Monday, August 15, 2016

The 4 Seasons of State College: Your Guide to Prepare for Penn State's Weather

Mother Nature surely shows her true colors here in Happy Valley. For me, freshman year was figuring out what I would have to brace myself for the minute I stepped out of my dorm building. But no worries, this blog is a breakdown of exactly what you’ll need to wear for each season of the school year, State College style.



The Pleasantly Chilly Season

August – late October

Ah, the first (and my favorite) season of the school year! During August, it will feel like our favorite town is still clinging onto summer, so at first, it’s going to feel pretty hot. But as the leaves start changing their colors, you’ll notice the temperature dropping, but not to the point where it’s too cold. Fall fashion is very much alive during this time of the year!

What you’ll need: Some nice pants (jeans, leggings, etc.), and comfortable shoes should be good for this season! Some girls start breaking out their fall boots, so don’t be afraid to rock your kicks! Carry a nice sweater or a thin jacket with you, in case the breeze picks up while you’re out and about campus.




The Tundra Season

Early November – March

Yes, this is the season everyone talks about. Our winter season is exactly what the rumors say: bitter cold and extremely windy. Some choose to skip class because they can’t face the cold. But don’t let the snow stop you! I’ll tell you exactly what winter- essentials you’ll need to tell this season whose boss!

What you’ll need: Be sure to have a long and thick winter coat; parkas and ski/ snowboarding jackets work best. Along with a jacket, make sure you have a pair of gloves and a hat/ ear warmer to cover both your hands and ears! I like to wrap my neck with a nice, thick scarf on really cold days, too. For shoes, I would invest in boots that can face the snow. Some girls like to use their hunter boots, while others like L.L. Bean’s snowshoes. Whatever shoes you like, be sure to pair them with some long and thick winter socks underneath! 


The Flood Season
March – April
Though the cold waves good-bye to us during these months, Mother Nature’s clouds have not left State College just yet. During this time, don’t be surprised to have long, rainy days or even random pockets of showers on your way to class.
What you’ll need: A great pair of rain boots is your number one item for this season. You definitely do not want to slip in the puddles sprinkled throughout campus. Many girls favor hunter boots, but any rain boots are sure to be good. Just make sure they aren’t too heavy for you to walk around in! You’ll also want to wear a rain coat to keep yourself dry, and it wouldn’t hurt to carry an umbrella in your backpack, just in case!
 

The Sunny Season
mid April – May
And lastly, before we head on home, the sun finally peaks out again in Happy Valley! This time of year, State College is absolutely beautiful. The temperature is a perfect 70-80° range, the clouds are rarely in the blue sky, and everyone is out and about, soaking in the pleasant sun.


What you’ll need: If you like dressing up, shorts/ skirts, cute summer tops, and a pair of sandals are great! (Don’t get flip-flops, they may break while you’re walking around campus!) If you like comfy, go for sports wear: baggy shorts, 3/4 leggings, and some good walking shoes. Oh, and don’t forget a pair of sunglasses or a baseball cap before you head out the door! 

Anna George is a junior majoring in Civil Engineering and is a Mentor for WEPO'16!

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