Hello there! I'm May and I'm so excited to find a home away from home at Dartmouth, coming all the way from Southeast Asia! Joining such a tight-knit community under the shades of the great trees will definitely make it easier. I love trying new food (especially spicy cuisines, but I do have a sweet tooth!), meeting people through sports, and cozy movie nights. Find me in the soccer field during intramurals, getting coffee at Collis (my favorite), or volunteering at local service projects!
My first term at Dartmouth has ended and so have my final exams! This quarter, I had a final essay due for my writing class, a paper exam for my psychology class, and an in-class computer-based exam for my QSS (Quantitative Social Science) class. Through the ten-week term at Dartmouth, days here pass by slowly, but the weeks fly by so fast! With midterms starting around the 4th week and finals later around the 8th, it's so important to keep ourselves (and our sleep schedules!) in check. Especially if you're a college freshman like me, we've got to take care of ourselves our first semester away from home and our usual routines. Here are some tips that really helped me during my finals week!
No. 1
1. Know your finals schedule!
It's not like high school anymore where your teacher will give you a printed sheet of dates and review guides! You've got to make sure yourself by going online to the class portal or by checking in with your professor. This really helps when you want to start planning ahead and also to start making plans for the winter break (ex. buying plane tickets!)
No. 2
2. Study with others!
Use your resources! Make study groups with the others in your class and go to office hours to talk to your professors! One tip I got from an upperclassman was to divide readings between you and a friend and then explain to each other. Talking it out really helps your understanding!
No. 3
3. Get your breakfast!
By the 4th week of the term, I developed a very bad habit of missing breakfast. I really don't recommend this! If you don't have time for a full meal, at least get some light snacks from The Hop or some fresh pastries from Novack or King Arthur Flour (KAF). A happy tummy will definitely sit well with you once you start your first class of the day. Especially when the workload piles up, breakfast can really give you much needed energy.
No. 4
4. Find your study spots!
Once finals approach, the library instantly becomes our second home, which means so many places and study spots will be full. Try to find somewhere comfortable in the afternoon when it is not too crowded yet. Also, during finals, other places like the Center for Professional Development and Collis Center open up study spots for students along with refreshments, so keep an eye out for them, too!
No. 5
5. Say hi to therapy dogs!
Who doesn't need a friendly cuddle from a good ol' therapy dog? Some Greek houses and associations bring therapy dogs for students to come and meet while taking a break from studying. There might be some free Lou's donuts too so make sure to check your inbox!
No. 6
YOU'VE GOT THIS!
And finally, take a deep breath! It's your first term in college. You're doing your best trying to settle in, meeting new friends, finding your place in a new environment. Take a deep breath and don't put too much pressure on yourself and your academics. Things will work out — take it one step at a time!
I actually shadowed there during my freshman winterim, as the deputy director is an alum and hosted a few students to visit the facilities and meet some of the people who work there.
Coming from a boarding school, I didn't get to work during the weekends. Coming into Dartmouth, I was excited at the prospect of being able to finally get into the workforce. There are many reasons why you would want to work.
My faith is a very important part of my identity. Starting in the fall, I decided to join two Christian groups: Christian Union and Apologia, the Christian thought magazine on campus.
Long time no see, Hanover. How long has it been? Six months and three days? Not that I've been counting, of course. Oh, who am I kidding? I couldn't wait to see you again! How have you been?
The reason I tell this story is to pretty much show that Dartmouth is somewhat of a "nerd sanctuary" — a place where people can do whatever and explore whatever passion they want.
My friends and I had a board games brunch at the dining hall, with many of the games rented from Jones Media Center. It was a highlight of the term — when else can you play Cards Against Humanity with nine friends while enjoying brunch?
With the decade (and year) coming to an end, I thought I would do something fun and look back on everything that has happened this year for me at Dartmouth!
Early on in my time at Dartmouth, I learned about a resource that has become instrumental to my life. The Academic Skills Center, or "ASC," is committed to helping students reach their academic goals.
