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Carleton in the Winter

Kate shows what Carleton is like during some of the coldest days of the year

Kate shows what Carleton is like during some of the coldest days of the year

Admissions Blog Carleton in the Winter

When I woke up yesterday, it was -22 degrees here in Northfield, Minnesota. But don’t let that scare you! Yes, it’s cold, but it’s also beautiful right now. While everyone is definitely bundling up and staying inside, we are always finding ways to make the best of it. So here are some photos from this week to prove to you that a Minnesota winter isn’t so bad (and it may even be…fun??!)

a girl in winter clothes
Don’t let my enthusiasm deceive you, you definitely need to be bundled up in this weather…

Campus Landmarks in the Snow

the chapel in the snow during the day
Here it is during a snowy day
the chapel in the snow at night
The Chapel is an iconic symbol of Carleton

Davis in the snow
For anyone who’s been on a tour, this is right behind the admissions building!
leighton in the snow
As a history major, I spend a lot of time in Leighton

Bundling Up (read more about what to wear here!)

a girl wearing a hat
Hats are more than decorative, you will definitely need one to keep your ears warm
a girl wearing lots of layers
It’s very fun for a girl from California to put on this many layers
a girl wearing a mask in the snow
Wearing a mask can help keep your face warm (and as an added benefit, protect you from illnesses)

Snowy Campus Illuminated during Night Walks

Steps to a building in the snow
A fresh layer of snow is so satisfying!
the Weitz during the snow
As a theater major, I have to walk to the Weitz at night a lot
boots in the snow
You will definitely need some non-slip shoes to survive the Minnesota winter

My Walk to Class (Snowy Edition)

a campus walkway during a snowy day
Even though it doesn’t look it in this photo, Northfield is usually really sunny during the winter
Campus during the snow
Students still bike in the snow!
A girl smiling in the snow
If you couldn’t tell, I love when it snows!

Finding Fun Inside

two students smiling at the camera
Staying inside isn’t so bad with the right people 🙂 (pictured: an impromptu dance party when it was -20 outside)
two girls at brunch smiling
Meals are still a great way to catch up with friends (though I might insist on LDC because I do not want to walk that far in the cold)
a girl watching a show
Watching a comfort show is much better in the winter

Finding Fun Outside

People playing hockey
If you have any semblance of coordination (unlike me), you can find some friends do some winter sports with
a girl walking in the snow at night
Even walking to rehearsal can be fun in the snow

As you can see, Carleton is beautiful in the snow and winter term is so much more than hiding away, even on the coldest days. So my advice to you is dress warmly, stay safe, but also, don’t forget to run around in the snow like a little kid!

Kate (she/her) is a junior History and Theater double major from the Bay Area, California. She loves Carleton’s artsy community, and is involved in the Vocal Studies Program and occasionally the Experimental Theater Board when her fight choreography skills are in high demand. Kate’s favorite places on campus are the practice rooms, either in Myers or the Weitz, where she can sing or play the ukulele. She loves the campus during all the seasons but thinks nothing could compare to the beautiful colors of Northfield in the fall. When not in class, you can find Kate either petting the nearest cat or forcing her friends to watch bad movies in a study room.

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