<p>I'm an incoming '15 and, since I'm home from my DOC trip and waiting for orientation to start, have spent a ton of time thinking about Dartmouth. It basically just hit me that if I'm only taking 3 classes per term, I could possibly only have 1 class on a specific day. I know that I will have to spend time studying and I want to participate in extra-curriculars, but what is done during all that free time in college? What does a typical day look like?</p>
<p>You’ll have a lot of time outside of class at Dartmouth. There’s so much you can do.</p>
<p>First of all, a lot of it (especially your first term!) should be spent socializing and getting to know your classmates, floormates, etc. This is your family for the next four years or so - get to know them!</p>
<p>Secondly, extracurriculars can take up a ton of your time. When I was in Hanover, roughly 20-30 hrs/week of my time were taken up by various clubs, activities, etc. </p>
<p>Thirdly, a lot of people will hold down a job for anywhere between 5-20 hours/week. A few will work more and a (growing) portion will not work at all.</p>
<p>Finally, you’ll have a lot of work. Maybe not your first year, but certainly as you move up in your major and start taking upper level classes, doing research with a prof, etc. All of a sudden your “too much free time” problem will become a “I have no time!” problem. </p>
<p>There is no “typical day” at Dartmouth that can apply to every student. The way the schedule is set up, your first class can be anywhere from 7:45 till 2 pm, or you may have days without any classes. You’ll figure it out.</p>
<p>Free time?! Free time?! Where do I sign up? Mostly kind of kidding.</p>
<p>Generally students take either 3 classes MWF, with potential x-hours T/Th, or will take 2 classes MWF and 1 T/Th class. A few crazy people take a 10A and a 2A and only 1 class MWF, but that’s not really all that fun. What do you do in the free time? Homework. Job work. Sleep. Go to the gym. Clubs or sports. Volunteer. Eat. Hang out with friends. Catch up on TV shows. Run errands in town. LAUNDRY. </p>
<p>There is a lot of unscheduled time during the day in college compared to high school where you’re scheduled from 7:00 A.M. to whatever time your sport or activity of choice ends at night, but before long you’ll be wishing for an extra couple of hours to do everything you’ve been meaning to do.</p>