Hey guys. So this past weekend I visited U of Michigan and it was rather overcast during my trip. I am someone who suffers from seasonal affective disorder, and so I get very down during overcast, dreary weather. Is Ann Arbor typically overcast throughout the winter or is it sometimes sunnier? Thanks for taking a look at this
If you suffer from SAD, I hope you have some other options.
@Publisher Yea, it is pretty much between Michigan, U of Wisconsin: Madison, and UCSB (assuming I get in). Clearly, weather-wise UCSB would likely do me best. However, I really loved Madison, WI when I visited and it was rather sunny, which I think helped. If I end up choosing a school like Michigan or Wisconsin, I think I can probably invest in a light therapy box and vitamin D. However, it would probably be easiest just going somewhere that experiences sunnier weather.
The whole Midwest is basically the same. There is very little difference. Spring, summer, fall are nice usually though.
Lived here my whole life. Winter in Michigan is long, cold and dreary.
My CA kid is a freshman at UMich. Weather hasn’t been a bother at all. You’re there from 9/1 to 5/1 (8 months) with about a month+ off from school for various vacations/breaks. You spend most of your time in class or studying anyway. 
BTW, having lived at the coast in CA most of my life, UCSB will have lots of fog, especially in the AM before the fog burns off. So, UCSB is not Palm Springs. :))
We’re driving to AA from TX in 10 days. I’m planning to take I-90 east, then I-69 north, and finally I-94 east to AA (thx @ChicagoSportsFn).
Having no exp driving in extreme snow and seeing news clips of multiple cars sliding off road embankments and caused some anxiety. Cause for concern if we’re driving carefully in a mid-size rental?
Most major highways should be fine. Just go the speed of traffic. If you see everyone going slower then posted sign limits that’s a good sign to slow down. There also a good chance the Temps will be warmer when you arrive. Bring a warm jacket BTW.
The winter will feel long, dark and dreary if you let it get to you. I understand SAD is a real thing.
I would encourage you to not look or think of winter as a dark dreary period but instead as a time you can do take advantage of activities that you can only do during winter. XC skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing, ice skating, sledding, etc. If you can find it in you to actively seek these activities and learn to enjoy them. it makes living through the winter months much more tolerable.
I lived in the South for 5 years and when I came back to New England I had a tough time with the transition, until I adopted some of the advice I presented to you. Now I think Winter might be my favorite time of the year.
If you don’t think you can deal with winter and cold for 5 months Nov-March, then you probably want to reconsider your game plan and eliminate northern schools. Good luck.
For plenty of sunshine, consider the University of Colorado.
@RightCoaster Alright, that is a really good mindset to have. I think that may help.
@Publisher And yes, I was considering applying to CU Boulder early in the college process, however for some reason I decided against it at the time. In hindsight it probably would have been a good idea, but I’m not gonna apply to another school at this point in time.
It’s sunny in Chicago and Michigan the last few days so it’s not all doom and gloom.
My son just started his PhD at Michigan. He graduated from Texas A&M. It’s been a bit of a transition, but he’s doing fine and loves Ann Arbor. He’s a nerd and is passing the winter evenings with D&D, ballroom dancing, trivia nights, movies with friends, cooking, and other indoor activities.