At last, spring has arrived at Clemson University. Not spring break, as that questionable decision has passed, but the wonderful season. While fall and summer in Clemson are both incredible and bring our beloved football season, spring reigns as the supreme season in Clemson, SC.
First and foremost, the blue sunny skies and increased squirrel sightings mean that winter has ended. The trek from class in the Brooks center to lunch at Canes near Core will no longer be characterized by cold winds, harsh rain and that one wet part of your sock that your shoes failed to shield from the puddles. Instead, you can enjoy your cross campus stroll with a light jacket in mid March or a simple t-shirt at the end of April. Hopefully. Obviously it can still rain once spring hits, but the chance of back to back temperatures at or below 50 is small.
As the weather improves while the spring season develops, it becomes easier to get out of bed and head to class. Instead of peeking out the window only to be met with grey, dreary skies that allow your bed to call you back under the sheets, the sun will urge you to enjoy your drive to campus, and maybe grab an iced coffee on the way. This scenario can also happen during the fall, but you’re ultimately faced with the realization that soon winter will arrive. During the spring, you know you have far more time to enjoy the sun.
In addition, our campus during springtime is incredibly beautiful. Several areas around campus, such as the Brooks Center, host those gorgeous trees with pink flowers, Bradford Pears, which bring life back to our once bare home. The light pink petals against the clear blue sky and brick buildings create a postcard like image that is unique to Clemson. Simply grab a scoop of ice cream from 55 Exchange and take in the landscape, after you finish cramming for the last few weeks of classes, of course.
March and April also signify the return of regular Bowman spikeball games, comfortable outdoor seating at bars and restaurants and more frequent trips to Lake Hartwell. If you have a spare moment, it could be nice enough to do your homework at Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and Wellness Complex, or just relax on Y beach while ignoring every single assignment you have in order to take advantage of the nice weather. Either way, spring revitalizes our favorite activities that we missed during winter.
Spring also means that, you guessed it, graduation is coming up. While this can be quite bittersweet, it’s a huge accomplishment that deserves a celebration. With a spring commencement, that celebration can take place outside, following COVID-19 guidelines, preferably with a cold drink in hand. Whether you clink glasses at an outdoor restaurant, your patio or maybe even a boat, celebrating your ability to complete an undergraduate degree just feels a bit different in shorts or a bathing suit.
Although other seasons at Clemson are incredible -who can resist a snow covered campus or the beauty of fall leaves-, something about spring at Clemson University just provides the serotonin we need to get through the rest of the semester.
