The clouds have parted, the sky has changed from a dismal gray to a radiant blue and the sun has made its way out, signifying the long awaited arrival of spring. Students have come out of hibernation and can be seen out and about all over campus, playing basketball, having a catch or just enjoying each other’s company and the warm weather.
Yet, the spring season is also a reminder that finals are just around the corner. As the beautiful weather settles in upon Binghamton and thoughts of summer become predominant, students will be put to the ultimate test. Will they stay focused on their work these few remaining weeks of class, or will spring fever conquer?
After what felt like five endless, cold months of winter it is easy to lose concentration when the sun finally appears. Students said it is difficult to stay inside to study or spend hours in the library while others are outside socializing and having fun. Many students said they lose the motivation to keep up with their work.
“I don’t care as much as I did in the beginning of the semester,” said Kate O’Connor, a sophomore engineering major. “As it gets warmer, I just want it to be summer and I want school to end.”
She said she would much rather be outdoors and think about anything but the schoolwork and studying she knows is waiting inside for her. “I like to sit outside and procrastinate,” O’Connor said.
Suraj Parikh, a freshman biology and chemistry major, is another student who lets his mind wander in the springtime.
“I feel like I’m wasting time in the dorm and going to class,” he said. “I could be doing something more fun.”
Like O’Connor, Parikh said that he usually puts off his work to be outside.
This decrease in drive comes with the change in weather. Many students said they find that it is much easier to stay holed up in their dorms or at the library when the weather is frigid and the temperature is below freezing.
“It’s so miserable during the winter,” explained Mike Leonard, a freshman economics major. “When it’s cold out you’re less likely to go out and more likely to study. You’re forced to stay in, so you have to do something with your time.”
Leonard said spring definitely takes a toll on his academic success. “My grades usually go down,” he said.
However, as the snow disappears and the temperature rises, students do find ways to stay focused on their studies.
O’Connor said she goes to the library and makes herself do the work, or tries to accomplish it outside.
“I give myself goals, and when I reach one I take a break.”
Max Spanger, a sophomore psychology major, said he does not let daydreams of summer overtake him.
“Since finals are coming I feel I have to get on the ball,” he said.
In fact, the warmer weather motivates Spanger to do his work. He said that when it’s nice out he tells himself, “It’s a sunny day. Maybe I will get something done.”
On the other hand, Parikh makes time for the library after he is done playing football with his friends.
“I usually end up cramming,” he said.
Many students said they take breaks from their schoolwork to enjoy the sun, but Parikh does quite the opposite. “I am usually outside more than I study,” he said. “I take breaks to study.”