The last couple of weeks have given us some brief insights into the joys of warmer weather in Cambridge, and it is all anyone can talk about. I don’t know about you, but on that first warm, sunny day, I binned off my lectures, pretended I did not have an essay deadline fast approaching, and headed straight outside to bask in the sunshine, before making a beeline for a pub garden. I honestly ended the day feeling like a whole different person with a new lust for life: you forget just how much of an impact a bit of sunshine and not having to huddle under an umbrella on the way to Sidge can really do for your mood!

“This change in season also prompts reflection over just how quickly time goes here”

This change in season also prompts reflection over just how quickly time goes here. Sometimes a one hour lecture can begin to feel like a lifetime, but at the same time, matriculation feels like it was just the other day. In reality, we’re two thirds of the way through the year, and with life moving so fast, it is important to find the time among your supos, lectures, rowing, union events and societies, to stop and appreciate the little things and to see how far you’ve come. If you told day-one me just how settled and happy I am here now, she would be thrilled, which is something I’m sure we can all be proud of in our own lives.

As a first year, I am yet to experience a Cambridge summer, and this teaser has got me very much looking forward to Easter term and the longer and warmer days it has to offer. I have heard about the picnics at Grantchester Meadows, punting on the Cam, studying on the Backs and, of course, all the excitement of May Week (don’t you dare mention exams!). I think that it is often overlooked just how necessary it is to keep these things in mind to get through those longer, harder, more stressful days.

While looking ahead can serve as motivation, it is equally, or if not more important, to also find simple pleasures in your day to day life and, in my opinion, there is no better time of year to do this than now. With daffodils and cherry blossoms popping up across the city, the evenings growing longer and longer, and being able to study outside, there are so many opportunities to find joy in the small things.

“As the natural world is renewed around you, think about those little changes you could be making”

In addition to this, we have been conditioned to think that January is the time of year for making changes and breaking bad habits but, as far as I’m concerned, January is a hard enough month to get through without thinking about trying to get in more steps and eating better. For me, the start of spring is a much better time of year for self-reflection and improvement, and is in line with the patterns of Mother Nature too. So, as the natural world is renewed around you, think about those little changes you could be making. I like to use the change in season as a chance to do a spring clean and go through my cupboards, drawers and wardrobe to get rid of the things I don’t really need anymore, creating more space and potentially making me a bit of money by listing the things I no longer want on Vinted.

Take in all that this season has to offer and be more present. Try to notice the less obvious pleasures, which unfortunately does involve putting away your phone and taking out those airpods. I invite you to treat this new season as a time to reflect and take note of all you’ve achieved, while thinking about some little positive changes you can be making along the way.