As we’re really starting to get into the spring semester of the 2018-19 school year, I think we should take a look at the age-old question: Is the fall semester or spring semester better? Well, I hate to break it to you, students and faculty, but the fall semester is so much better.

First, let’s look purely at the university’s environment. While I myself prefer spring weather, it can’t be denied that the beauty of campus shines from August to October, when the trees are full with leaves, and those leaves begin to change color. Plus, it starts off warm enough to really enjoy being outside, though it can be a tad overbearing when the heat gets sweltering.

However, that warm weather has nothing on the freezing weather of Iowa’s spring semester. According to the Weather Channel, quoting NOAA, major Midwestern cities experience their coldest yearlong temperatures in January. What a welcome back. As we are experiencing those times right now, I very much miss those warm fall temperatures.

Last, the fall semester is much better for this reason: There are so many new people. To all of the freshmen and/or transfer students, or even nontraditional students, coming to campus in the fall is an amazing experience. It provides an opportunity to form new relationships that they likely wouldn’t be able to form anywhere else.

So, while you’re sitting in your room, wrapped in a blanket, sipping hot cocoa, just remember one thing: Fall is coming.