Student Experience

Unusually Warm January Day Kicks Off Spring Semester

January 18, 2023 • By Renee Grutzik, amn8sb@virginia.edu Renee Grutzik, amn8sb@virginia.edu

Students sitting on the Lawn in front of the Rotunda

Spring semester started on a springlike day, with temperatures on Grounds hitting 64 degrees. (Photo by Dan Addison, University Communications)

Slowly but surely, University of Virginia students have been stepping foot on Grounds after an extensive winter break.

For some, the reality of the spring semester arriving brings up bittersweet emotions because it is their last semester on Grounds.

“I think because it’s my last semester at UVA, I am looking forward to spending time with my friends and enjoying my classes,” fourth-year English and psychology double major Maryann Xue said.

For others, like first-year College of Arts & Sciences student Brooke Livergood, the spring semester is her very first time at the University. After studying in London last semester, Livergood is looking forward to experiencing all that UVA has to offer and adjusting to her new home in Charlottesville.

Students, finally back on Grounds after an extended winter break, soaked in a little sun between classes. (Photo by Sanjay Suchak, University Communications)

“I just moved in the other day,” Livergood said. “I’m pretty excited, but I am having some trouble finding my way around. Hopefully, I’ll get used to it.

For second-year student Ana Sofia Romagosa, the spring semester means taking classes more closely aligned with her majors of psychology and studio art. Outside of academics, the spring semester is bringing Romagosa the opportunity to achieve new goals, one of which is participating in a local half-marathon in April.

“I am in my ‘sports-girl era,’” Romagosa said. “I am excited about the Charlottesville Half Marathon that I am doing.”

Second-year engineering student Garret Burroughs is looking forward to excelling in his classes, making memories with his friends, and meeting new people.

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“My friends and I play a lot of board games; that’s something we’ve been getting into,” Burroughs said. “We have some new ones this semester that we have yet to play.”

Burroughs is using the spring semester as a fresh start. He hopes to implement healthy habits to support himself this semester.

“One thing I really want to prioritize this semester is getting enough sleep, because that is something that fell by the wayside last semester,” he said. “I got a good eight hours last night, so let’s hope I can keep it up for the rest of the semester.”