Winter term is universally the hardest. Coming back from the stress that was fall term, feeling burned out and trying to find footing for the winter — which can be overwhelming. It’s hard to get back into the groove of having a set weekly schedule.
Starting a new year in the middle of the academic cycle is strange. Winter term sits in this awkward in‑between: you’re continuing last term’s momentum while also preparing for 2026-2027. It’s not a flaw in the quarter system — it’s just the reality of this time of year. The cold makes it harder to get out of bed, and everyone is quietly hoping for a snow day.
National Library of Medicine studies revealed that 27.2% of students show signs of depression during the winter. Almost half of them report mood problems during winter months. College students face real challenges with these seasonal changes, also affecting their academic lives.
Soli Lachman, a junior psychology major said, “When it’s gloomy, I’m not as motivated; it’s hard for me to want to go out and do my school work. It comes down to time management when having a job, lab and school work. It affects my mood when I hang out with my friends.”
It’s not that the workload necessarily increases –– it’s that everything feels more daunting. Even outside of academics, planning anything becomes a challenge. No one wants to go out when it’s freezing, and by the time you finish an afternoon class, it’s already dark.
Rylee Guthrie, a junior English major, said, “I commute onto campus from home, so my day starts at 6 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. some days because of my class and work schedule.”
For juniors and seniors, the winter term adds another layer of pressure — the reality of graduation. Guthrie said, “I get stressed about getting my Spanish minor classes in time because some of them aren’t offered. Thinking about the concept of graduation and after graduation is scary.”
Winter term isn’t just cold; it can be hard and unmotivating. Though there are fewer fun activities to do outside, UO does a great job of filling this time with career-related events to help prepare juniors and seniors navigate the coming year with career opportunities. Even in the thick of winter burnout, it helps to remember we’re all pushing through together.
