Written by Kristen McCarthy
With only one air-conditioned dorm on campus and self-regulated heating just as much of a rarity, students are constantly aware of weather conditions. New Jersey weather is notorious for its unexpected shifts and surprises. For example, one time, a hurricane socked the East Coast on the first day of classes, and the University went to stringent water restrictions shortly thereafter. Showers were strictly forbidden, and laundry rooms around campus were closed.
By the time school starts in September, it is hot for about a week and then quickly cools down. Most of the dorms and classrooms do not have air conditioning, so it is essential to pack comfortable clothing and several fans. Because many of the dorms are so old, some students prefer to live on lower floors on the theory that heat rises. Once the hazy, hot, and humid days are gone, the weather stays warm into the fall, which is generally crisp and cool. The fall foliage stirs up images of long walks on the golf course and along Lake Carnegie. By December, it is so cold that you cannot remember September's Indian summer. It does not snow much at Princeton, but, when it does, it is important to have the appropriate clothing, because students walk everywhere. By March, it starts to warm up again, at which point it will rain for a few weeks. By the end of the school year, it gets hot again, and it is necessary to bring fans out of storage. Spring at Princeton is a time for getting some sun and outdoor relaxation.