“Then put your little hand in mine … ” The alarm goes off. Again. Didn’t I do this yesterday, you think to yourself? Out the window hangs the omnipresent gray permacloud. The class rotation has become a habit by this point in the semester. Time passes slowly. Every day is the same. Sure feels like “Groundhog Day,” doesn’t it?
“Groundhog Day,” a 1993 film starring Bill Murray and directed by Harold Ramis, follows news reporter Phil Connors who is stuck in a time loop, living Groundhog Day over and over again. A wonderful tragicomedy both parts a riot and emotionally serious, it is mandatory viewing this time of year. While never explicitly declared, it is believed that Phil re-lives February 2 anywhere between 10 and 40 years.
Now, back to Notre Dame. The spring semester in particular can feel like a time loop. First, the lack of sunlight makes it hard to detect the passage of time. In 2026 specifically, our persistent snow feels reminiscent of the winter storm that traps Phil in Punxsutawney. The day-to-day is predictable. Class, exam, study, bed, repeat. Additionally, not a lot happens before spring break or until the weather gets a little bit warmer. I mean, how can you compete with the action of fall and football season? Well, it’s actually quite easy if you know where to look. On campus, there are lots of things you can do to break the monotony. Here are a few of my suggestions to add some excitement to the semester and to stop feeling like you’re living the same day over and over again.
When was the last time you went to the Raclin Murphy or saw a show at DPAC? Lots of arts and cultural events happen on campus daily, and I always try to take full advantage of my student DPAC account by checking the upcoming schedule weekly for something fun to see or hear. There are film showings, organ concerts, plays, choral events and dance recitals — a little bit of everything. Additionally, student groups like Not So Royal Shakespeare Co. and Pasquerilla East Musical Co. have performances each semester. There is so much talent at this university, so why not experience it? Go out of your comfort zone and take in the beauty of art!
Are you missing going to football games? Good news! There’s still Irish to root for. Basketball and hockey are in full swing, and better yet, tickets are free! I absolutely love going to basketball games with friends and being unapologetically loud. Vibing in an alive environment for a few hours and forgetting about classes really lightens my mood.
In “Groundhog Day,” Phil takes it upon himself to learn the piano. Why not follow his lead and learn an instrument? We have access to pianos in dorm chapels as well as in O’Neill Hall of Music. Sit down and pull up a YouTube tutorial for a song you love. Who knows, maybe you’ll find you have a real knack for it!
If you are a North Dining Hall goer, why not dine at South? Switch up what you eat. Seats are not assigned, so shake up where you go. Break the habits that feel the same day after day.
There are over 40 chapels on this campus; try to go to as many as you can! I did this last year and it’s actually quite a fun challenge. It simultaneously forms good prayer habits while forcing you to branch out and explore campus. Lent is right around the corner, so consider adding this to your prayer life in the upcoming liturgical season.
Lastly, be a good person; it’s what broke Phil out of his loop in the film. Try to make a positive influence on one person’s life each day. Be a light to someone else and shine through the darkest months of the year.
The next time you can’t remember what day of the week it is or you are having serious deja vu, remember: Just because it all feels the same doesn’t mean it is. Switch things up and try to live in the moment. Don’t wish this part of the semester away — enjoy it! The warmth and sun will return soon enough and tomorrow will break our time loops.
