diff --git a/advlabdb/utils.py b/advlabdb/utils.py
index 5db692c..d21ed23 100644
--- a/advlabdb/utils.py
+++ b/advlabdb/utils.py
@@ -17,10 +17,12 @@ def flashRandomPassword(password):
     flash(f"Random password: {password}", category="warning")
 
 
+def sortedSemestersStartingWithNewest():
+    return Semester.query.order_by(Semester.year.desc()).order_by(Semester.label.desc())
+
+
 def userActiveSemester(flashWarning=False):
-    lastSemesterId = (
-        Semester.query.order_by(Semester.year.desc()).order_by(Semester.label.desc()).first().id
-    )  # "WS" > "SS"
+    lastSemesterId = sortedSemestersStartingWithNewest().first().id  # "WS" > "SS"
     if current_user.active_semester_id is None:
         current_user.active_semester_id = lastSemesterId
         db.session.commit()