Ah, winter session: that five-week limbo that makes regular winter break too long, but when you decide to take classes, suddenly you end up back at UD questioning if you ever had a winter break at all. It's an interesting time to be on campus, and by interesting I mean creepy because of how empty campus feels. For those of you at home still, perhaps reading this from your phone while on vacation or abroad... in case you're wondering what you're missing, here's some thoughts of a winter session student:
Wait... No Syllabus Week?
Normally, we're used to being eased in to our classes. We hear the professors drone on about the syllabus for each class, required textbooks, etc. before actually starting any learning. Well, since winter session is like a speed semester, there's no time for that. The only "syllabus week" we get is like the first half hour of class, then we jump right into taking notes. So say goodbye to syllabus week and hello to the syllabus 30 (minutes).
Smith Starbucks... I Miss You.
To the place I frequent more than anywhere on campus: I miss you! It's bad enough we have to suffer through the cold walk to the class(es) we have to take every day for the insufferable length of two to three hours each. But at least let us get through it with help from caffeine! Smith Starbucks is a place I hold dear to my heart for a few reasons: a closer walk than Main Street, can pay with Points and they know my name and drink order. I'm already counting down until spring semester so I can be back to getting my fix each morning and my afternoon pick me up... if I make it through these five caffeine-less weeks first.
It's Cold.
As you could have guessed... winter session can get chilly. On the first day, I drove to class because I couldn't stand the thought of walking from north campus to the ISE lab. So live it up, all you people in the Caribbean or studying abroad or literally anywhere that you don't have to walk outside in this cold.
So... Now What Do I Do?
If you know a lot of people taking winter session, you can at least rely on having some friends to hang out with after class and on the weekends. But still, not having any clubs going on and the fact that a lot of people are still missing can make you start to get antsy.
I'm Only Taking 2 Classes, Shouldn't This Be Easy?
Well, not exactly. Normally, we're used to taking more classes, but for less time per day, and fewer days a week. Spreading out the time really makes a difference in keeping attention span and energy. So sure, there's only two classes, but by the end of your second class, your whole day is basically over and then you go home in time for dinner, after which you'll probably have to study.
And lastly...
When Does Spring Semester Start?
Although it's great that you're back on campus and can focus on your classes more, UD isn't the same without all of the Blue Hens back at the nest. I'm not sure about you, but I'm anxious to have all my friends back from their winter break adventures so I can kick back and have some fun again. (Hello, syllabus week!) Plus, I wouldn't mind being able to fast-forward the five weeks so I could be done with my physics class already...
