And just like that, December has arrived. The fall term usually gusts right by, but this term felt exponentially quicker than most. From re-discovering campus after 18 months away from it to figuring out what in-person exams are like again, it’s been a roller coaster term worth reflecting over. 

Perhaps the happiest part of the term was coming back to campus. I still remember the first day of classes. I showed up 20 minutes early to my 8:30 a.m. class and smiled during the entire lecture — I was so elated to be back to in-person learning. 

So many of my friends and classmates I’ve spoken to say that in-person classes and having the option to study on campus have improved their learning and mental health, and I have to agree. 

Coming back to campus has also been a reminder of how beautiful the space is. Given, I had many other things on my mind during my 18 months away, but I think I had almost forgotten what campus looks like and how much it changes during the seasons. From the cacophony of red, orange and yellow in the fall to the snow-covered stone buildings in December, I’m grateful for all the scenic views the university has to offer.  

Another reason to smile is the ample opportunities in-person classes provide to meet new people. I think that after a year of limited social interaction, many of us are eager to make new friends. Whether it is simply saying hi to the two people sitting next to you in class or congregating outside a lecture hall to talk with classmates, I’ve found myself meeting more new people this year than any other term at university. 

It’s been just as wonderful to revive old friendships. 

In March of 2020, many of my friends and I started online school as students finishing their second year, and we have now returned to campus as seniors nearing the end of our degrees. To hear about everyone’s experiences of school and life during a pandemic and reminisce over earlier university years has been incredibly fulfilling. 

It goes without saying that many things have changed, including wearing masks in indoor spaces, our new bus passes being on cell phones and the numerous hand sanitizer stations that have popped up over campus. I appreciate the university’s continued seriousness in following public health guidelines. An especially big thank you to the Murray Library staff for making library-wide announcements several times a day to remind people to keep their masks on — it’s this willingness to prioritize public health and  safety that will lead us through next term. 

However, this term has also seen its fair share of challenges.  

Some of us have struggled with the return to campus and learning in a hybrid manner. It can be hard to balance your workload when some of your classes are on Zoom and the rest are on campus. Moreover, some students have all their classes online. All these situations can be difficult and overwhelming, which can make it harder to learn and study. Moving into the next term, we have to work to address these challenges so that all students can get the fulfilment of a university degree. 

Regardless of how the exam season goes, I hope every student at the University of Saskatchewan can be proud of themselves this term. It’s been a roller coaster back to school, full of many reasons to smile and many growing pains. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the winter term. 

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This op-ed was written by a University of Saskatchewan undergraduate student and reflects the views and opinions of the writer. If you would like to write a reply, please email opinions@thesheaf.com. Vaidehee Lanke is a fourth-year undergraduate student studying bioinformatics and is the Opinions Editor at The Sheaf Publishing Society. 

Graphic: Jaymie Stachyruk | Graphics Editor