Whether it's your first or fourth year at Smith, nobody can deny that January Term is easily the best semester to be on campus. If the academic year were an Oreo, January Term is the cream filling. So what makes J-term so great? For starters, it's an amazing opportunity to enjoy campus with little to no responsibility. Here are six other reasons why J-Term is the most wonderful time of the year:
1. You get to come back to school early.
Smith-drawal, withdrawal-like symptoms due to lack of Smith, is real. And let's be honest, nobody wants to be away from Smith for five weeks total. That's where J-Term sweeps in to save the day. For no extra cost, you can come back to Smith the first week of January and get settled before Spring semester starts. This is especially great if you spent your entire holiday season arguing in Trump v. Hillary/Bernie debates.
2. You get to know people better.
Whenever I stay for J-Term, I find that there is an amazing community that forms among J-Termers. Since not that many people take advantage of J-Term, you get really, really close to those who do. In my house, we eat every meal together, have movie nights and spend every free moment hanging out together. Overall, J-Term is an awesome opportunity to get to know the people you wanted to hang out with more first semester.
3. You might be lucky and get a single for a few weeks.
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a single. So, if you're in a double for now, don't worry. J-Term is a chance to get a taste of the single life. While having a roommate is awesome, who doesn't love a little alone time every now and again? Also, you get to have unapologetic dance parties whenever you want.
4. The classes are fun and stress-free!
(Unless you take one of the two legit classes, then it's not exactly stress free, but you can still have a good time!) When else can you wake up at 10 in the morning and have the comfort of knowing all you have to do that day is go to Crocheting class? Over the three weeks of J-Term, faculty and students are encouraged to design and teach fun non-credit classes that wouldn't ever be offered at Smith otherwise!
5. It's like a three-week long slumber party.
Let's be real, the best part about J-Term is just being at Smith and being with your friends. It's like an extended hang-out session that is sometimes interrupted by classes. Also, other friends show up to join the party! So next J-Term, come back early and refreshed, and get ready for the best three weeks before your spring semester!
