Long cold winters

[Anonymous]

Neither DH nor I went to college in New England or other brutally cold parts of the country. As DS begins his college search the long, cold winters in some of these places make me nervous. What is it like, really? Are more students at these schools depressed (staying inside more)?

[Anonymous]

I went to college in Minnesota and enjoyed the long cold winter. Good for studying since there wasn't much else to do.

[Anonymous]

People adjust, especially college kids.

[Anonymous]

People don't really stay inside more, because when you live in a climate like that, you can't just let yourself stay indoors when it's below 30 or whatever-- you'd never get anything done! I went to school in Wisconsin, and never let crazy cold weather or snow keep me from doing anything-- academic or otherwise. So, no, I didn't get depressed from being indoors.

[Anonymous]

It sucked.
Go somewhere warm.

[Anonymous]

[Anonymous]

Went to college in VT. Like PP said, you adjust. We took advantage of all the things winter has to offer - skiing, skating, midnight sledding, snowball fights, broom ball, etc..

One aspect that was nice, and probably had something to do with it being a crunchy school to begin with, is that the glamor quotient is toned down. Hard to be all dressed up when you are in snow boots, hats and bulky jackets all of the time. Formal parties were a challenge but we overcame ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Went to college in VT. Like PP said, you adjust. We took advantage of all the things winter has to offer - skiing, skating, midnight sledding, snowball fights, broom ball, etc..

One aspect that was nice, and probably had something to do with it being a crunchy school to begin with, is that the glamor quotient is toned down. Hard to be all dressed up when you are in snow boots, hats and bulky jackets all of the time. Formal parties were a challenge but we overcame ?

NH here, agree. Layering is important, but so is a really good winter coat and boots. My FL roommate came north thinking she could just layer. I went up to Montreal in Feb (from NH) and was blown away by the cold. But I don't remember life being much different--it was college, so it was loads of fun. Who had time to be depressed because of weather when you are YOUNG? Lunch trays make great sleds!

[Anonymous]

Just make sure he has good warm shoes and a warm coat.

[Anonymous]

My younger sister chose Syracuse. I bought her LL Bean snow boots as a graduation gift. She survived.

[Anonymous]

DD headed to Florida because she said she did not want to live through another cold winter. I think 17 yr olds know what they can handle or want to deal with regarding weather in college.

[Anonymous]

I went to Graduate school in Boston, and it was awesome.

First, they know how to deal with the weather. They clear/salt the sidewalks very quickly and rather immaculately.

You adapt to the cold, and dress in layers. I lived in apartments with old radiators that were actually too hot, and often had to crack the windows open to regulate.

Also great time to socialize with peers at local restaurants and bars (to be fair this was grad school, we were a little older and more mature/responsible). The cold/snowy winters actually made us get out and socialize more.

I loved it!

[Anonymous]

If you know how to ice skate, ski, sled, tobaggan, x-country, or snowshoe it is great. If you like watching hockey, ditto. If DC has never tried and liked at least one of those activities imho DC shouldnt bother looking at cold climate schools. The learning curve is more than can fit in the time available. Now if there is scholarship financing of course that can tip the scales.

[Anonymous]

I only wish I had gone to college in a cold climate - instead, I went south where it was always muggy. I would have loved sledding, cold, crisp air, and getting to wear boots and coats all the time. Heading south was the wrong decision for me!! Definitely a cold weather person.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went to college in Minnesota and enjoyed the long cold winter. Good for studying since there wasn't much else to do.

You must have been a good girl. We used the time to drink and have sex.