As we all start to file back into the book store, lecture halls, and labs I can’t help but feel this sort of summertime hangover. For some this is probably a literal hangover on the first day of class (I see you block party), but for most of us it is a looming feeling of saying goodbye to another summer well spent.

Although most college students work through the summer, full-time, part-time, and even internships, there still is something about summer that you don’t quite want to let go, like there is something in the air. It is a break from lectures, lab reports, and term papers, even if there is other kinds of work to be done. Weather you spend the summer by the pool, in an office, out boating, babysitting, or in some foreign places it’s an escape from the constant pressure of school and the impending cold weather.

In the summer just breathing the warm air in the hot summer sun shine can be enough to give you a little high. Once we are back in school the countless hours of sunshine start to visibly fade in our tans as we turn in our swim suits and sunscreen for sweaters and textbooks. It is almost depressing to sit next to a window during lecture and have to look at the last threads of summer still holding on. It seems that once school starts there is not time for relaxing by the pool, even if there is still sunshine to be soaked up.

Some universities try their best to prolong these “hangovers” by throwing back to school picnics or pep rallies outside, but those attempts are usually feeble and only make you realize how much the fun of summer is really over. Although for the first few weeks of school the quad is usually filled to the brim with people playing Frisbee, stress puppies, and even bake sales, that doesn’t usually last very far into the semester.

I by no means and saying the party is over and every college student has to become all work and no play, but there is definitely a difference between summer time freedom and a Friday night house party. Nothing is as fun if you have to put on a sweater to do it!

So enjoy your last few weekends full of fun and take the long way through the quad to soak up every last drop of sunshine. It won’t be gone forever, but it sure will feel like it fighting through these next two semesters!