<p>Hi, I was wondering how many first years attend wintersession? I was thinking about staying home for my first year, is that normal?</p>
<p>There is an old answer here: [wellesleyblue:</a> Just wondering…](<a href=“http://community.livejournal.com/wellesleyblue/153709.html]wellesleyblue:”>Just wondering... - Wellesley College — LiveJournal)</p>
<p>Because of the economy, I believe that Wintersession is restricted to those taking a for-credit class and sports teams, so this year, fewer students.</p>
<p>thank you! that was very helpful</p>
<p>Wintersession is undergoing a pretty big change this upcoming year in which you will not be able to attend if you are not enrolled in a Wintersession course or are an athlete (may be a few other examples, but you get the picture). In previous years anyone could come back for Wintersession–this is no longer the case. Most people will not be on campus for Wintersession this year.</p>
<p>First years especially are almost encouraged to go home for wintersession as by that time in the year most are home-sick and need a break. And as mentioned before, this year there are many more restrictions on wintersession so I would guess that most people will be going home.</p>
<p>Wintersession is changing on campus, but off campus programs are not affected. However, as a first year it is pretty difficult to get into one of these programs as they are often extension of upper level courses from the fall or upper level language courses. On campus they are limiting to those staying on campus to winter athletes and those enrolled in on campus courses. Wellesley is limiting on campus courses to introductory level language courses in the departments that need enrollment (i.e. russian, arabic, swahili, etc.), not the most common languages like Spanish and French. It is also important to note that you are not longer allowed to stay in YOUR dorm over wintersession. You will be moved into someone elses room in Bates and the other east campus dorms as needed. If you are living in a dorm that will be used to house students during Wintersession and you will also be remaining then you can request your dorm. You can also request a friend’s room or have a friend request your room, so that you know who is living there and will not have to remove all of your belongings over wintersession. </p>
<p>It is also important to note that spring semester is starting a week earlier this year than it normally does.</p>