It may seem strange to start discussing preparations for winter in September, but many students and staff know it isn’t far away. If you’re new to Tech, one thing you’ll hear a lot about is the snow, and it’s no joke. Winters in Houghton can hit hard and last a long time. If you’re not ready, it can make living here a lot tougher.
Josh Stevens, a senior this fall, gave one solid piece of advice. “Students should consider snow tires for their cars,” he said. “It made a big difference for me after not having them my freshman year.” Driving around here gets rough fast, and having the right tires helps a ton. Stevens also mentions, “for people with two-wheeled drive cars like myself, it’s important to pick the right roads when going up hills,” he said. “Typically, Sharon and Agate are decent roads for getting uphill.”
Something else to consider—if you go home for fall break, it’s a great opportunity to bring back your winter gear. You’ll need a good jacket, snow boots, gloves, and perhaps even snow pants. We’ve seen snow appear before Halloween, and it’s not enjoyable to get caught in it without the proper equipment.
Engaging in winter activities can be beneficial. Options include skiing, snowboarding, or even just ice skating at the SDC. Mont Ripley is right across the bridge, and clubs are always seeking new members. When you have enjoyable outdoor activities, winter feels shorter.
Tech winters aren’t brief, but they’re certainly part of the experience. If you arrive prepared and discover ways to maximize it, they can actually be one of the best aspects of being here.
