Autumn is nearing…

Hello, Oswego!

It’s that time of year when many begin to get in the autumn spirit, and the weather follows suit. Here in Oswego, there are numerous indicators of change.

Sunset on Sept. 13, 2017

One of the more apparent ones is earlier sunsets and later sunrises. During the month of September, the sun rises at 6:31am on the 1st, and at 7:03am on the 30th. The sunset moves back from 7:40pm to 6:47pm through the month. The autumnal equinox falls on September 22, where the sun is above the horizon for almost exactly 12 hours. If you’re a regular sunset viewer like me, this change is noticeable almost day by day.

Wavy lake on Sept. 4, 2017

The change in weather conditions is readily apparent as well. Average highs in Oswego drop from the mid-70s to the mid-60s through the course of the month. This year, things have been a bit reversed due to a weather pattern change that left us with early-month 60s, and mid-month 70s. Things will continue to trend downward, however, despite this temporary change. Additionally, some may notice that wind begins to increase. The real “Oswego Wind” events usually don’t hit until late October or November, but nonetheless, if a cold front crosses New York, it’s going to get windy here in Oz.

The Quad in peak fall foliage on Nov. 5, 2016

Finally, leaves begin to change towards the tail end of September. Overall, peak color in Oswego generally occurs in mid-to-late October, with the on-campus oak trees being the last to change, in early November. It’s a beauty every year!

That’s just a taste of what autumn in Oswego is like. Enjoy the next week’s nice weather, as things are bound to change sometime, and before you know it I’ll be writing about lake-effect snow. Until next time!

 

Introduction Blog

Hey guys! My name is Morgan Rowe and I am a junior here at SUNY Oswego. I am a Public Relations major with a minor in Business Administration. I also am serving as one of Oswego’s social media interns this fall and will be posting weekly blogs. My blog entries will include exciting things happening around campus, great places to eat in town, and everything in-between! Look out for my posts, they will be full of fun things to do in our college town!

Looking For An Internship? Use These Tips To Help Start The Process!

Thinking about an internship for the upcoming Fall Semester? It’s not too late to apply! There are still many opportunities on and off-campus that you can take advantage of. Internships can be a great way to get experience in your field and can help you earn credit.

Sign up for emails to find out information on available internships:  http://oswego.us9.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=d386f33012bfa1f75d2d7e69d&id=66d48c075f

Use the information from SUNY Oswego’s internship page online or go into the Compass on campus to learn more about possible internships:  https://www.oswego.edu/center-for-experiential-learning/find-internship-or-co-op

Oswego Weather 101

Hello, Oswego!

For those of you who are new, I am Matthew Seymour, a junior meteorology student here at SUNY Oswego. I’ve always been fascinated with weather, and am an avid outdoorsman and photographer. More about me here!

Dare I say, but it’s almost the beginning of the fall 2017 semester. With new student move-in just 2 short weeks away, packing lists are being made and back-to-school shopping is in full swing.

Some of you may have heard of Oswego’s, ahem, weather. Now, while it is a myth that there were once chains put up around campus to help students push through the wind, it sure is a location featuring a lot of weather extremes. In the rest of this post, I’ll give a brief rundown of the “typical” conditions one will experience during an academic year at SUNY Oswego.

Sunset with sailboat, Sept. 3, 2016

In late August, when students return to campus and classes just start, weather conditions are usually tranquil and summer-like. Rain is relatively infrequent, but when it does rain, it’s usually in the form of a thunderstorm. September features ever-shortening daylight, slowly retreating temps, and a shift away from summer storms.

Fall colors near Hewitt Union, Nov. 5, 2016

October encompasses increasing wind and rain, pleasant temps, and the always-magnificent fall foliage show. Mid-November is the average period to watch for the first snowfall. (It has occurred on Nov. 20 and Nov. 23 the past two years.) Late November is when the real winter sets in, with mostly frozen precipitation, nearly-constant wind of some fashion, and cold temperatures.

Street outside Waterbury Hall during a snow squall, Dec. 15, 2016

December, January and early February take the lion’s share of lake-effect snow in Oswego. A normal winter sees about 140″ fall on the city. Wind remains frequent, and when combined with wintertime cold, wind chills are often below zero.

Spring buds on a tree branch, April 23, 2017

March, April and May feature the most frustrating weather. While temperatures do increase, late-season snow remains possible, and the “lake breeze” phenomenon works to hold down afternoon temps, particularly in April and May. Summer does win out, eventually, no matter what. Thanks, Sun!

For those who like numbers, here you go:

  • Aug/Early Sep: Highs 75-85. Lows 60-65. A few days with rain or storms.
  • Mid-Late Sep: Highs 65-75. Lows 50-55. A few days with rain or storms.
  • Oct: Highs 50-65. Lows 40-50. Some days with rain.
  • Nov: Highs 35-50. Lows 30-40. Frequent rain and some snow.
  • Dec: Highs 30-40. Lows 20-30. Frequent snow, some rain.
  • Jan: Highs 20-30. Lows 10-20. Frequent snow.
  • Feb: Highs 15-30. Lows 5-15. Some snow events.
  • Mar: Highs 30-55. Lows 20-35. Some snow and rain events.
  • Apr: Highs 50-65. Lows 35-45. Some rain, maybe an odd late season snow.
  • May: Highs 60-70. Lows 40-50. A few days with rain or storms.

