The start of a new year brings about a range of overwhelming emotions for students and faculty. There’s an abundance of excitement, anticipation and hope for a positivity-filled semester. These feelings of excitement and anticipation are often related to students’ new class schedules, routines and a clean slate as a result of the new year. 

One aspect of the new year that students face involves taking classes that allow for self-discovery and further development into one’s academic career. While it can be nerve-racking, one of the greatest parts of Villanova’s education is how students are supported with their academics. A positive aspect of the new semester is the fact that the classes are different from what students took prior to winter break. It allows for students and professors to simply refresh and regain an aptitude for their academics. 

Sophomore Matthew Hellman discussed his feelings about getting to further himself with the new semester in mind. 

“I’m feeling good about it for sure,” Hellman said. “Beginning to take classes in the major is very exciting and I’m happy that students get the opportunity for a fresh start with each new semester.”

Junior Jennie Dapice expressed her positive outlook on the next chapter.

“I’m feeling excited to finish the last of my pre-med courses this semester and feel super happy to have all of my friends back from abroad this semester,” Dapice said.

Reuniting with friends and other Villanovans, whether it be after a couple weeks over winter break, or often after being abroad for a semester, can be one of the greatest experiences as a college student.

With the new year, the winter season is also upon us, and many students are thrilled about the amount of snow we have seen compared to some other years in the past. Getting a snow day on the first Friday of the semester was unexpected, but necessary given the intense conditions. 

“Waking up and seeing the snow outside my window in the quad was awesome,” sophomore James Manion. “I was able to play football in the snow with my friends and the three-day weekend made the transition back to school for this semester much easier.”

For some, it can be a tougher adjustment when having to develop a completely new routine and season in a seamless fashion. There are some other stressful factors that come with the new semester in consideration. 

“Transitioning between each new season does make me a bit nervous in some ways,” freshman Gigi Roth said. “Returning back to campus after winter break can bring some difficulties with readjusting to the new environment that we, as freshman, had just gotten used to. However, I’m still really looking forward to the classes and experiences in the coming weeks.” 

A significant aspect of the spring semester that students have been looking forward to involves Villanova basketball games and getting the opportunity to embrace school spirit for the team. Cheering at the classic Wells Fargo Center is a great part of the new semester that many Villanova students love to be a part of. 

“Starting off the year with the UConn game was an incredible time,” sophomore Adam Stuecheli said. “Despite the loss, I know I and many students feel that it was the most fun they had at a basketball game so far. The energy in the stadium was electric. Hopefully, the team can continue to bring the energy to the upcoming games.”

One of the greatest parts about being a college student is the excitement that college sports bring to the community. Villanova’s basketball team allows the opportunity for Villanova students to get to come together and bring energy that radiates throughout the campus. 

Overall, students have greatly positive outlooks on the upcoming semester and are looking forward to the interesting classes, fun snow days and thrilling basketball games that are to come.