A Quieter Campus: How did Trinity Students Experience Winter Break

Kashmala Khan ’29

Managing Editor

As the fall semester came to a close, a great majority of students left campus to enjoy their winter break in the warmth of their homes or the streets of a city they never explored; however, a smaller population remained in Hartford, as they encountered a version of campus that was marked with a quieter college life. For students who stayed due to personal, academic, or athletic commitments, the break encompassed empty residential buildings, limited campus services, and an unusual or perhaps calming stillness.  

University services operated on reduced schedules during the break, with Mather dining and Scully Center being closed for all students, except for athletes. With limited dining options available on campus, several students reported that the Food N Stuff pantry became an especially important resource during the break.

“The food pantry was really helpful. They restocked frequently,” said Nelissa Jansen’28, an international student who stayed in Stowe Hall throughout the break.

Food N Stuff, informally known as the food pantry, is a collaboration between the Sustainability Office, Foodies, Office of Community Service and Civic Engagement, the Bantam Network, P.R.I.D.E., WGRAC, and the Office of International Students and Scholars, that seeks to provide students on campus with free food and hygiene products. It is located at the lower level of Mather. 

Beyond meals, the reduced campus schedule also translated into limited social activity. Students had to plan their days more deliberately around work commitments and finding opportunities for structured activities or social interaction.

“Walking around there was no one,” said Jansen. “My friend came over and we cooked together, that was my socialisation for the day.”

Fortunately, students were able to find some comfort in events organised within Hartford, such as the First Night Hartford New Years Event and the Winterfest, both held in Bushnell Park. 

Similarly, while the academic activity was minimal, J-term courses commenced in-person and remotely, which allowed students and faculty to remain academically engaged regardless of their location. J-term courses allow Trinity students to enroll in one 0.5 credit course over a two-term period during January. 

Professor Evan Turiano, from the Public Policy and Law, remotely taught a J-term course on Birthright Citizenship, being inspired by his research interests in foundations of citizenship and legal history. Professor Turanio described the condensed format as distinctive yet intentional. 

“It is a great jump for students who are thinking about a topic of interest for an independent study or a thesis,” he stated. He also noted J-term courses as being worthwhile. “It is an opportunity for students who are looking to do something during winter break.”

Professor Turiano also noted that the timing of J-term intersects with a wide range of student circumstances. “Some students are at home, some are traveling, and some are staying on campus,” he said.

In addition to residential students, winter athletes were amongst those who returned to campus early for practices and training sessions ahead of their competitive seasons. For these students, winter break involved athletic obligations with limited campus activity.

“It was only athletes on campus and a few other students, so it was like a different world,” said Milena Velychko’ 29, a squash player on the women’s team. 

Athletes described their schedules as structured and centered around practices and workouts, which helped maintain a sense of routine; however, at times, the repetitive schedules resulted in being tedious.

“It was draining not having a lot to do on campus; it can impact mental health, but having your team around helps,” said Katie Lemke’ 29, from the women’s ice hockey team. Velychko added a similar idea stating, “We had several training sessions and there weren’t any other activities, so going to California for our Stanford match was refreshing.” 

As winter break ended and students returned for the spring semester, those who stayed described a renewed appreciation for the return of campus life.

“When my friends came back on campus, I felt like I was part of something bigger than just the squash community,” noted Velychko.