Here comes December!

As the trees of Locust Walk shed their last leaves and the spirit of Thanksgiving comes and goes, winter slowly and inevitably makes its mark on campus. With it comes not only Christmas lights, the hope of snow, and cozier scarfs and mittens, but also a just-as-inevitable end of the semester: winter is the season of cold, and winter is the season of final exams.

Luckily, if there’s anything about the Penn student body, it is that the passion and fun of student life conquers all. Exams are no exception – December remains decorated with activities and events that encourage community and activity during what is a stressful time for many.

For one, what better way to re-energize than free food? Study breaks offered by the respective class boards or departments offer all sorts of food, snacks, and merchandise. They are also areally good way to catch up with friends who you haven’t seen all semester!

The college office and all of Penn’s learning centers also remain incredibly supportive resources. From open office hours, extended staffings, or additional workshops, professors, advisors, or experienced students offer help with open arms.

Lastly, of course, there is Light Up Locust, the must-see event of December, where the holiday lights of Locust Walk are turned on for the winter season. With a cup of hot chocolate in one hand and an Insomnia cookie in the other, the nights —or, by now, the mid-afternoons— won’t be so dark anymore!

- Tony T.