January Term at Hampshire College offers a unique opportunity to pursue a variety of interests. Students may study a specific subject in depth, take courses or workshops, participate in seminars, or work independently on divisional examinations. January Term can also be a time to study something that doesn't quite fit into the regular program of study. Recent January Term offerings have ranged from sea kayaking in a tropical paradise to courses and workshops in screenwriting, immersion language, and sustainable design.

Faculty members often use January Term to experiment with new approaches or explore new subject matter, making their students partners in curriculum development. January Term instructors include regular and visiting professors, as well as community members, alumni, staff, and students.

The College strongly encourages participation in January Term. Students may also work, travel, or study elsewhere in January. Other members of the Five College consortium offer activities open to Hampshire students throughout the month.