![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)
You are here
![A landscape shot of reflective ice on a pond](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_5304.jpg?itok=4hCDq8Py×tamp=1703436780)
Winter Term Goals
1. Class Experience
My course load for fall term was a bit hectic, so I'm looking forward to a course load that's a bit less jam packed. I'm going to be immersed in a combination of memoir writing, evolutionary earth science, and chemistry (so one lab class). My primary goal will be to learn as much as I can from the classroom experience as a whole and to not just absorb the material effectively. By this, I mean I'm going to try and glean as much insight as possible through everything from official lectures, to class discussions, to individual questions. I'm realizing the fact that education at Dartmouth doesn't just come from a linear path from Professor to student, but rather, that it comes from the amalgamation of interactions with amazing students and professors (not to mention that learning comes out of a dialogue, not a one-sided stream of information).
2. Research
While I'm attempting to secure a research program for this summer, I'm also looking for research opportunities on-campus as well. This blog post explores the research possibilities at Dartmouth way more thoroughly than I will talk about it here, but essentially I'm trying to find a project/lab that really resonates with my interests. Then, I'm going to reach out and see if I can get involved with the project. Once I'm actually conducting research, I can worry about getting funding through UGAR (and later hopefully scholarship programs like Goldwater Scholars and Stamps Scholars).
3. Sleep
First year fall was a blast, but I'm trying to opt for less study sessions in the evenings and less trips to late night overall. While the Freshman dining plan (Ivy Unlimited!) does give you a "Late Night" swipe every single night, I'm finding that my wellbeing and productivity is enhanced when I go to late night more mindfully (given that my dorm building is a decent distance away). Sleep quality is enhanced by having more of a buffer between your last meal and bedtime, so "Late Night" doesn't quite mesh well with human biology.
4. Food
I won't reveal too much about my opinion of Foco (our dining hall), but my goal here is to settle into a routine of eating the same basic meals consistently—that way I don't have to worry about choosing options. This may sound a bit lame since there are SO many options at Foco, but—in reality—I've just found that I would rather have consistency and not skirt around every station to assess every option, especially when the space is packed.
5. Outings
There were a few DOC trips I simply couldn't go to during fall term, so I'm hoping to take advantage of the winter sports scene and do some more outings! Particularly, skiing of all kinds, snowshoeing, and ice skating. My First Year Trip ended at Dartmouth's ski lodge, and I'm curious to see how the landscape changes when viewed through ski goggles as I slide precariously down the slope!
Posts You Might Like
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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)