Winter holidays are over and the New Year has begun. So has the new semester. Hopefully we’ve all had time to relax with loved ones over the holidays, because now it’s time to stop pretending you don’t have a deadline coming up and get back to lectures. Spring semester has lots to offer. Some things (most of them, actually) are nice, others not so much. Here’s a reminder of what the upcoming four months will have to offer.
1. A New Start
Spring semester means that the courses from last year are over! You have a brand new schedule! Let’s do this!
2. Sleepy in the morning
…except you’re not quite so keen on getting up for your 10am class, having become too used to lie-ins over the holidays…
3. Failing resolutions set for new self
You had this idea of how in 2017 you would become much more conscientious with your studies, much more active in your student organization, much more active socially. Well, maybe it didn’t go quite as planned.
4. Succeeding with resolutions set for new self
On the other hand, not all of your promises fail! With renewed determination you’re able to learn to manage your time or pass that difficult book exam. Go you!
5. Appreciating the sun’s return
Ah, spring means the sun is finally coming out of hiding. Okay, it’ll take a while before it actually gets warm in Finland, but more daylight means you’ll get more vitamin D, more energy and more reasons to go out for a walk. And eventually the first flowers will be popping out, too…
6. Budding leaves!?
If you’re among the lucky ones not suffering from hayfever, you can go admire mother nature in peace. For others, the first buds in the trees may not be such a welcome experience. Stock up on antihistamine!
7. Appreciating the Holidays of Spring.
Autumn semester may have Halloween, but the spring semester has Valentine’s (which if celebrated as ”Friend’s Day” á la Finland can be enjoyed by everybody). Even better, spring semester has the week long Easter break to look forward to. For some reason, both of these holidays are associated with chocolate. We’re not complaining. Also, don’t forget laskiainen in February, where students of Helsinki take their sleds to Kaivopuisto!
8. Realizing you probably need to look for a summer job
So, you need some job experience plus you need some money. Ugh, time to polish your CV and write a convincing application. A valid cause of sleepless nights and mild panic.
9. Realizing the year is going to be over soon
That feeling when you take a look at the calendar and realize how few weeks you have left. Can you believe your first year of studies is ending? Or that maybe your entire university career is ending and you’re technically ready to graduate? Mixed feelings all abound.
10. Making summer plans
Whether or not you landed that summer job or graduate this spring, summer is coming. How are you going to spend your free time? A trip somewhere, a festival weekend, chilllaxing at your family’s summer cottage? It’s never too early to plan, because these are the dreams that keep us going through these last months. Â