Northeastern Pennsylvania should have four seasons, but whether or not they coincide predictably with when the real solstices and equinoxes are slated, that’s another story. The fall is beautiful, probably the nicest time on campus. Bold, vibrant leaves in red, yellow, and orange dot the trees along campus and along the Susquehanna River bank. The air is usually brisk, and a light jacket and jeans should be worn. Winter rolls in around December or January. It can be mild; it can be harsh; it can even be treacherous. This is where living on campus comes in handy. The one good thing about being in the Wyoming Valley is that, well, it’s literally a valley. The Pocono Mountains to the south and the Back Mountains to the north generally get the brunt of the storm. Still, Wilkes-Barre itself can get a few inches to a foot every now and then.
It is advised to have a heavy winter coat, even a ski coat, a scarf, gloves, and a hat to walk to and from class. Snow pants would actually be a good idea as well, as the occasional campus-wide snowball fight breaks out. There are also campus-sponsored ski trips and a ski club for those who don’t mind braving the frigid temps. Spring and summer are about the same. In late March, it starts to warm up, but nights are still cool. And despite what the weather is outside, you never can tell what the temps will be like inside. Regardless of season, dress in layers, because the classrooms are sometimes too hot, sometimes too cold, and never “just right.”