A student turns wood on a lathe
Academics
Undergraduate Study

Winter Study

A student drawing during the Winter Study course Drawing Science

A Change of Pace

Every January, you’ll have a chance to nurture your curiosity and interest in a topic you’ve long enjoyed or wanted to explore. Maybe you choose a subject related to your major, or maybe you open yourself up to new horizons. There are 150 Winter Study courses to choose from, including sustainable fashion, EMT training, Chinese film and the mathematics of LEGO. You can also do research, intern or conduct fieldwork almost anywhere in the world. By the time the spring semester arrives, you’ll be recharged, refocused and ready to dive back into your studies.

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Deep Dive

Focus deeply on interests cultivated during the academic year or pursue something entirely new. Travel overseas or stay on campus. Sign up for an internship or pursue independent research or thesis work. Winter Study is a chance to choose your own adventure. Take a look at these recent students’ experiences.

Explore Winter Study Courses

“I love learning new perspectives.
In journalism, I’ve heard the stories of people getting to travel everywhere and talk to people, which is what I love to do.”

Marlene Ruiz ’29 Winter Study: “Journalism Today”
Marlene Ruiz '29

“I’m studying the early defense responses within plant immune interactions with agrobacterium. In Winter Study, I’m able to learn things and apply classroom knowledge to these other areas. It’s a very experiential part of our learning.”

Eddie Li ’26 Winter Study: Honors thesis student in biology professor Lois Banta’s lab
Eddie Li ’26

“I wanted to take the whole month to work on one thing that I really love that I’d never have time do otherwise. It expanded my view of what a portrait could be.”

Heather Sheridan ’28 Winter Study: “Portrait Painting”
Heather Sheridan ’28

At a Glimpse

Six-minute mini lectures offer a peek into Winter Study classrooms.

Students in the Winter Study course Maps: Past, Present & Future

Star Curator

Minnie Lerner ’28 refreshes planetarium exhibition spaces.

How to Grow a Band

Members of indie folk band Darlingside teach collaborative songwriting.

Winter Exploration

Hands-on learning—at home and abroad—takes center stage.