Champaign-Urbana gets even better when it's warmer. Here's what to look forward to the rest of the semester with spring finally arriving.With spring finally here, look at all the wonderful things Champaign has to offer with the new weather.

The weather has finally risen above 50 degrees and spring is in full swing. Spring in Champaign has to be one of the best times of the year. It marks the end of the eternal winter which seemed to arrive immediately following September and lingered long into March. While it may not be the best idea to pack up your winter jackets just yet, there is a laundry list of things to look forward to in Champaign-Urbana, now that spring is here.

You can go out without the hassle of losing your jacket.

Every time you went out, you struggled with the Champaign winter debate: double fisting or holding your coat. We know the double fisting wins every time and your coat usually ends up rolled up in a ball in some corner where it magically disappears two hours later. While it may be just above freezing, we Champaign residents cheer at 40 degrees and 50 degrees, which is practically a heat wave. It is finally warm enough to just wear a jean jacket, sweater or no jacket at al,l if you’re lucky. It’s the ultimate sign that spring has arrived.

You can finally enjoy your Joe's burgers and lunch boxes in the beer garden.

Nothing is better than nursing that terrible hangover with a half price burger and pitcher on Saturday mornings, especially when you can do it in the fresh air. The wooden benches, the awning that blocks out that sensitive bright light and the light breeze that rolls in can cure even the roughest nights. Plus, with burgers costing about $5, there is no cheaper, tastier meal you can find around campus.

The squirrels are back out and ready to play.

Those fluffy squirrels that roam the campus, fearless of all humans, are back out and they are ready to play. What is cuter than obese squirrels wiggling out from hibernation and greeting you by eating leftover Wendy’s that covers the ground?

The arboretum flowers are finally in bloom.

For those of you who are looking for a break from campus, the arboretum in Urbana is one of the most beautiful places on this campus. It is full of green grass, bright colored flowers and rows of trees that line the paths you can walk, run or play catch on. It is the perfect place to escape from being stuck on campus surrounded by buildings.

The ARC outdoor pool finally opens.

The UGL is way overrated when you can curl up on the pool deck and study for finals (or use your course packet as a pillow). Whether you are swimming laps, laying out and tanning or gathering up all your friends to lounge around in the water, the ARC offers you a place to get a little taste of the summer ahead.

No longer covered in snow, the quad is filled with crowds of lounging students. 

While it may not be the cleanest place on campus, I would argue that U of I has one of the most beautiful quads of any school. No wonder people flock to the green lawn and look out onto the massive brick buildings flanking the crisscrossed sidewalks.  On a side note, the quad is a great place to pull out a blanket and look at Foellinger glowing late at night.

I’d like to believe that U of I has a general consensus that spring is the greatest blessing following an eternal winter wonderland. It’s the only time the grass is green, the sun's out and you can’t use weather as an excuse not to go to class. Somehow, midterms seem better when you are studying for them on your sun roof and going out seems a little better when you can wear shorts. I think it’s safe to say that U of I is even better when the sun is out and spring fever is just a glimpse of the upcoming summer.