West Virginia University students prepare for spring semester

As students begin their classes on campus at West Virginia University this week in a new semester and a new year, many are also beginning with a new attitude and a fresh start.

Jason Keefer, a pre-forensic and investigative science student and Colorado native, said he was excited to return to Morgantown for the the spring.

"Although I'm going to miss the skiing, snowmobiling and the large mountains in Colorado, I'm glad to be back in Morgantown for a new semester," Keefer said.

Alexa Lihan, a freshman pre-communications student, said she was glad to be back, but said it would be difficult to readjust to class after a long break.

"It feels strange to be back after living at home for what seems like a long time," Lihan said. "I need to get readjusted and back into the swing of things."

After the fall semester, many students have decided to make changes in their academic habits.

"I was actually excited to come back," said Samantha Mearns, a sophomore chemical engineering student. "I need to be a more organized this semester, though, and that was one of my new year's resolutions."

Freshman secondary education student Stephanie Messinger said she is also ready to tackle the new semester and the new year.

"As always, my new year's resolution is to work out and eat healthy, but as for academics, I need to stay ahead of the game and not procrastinate," Messinger said. "Last semester was a test run for me as a freshman, but this semester I'm pretty confident that I know what I have to do to perform well."

Messinger said she notices many students are eager to begin the new year and have another fresh start.

Freshman student Joshua Bland said there are ways he can improve in his academics this semester.

"My goals for this semester are to put more effort into my classes and try to avoid distractions," Bland said.

The Mountaineer football team's 70-33 win over Clemson on Jan. 4 was an "excellent beginning" to the new year, Bland said.

"I feel that the win in the Orange Bowl improved the overall mood and attitude around campus and made everyone proud to be here in Morgantown at WVU," he said.

"The Orange Bowl was something positive to start the new year and the semester off on the right foot," said nursing student Julie Carrico.