1. You get to pick new classes

Hated that English class or had an impossibly horrible, out-to-get-you bio teacher? Fortunately, with a new semester comes new classes and teachers! It’s another chance to get that class you didn’t get into first semester or to have that teacher everyone raves about. With every semester comes also a better idea of what you want to major in, which means you can take more classes in that subject area- aka, classes that actually interest you!

2. The potential for snow days increases

November and December sometimes bring a few lucky sheets of snow, but January and February are typically when the bad weather really starts to hit. While it’s usually a bit more common to get the day off from school in high school, the professors who live farther away from the college campus often aren’t able to commute with a good amount of flurries. Check your prof’s area code before signing up for classes!

3. Warmer weather is in the near future

Though the worst of the coldness is just about to hit, it also means warmer weather is at least a little closer as well! Soon enough, we’ll be able to ditch the fur-hooded parkas and heavy boots for sundresses and light jackets, and things like tailgates and walking 10 minutes to class won’t seem so miserable. Also, now that winter break has come and gone, it’s time to start thinking about spring break!

4. You get to see your friends after a long break

Family time was great and relaxing, but you haven’t seen your friends in way too long, which makes reuniting even better! Tensions usually run the highest those last few weeks before Christmas break when everyone is stressing about final exams and papers, and there isn’t as much time for movie nights and two-hour long leisurely lunches. That’s why it’s always nice to reunite and celebrate Syllabus Week like it should be celebrated!

5. You already have a routine

Excluding those who are venturing abroad or coming back from being abroad, by now, we have all settled into a pretty comfortable routine. Unlike first semester, when you have to adjust to a brand new schedule after having over three months of summer break, this time you mostly know what you’re heading back into. You’re also at least somewhat familiar with the concept of having to do homework!