There is a moment every year on campus when everything just feels right. The sun lingers and students gather on every field to tan, play yard games or simply just be outside. It is the start of the fall semester: the best time to be a Maverick.
One of the main reasons that campus is better in the fall is the weather. After coming back from a long and much needed summer break, the warm sunny weather sticks around. The worst thing about coming back to campus in the spring, other than the blooming of cum trees, is having to dress for the bipolar weather.
Morning classes are freezing, while afternoons are unbearably hot. There are random rain and hail flashes. Unpredictable weather brings down any redeem-ability for the spring. Fall eliminates the daily gamble, making it much easier to plan an outfit.
Additionally, student life and culture is transformed by football and football season. Although the Mavericks have not had many standout years, CMU football is the most attended sport by students.
Homecoming week provides life during the dulling middle parts of campus. Many student life organizations and athletics get to be involved and exposed to a wide audience. Students who do not normally follow Maverick athletics are drawn to the football festivities. The ritualistic burning of the opposing teams mascot at the bonfire definitely starts a ruckus.
Even off-campus events such as after-parties are planned around games. Overall, school moral spikes after hard-fought wins. Even though it is infuriating, almost being run over by an offensive lineman on an E-scooter highlights the defining piece of the best semester.
On the other hand, spring semester has its perks. When the weather warms up, the campus comes alive again. Securing childhood dreamboat Ross Lynch for the spring concert adds some points as well. But dragging through the beginning of spring to get to the good stuff is simply not worth it.
To finalize the comparison, fall semester at CMU has more breaks and they are spread out to benefit the student population. Mid-semester break and Thanksgiving provide much needed relief, especially around midterms and finals.
Therefore, spring semester may continue the journey, but fall is where the best memories are made.
