![Nathan in his Dartmouth sweatshirt in his bedroom](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_3925_-_nathan_hammerschmitt_le_gal.jpeg?itok=RZXcCHTb×tamp=1694611771)
![The always stunning view from Mt Cardigan - pictured are Mts. Moose, Holt's Ledge, Winslow Ledge, and Smarts](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x236_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/bg/img_5208_-_nathan_hammerschmitt_le_gal.jpg?itok=4tYuBoq7×tamp=1694611878)
Nathan Hammerschmitt Le Gal
![Nathan in his Dartmouth sweatshirt in his bedroom](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_3925_-_nathan_hammerschmitt_le_gal.jpeg?itok=RZXcCHTb×tamp=1694611771)
![A view of a study set-up from the top floor of the stacks in bakery-berry library](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_4223.jpeg?itok=pSlML4VH×tamp=1707535367)
A Day in my Life: Wednesday Edition
8:00 am, Wake Up
I typically have a bite to eat in my dorm—I heat up water and have some oats, fruit, and coffee. I find that eating before class puts my mind at ease, and I don't have to deal with going somewhere to get food—plus, I save a meal swipe to use on something else!
8:50 am - 9:55 am, Chemistry Class
My chemistry class is a flipped classroom model, meaning content is learned outside of class (via lecture videos), and in-class time is dedicated to solving problems and asking questions. I appreciate this classroom structure and have found myself embracing the process of problem-solving in class. It makes engaging with the professor far easier and clears up any sticking points in your learning.
10:15 am - 11:15 am, Earth Science Class
After biking from chemistry class, I climb to the second floor of the Life Sciences Center (LSC), where my earth science class is held. I'm currently taking "The Evolution of Earth and Life," which basically deals with the chronology of geological and biological processes that have led to the current planet—though there's a lot tied up in that statement. This course also follows a flipped classroom model so we can tackle the "big questions" that stem from the content we're learning. We talk about things like "How can we accurately examine the historical climate record over the last 60 million years?" and "What conditions were required for the original formation of life?"
11:15 am - 12:30 pm, Work/Study
I try to review ideas/concepts directly after class—when they're most fresh in my mind. I find it helps commit them to my long-term memory and allows me to gain a deeper understanding of the content. My favorite spots are Baker Berry Lobby (blobby), the Class of 1902 Room (the tall ceiling lets my brain breathe), the Stacks (layers and layers of books), and most miscellaneous spaces in Berry Library (first-floor berry, aka FFB, is good if you're looking for some friends).
12:30 pm - 1:15 pm, Lunch
If I'm feeling committed, I'll go to Foco (the main dining hall). If there's something pressing that needs to get done, I'll grab something quick at Novack Cafe, which is a nice cafe in the lower level of Berry library. My go-to's are salads, sandwiches, wraps, and soups.
1:30 pm - 5:00 pm, Miscellaneous Work
My work for my classes this term consists of a schedule—I prepare for class, I go to class, and I do the deeper work that comes after attending the class. Lately, my time has been spent predominantly writing creative nonfiction, doing practice chemistry problems, and taking earth science notes. Sometimes, I also take breaks by running an errand or two (going to CVS, visiting the mailroom, doing laundry, etc.)
5:00 pm - 5:30 pm, Run
I like to run with a few friends from the Triathlon team before spin class. I enjoy being able to talk about our days and de-stress a bit. There's a great loop around Occom Pond that is great for laps—there are a bunch of great trails that can be found around Hanover!
5:30 pm - 6:45 pm, Spin
Next, I go to spin practice (also for Triathlon). It counts as an official club practice! The music is great, and everyone is hyped to be there—so it's a great environment.
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Club Triathalon Dinner
Tri-team dinner is a classic weekly event for Club Triathlon. Usually, team captains will update everyone on fundraising events, race schedules, and the like—but recently, we had a Dartmouth Alum and current coach give a talk about "zone two" training. If you want to learn more about the triathlon team, check out this post.
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Wind down (Usually, some work must get done too, though)
10:00 pm - 12:00 pm, Bedtime!
Midnight or later is the worst-case scenario (I promise I sleep). Sometimes, I get too caught up in conversations with my roommate or end up getting absorbed by some assignment—but that's alright.
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)
![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)
![a picture of a lufthansa airplane in Boston Logan with the setting sun behind it](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_3508.jpg?itok=5W4WA3HO×tamp=1718913460)
"What's your major?" seems like a pressing question for every freshman, but now that my freshman year is behind me, I know I shouldn't have worried as much.
![Kalina standing amidst the autumn leaves](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/kalina_duncheva_27_-_kalina_duncheva.jpg?itok=1Spk_Kot×tamp=1694612135)