On Jan. 20, Sacred Heart University’s spring semester began once again. Freshmen returned to their tiny dorms, sophomores to their kitchen suites, and juniors and seniors to their off-campus housing.
Source: Daniel Passapera, Sacred Heart University
For the second half of the year, Sacred Heart was back in full swing with students transitioning from home living back into academic life.
“I’ve been settling into my new classes well so far,” said sophomore Alex Parisi. “Last year, I really struggled with the period after Christmas break. You go from no responsibilities, not a care in the world, to your entire future on your shoulders again just like that.”
While the transition back can be stressful, some students enjoy the self-sufficient living aspect of college.
“I get my independence here, I can do things I can’t back home, so that’s always nice,” said sophomore Blake Mattessich.
With independence also comes self-enforced responsibilities. For some students, it’s planning a schedule and adhering to your routines.
“I had a poor sleep schedule over break. I would stay up until 3 a.m. and sleep until 11 a.m. Now that I’m back at school, I go to bed no later than 9 p.m. and wake up at 7 a.m. daily. This helps me make the most effective use of my days.”
Other responsibilities include adjusting and maintaining their academic workload.
“This semester I feel like the work load is a little heavier than it was in the fall, so that’s something I’ll have to get used to,” said sophomore Matthew Butt.
The transition and adjustments from home to college living can be a struggle within itself; the winter weather also presents its own challenges.
“In the cold weather we have now, sometimes it can be hard to find the motivation to leave the dorm. But you just have to remember it’s good for you to walk around, because staying indoors only keeps you feeling worse,” said sophomore Hannah Manzo.
With everything included, students are returning to their college living normalcy and finding enjoyment in coming home to campus.
“I can’t complain about being back with all my SHU friends again,” said Mattessich.
“I like my roommates. I like the big community based housing they have in [Christian Witness Commons]. It’s really very nice,” said Manzo.
