Here at IU, we like to consider ourselves separate from the rest of the university realm sometimes, which is why we say we are our own separate nation-- Hoosier Nation, that is. Spinning off of the idea that we are separated because of the unique diversity and opportunities we share only on our campus, our weather falls into this category of unique as well. Now I know that this is due to the fact that we are in the Midwest in Indiana and the climate is according to our geography, but moving only two hours north of my Indiana city has even been a big difference in weather changes. I can only imagine what all of the west and east coasters are going through.
We tend to have the conversation of weather come up a lot around campus. That is no coincidence. Our weather is wacky. The reason we notice it more is because of the fact that we are college students who are outside much more often. We have to generally walk longer distances outside up and down hills and through woods and over bridges and under tunnels now. If you're thinking about coming to IU, don't let the weather scare you. Bloomington is an absolutely beautiful place anytime of year. It just so happens that the weather is very uncertain and unpredictable, but at least it's interesting, right? Let me give you a typical season break-down of possibilities over a time period of two years for some realization:
School Year Fall Winter Spring Summer 2011 - 2012 Sunny, Chilly, No Rain Cold, Hail, No Snow Hot, Stormy Super Hot, Humid 2012 - 2013 Warm, Lull, Some Rain Lots of Snow, Bitter Cold Some Snow, Stormy Hot, Muggy
As you can see, Bloomington weather follows no patterns. We are just as likely to get a winter storm January 1 as we are the "first day of spring." For instance, this March 20, 2013 was the first day of spring in 2013 and we got a big snow storm that same week. It's just good to know that it is unpredictable and that you should have the following items for every season because here, during winter break, we do not leave our winter clothes behind to bring warmer clothes; Inasmuch, we do not leave our winter clothes behind even during spring break, but instead, we bring our winter, spring, and summer clothes back for an unforeseeable last quarter weather-wise. I would strongly encourage you not to ever forget the following at any time from home:
- Raincoat
- Umbrella
- Rain boots
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Snow boots
- Long underwear (no, I am not kidding)
- Big winter coat
- Mild winter coat
- Gloves, scarves, and insulated socks
- etc.
XOXO,
Chelsie Kasun