Madison Reporter

As students returned to campus amid freezing temperatures, four University of Wisconsin students shared their thoughts on the new semester. Each student, from different academic backgrounds and hometowns, expressed excitement for their upcoming classes while also discussing how they are coping with the cold weather.

Ian Wilder, a senior majoring in journalism and political science from Warsaw, Poland, is embracing his final semester. "I’m a senior so it’s my last semester so I’m kinda just taking it all in, trying to enjoy the college life while I still can," he said. Despite being used to Warsaw's cold climate, Wilder noted that this winter feels particularly harsh. "This is a different breed," he remarked about the cold.

Kyra Reimer, a junior English major with an emphasis on creative writing from DeForest, Wisconsin, is transitioning from online courses at Madison Area Technical College to in-person classes. "I’m just excited to be...in person classes in general," she stated. Reimer is familiar with Wisconsin winters but emphasizes the need for layering up against the chill.

Freshman Alex Jaworski from Milwaukee is focusing on maintaining good grades and becoming more involved on campus as a finance major. He plans to enjoy social activities like ice skating despite the low temperatures. "You definitely need a jacket though," Jaworski commented about the weather.

Sophia Delgado, a junior food science major from Minnetonka, Minnesota, is eager for her new classes and reconnecting with friends after the break. She mentioned her interest in both her food preservation class and a real estate course outside her major. While accustomed to Minnesota's cold, Delgado admits it's still an adjustment stepping outside in these conditions.

The students' perspectives reflect their resilience and adaptability as they navigate both academic challenges and winter weather.