Hello everyone! My name is Natasha Raman and I'm a freshman at Dartmouth. Although I'm undecided on my major, I am leaning towards something related to government, economics, and Asian studies. In my free time, I like to watch The Office, keep up with current events, learn new languages, and hang out with my friends. I am excited to explore my interests at Dartmouth and take advantage of the amazing opportunities offered here!
Despite how magical it may be, Dartmouth is unfortunately not immune to the frigid temperatures that hit the Northeast starting from early November. However, even as a Texas native who once considered 50-degree weather to be "chilly," I have come to not only bear these cold temperatures but have started to enjoy them! Here are the top three tips I've learned along the way to embrace the cold, because it'll happen weather you like it or not (See what I did there? Hahaha… prepare yourself for a very punny post)!
No. 1
Tip 1: Layer Well
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, layering is probably the single most important aspect of staying warm in cold weather. Before the cold front hit, all of my friends who lived in the Northeast warned me that if I didn’t layer properly, I would freeze into an icicle the moment I stepped outside. And while they definitely were exaggerating, being inadequately dressed for the cold is snow laughing matter. Wearing a hat, boots, and layering a big coat over a lighter jacket and a long sleeve shirt has become my staple outfit and has kept me toasty even when the temperature hit the low teens.
No. 2
Tip 2: Drink Hot Drinks
Seasonal drinks are arguably one of the best parts of living in a place that has cold weather. I like to warm myself up after being out in the cold for a long time by drinking a nice cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows from KAF, a popular cafe on campus. In addition to making my fingers feel warm and tingly while holding the cup, drinking a hot drink definitely makes me feel happier and less concerned with how un-brr-lievably cold it is outside.
No. 3
Tip 3: Have Fun Outside
One of the most important tips I’ve learned while being here this term is just to have fun outside, especially when it’s snowing. As cheesy as it sounds, half the battle against the cold weather is won just by having a positive attitude about it! When the first flurry of snow came down on campus, it truly was love at frost sight. After mesmerizing at how pretty the campus looked when covered in snow, I and some of my friends decided to have a mini snowball fight and take silly pictures outside. Although we were freezing our butts off, we were too busy having fun to realize how cold it was.
Don't get me wrong, I've loved making my own lunch salad and hosting dinner parties with my friends during the break, but with classes starting again and the snow building, I definitely need a warm meal I can just sit down for.
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.
Yes, my friends, it was time for the infamous Dartmouth snowball fight, where the entire college is summoned to the Green at midnight to have a massive snowball fight.
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?
It's officially 2020, and seeing as I won't be returning to Dartmouth until next September, I thought it would be fitting to reflect back on my past year (most of which was spent on-campus).
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!
