Hi! I'm Chelsea Mills, a '26 from North Potomac, Maryland. I'm a pre-med student pursuing a Psychology major and a Biology minor. I'm a tour guide, co-president of the Student Mental Health Union, and an outreach coordinator for Camp Kesem (a college-run camp for kids with a parent who has cancer). On weekends, you might find me grabbing a bite at The Works Cafe, spending time with friends in my sorority house, or taking a stroll around Occom Pond. I hope you enjoy my blog- thanks for reading :)
It's week 9 of winter term. As we head into the last week of February, it's safe to say that the harsh winter is largely behind us. Campus has weathered the negative temperatures, inches of snowfall, and extreme windchill. And yet, I've managed to survive my first Hanover winter!
My Maryland hometown isn't known for extreme temperatures. Rather, people joke about the "bipolar" nature of the weather. It's sunny, cold, and everything in-between. That being said, I can't even remember the last time I had to shovel snow from my driveway. I was really nervous about the blankets of snow that are characteristic to New Hampshire.
At Dartmouth, I quickly realized that winter is a culture beyond the weather itself. To navigate it, there is a certain mentality that welcomes a successful season. I braced myself. Eventually, I learned how to tackle the cold temperatures and isolation that comes along with it.
I always thought that seasonal depression was a myth. The short days and lack of sunlight do make a difference, though. I found it helpful to take advantage of winter activities. Occom Pond is only a 5 minute walk from my dorm. When the pond freezes, we're allowed to go ice skating. And skate rentals are free! I've also been taking skiing lessons at the Dartmouth Skiway. I had never skied before coming here, so I'm really grateful for the opportunity.
The weather itself is also surprisingly manageable. I did research to find a good, warm winter jacket and snow boots. I couldn't recommend them highly enough. If you're dressed well (layers!), it'll feel like you're walking around in a wearable blanket. Or a big hug :). But there are some times where it feels a bit too cold for comfort. Our campus is pretty small. Yet, you still run the risk of getting frostbite. We're lucky enough to have campus shuttles that run until 2am. I often use it when the 10 minute walk from the library to my dorm feels especially daunting.
Usually, though, I don't mind the cold walks. Campus looks really pretty after a fresh snowfall. It's a beautiful white that brightens my mood. I always look forward to seeing snow in the forecast, and the drive to the Skiway each Sunday for my skiing lesson. Hanover winters aren't nearly as scary as I thought they would be.
In one of my previous posts, I mentioned how I joined a sorority earlier this fall by going through the recruitment process. I've come a long way since then. In fact, I am living in my sorority house for my sophomore summer!
Dartmouth is not just a college. With world-renowned graduate schools, why would we choose to call ourselves a college instead of a university? The story behind that decision dates back to a significant Supreme Court ruling.
On a quiet spring Saturday in Hanover, I traded the usual campus buzz for Monet in the morning and archery in the afternoon—a reminder that Dartmouth weekends can be just as meaningful when they're slow, reflective, and a little unexpected.
Here is my list of the restaurants in Hanover within walking distance of Dartmouth. Whether you're touring campus for the first time or are a Dartmouth student in need of a new place to eat, feel free to reference this list!
As I approach the end of my first year at Dartmouth, I would like to reflect on some of the experiences and lessons I've learned throughout this school year.
This interim, I'm staying on campus for the entire interim period between spring and summer. Why? Because I'm working! I have a job with Dartmouth Conferences and Events to support Dartmouth Reunions!
