of Hanover more often! Don't get me wrong, Hanover is a beautiful town, but staying in the same town every single day can feel confining at times. It's always nice to get a change of scenery! Luckily, Hanover is surrounded by other amazing places to explore. I don't have a car on campus - hence why I say this task is a little more difficult - but I have some friends with cars, which is how I get around! Recently, we took a trip to West Lebanon, one of Hanover's neighboring towns and got a yummy breakfast at a diner. Even something as simple as a diner breakfast made my day, because it was out of the ordinary for my daily routine on campus!
There are so many more ways to get out and find time for yourself and loved ones, and I'm excited to do even more as the term progresses. I'm hoping to also attend some sporting events, try the new breakfast spot in town, go sledding at the golf course, and do the Polar Bear Plunge during Winter Carnival! Until then, stay warm and bundled up but hopefully not just inside your room!
Posts You Might Like
![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)
![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)
![writing essay in the library](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screen_shot_2024-07-16_at_3.20.04_pm.png?itok=HQbcow8c×tamp=1721157629)
My first-year at Dartmouth has been a period of profound growth and self-discovery. It has challenged me to push beyond my limits, embrace my strengths and weaknesses, and navigate the complex web of opportunities that define college life.
![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)
![Pop Up Bike Shop Sign Pop Up Bike Shop Sign](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/bike_shop_sign.jpg?itok=Q6g9dm_y×tamp=1718940753)
I got a bike this term! Read this blog to learn how!
![My first D26 swag! Me, holding up a Dartmouth 26 long sleeved t-shirt](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/bio_pic_redo.jpg?itok=yiMwSuSN×tamp=1673287174)
![Cute tree outside my dorm](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screenshot_2024-06-21_at_22.46.42.png?itok=cXPj0J_h×tamp=1719024425)
The Dartmouth Alma Mater isn't my most played song on Spotify, but it did teach me a lot.
![Antonio Jorge Medeiros Batista Silva '25](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/blog_antonio_profile_picture.jpg?itok=z4tVogx3×tamp=1632239532)
![An image of the Seattle skyline across the water](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screen_shot_2024-07-15_at_10.20.59_pm.png?itok=IvcyiHVw×tamp=1721096489)
My first time in Seattle, during the week of the 4th of July! Exploring fish markets and watching fireworks, I had a great time exploring a new city during my off-term!
![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)
![My reunions co-workers](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screenshot_2024-06-21_at_22.38.05.png?itok=m-RnpBDm×tamp=1719023956)
Have you ever thought of working for reunions? Well, neither did I. But it was super fun, come check what it's all about!
![Antonio Jorge Medeiros Batista Silva '25](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/blog_antonio_profile_picture.jpg?itok=z4tVogx3×tamp=1632239532)