The first assignments have arrived on Blackboard, which means the early semester period of leisure is unofficially over. It is sad to know that time outside class will soon be spent doing more homework and reading than playing Fortnite and watching the Olympics.

But as rainy days suddenly appear on the forecast, we are reminded that less than a week from the time this is printed, spring will be exactly one month away.

This is hardly a cause for celebration, but anyone in the Northeast who survived this winter’s unusually harsh weather earned a little good news. Until Earth’s rotation speeds up, the only cure for the winter blues is the tiny feeling of hope students receive when spring enters the collective conscious.

March 20 is certainly not too late for snow in upstate New York, but thanks to fossil fuels, plastic water bottles and rampant food waste, winters are getting shorter by the year.

The Center for Disease Control lists March as the final month of this year’s particularly awful and sometimes fatal flu season. For the first time in months, the unavoidable microorganisms that inhabit every single sink, doorknob and water fountain on campus will at least not be contagious. Even for fans of winter weather, that part of the season will not be missed.

For the past several months, every walk to class resulted in a numb face, runny nose and static hair. That unfortunate feeling will soon be replaced by muddy sneakers and rain-drenched hair. Now, students will only need to lay a light sweater on the bathroom floor in the stalls without coat hooks.

Wardrobe versatility is another thing to look forward to. Instead of being confined to the same four layers, a winter coat and hat, Oswego spring weather will allow students to wear everything from a parka to tank top all in one day with drastic daily temperature shifts.

We have almost made it through another vicious winter and are approaching the home stretch. Days will be longer, homework distractions more abundant and transportation less traumatizing.

Most importantly, spring means Spring Break and eventually, the end of another academic year. Enjoy whatever it is you like about winter now, because it will not be here much longer.