Southeast Missouri State University’s main and regional campuses closed on Thursday, Feb. 3 and Friday, Feb. 4 due to inclement weather. Students used their days off to catch up on work, relax and sled in the snow.

Students had many activities to choose from on their days off, but Laferla Resident Assistant Hannah Kroencke chose to sled. Kroencke and her friends gathered with other students on campus to sled down Cardiac Hill and the hill by Brandt Hall.

These areas close to LaFerla, Towers or Greek Hill can be used for students to sled down and it's not too far of a walk from their dorms.

What is your favorite thing about a snow day?

Music major Anthony Kandilaroff said he enjoyed the time outside during the snow day.

“Just being out in the snow has been my favorite. Instead of driving to my friend's house I walked, and it was so much fun. We had a bonfire in the snow, and we just enjoyed our time outside all day,” Kandilaroff said.

Senior Layla Bouzihay said she was able to get some work done while having time off from school.

“Being able to watch Netflix all day and get a lot of work done has been beneficial. Since I work a full time job, I've been able to do all my work at home,” Bouzihay said.

LaFerla Hall Resident Assistants Hannah Kroencke and Emily Bloodworth pose on a sled. Many students enjoyed their snow days by sledding down the campus' many hills. Photo submitted by Hannah Kroencke

Kroencke said that time spent with her friends outside was something that she will always remember.

“My favorite part about a snow day is sledding and being outside. I love the snow, so I just try to spend a lot of time out there,” Kroencke said.

On snow days, students are able to complete work independently with face-to-face classes canceled.

How do snow days impact schoolwork?

As classes are being canceled, snow days offer the opportunity for students to catch up on assignments and studying.

“Snow days help me get more homework done, just because I don’t have any classes or club meetings to attend,” Kroencke said.

Students who are on River Campus have to practice a lot outside of the classroom, like student Kandilaroff.

“Being a music major, the biggest thing you have to do is practice, and I got to do a lot of that at home and catch up,” Kandilaroff said.

How do snow days affect daily routine?

Students who live off campus find it hard to be able to do regular tasks. These regular tasks can range from driving to get errands done, meeting up with friends and going to work.

Students AJ Haessly, Anthony Kandilaroff and Shawna Creaser pose with mugs filled of snow. Many students used their time off from SEMO to hang out with friends. Photo submitted by Anthony Kandilaroff

“I haven’t been able to do anything that I normally would do. I get coffee every single morning, but I couldn't do that. I couldn’t go run errands, go to the store, couldn’t see friends, couldn’t go out to eat, nothing,” Bouzihay said.

Kandilaroff, who lives off campus, said it was difficult to obtain food due to the driving conditions.

“Going out to get food has been a struggle, so I DoorDash-ed McDonalds today. Using DoorDash has been very beneficial to get food,” Kandilaroff said.

Snow days may impact students’ school work and daily routines, but they also allow for time to relax and spend time with friends.

For more information about school closures or about weather conditions, you can head to @sealerts on Facebook. Southeast Alerts is a platform that allows students and people in the surrounding areas to get alerts from campus.