The quad is overflowing with people, everyone's walking around campus with book-bags and people are searching left and right for the nearest darty- it's that time of the year again! School is back and as a returning student at Syracuse University who is beginning her sophomore year there, it's such a great feeling to be back.

Comparing freshman and sophomore year, I've realized how much one year could make a difference. I've only been back for a few days now and I've already noticed how different sophomore year is from freshman year.

Freshman year was truly one that I could never forget. From meeting all of my floor-mates, who have thankfully turned into some of my best friends, to going to DJ's probably way too much for my own good, freshman year was a memorable experience filled with brand new places, people and adventures. Everything was new and exciting because it was my first time living away from home and getting the whole dorming experience.

Returning sophomore year, I've come back with more knowledge and experience about this beautiful campus that I call home. Now I'm familiar with the buildings that I walk past everyday, I know which dining hall typically serves the best food (Ernie Davis does, in case any of you freshman were wondering) and I know that the line at Chipotle on Marshall Street is always way too long (but definitely still worth it). As a sophomore, it's easier to get back into a daily routine and get adjusted to living here even after a whole summer of being home.

Even though sophomore year isn't as new as freshman year was, due to the fact that we're more experienced, it's still an adventure within itself. From exploring areas outside of the campus to learning how to take the buses to South Campus (or even learning how to cook if you're living on South Campus), sophomore year is still incredibly fun and exciting, just in a completely different way from freshman year.

Cheers to sophomore year- a year full of new memories with some of my favorite people.