Welcome back! You keep a straight face when you have to get books and notebooks for all your new classes, but deep down you’re dreading the second semester. What’s to like? It’s cold, icy, and less eventful than the first semester. There’s no more holiday break to look forward to and summer seems as far as away as ever. It’s not all bad, though. Think of all the great things that come with the second half of the year. Can’t think of any? Here are a few…
1. Movie Marathons
When it’s cold outside you just want to bundle up in your favorite blanket and start a Harry Potter movie marathon or an Orange is the New Black night. You may miss the fun in the sun, but this is the time to catch up on your movies and shows before the next winter. You’ve missed a lot!
2. Hot Chocolate Season
Cold weather means buckets of hot chocolate. Pull out the Swiss Miss and mini marshmallows and you have a pretty amazing night. Nutella hot chocolate recipes are also pretty fun to make with friends. Who doesn’t love chocolate?
3. Cuddling
Whether it’s with your significant other or your main girl, cuddling is hands down the best part of the cold weather. When you are stuck inside all day, sometimes a blanket just isn’t enough. Isn’t that what friends are for?
4. Snow
People either hate it or love it. It’s a New England phenomenon that creates panic for the bread and milk. Beside the mass panic, snow can be so much fun. Snow angels, sledding, and not to mention snowball fights. So before you swear to hate snow forever, grab some mittens and boots and try to enjoy the powder playground.
5. Winter Fashion
We all miss shorts and sun dresses, but there are plenty of fashion opportunities in the winter that are completely overlooked. You can rock a neon winter jacket. Get some cool fingerless gloves. Beanies will not only keep your head warm, but also look great on those cold winter nights. Layer up with your favorite sweaters and cardigans. Winter fashion is the best!
6. Less Distractions
There are no more football games, huge ragers, or formals this semester. This may seem really boring, but it’s more like a blessing in disguise. Without all these distractions you are able to get more work done and not procrastinate that paper like you did last semester. So get your work done! Nothing is stopping you.
7. Award Season
Who doesn’t love watching the award shows? The dresses are gorgeous. The hosts are hilarious. And your favorite stars either cry for joy or stare blankly toward the stage, clapping and trying not to cry. But if you’re not into that, that’s fine. You should still watch them for these two lovely ladies: the Queens of Comedy.
8. The Super Bowl
Not everyone is into sports. I get that. That doesn’t take away from the excitement of the Super Bowl. The game is always exciting. If Beyonce was the halftime show, then it must be pretty amazing. And the commercials are always entertaining. (Gotta love Doritos!) So tune in on February 1st and make some finger food. The Super Bowl is a great experience for everyone.
9. Sweatpants
Sweatpants. They are a highly underrated piece of clothing. When it’s cold outside, sometimes you don’t want to put on real pants. That’s where sweatpants come in. Who wants to wear jeans on a snow day? No one! You don’t have to be a fashionista every day ladies; not when it’s below freezing outside.
10. Snow Days
There isn’t much to say about this. It’s a present from above. When school is canceled you can sleep in and go crazy. You tell yourself that this is the day you will catch up on homework, but you know deep down that you’ll be up all night the next day trying to get homework done. But that’s ok, because you had a full day off from school!
11. Spring Break
The break that deceives you into thinking that school is finally over. College students everywhere decide to cut loose and celebrate instead of getting work done. They also neglect to realize that finals are in the not-so-distant future. I guess that’s what Reading Day is for.
12. Graduation Season
Even if you’re not graduating, graduation season is so much fun. Whether a relative or friend is graduating, you get to cheer them on and party with them when they are finally done. And if you are graduating, it’s an exciting and scary step that allows you to start the rest of your life. Don’t freak out yet, though. You’re still in college.
13. Summer Break
The most beautiful thing in the world: summer break. The longest break from school you will ever get beside graduating. Of course, it’s hard to say goodbye to all your college friends, but you get to sleep in your own bed, eat great food, and enjoy the sunny weather. What’s better than that?
So to all you people out there who are already wishing this semester would be over, think about all the great things you would be missing out on. Second semester will never be better than first semester, but the best way to have a good time is to make the most of it. If it snows, go ice skating with your friends. If you’re snowed in because of a blizzard, grab all your friends and watch your favorite TV show. Let’s put a little effort in to this semester. It deserves it.