<p>What's the weather like at Carleton? I got an acceptance letter this past Tuesday and am thinking seriously about attending the college, but I'm not quite sure how I'll adapt to subzero temperatures and six-foot-high blizzards (or, as CNN likes to say, one-fridge-tall blizzards -- <a href="http://tiny.cc/zQPSK%5B/url%5D">http://tiny.cc/zQPSK</a>). In all earnestness, though, could any current or past 'Carls' provide any tips as to what one ought to wear, what kind of clothes and shoes one ought to purchase, et al.?</p>
<p>I suspect it'll be especially difficult for me to become acclimated, being how I'd be going from one of the warmest regions in the US (Las Vegas) to one of the coldest. Just jumping from one extreme to the other, it seems--no middle ground for me.</p>
<p>I lived in Minnesota for three years, and I’m also thinking of becoming a Carl this fall.</p>
<p>If you come to Carleton, you WILL be cold in the winter. You’ll need a lot of long sleeve shirts, a heavy jacket, gloves, a scarf, etc. and may have to dress in layers since you’re not used to the cold. The below-freezing weather often lasts from Halloween through March.</p>
<p>That said, snow probably allows Carleton kids to do fun things like broomball and “traying.” Snow in general is a lot of fun, and in Minnesota it’s so cold that the snow doesn’t melt for weeks! Also, Carleton’s campus with snow is really pretty. In my experience, “blizzards” aren’t a huge problem because the snow is cleared from the roads quickly (they’re used to having to do that). I can’t speak for Northfield in particular though.</p>
<p>A lot of people come to Carleton and its neighbor schools (Macalester, St. Olaf, Grinnell, etc.) from warm climates and adapt. I don’t think the weather should be that important a factor in your decision because I think you’ll get used to it.</p>
<p>Congrats on your acceptance! I am a Carleton alum who went there from a warmer climate (although not as warm as Nevada). It’s certainly cold in the winter, but there’s actually less annual snowfall than you see in much of the Northeast. I adapted to the weather relatively quickly, and while it gets a bit tiresome when March comes around and it’s still cold even though you are ready for spring, winter term is actually pretty fun between the traying/broomball and the extra activities they tend to plan during that term to prevent cabin fever. </p>
<p>If it helps, I also knew more than one student who attended Carleton having never seen snow before, and one of them actually stayed in Minnesota to work for multiple years after graduation. Northfield’s cold, but it isn’t Antartica and it doesn’t prevent you from having an active and engaging college experience. Good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>I’m from LA (grew up in the Valley), where it’s also super hot. I’ve been nervous about it too so I’ve talked to a lot of Carleton Los Angelites… they’ve all told me that even though yeah, it is REALLY cold, adjusting is pretty easy. </p>
<p>I was told by someone that she came to campus in jeans and sweatshirts in September (when it was in the 70s)…and then when it was in the 20s and 30s later in the year she didn’t have a problem wearing the same thing. So, that gives me hope :)</p>
<p>Thanks for the prompt replies! I feel welcome here already.</p>
<p>It seems the overwhelming consensus is that one gets used to it relatively quickly, and though it wasn’t really going to be a deal-breaker for me in the end, there was just always that qualm. I can’t imagine myself wearing a t-shirt at 30 degrees, but things can change. Nevertheless, it seems I’ll be joining you at Carleton, Hollylove!</p>
<p>And thanks for the congratulations, everyone–I’m excited.</p>
<p>I’m going to add to the comments above and point out that you are only going to be dealing with cold winter weather 1/3 of the time at Carleton. Fall and spring terms are for the most part great weather-wise, aside from the occasional Midwestern thunderstorm.</p>
<p>Spring term is particularly nice at Carleton. You’ll see people jogging and playing frisbee, students laying out on grassy areas, picnics, locals walking with their children and pets, class discussions in front of the CMC–everyone truly appreciating the spring weather. The campus becomes incredibly vibrant in a way that I haven’t seen anywhere else.</p>
<p>[Edit: what is this “xxxx (mwl - 2.19.2009) –>” crap on the top of my post? I didn’t put it there. Stupid forum software.]</p>
<p>Dont worry everyone. Although Minnesota is the coldest place in America, you will get used to it. I mean it is easier to get used to cold climate than hot condition. I was born in Minnesota and now live in Arizona…I came here like 2 1/2 years ago and i am not still used to it…</p>