Written by Vishakha Mathur
Minnesota is notorious for crazy winter weather—from cute little flurries to blizzards that could freeze even a snowman. With a foot of snow on the ground, students are expected to attend classes and carry on with their normal lives. It is nothing unusual for Minnesota. It all sounds unbearable, but somehow it is manageable. The bus services (Campus Connectors) still run their normal times, and there are undergound tunnels and skywalks known as "Gopher Ways," which intertwine through campus and provide shelter from the weather. The biggest winter hit is the increase in bills due to heating. Most apartments and houses use gas heat, prices of which have risen in recent years. Dorms, however, already have heating provisions. The best way to be prepared is by layering clothes. Heavy coats and boots are a must. But once in class, students can shed a few layers of clothes to stay comfortable. Remember, it is easier to cool down than to warm up, so stay bundled up when outside to minimize the exposure to the brutal conditions. Also, Minnesota weather changes quickly. Layering allows a student to find the comfortable body temperature without risking frostbite when outside.
Fall and spring provide the most comfortable temperatures. Most, but not all, dorm rooms have AC, so bringing along a fan is a good idea. But these two seasons do not last too long. It is perfectly normal for it to be snowing on Halloween and during spring break. But students learn to take advantage of even slightly warmer days. For a Minnesotan, 50 F is an appropriate temperature to wear shorts and a T-shirt. Overall, Minnesota weather is not for everyone. Many students get sick, develop allergies or pain, and feel depressed due to the weather. When packing for college, remember to always be prepared for the worst. Because the weather is so unpredictable, it is better to have too much than not enough.