For first-year students, returning to campus after winter break resembles the physical process of the fall move-in.

Although the bare essentials, like bedding and televisions are left in dorms during winter break, students still have to lug their clothing and other personal items back to the residence halls.

There is the similar hassle of unpacking, along with the saying of goodbyes to parents.

But for many students returning, the spring semester comes with a new sense of confidence.

For engineering freshman Andrew Watson, who moved into Wonders Hall on Sunday, the spring has lost the anxieties of the unknown.

After finding a home on the water polo team, Watson said he no longer feels the pressures that come with finding a new group of friends.

“I am also looking forward to expanding to other groups as well,” Watson said.

Watson added he’s looking forward to completing more goals this semester, but still knows he has a long way to go.

Academically, some students are preparing for the spring semester with a weight lifted off their shoulders.

Finance freshman Tyler Kwasny spent his Sunday morning moving back into Brody Hall and said he feels more at ease with his upcoming class load.

“I feel a lot more confident for my upcoming classes because I have figured out my study habits,” he said.

Microbiology freshman Jeremiah Helsius also said he has a better understanding of how college works.

“Now that we know what’s going on, we can better prepare ourselves,” he said.

Social work freshman Andrea Kelly, who also moved back into Brody Hall on Sunday, said she is simply relieved to know how to get around campus.

With 583 buildings covering 5,200 acres of campus, Kelly said just “knowing where things are” will be a big advantage this semester.

International relations junior Haja Fofanah is a resident assistant in Case Hall.

While many students don’t necessarily need her help moving in, she said she tries to make herself as available as possible to students.

“I just leave my door open and many will come in and ask ‘How was break?’” she said. “But I don’t necessarily help them move unless they ask.”