So, there are many ways that one could prepare for such exciting weather. Hoodies and lighter jackets are perfect for that in-between fall and spring weather, however a rain jacket is a must (umbrellas will be destroyed by wind!), as well as a good set of winter coat, hat, gloves, scarf, and boots for when winter comes. Always bring warmer clothes and winter gear to college earlier than you think you’d need them, and always leave a couple summer outfits around for that odd warm fall or spring day.

See y’all in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, soak up those last rays of summer break!

Still Looking To Take An Online Summer Class? There’s Still Time!

Taking summer classes is one way to lighten your work load for the Fall and Spring semesters. Although some classes may have already started, there are still many that have not. Online classes only last between 3-6 weeks but are a big time commitment during that time. If you think you have the time to dedicate to summer classes, I definitely recommend it! If you login to MyOswego, you can check to see if you can still register for any summer classes. There are still a lot available to take in July!

Graduated And Missing Oswego? Alumni Weekend Is Almost Here!

Missing Oswego and wanting to be with your college friends? SUNY Oswego is holding an Alumni Weekend from June 8th to June 11th! Come have fun in the town where you spent some of your best years. Below is a link for registration and all of the information needed :

http://alumni.oswego.edu/s/1552/index.aspx?sid=1552&gid=1&pgid=440

Housing is still available on Campus in the newly renovated Waterbury Hall!

Going Abroad For A Semester Seems Too Long? Think About A Quarter Course!

The thought of going abroad sounds really fun, and going to another country and seeing their culture is truly an amazing experience. Do not let the thought of going away for a few months discourage you, SUNY Oswego (as well as other SUNY colleges) have programs that let you go abroad for a little over a week. These programs are called “Quarter Courses.” You take a class for half of the semester learning about the culture of country that you are going to and then go and experience that country. This is an easy way to earn 3 credits while getting to travel! Last semester, I took the course GSL100 and got to go to Berlin over spring break. This was definitely the best course I have taken throughout my college career. I really recommend it if you want to go abroad without committing to a whole semester out of the country!

Packing To Go Home? These Tips Will Save You Time Packing!

Having trouble staying organized when packing to go home? Here are some tips I have learned that made packing a lot easier!

  1. Fold Your Clothes – It seems really easy to just throw clothes into a bag without folding them because packing can take a while. This makes unpacking everything really difficult. Fold your clothes and put it into your bags! Simple, but very affective.
  2. Put Similar Clothes In The Same Bag – Putting t-shirts together in the same bag and pants in a separate one will help make everything more organized. Most people put these clothing items in separate drawers so separating it makes it easier to pack. All of the clothes going into each drawer are already together.
  3. Leave Your Clothing On Hangers – This tip will save you tons of time! Instead of taking clothing off of hangers, packing it, and then putting it back on hangers, put the hangers on a metal rod. These rods hold the hangers and allow clothes to stay on them, making the process of unpacking a lot easier.

Adjustments: Moving Back Home

“Hey, wanna go grab ice cream?” This was the question I asked my best friend Alexandra on the second day I moved back home last year. She was hanging out at my house, so we got in my car and got our chilly desserts. Approximately 10-15 minutes, I got the text. You know, the quintessential parent to child text that strikes fear in your heart.

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After getting used to the autonomy of college, I realized that I had to tell my mom my location. I told my mother and she was fine with it, but it was a wake-up call. Yeah, in college I might mention that I was grabbing dinner with friends, but the task isn’t compulsory. I realized I would have to make a key adjustment moving back home.

It’s easy to forget when you experience the kind of big lifestyle change that college provides. It is often the first big stepping stone for many and is their first taste of living on their own. The biggest recommendation I have is talking things out with your parents and understanding their expectations for you. I definitely live under a certain set of rules, but my personal growth in college has an impact as well. I have more freedom than I did in high school, but I still need to respect my parents as well.

College is certainly a great experience, but that doesn’t mean going home for the summer can’t be great, too.

 

Stressed for finals? Check out these great activities!

The end of the semester is a very stressful time for most students. Penfield Library is partnering with the Counseling Center, Lifestyles Center, and Auxiliary Services to provide  a number of stress relief activities! Below are the dates for next weeks activities :

May 8th and 9th:

Stress Relief Tables
10am – 2pm, Library Lobby
Coloring, Jenga, Help from a counselor, info on test anxiety, and more
Guided Relaxation Sessions
10am-10:15am, 1:15pm-1:30pm, Library Classroom 2
Calm yourself and focus before exams with guided relaxation
FREE COFFEE & SNACKS 
7pm, Lake Effect Cafe
These may go fast so get here early!

 

Good luck to everyone with finals!